Total pages in book: 103
Estimated words: 96752 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 484(@200wpm)___ 387(@250wpm)___ 323(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 96752 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 484(@200wpm)___ 387(@250wpm)___ 323(@300wpm)
“It’s such a weird business.” I’d been surprised at how they filmed The King Takes a Bride, the reality show that brought Luca and Ani together. If he hadn’t snuck into her room at night, they wouldn’t have had much time alone. But the man knew what he wanted. “I still don’t understand half of it. Some of the selection ceremonies took eight hours to film. And the dates were weird, too. It would look like they were alone, having a normal date, and yet they would stop every couple of minutes and adjust the lights. I have no idea how people fall in love like that.”
“I don’t think they normally do. I don’t actually watch those shows. My brother loves them, but I can’t see the appeal. I don’t believe many of the couples survive, though I think Ani and Luca are solid. Likely for the very reason you said. But it’s often that way with shows like this. Did you know on those house hunter shows the buyer has almost always already selected the home they want and they build the episode around it? It’s something like that. Television is too delicate an industry for the instability of actual reality.”
I suppose it’s about knowing the outcome and building toward it. It still feels wrong to me. “Was it like that on your show?”
“A bit,” he admits. “Though most of our renovations were subsidized. There was a lot of work we didn’t show.”
I’m not sure I understand. “Like what? What do you mean by subsidized?”
He sets his Scotch down. “There were times in the second season when we worked in some rougher neighborhoods for people who couldn’t afford the basic stuff. Like the house we redid in Pittsburg for the firefighter and his family. We got in and realized he had a slab leak that was going to eat up his reno budget. So we handled that part for him along with replacing his HVAC. But those are not sexy things, so they don’t show up on air. Now if the client had the money to add to the budget, they certainly would have enjoyed filming the messy and complicated conversation that always happens when you tell a homeowner their house is sinking. It’s a lot of drama. However, in that case it would have ended the reno entirely, so they left it out.”
“But those repairs are necessary.” Again, I’m seeing a man I like. Unfortunately, he shares a body and soul with one I don’t like. “It’s wonderful that you did that.”
“These shows run on the idea that anyone can do it. We had forty thousand for that reno. We’re selling the illusion that for forty K, you can transform your home. In some ways you can. Especially if you have the know-how and can do it yourself. There are ways to find what you need for far less than most have to spend. In others it’s pure fantasy. Most people don’t know how to install their own plumbing.”
I stare at him for a moment. “Are you trying to tell me you know how to install plumbing?”
His lips curl up in the sexiest grin. “Absolutely not. That’s why we have a contractor. My job is to design as beautiful a space as I can.” He takes a long breath. “So I know why you do what you do and why Banover Place is important to you. Would you like to know my reasons?”
I try to think of something pithy to say, but the truth of the matter is I do want to know. “Hit me.”
“I got into design because I’ve always cared about the space around me. Even at a young age. I thought about things like curtains and carpet versus tile or hardwood. My grandmother was the only person in my family I was close to. She had the loveliest apartment on the west side. I felt comfortable there in a way I didn’t in this one. My mother had it done in all white at one point. When she left, my father didn’t care to change things, and none of his women lasted long enough to redo the place, so Jeremiah and I grew up worried constantly we would ruin the expensive pieces that made up our home. It was more like a museum.”
“That’s funny. I kind of thought this place looked like a museum.”
His brow arches again, and I’m coming to understand this is his I’m offended face. “It certainly does not. I admit to having a high level of aesthetic, but everything is comfortable. Everything in this place was selected with comfort and durability in mind. When designing for myself I tend to go with what makes me feel good. I would never put tile or hardwood in my own bedroom because I like the feel of plush carpet under my feet when I wake up in the morning. I like to sit for a moment and wriggle my toes in it. I like this couch because when I fall asleep on it, my legs don’t hang off. I like knowing my brother and I took this place and made it ours after years and years of feeling like we didn’t belong here.”