Vivienne's POV
I took a breath, straightened my top, and forced my feet to move toward Alex, as Manfred stepped away to get on his daily business.
“Good morning." I said, my voice coming out softer than I intended.
He looked up, blinked once, and then actually smiled.
“Morning.” He said simply, and then gestured for me to come closer. “Come help me choose. I'm sure you have a good taste.”
"Choose?” I blinked.
“Paint colors.” He said as he turned the binder toward me.
I looked down and saw at least twenty shades of beige.
“You’re painting a room?” I asked.
“No. A house.” He corrected casually. “For my mother's upcoming visit.”
"You’re building an entire house because your mother’s visiting?” I asked, shocked.
He looked at me, and frowned slightly as if I had said something outra
