Page 48 of Nothing Like Your Ex

“I see that. I’m curious, does this trip have anything to do with that conversation we had a while back?” Kwinn asked.

While they were laid up at his home, the topic of what she wanted to grow The Taylor Collective into came up. Of course, Kwinn gave him the extended version and what she could see for her business. Melo was a great listener, but he preferred concrete actions over meaningful words. If people meant something to him, he showed it, and that’s what he was doing for Kwinn.

“A lil’ bit, but you also needed a vacation. Your workload been crazy for weeks,” Melo expressed.

He wasn’t exaggerating. Kwinn had taken on so many projects and killed every single one. Her work ethic was unparalleled, as were her designs. But there had to be a balance. A reset and resting period to give her creativity room to breathe. No one benefited if she was burned out, and if anyone understood that, Melo certainly did.

“It has, but I’m grateful. Truly. Even with how busy I’ve been, how busy we’ve both been, it hasn’t taken away from anything. Honestly, life has been pretty damn good since you weaseled your way into my heart.”

Melo pulled her closer and kissed her neck. “I made my way there, huh?”

Kwinn nodded. “Yep. So play safe here, or I’ma write a diss track about you and have Projex produce it.”

Melo sniggered. “I’ma be on my best behavior, my baby. I promise you.”

The Range Rover slowed in front of a large set of black-framed glass doors, and Kwinn immediately leaned forward to get a better look. She’d spent the entire ride trying to figure out where Melo was taking her, but the sleek building in front of them offered no clues. No flashy sign or anything gave away their destination. Only a discreet plaque sat beside the entrance, and the doors looked more like a private residence than a place open for business.

“Where are we?” Kwinn asked as the driver put the truck in park.

“You bouta find out,” Melo said, pushing his door open.

He stepped out first and extended his hand to Kwinn. She looked up at the building in wonderment while adjusting her purse on her shoulder. When she was close enough to read the name on the sign, Kwinn could’ve passed out. She pivoted so quickly on her heels to face Melo that she’d almost given herself whiplash.

“Are you freaking serious, Malone?” she asked with evident tears brimming in her eyes.

Melo smiled. “Yeah. You looking too pretty to cry, but this is all for you.”

Kwinn sniffled and rapidly blinked. “Ugh,” she groaned, tilting her head back for a quick second. “How do you even know about this place?”

“I did my research. Now come on. This place big as a mothafucka.” He chuckled.

Melo pulled the heavy door open so she could enter and took her hand in his as they checked in with the receptionist. Too stunned to speak, Kwinn took in her surroundings. Casa Valora wasn’t a place you could simply walk into on a random Sunday afternoon, like they just had, and browse. She’d heard of the showroom before, as most designers had, but Kwinn never thought she’d be standing inside of it.

The showroom carried exclusive bespoke furniture, textiles, lighting, stone, hardware, and custom pieces from designers all over the world. Their private client and designer days were reserved for select interior designers and industry professionals, giving them access to collections that weren’t readily available elsewhere. How Melo finessed them a day pass was none of her concern at the moment.

“Oh, my God,” Kwinn gasped the second she crossed the threshold.

Her eyes were moving quicker than she could take everything in. Doing a little jump and squeal, she was grateful for the comfy platform heel she had on. There was about to be a lot of walking.

“Nah. I definitely didn’t expect all this,” Melo mumbled, in awe just as much as she was.

Casa Valora was truly an interior designer’s playground. Even if you weren’t in the field but loved timeless, one-of-a-kind decor pieces that made a statement in any room, this was the perfect place to be. A bit dangerous, too, because Kwinn was definitely about to blow a bag and treat herself and her clients.

Walls were covered in textured textiles, samples of leather and fabric were arranged by color, and slabs of stone were displayed upright. Rows of hardware in finishes she’d never seen offered together caught her attention. Kwinn was in heaven. Everything was intentional, and nothing was mass-produced. Even the smallest details let her know they took their time here.

In absolute love, Kwinn walked ahead of Melo, stopping to admire a set of plush upholstered chairs with silver rhinestones in a chocolate-cherry color she’d never seen before. Her mind immediately went to a client who reached out about creating a Black Nouveau-inspired reading room. They would be perfect for the space.

“Gorgeous, aren’t they?” A male associate approached her.

Kwinn smiled. “Beyond gorgeous. Who’s the designer?”

“Neo Cevare. Have you heard of her? She’s an incredibly talented Black woman from the Midwest, but moved here not too long ago,” he explained.

Kwinn hadn’t heard of the woman, but she’d know her credentials before the day was over, that was for sure. “I haven't, but she has a fan in me. If I were to purchase these today, how long would they take to arrive?”

Unlocking his handheld device, he asked for Kwinn’s zip code and entered a few more things into the system. What made Casa Valora even more special was that she didn’t have to stand there admiring everything she couldn’t have. She could buy select pieces directly from the showroom and have them shipped wherever she needed them. Kwinn could indulge in a little retail therapy without worrying about how the hell she’d get her beloved items back to Kansas City, and she was indulging.

Melo stood back watching as she perused the floor excitedly, smiling wide whenever she found something else to add to her shipping slip. She was truly in her element. As Shane, her new friend, checked to make sure a certain item was available to ship, Kwinn walked over to Melo. He stood coolly, a hand tucked in the pocket of his white linen pants. Rocking a matching shirt, Melo looked so handsome and smelled even better.