Domestic Diva 03 - The Diva Paints the Town by Krista Davis

Author:Krista Davis
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Published: 2011-02-25T05:00:00+00:00

EIGHTEEN

From “THE GOOD LIFE” : SOPHIE’S PAINTING TIP

The new latex paints are much easier to use than oil-based paints. If you’re painting indoors, look for a semi-gloss latex paint because they’re washable. Flat paints don’t clean up as well once they’re on the walls. Use oil-based paints for painting outdoor items exposed to weather because they will hold up better under tough conditions.

For best coverage, paint walls in an X or zigzag pattern.

“Illness?” Did that mean Kurt had turned up? I had to know. But I couldn’t very well call Earl Finkel to ask if her husband was alive. Maybe I could talk Natasha into calling.

Bernie and I left Ted and Mike to work out details with the owner of the kitchen store, and we headed for the paint store.

I’d expected to return to Mordecai’s with color swatches, but Bernie and I both pointed directly to a shade called Tuscan Umber. Warmer than beige, but not quite gold, it contained just enough orange-red to seem like the afternoon sun shone on it. The paint store owner agreed to deliver it, and soon we were on our way back.

As we approached the house, I could see that Natasha had been busy aggravating designers. Like Empress of the World, she stood on the porch and directed everyone who carried out a load of Mordecai’s belongings. I couldn’t help wondering if the secret bequest had landed in a box and rested somewhere on the porch.

Bernie and I paused on the steps. “Makes me want to go home and pitch everything I don’t need into the dustbin,” said Bernie.

I shuddered at the thought of strangers emptying my drawers and going through my closets. It didn’t bother some people, though. A few nosy neighbors were already rummaging through the boxes on the porch.

“Scavengers. Every last one of them.” Francie came up behind us. “They’re not doing that to me when I go,” she muttered. As we scooted by Natasha and walked inside, Francie growled, “So don’t hold your breath. You’re not getting your mitts on my stuff.”

Unfortunately, Bedelia happened to be in the foyer, and she immediately cackled, “No one would want any of your dime-store treasures.”

“What are you doing here?” demanded Francie.

Bedelia lifted her chin as though she thought she was lording something over Francie. “I’m assisting Iris in redecorating the master bedroom. I would have won the Design Guild Award, you know, if Jean hadn’t cheated me out of it.”

Francie sputtered, “That was more than twenty years ago. Get over it already.” She shot me a pleading look and I said, “Okay, fine. You’re officially on team Sophie.”

Francie flashed a beat-that grin at Bedelia.

While Bernie and I ate lunch, Francie puttered around the house, no doubt annoying Bedelia. The paint arrived exactly as Mars hauled a ladder into the family room.

Mars and Bernie took down the curtains, full of decades of dust, while Francie and I searched for old sheets to cover the beautiful oversized desk.

Natasha sent us to the third floor, where she’d discovered a trunk full of old linens.

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