“I appreciate the feedback.” Xander started to roll the papers back up, only to stop when Calliope placed her hand over the small water feature he’d sketched in the corner.
“This is lovely,” she said. “What type of stones did you plan to use on the bottom?”
“Oh, that was just a throwaway idea I was playing with.” In fact he’d meant to erase it. “I was thinking imported Italian stained glass.”
Calliope inclined her head. “Butterflies are attracted to shiny objects, especially glass. If you were to construct one of these, or a larger version of this, for outside the structure, it might draw butterflies to it, like a watering hole. That could offset some of the coldness of the structure.”
“Charlie did say you were the butterfly expert in town.” Xander continued to roll up the papers, then he stuffed them back in the tube.
“I was just looking for ways to bring more natural elements into the design. I didn’t intend to overstep or challenge your ideas. I apologize. This isn’t my project.”
“Maybe it should be.” Gil glanced between the two of them. “Maybe that’s what’s needed and what’s missing—another pair of eyes. Eyes that see it from our perspective.”
“Oh?” Calliope shifted closer to Xander as Paige appeared with another cup of coffee for the mayor.
Gil dumped three packets of sugar into his coffee. “I met with the town council earlier this week and we’d tossed around the idea of assigning a community liaison to Mr. Costas for the extent of the project. We originally thought it should be one of us, but now I’m not so sure. We need someone who can help him get a feel for the town and make certain all our needs are addressed, including those of the butterflies, as you said, Calliope. Given your expertise and connection to Butterfly Harbor, I don’t think we’d find someone better suited.”
Xander set down his coffee before he choked on it. “I’m not entirely sure that’s nec—”
“Gil, I don’t think—”
Xander and Calliope broke off at the same time, looked at each other, then both laser-eyed Gil.
“It’s one thing to put all this down on paper, what we expect, what we want,” Gil went on, as if neither of them had spoken. “It’s another to make certain we’re all on the same page without wasting time. And given how close the sanctuary and education center are going to be to your property, Calliope, this solution makes the most sense.”
Wow. Xander hid a smirk. That couldn’t have sounded more rehearsed if the mayor had been standing on a Broadway stage. Which meant Gil had been saving this tidbit of information for a time when Xander had no means of escape. Literally and figuratively. Clearly small-town mayors were as adept in political speak as big-city ones. Still, it didn’t escape Xander’s notice that Calliope was expecting Xander to put the kibosh on the idea.
“I’m not normally fond of babysitters.” Xander turned his thousand-watt smile on the local eccentric. “But in this case I’m happy to make an exception.”
“Given the impact this project can have on our natural surroundings,” Calliope spoke in a slow, deliberate tone. “And because I want what’s best for the town and the creatures we’re trying to help, I’ll accept responsibility.” Calliope’s hands clenched into fists before she pulled them into her lap.
Fascinating, Xander thought as an odd zing shot through his system. Positively fascinating.
“Excellent,” Gil said. “How about we get the formalities out of the way right now?”
“I need to get home and prepare for market tomorrow,” Calliope said. “You know where I am when you want to fill me in on the details, Gil. Xander.” She gave him a quick nod before heading over to the kids at the counter. Seconds later, the smile was back on her face as she hugged her sister close.
What buttons had he inadvertently pushed to turn her completely off him?
“Well, that’s a first.” Gil caught Paige’s eye and waved her over. “I’ve never known Calliope to be quite so...”
“Prickly?” Xander asked and earned a reluctant shrug from the mayor. “Don’t worry. Lucky for you and Butterfly Harbor, there’s nothing I enjoy more than a challenge.”