“
Now that we know that Spring Roll is a girl, we should probably think about setting up her room. Gabriel kept his eyes on the road as he drove the Volvo one Saturday morning in May. We should also talk about names.
That sounds good.
Maybe you should think about what you want and we can go shopping.
Julia turned to look at him. Now?
I said I'd take you to lunch, and we can do that. But afterward, we need to start thinking about Spring Roll's room. We want it to be attractive, but functional. Something comfortable for you and for her, but not juvenile.
She's a baby, Gabriel. Her stuff is going to be juvenile.
You know what I mean. I want it to be elegant and not look like a preschool.
Good grief. Julia fought a grin as she began imagining what the Professor would design.
(Argyle patterns, dark wood, and chocolate brown leather immediately came to mind.)
He cleared his throat. I might have done some searching on the Internet.
Oh, really? From where? Restoration Hardware?
Of course not. He bristled. Their things wouldn't be appropriate for a baby's room.
So where then?
He gazed at her triumphantly. Pottery Barn Kids.
Julia groaned. We've become yuppies.
Gabriel stared at her in mock horror. Why do you say that?
We're driving a Volvo and talking about shopping at Pottery Barn.
First of all, Volvos have an excellent safety rating and they're more attractive than a minivan. Secondly, Pottery Barn's furniture happens to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing. I'd like to take you to one their stores so you can see for yourself.
As long as we get Thai food first.
Now it was Gabriel's turn to roll his eyes. Fine. But we're ordering takeout and taking it to the park for a picnic. And I'm having Indian food, instead. If I see another plate of pad Thai, I'm going to lose it.
Julia burst into peals of laughter.
”
”