Besides, I had more pressing matters to attend to.The community development project for Price Industries was in its early stages, but I could already see the potential.A chance to create something meaningful.Something that would make a difference in people's lives.
It was the kind of project that had drawn me to architecture in the first place.The ability to shape the world around us, to create spaces that inspired and uplifted.
I pulled up the preliminary sketches on my computer, losing myself in the lines and angles.Time slipped away as I tweaked and refined, my mind buzzing with possibilities.
My phone vibrated again.I blinked, realizing the room had grown dark.Shit.How long have I been working?
I glanced down to see Emmett Price’s name lighting up the screen.What the hell does he want at this hour?
“Cassidy,” I answered, my voice gruff from disuse.
“Carter!Hope I'm not interrupting anything.”Emmett's voice was far too chipper for—I glanced at my watch—10:30 p.m.Jesus.
“What do you need, Emmett?”
“Right to the point.I like that about you, Carter.”He chuckled, and I resisted the urge to hang up.“Listen, I was hoping we could meet tomorrow to go over some changes to the community center plans.The board had some...concerns.”
I gritted my teeth.“Concerns.”
“Nothing major!A few tweaks here and there.You know how it is with these things.Politics, budgets.It's all a delicate balance.”
I did know.All too well.It was why I preferred to work alone, answering to no one but myself.
But this project was different.Special.Worth the headache of dealing with bureaucrats and penny-pinching board members.
“Fine.”I pinched the bridge of my nose.“Tomorrow afternoon.My office.”
“Great!I'll bring lunch.How do you feel about sushi?”
I hung up without bothering to answer.Emmett was a good guy, but his relentless cheer grated on my nerves.I'd never understand how Callie put up with it.
I slumped in my chair, staring at the ceiling.The community center plans glowed on my computer screen, a reminder of all the work still to be done.
A delicate balance, indeed.Creating something beautiful and functional while working within the constraints of budget and bureaucracy.But that was the challenge, wasn't it?Anyone could design a masterpiece with unlimited resources.The true test of skill was making something extraordinary out of the ordinary.
My gaze drifted to the blueprints on the wall again—each one evidence of that skill.Of the countless hours of work, the sleepless nights, the relentless drive for perfection.
But at what cost?
The thought crept in, unbidden and unwelcome.I shoved it aside, focusing on the tasks at hand.The community center.The upcoming meeting with Emmett.And beyond that, the interview with Olivia.
I pulled up her resume, scanning the details Wick had sent over.Impressive credentials.Top of her class at Ohio State.Rapid advancement at the humane society.Glowing recommendations from former colleagues.
But it was the gap in her employment history that caught my eye.Three years.A significant chunk of time to be out of the workforce.What had she been doing during that period?And more importantly, why was she looking to re-enter now?
The questions nagged at me as I shut down my computer and made my way to my bedroom.
The master suite was a work of art—a design I had been dreaming up since I was a teenager, sketching shitty ideas in my notebook late into the night.Over the years, as my skills improved, the plans became more intricate and polished.
Now, it was my sanctuary—the one place where I could truly unwind and be myself.I had invested heavily in creating the ideal personal retreat, a space that perfectly blended form and function.
It was a study in contrasts—sleek, contemporary lines against the historic bones of the house.The original exposed brick wall behind the bed, with its rough texture, served as a reminder of the home's rich history.But rather than looking old or mismatched, it provided the ideal counterpoint to the modern elements I had incorporated.
It was expansive but not overwhelming, with tall ceilings and a wall of windows overlooking the courtyard.I had optimized the layout to let in abundant natural light, positioning a seating area to bask in the morning sun and tucking a workspace into a nook for those late-night bursts of inspiration.
But it was the finer points that made the space truly exceptional.Rich, dark hardwood floors were complemented by a luxurious area rug in a geometric pattern of grays and blues.The walls were painted in a soothing, neutral hue, the perfect canvas for the meticulously curated art pieces adorning them.A large abstract expressionist canvas by a local artist commanded attention above the minimalist, low-profile bed.The bed frame itself was a bespoke creation, made from responsibly sourced walnut.
I trudged through my nightly routine, the repetitive steps a cold comfort after the shitstorm of my day.In the bathroom, I cranked the shower until the water was nearly hot enough to take off a layer of skin.Steam billowed out, fogging up the mirror as I stripped down and chucked my clothes in the hamper.
