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I clap my hands and nod at my three colleagues. “I couldn’t have done it without you. Now, the next steps are crucial. We’re refining our proposal based on the feedback and preparing for the final in-person presentation in the spring. There’s a lot of work ahead of us, but let’s make this project a reality.”
The three of us recount the long days of meetings, the opulent dinners and map out the ambitious plan to win this job. We have a long road ahead of us, but the room reverberates with energy as the presentation comes to an end.
“So, I have to share this.” Fabiola has a mischievous glint in her eye as we wrap things up. “We met this British politician during a reception—you’d know who he is if you saw him. Very stiff-upper-lip. But you won’t believe it, he developed quite the crush on Rose.”
Rose’s face turns beet red.
The room erupts in laughter and Fabiola rolls her eyes playfully. “He was fascinated by the concept of sustainable architecture. Kept asking her all sorts of questions because he was fascinated.”
Pip snorts with laughter. “Oh, it was something! I don’t think I’ve heard the word 'fascinated' as much in my life. The way he was looking at her, I thought he was going to propose a green energy alliance right there!”
“Well, it certainly helped in getting his attention on our project.” Fabiola puts her arm around Rose. “Maybe you should lead all our British negotiations from now on.”
Rose clearly doesn’t mind the teasing. “I’ll consider it if it means advancing our cause.”
“I’d love to get an update on the other projects.” I'm still laughing but want to move things along. “We’ve got a lot lined up. I’ll start. The eco-friendly residential complex in downtown Seattle is moving into the planning phase, the renovation of the old hotel on Pike Street is underway and my part in the Vegas project is nearly complete, though I'll be checking on the installation at some point next year.”
As we delve into the specifics of our ongoing projects, I feel a huge sense of pride in my team. Their dedication and talent are what drive my firm forward. I’m closer to these people than I am my own family.
Before we wrap up, the conversation shifts to the upcoming opening of Gus and The Mission.
“Alright.” I glance around the table at my staff. “We need to decide who’s going to accompany me to the event at The Mission. It’s an important networking opportunity, and I think it would be beneficial for one of you to come with.”
There’s a murmur of agreement around the table. The opening isn't just any event, it’s a chance to mingle with some of the most influential people in the city, eat an amazing dinner and see Seattle’s most famous rock band in an intimate setting.
“How about we make it interesting?” Pip waves his hand wildly. “Let’s write down names and draw from a hat. Keeps it fair and spontaneous.”
Fabiola nods in agreement. “I’m in. Let’s do it.”
Ever efficient, Rose hands me an empty box and passes around notepads. “Everyone write your name and fold it once in half.”
There’s a lighthearted energy in the room as I stroll around the perimeter of the conference table collecting the folded pieces of paper. I shake the box and shuffle it around.
“Okay, here goes.” I reach in the box and pull out a name, unfold the paper and read the name aloud. “Rose.”
A round of applause and cheers erupt from the team.
“Well, it looks like you’re my plus-one for the evening, Rose.” I clap my hands and pump my fist in the air.
“Me?” Rose is visibly shocked but her face steels with composure. “Cool. It’ll be a great opportunity to network and showcase our work.”
Fabiola shrieks with laughter. “Oh, Rose. I adore you. Showcase our work. You’re going to lose your mind when you meet Tyson Rainier, aren’t you?”
“Uh…” Rose blushes and sighs heavily. “Yeah. He’s dreamy.”
I make a mental note to make sure Fiona and Zane give her a little behind the scenes LTZ experience. She’s worked hard, often pulling all-nighters to make Project SoHo possible. I’m happy to be able to do something nice for someone who clearly deserves it.
On the way to my office after the meeting, my sense of accomplishment gives way to a twinge of apprehension. The New Year’s Eve event is more than a professional commitment, it’s a chance to see Jordan after our last tumultuous encounter.
I haven't made contact since she threw me out of her shop. It's been a few weeks now. Maybe she's calmed down enough for us to have a conversation.
Staring out at the city, my mind drifts to that night…
She fits perfectly against me, her curves melding into my side as if our bodies were engineered to lock together this way. I run my fingers through her hair, feeling a sense of protectiveness and affection unlike anything I’ve ever experienced.
The room is charged with an energy that transcends physical desire. We’ve talked, shared, and laughed, dove into conversations about our favorite sports teams, our past dating history, and the futures we both envision. With each word, the bond between us deepens, turning our initial physical attraction into something resonant and meaningful.
“I want this to continue once we’re home in Seattle,” I confess, surprising myself by stating the truth.
