life to someone if they aren’t in love.”
“He should’ve thought of that before being stupid.”
I can tell this isn’t going anywhere so I change the subject, “How is your job going?”
Justin’s voice becomes less melancholy as he announces, “I got a promotion last week.”
“That’s wonderful,” I tell him excitedly. I know how hard he worked for the engineering position. “I’m proud of you.”
“With the raise, I’m thinking of building a house on the piece of land you love so much.”
My chest tightens.
His voice is strained, “We used to talk about us building a house near the pond.”
He talked about us building a house. I listened.
“I have a meeting with the owner of a gallery in a couple of weeks,” I make my own announcement, trying to change the subject as my stomach ties in knots just thinking about it.
“Will you at least be home for Christmas?”
A hollow ache fills me when he says nothing about my paintings or the meeting. “Yes.” I don’t want to. I want to see Dad, but I don’t want to go home.
“Great. I can show you the house plans if you want.”
“Congratulations on your promotion and the house, Justin,” I state, avoiding the offer, “I have to go, my break’s almost over.”
“I’ll talk to you soon, Emma.”
“Okay,” I tell him instead of what I want to say. Why can’t I just tell him goodbye, for good?
Feeling defeated, I throw away the empty sandwich wrapper and head towards my desk.
“You look like someone just took your candy?” Braden teases.
“Just a bit distracted,” I smile, not wanting my personal life to trickle into my professional. My meeting with Breck tonight intrudes my mind; I guess it’s a little too late for that.
Dur Acier is a beautiful piece of architecture constructed in the sixties and built on to over the years. As I enter the building, I admire the contemporary touches of the original era, especially the use of windows optimizing the natural light, mixed with more modern styles that incorporate an air of openness to new ideas while maintaining the integrity of the older set of values. I would like to meet Harrison Steele. Research on his company provided me with the feeling that he is very much like how he planned his building.
My stomach lurches as I step on the elevator. Absently smoothing my blouse, I wonder if I’m dressed appropriately. Taking a quick peek in the reflection on the shiny metal wall, I scrutinize my caramel and white plaid scarf, the light blue cotton button-up underneath that is cut just low enough to be a little seducing while remaining professional, and brown wool dress slacks. Dark toffee heeled boots finish the look. Not having a nice jacket, I left my comfortable, toasty one in the car. Deciding to leave my hair down, I took the time to straighten it, not realizing the forecast is calling for rain until I heard that bit of irritating news on the car radio. This was the longest I took to get ready, ever, and I rationalize the extra time on my hair and wardrobe, telling myself that I’m just being professional.
As soon as I step into the lobby of Breck’s office, I’m greeted warmly by the receptionist, “So, you’re the country bumpkin?” Pushing up stylish square frames, he extends his hand to me with a wide, friendly grin.
I immediately like him.
“I’m Prayton.”
“Emma. Nice to meet you,” I return his smile as I shake his hand.
“Mr. Steele is in a meeting, but he shouldn’t be too much longer. Would you like a coffee or tea while you wait?” Prayton gestures to a plush seat in the corner as he grabs his own coffee cup that has a picture of an owl wearing the same style of frames.
“I’m good, but thank you.” Glancing around the reception area, I’m impressed with the vibrant
“He should’ve thought of that before being stupid.”
I can tell this isn’t going anywhere so I change the subject, “How is your job going?”
Justin’s voice becomes less melancholy as he announces, “I got a promotion last week.”
“That’s wonderful,” I tell him excitedly. I know how hard he worked for the engineering position. “I’m proud of you.”
“With the raise, I’m thinking of building a house on the piece of land you love so much.”
My chest tightens.
His voice is strained, “We used to talk about us building a house near the pond.”
He talked about us building a house. I listened.
“I have a meeting with the owner of a gallery in a couple of weeks,” I make my own announcement, trying to change the subject as my stomach ties in knots just thinking about it.
“Will you at least be home for Christmas?”
A hollow ache fills me when he says nothing about my paintings or the meeting. “Yes.” I don’t want to. I want to see Dad, but I don’t want to go home.
“Great. I can show you the house plans if you want.”
“Congratulations on your promotion and the house, Justin,” I state, avoiding the offer, “I have to go, my break’s almost over.”
“I’ll talk to you soon, Emma.”
“Okay,” I tell him instead of what I want to say. Why can’t I just tell him goodbye, for good?
Feeling defeated, I throw away the empty sandwich wrapper and head towards my desk.
“You look like someone just took your candy?” Braden teases.
“Just a bit distracted,” I smile, not wanting my personal life to trickle into my professional. My meeting with Breck tonight intrudes my mind; I guess it’s a little too late for that.
Dur Acier is a beautiful piece of architecture constructed in the sixties and built on to over the years. As I enter the building, I admire the contemporary touches of the original era, especially the use of windows optimizing the natural light, mixed with more modern styles that incorporate an air of openness to new ideas while maintaining the integrity of the older set of values. I would like to meet Harrison Steele. Research on his company provided me with the feeling that he is very much like how he planned his building.
My stomach lurches as I step on the elevator. Absently smoothing my blouse, I wonder if I’m dressed appropriately. Taking a quick peek in the reflection on the shiny metal wall, I scrutinize my caramel and white plaid scarf, the light blue cotton button-up underneath that is cut just low enough to be a little seducing while remaining professional, and brown wool dress slacks. Dark toffee heeled boots finish the look. Not having a nice jacket, I left my comfortable, toasty one in the car. Deciding to leave my hair down, I took the time to straighten it, not realizing the forecast is calling for rain until I heard that bit of irritating news on the car radio. This was the longest I took to get ready, ever, and I rationalize the extra time on my hair and wardrobe, telling myself that I’m just being professional.
As soon as I step into the lobby of Breck’s office, I’m greeted warmly by the receptionist, “So, you’re the country bumpkin?” Pushing up stylish square frames, he extends his hand to me with a wide, friendly grin.
I immediately like him.
“I’m Prayton.”
“Emma. Nice to meet you,” I return his smile as I shake his hand.
“Mr. Steele is in a meeting, but he shouldn’t be too much longer. Would you like a coffee or tea while you wait?” Prayton gestures to a plush seat in the corner as he grabs his own coffee cup that has a picture of an owl wearing the same style of frames.
“I’m good, but thank you.” Glancing around the reception area, I’m impressed with the vibrant
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