“Charles was right. You’re the perfect person to continue his legacy,” the mayor said with a wide grin.
Antonio smiled, and Natasha’s pulse skipped. She’d always loved his smile. Turning her attention to the screen, she listened as he explained each one. Although she’d heard he had a career as an investment manager, clearly he hadn’t forgotten anything related to construction. He’d done a design that offered four clusters of units. A couple of the buildings would have units on two levels, while the others were laid out side by side on one level. “I really like this one,” she blurted without thought. Antonio turned his piercing gaze on her, and she braced herself for whatever he planned to say.
“Thanks. I like this one the best, too. It gives the residents options. Before I left the meeting on Friday, a few of the seniors asked whether there would be space for them if they wanted to downsize. I figured it would be easier to have just one level and position the units a little away from the others.”
“Smart thinking,” Mayor Brewer said. “They’d be away from the noise of the younger crowd. When can you start?”
“Ideally, I’d like to start as soon as possible. I estimate it’ll take a year or so to complete, depending on the weather. The more we get done before winter, the better.”
“I agree. Natasha, were you thinking about having all the furnished units in one building?”
Natasha angled her head and studied the layout. “Since this is for forty units, what do you think about having at least ten of them available to be furnished? We could either furnish them beforehand or have a few selections for prospective buyers to choose from. Once that design is chosen, it’ll be off the market. My vote would be for the latter.”
“Almost like an exclusive,” the mayor said, leaning back in his chair, nodding and stroking his chin. “I think ten is a good number, and I like the idea of being able to choose the style.”
Antonio shifted in his seat. “I agree.”
Smiling, she made notes on the document she’d started.
“Let’s talk budgets,” Mayor Brewer said, opening a file. He went over what the town had decided, taking time to answer questions. Thirty minutes later, he closed it. “Do either of you have any other questions?”
Natasha shook her head. “Not right now.”
“None for me,” Antonio said.
“Then that covers everything. Let’s schedule another meeting in six weeks right before you break ground, Antonio.” They discussed and finalized a date and time. He stood, and they followed suit. The mayor shook their hands. “I appreciate you stepping up to handle this. You two are the perfect pair to bring the town’s vision to life.”
At one time she’d thought the same, but that was then. Pasting a smile on her face, Natasha said, “Thank you for entrusting me to handle the interior designs. I’ll have some layouts ready for our next meeting.”
Antonio echoed her sentiment, and they filed out. He held the door open for her as she exited the building, but he hadn’t said another word to her.
“Do you have a minute, Antonio?” she asked when he started down the steps.
He paused and faced her, annoyance lining his features. “If this is about another apology, you can save it.”
Natasha sighed inwardly. Apparently, he’d only been putting up a good front for the mayor.So much for that.“Um, I don’t know if Mr. D mentioned it to you, but he was supposed to meet with me at the Wards’ home tomorrow to determine the work needed so the family can put it up for sale. But now that you’re taking over, I wasn’t sure if he’s still going out on appointments.”
“He isn’t, but I can meet you out there to take a look next Thursday around one, if you can make it. Or you can always just send me a letter listing the needed repairs.”
Natasha would most likely have to move around a couple of things, but it couldn’t be helped. She ignored his sarcastic comment. He was never going to let it go. “No, that’s fine. I’ll see you there next Thursday.” She was a little bummed at having to wait an additional week because she wanted to get this first meeting done. He nodded, loped down the steps, and headed up the block.He still has that sexy stroll.Shaking off the thought, she made her way back to the office. At least this time he’d said more than two words to her, even if his tone had been a little terse. Progress. They might be able to make it to cordial associates after all. His last words came back to her. Then again, maybe not.
CHAPTER 5
The following Thursday, Natasha walked into Ms. Ida’s Home Cooking and searched for Serenity.
“Hi, Ms. Bernice. Did Serenity come in yet?”
“Hey, baby. Yes, she’s sitting over to the right, next to the window. Are you having your usual Caesar salad with shrimp?”
She spotted her friend and smiled. “Thanks, I see her. And no, I think I’m going to have something else today.” That the woman knew what she typically ordered meant Natasha frequented the place way too often. But the food tasted so good she couldn’t help it. And today she was starving. The glorious smells made her mouth water and her stomach growl. She’d only eaten a boiled egg and yogurt for breakfast. Weaving her way through the tables, she waved at a couple of people, then slid into the booth onto the bench opposite Serenity. “Hey, girl. Sorry I’m late. My last showing went longer than expected.” Natasha picked up her menu. The family-style restaurant served everything from breakfast staples like pancakes and waffles to sandwiches and comfort foods, including chicken and dumplings and beef stew.
Serenity waved her off. “Don’t worry about it. I just got here myself. After being away for two glorious weeks, it’s been tough getting back into the swing of things.”
“And, of course, all the patients wanted to hear about your honeymoon,” she said, laughing. Serenity worked as a nurse in the town doctor’s office.
“Every last one of them.”
A server came over to take their order. While Serenity ordered a salad, Natasha opted for fried catfish nuggets, macaroni and cheese, and green beans. She waited until the young woman left before continuing with her conversation. “Okay, I wantallthe honeymoon details.”
