I get it. I consider myself an environmentalist and have always taken the needs of the natural environment into my designs. I think that’s the main reason the client decided to work with me. If anyone can alleviate the local concerns, it's me.
It also helps that the resort will practically be in my backyard. The construction site is only about twenty miles north ofWatercress Falls. We’d be the closest town for tourists. Since the resort will cater to high-end clientèle, our business market would expand.
“Well.” Ricky’s voice is stern, and it makes me sink a little in my chair. “You gonna answer me or just sit there?”
I shake my head, and try to focus on him. “I’m sorry. What was the question?”
“What’s going on?” He moves into my office and sits in the chair opposite my desk. “You’re not at Camille’s house, and you didn’t come by the coffee shop this morning. When’s the last time you skipped coffee and pastries at the shop on a weekday? Rachel says Camille is upset andneeds to talk.” He puts his hands up in air quotes as he says that last part.
“Just busy. Got a call from the Chicago client, and he needs new drawings by Monday.” I pick up my pencil and start to make notes in the margins, hoping that’s enough to get Ricky to drop it.
“Not buying it.” His voice is harsh.
I cringe as his glare cuts through me. I rub the bridge of my nose and sigh. “I don’t want to talk about it.”
“Well, tough shit. We’re talking.”
“Ricky. Don’t push me. I’m not in the mood.” I push up from my desk and face the window. I can’t look at him right. I’m still way too emotional after what happened this morning. Ricky has already seen me completely break down over a woman. He doesn’t need to see me do it again. I should have learned my lesson. But nope. Here I stand, heartbroken and foolish.
“Listen, man. Rachel said Camille is pretty cut up about something. Crying, and all. Said something about screwing up with you.”
“She didn’t screw up. I did.” I inhale deeply before I turn around and lean against the windowpane. My gaze is focused on the floor in front of me because I can’t get myself to look Rickyin the eye. “I love her. And like a complete idiot, I told her as much.”
“Jesus Christ.” He sits back and runs his hands down his face. “Can’t say I’m surprised. About you loving her. She’s pretty great. I take it she didn’t reciprocate?”
I shake my head. “I didn’t mean to say it. It just came out. I told her not to respond—to take her time to process. We went back to her house, and everything was fine. At least, I thought it was. I woke up to find her in tears on her bathroom floor. She wouldn’t talk to me. Just kept saying she can’t and that she needs time.”
“Well, shit,” he huffs.
“Shit is right. I’d laugh if this weren’t so damn painful and about my life.”
“So, what are you going to do?”
I shrug because I don’t know what else to do anymore. “Nothing. Wait. Give her time like she asked. What else can I do?”
“Not much, I suppose.”
“At least I have the resort project now. I fly to Chicago on Monday. I’ll be there most of the week to finalize the conceptual details and help address some local concerns with the project. That should keep my mind busy.”
Ricky nods but the look in his eyes gives away his concern. “You gonna be all right? We can’t have you going off the deep end like you did with Irene.”
“I’m not there. I look and feel like shit. But I’m not going down that path again.” Nope, this path is different. This path is worse, but I can’t tell him that.
“Okay. But don’t be surprised if I watch you like a hawk. I don’t want to have to drag your ass back like last time.”
“Thanks. And I appreciate that.”
I won’t repeat last time. I won’t let myself succumb to that level of depression ever again.
I hurt. It’s worse than when Irene left, but I’m better equipped to cope with it. As much as I hate to admit it, I’ve been preparing myself for this rejection since the day I found out she was a widow.
CHAPTER 22
CAMILLE
It’s a warm late spring morning, probably the warmest day since I moved to Montana. The sky is clear and as vivid as the blue hydrangeas that surrounded my Georgia home. It’s beautiful, and for the first time since arriving, I’m able to get out and walk the property. My new home has majestic views of the Rocky Mountains. Since the chalet sits at the top of a hill, it’s also an unobstructed view.
A calm walk will do me a lot of good and help me clear my mind.
