EPILOGUE
CALLIE
Heart in my throat,I listened as the line rang, and.Emmett sat on the other side of my desk, two thumbs up and mouthing “you’ve got this.”After an interminable wait, he answered.
“This is Carter.”
“Mr.Cassidy, I’m glad I caught you.My name is Callie Winters.I’m head of Special Projects here at Price Industries.”
“What happened to Emmett?”
“Mr.Price was promoted to president of the company three months ago.I’m sure you saw the news.”
“That’s right.Must have slipped my mind.What can I do for you, Miss…”
“Winters.”
Emmett rolled his eyes at the blatant show of disrespect.Carter Cassidy, while both incredibly talented and incredibly attractive, was rumored to be an incredible asshole.Rumor confirmed.
“Look, Mr.Cassidy,” I said, straightening in my chair.“I’ll cut right to the chase.Price Industries is about to break ground on a major urban redevelopment project downtown.We want to incorporate innovative, sustainable design elements that push the boundaries of what’s possible.”
I paused.Carter remained silent on the other end, so I pressed on.“Your reputation precedes you.You’re one of the most innovative and sought-after architects in the world.The work you did on The Garden for Price Industries a few years back is awe-inspiring.We would be honored to have your expertise and vision on this project.”
There was another silence before Carter responded.“I’m flattered, Miss Winters, but I’m booked solid for the next two years.I don’t have the bandwidth for another major project right now.”
I took a deep breath, refusing to be deterred.
“I understand your schedule is incredibly demanding, but I implore you to reconsider.This project presents a truly unique opportunity to reshape an entire city district through sustainable urban design.It’s a chance to create something revolutionary that could influence architecture worldwide.”
Emmett nodded encouragingly, his eyes shining with pride.
“With all due respect,” Carter said.“I’ve been approached for countless ‘revolutionary’ projects over the years.What makes this one so special?”
“Because Price Industries is willing to give you complete creative freedom.No constraints, no compromises.We want you to dream big and bring that vision to life through innovative construction techniques and materials.Budget won’t be an issue.”
Another pause.I could practically hear the gears turning in Carter’s mind.
“I’m listening,” he said finally.
Bingo.
I launched into a detailed overview of the project scope, highlighting the vast potential for groundbreaking sustainable design.With each point, I sensed Carter’s interest piquing further.
When I finished, he let out a low whistle.“Alright, Miss Winters, you’ve made a compelling case.I’ll need to review the proposal more thoroughly, but...I’m in.At least provisionally.”
My face broke into a grin.I held in my squeal of delight and shot Emmett a triumphant look.He returned it, giving me another enthusiastic double thumbs up.Dork.
“That’s wonderful news, Mr.Cassidy.I’ll have my team put together a comprehensive proposal package for your review right away.”
“Sounds good.And Miss Winters?”His tone took on a warmer quality.“Call me Carter.”
“Thank you, Carter.I look forward to working with you.”
I ended the call and walked around my desk towards Emmett.He opened his arms, and I fell into his embrace, squeaking with excitement.
“Crushed it, Cal!I knew you could land him.”
Emmett’s praise warmed me from the inside out.I pulled back to gaze at him adoringly.“Thanks for being here while I did it.And for staying quiet when he was rude.”I shot him a knowing look.
