“An area rug isn’t necessary.”
“What do you meanan area rug isn’t necessary? Every interior designer will say an area rug is essential for warming up a space. Look around, Keller, we’re surrounded by stone walls. Also, are you just going to stand the whole time? That’s kind of weird.”
“I’m not someone who sits often.”
“Why is that?” she asks, crossing one leg over the other.
“My job requires me to move around.”
“I see. What about a table? This is a wooden chair that my ass is occupying at the moment, a simple wooden chair. Don’t you think I’m going to want something to rest my arms on?”
“Are you that unsteady that you need something to prop your body on?”
“You were witness to my attempt at running. Do you really think I’m sturdy?”
Good point.
“And, you know, it’s less intimidating, having you sitting with me. Also, when you pictured today, did you really envision me in this uncomfortable chair, sitting ramrod straight all day, not a surface to lean on while you pace the room like a—sorry to say it—psychopath, grinding your feet into an area rug-less surface and expect me not to nauseate over the fact that you’re not only rubbing your feet raw, but also that there isn’t one single plant in this room to help with the oxygen flow?”
Jesus.
Fucking.
Christ.
Through clenched teeth, I ask, “What do you need in order to be comfortable?”
“Well, you know, perhaps a seat for yourself? Maybe a table? A plant.”
It feels like our first meeting all over again when she wouldn’t stop jabbering. But if this stuff will get her to be quiet so I can start the training, then she can have whatever she wants.
Without a word, I tear out of the room, flinging the door open and startling both Brimar and Lara, who are sitting on the couch together.
“I need a table, an extra chair, an area rug, and a plant in that room. Now.”
Lara snags a plant and a chair. Brimar drags a table, and I walk into the entryway, roll up the rug, and hoist it over my shoulder. Together, we all lay it out in the room while Lilly startles out of her chair, drags it to the corner, and watches us unfold everything.
Once Brimar and Lara leave, shutting the door behind them, I pick up Lilly’s chair and move it to the console table so it’s across from mine. I leave it partially out and gesture for her to sit down.
“Well, I can’t say you’re not efficient.” She smiles and takes a seat. She places her hands on the table and tests it out, making a show of it. “This can work. It’s no talk show set with comfy couches and a mahogany desk with secret compartments, but it will work just fine. Although...”
“What?” I ask her.
“Not to be too bothersome, but should I have a notepad?”
“Do you want a notepad?”
“It might be nice to be able to write things down.”
Growling under my breath, I stand from my chair and open the door. “Notepad and pen.”
Within seconds, Lara is bringing several pens and pads of paper into the room. Brimar follows with water and cookies—an added touch that will hopefully get Lilly to be quiet so we can start our training.
Once they leave, I cross one leg over the other and ask, “Anything else?”
She picks up a cookie and takes a nibble. “No, this is quite nice. Thank you.” She smirks and then nudges my leg with her foot. “Lighten up, this will be torture if you don’t.”
It already is.
