“Well,” Michelle finally said, looking up with bright eyes, “I think you’ve absolutely nailed it, James.”
Relief washed through me so intensely I almost laughed. “You do?”
Roger nodded, setting down the printouts. “The typography is perfect. Modern but still approachable. And the color palette—” he gestured to the brand guide I’d created “—it’s exactly what we were hoping for. Distinctive without being too trendy.”
“The logo variations are brilliant,” Michelle added. “Having the simplified version for social media was exactly what we needed.”
I allowed myself to breathe normally for the first time in what felt like hours. After the disaster with my previous client I’d been terrified of another failure. Especially with how distracted I’d been lately, splitting my focus between work and the situation with Kent.
“I’m so glad you’re happy with it,” I said, my professional smile finally feeling genuine. “I really enjoyed working with your team on this project.”
Roger leaned forward, his expression shifting to something more serious. “Actually, James, we were hoping to discuss another opportunity with you. We have a second brand that needs refreshing, and after seeing what you’ve done here...” He glanced at Michelle, who nodded encouragingly. “We’d like to hire you for that project as well. Immediately, if possible.”
I blinked, momentarily stunned. Two major projects back-to-back from the same client? That kind of stability was rare in freelance work, and exactly what I needed right now.
“I’d be very interested,” I said, trying not to sound too eager. “What kind of timeline are you thinking?”
As Michelle outlined their needs for the second project, my mind was already racing with possibilities. This could mean financial security for months, maybe even the chance to raise my rates for future clients. Plus they had connections with other startups that might be able to use my services as well. It was the first domino in what I hoped would be a long chain.
And honestly, the distraction would be welcome. As much as things with Kent had been incredible, the constant secrecy was starting to wear on me. Every text from my mom was left unanswered, Kent tensed up whenever we were in publictogether, and every moment spent wondering if Trevor had told anyone about us... it was exhausting.
“...so we were hoping to launch the new brand by early spring,” Michelle was saying, pulling me back to the present. “Would that timeframe work for you?”
“Absolutely,” I replied, quickly refocusing. “I can have a preliminary concept presentation ready in two weeks.”
Roger’s face lit up. “Perfect. I’ll have accounting send over a contract tomorrow.”
We spent another thirty minutes discussing specifics, and by the time we wrapped up, I felt almost lightheaded with success. As we shook hands and exchanged pleasantries, I couldn’t help imagining Kent’s face when I told him the news.
He’d been so supportive through this project, listening to me rant about client feedback and offering honest opinions when I showed him drafts. For someone who claimed to know nothing about design, he had good instincts. And the way his eyes lit up when he was genuinely impressed by something I’d created... that was better than any client approval.
Outside the building, I pulled out my phone to text him.
Me: Just finished the meeting. Nailed it. They want to hire me for ANOTHER project immediately!
His response came almost instantly.
Kent: Fuck yes! I knew you would crush it. Celebration dinner tonight?
I smiled at the phone, warmth spreading through my chest.
Me: Definitely. I’ll pick up wine on the way home.
Kent: You’re amazing. Can’t wait to see you when I get home from work.
Simple praise shouldn’t make my heart race, but it did when it came from Kent. Every time.
As I walked to my car, I felt lighter than I had in weeks. One professional win wouldn’t solve all our problems, but right now,it was exactly what I needed. It was something going right in my life that I could actually tell people about.
Tonight, I’d celebrate with Kent. Tomorrow, I’d figure out how to balance this new project with the increasingly complicated reality of loving my stepbrother in secret.
I pulled out of the parking lot with a stupid smile on my face that I couldn’t seem to wipe away. The meeting couldn’t have gone better if I’d scripted it myself. After weeks of anxiety and revisions, they not only loved my work but wanted more. That kind of validation was exactly what I needed after my last client disaster.
Traffic was light as I headed toward my favorite wine shop downtown. Kent had developed a surprising appreciation for good reds since moving in, and I wanted something special for our celebration. Something that said, “I’m killing it professionally even if my personal life is a complicated mess.” Preferably with earthy notes.
As I waited at a stoplight, my phone buzzed with a text from my mom again. The guilt was starting to compound with each day I ignored her. But what could I possibly say? Every conversation felt like walking through a minefield now.
The wine shop was quiet when I arrived, just a few customers browsing the aisles. I picked out a nice bottle of Cabernet that was a little above my usual price point. Tonight we deserved something special. The clerk smiled as she rang me up, asking if I was celebrating something.
