“Start with ten. Desks, tables, chairs, bookshelves. Executive-level work. We’re not looking for anything too flashy, but we need something that will scream professionalism while still keeping that personal touch that people will notice when they walk into the space.”
I felt the weight of the responsibility sink in. This could make my career.
“What’s the budget looking like?” I asked, already thinking about the materials, the time it would take, the logistics of it all.
Richard didn’t hesitate. “Generous. You’re looking at around eighty grand for those ten pieces, minimum. And if this goes well, there’s more work coming your way. We’re talking high-end, top dollar.”
I scribbled a note on my pad. That was more than enough to keep me going for a while. But I knew this wasn’t just about the paycheck, it was the opportunity. A project of this scale could change everything for me.
“So here’s the plan,” Richard continued. “We’ll start with prototypes. I’ll need you to build one desk, one table, and a few chairs to show the client. We can’t start mass-producing until he’s given us the final approval. Butonce those prototypes are done and we get the green light, we’ll move fast.”
“Got it,” I said, already thinking about how to pull this off. “I can’t make everything myself. I’ll need a factory to replicate the designs.”
“You’re right,” Richard said. “That’s where I come in. I’ve already got a few contacts at some top-tier manufacturing shops. We’ll make sure they use the same quality materials—walnut, cherry, oak—whatever you specify. They’ve got CNC machines that can replicate your designs with precision. Everything will be done in-house, but we’ll keep your original touch. We’ll still have the final say on the details—whether it’s the finish, the engraving, the edges. You’ll be in control, just from a distance.”
I leaned back against the workbench. This was the next step. My one-man show about to become a brand.
“And how long do we have to complete this?” I asked, already calculating the time it would take to produce ten massive pieces by hand.
“Nine months,” Richard replied, the tone of finality in his voice. “We’ll need the prototypes in twelve weeks—after that, once the client signs off, production begins. The factory will take it from there, based on your specs and finished samples. If all goes smoothly, everything will be in place before the grand opening. It’s a tight window, but the client understands quality takes time. I know you can deliver.”
“Nine months, huh? Alright, I can work with that,” I said, my mind already in motion. “I’ll get started onthe designs and order materials. Once we’ve got the prototypes, we’ll let them make the rest.”
Richard went on to talk about the specifics of the project, the scheduling, and the logistical side of things.
As we wrapped up the conversation, Richard’s next words stopped me cold.
“When I presented your designs to Mr. Fletcher, he was impressed. He really loves what you’re doing.”
I swallowed hard. “Vincent Fletcher?”
“That’s the one,” Richard said, oblivious to the weight the name carried. “He’s got very particular taste. This could be the start of something big, Cal. This building, this job, it could open a lot of doors for you.”
I hesitated, then cleared my throat. “Just so there’s no misunderstanding down the line... Vincent Fletcher is my ex-father-in-law.”
There was a pause on the other end. “Seriously?”
“Yeah. I used to be married to his daughter. He... wasn’t exactly thrilled about it back then.”
Richard let out a low whistle. “Damn. Does he know you design furniture?”
“Last time I brought it up,” I said, “he called it a hobby.”
He chuckled softly. “Boy, was he wrong.” He paused, then asked, “You okay moving forward?”
I nodded, even though he couldn’t see me. “I am. I'll make sure he gets the best.”
“Alright then,” Richard replied. “I’ll have the final approval soon. We’ll talk again when we’re ready to get started on the prototypes. Thanks, Cal. This is huge.”
I hung up, the weight of what it all meant settling in. Vincent Fletcher, the the man who once looked at me like I was nothing more than a placeholder in his daughter’s life, is impressed with my work.
The irony? In ten months, he’ll walk into a building filled with furniture I designed.
Chapter 25
Danielle
Tina has the day off today, so I talked her into indulging in a little retail therapy with me and the girls. After we picked up Beth and Hannah, we grabbed some breakfast, and now we’re at the mall hunting for last-minute stocking stuffers for the Christmas Eve get-together at the Callahans.
