"That's great! Providence definitely needs more housing."
"It does, and we're hoping you can help us."
"Me? How?"
Riley nudged him with her elbow and rolled her eyes at the same moment Austin replied, "Sorry, I thought that was obvious. We need an architect to design not only the apartment buildings and houses but also the layout of the subdivisions. Although we can find another contractor to do the latter, if you’re not comfortable with that.”
"No, no, no." Daniel's chest swelled, cutting off his air supply. "I can design the subdivisions no problem. Tell me what you have in mind."
Austin continued to talk about his and Debbie's plans to build three separate subdivisions and how they wanted to have the designs in place by the time they were married and kicked off their partnership.
Austin finished with, "If you're interested in working with us, I'd like to see your portfolio and maybe get a few references."
Daniel's stomach clenched. He had an impressive resume for the short time that he'd worked in the architecture field, but consideringhe got fired from the prestigious firm he worked for in Portland, finding references could be difficult.
"He's designing plans for a recreation center for Jake right now. Would you like to see them?" Riley got to her feet.
Daniel wanted to kiss her.
As he led the group into his bedroom, he prayed his work would be proof enough for Debbie and Austin to show he was a competent architect. His eyes scanned his room, trying to decide if he should be embarrassed. It wasn't immaculate, but at least he'd taken the time to make his bed this morning and throw his dirty laundry in the washer.
Austin stepped right up to the drafting table and studied the designs for the rec center. Then he started pointing and asking questions. Daniel answered every question in detail, and the older man frequently nodded, looking suitably impressed. Talk shifted to some of the things Austin had in mind for the subdivisions and the apartment complexes, and Daniel laid out a fresh paper on his table and began some rudimentary sketches.
Austin continued to nod and point, talking much faster than Daniel could sketch.
He jumped when the other man's hand clapped him on the shoulder. "I think you're seeing our vision. Would you be available for lunch this Saturday so we can discuss more details and a contract?"
For the second time in less than an hour, Daniel's mouth dropped open. His heart raced as though he'd run a hundred-yard dash—something he hadn't done since high school.
Is this for real?
Not only was Jake paying him an obscene amount of money to draw up blueprints for the rec center, but Daniel also now had the possibility of a long-term job that could very well set him up with his own business here in Providence. A flush of dopamine zinged through his body, raising his temperature.
Riley nudged his arm.
"S-sure. I'd love to talk with you more." Daniel nodded so aggressively he felt like a bobblehead on the dash of a truck driving over a wash-board road.
"Excellent," Debbie said. "Why don't you and Riley come to the house on Saturday at one for lunch? That way, I'll have someone to visit with while you men talk business."
Daniel's grin grew so big, his cheeks cramped, and he caught himself nodding again. He couldn't believe this was really happening.
Finally, everything in his life was falling into place.
CHAPTER 22
Riley pushed open the door to exam room two. "Good news, Clint. I don't see a break."
She sat down on the stool and handed Clint—the older brother of one of her high school friends—the boot that he'd be wearing for the next four weeks. Then she explained the need for rest, ice, and elevation as well as the possible need for physical therapy down the road.
After helping Clint put on his new footwear, she opened the door for him and showed him out of the office. Then she heaved a sigh of relief.
I did it!
Vera, her medical assistant, had offered to accompany her into the exam room, but Riley had declined. She was tired of being afraid.
Last night in the self-defense class, she took down Rudy Wheeler, one of the sheriff's deputies. Judging by the look of surprise followed by pain in his eyes, he wasn't just going easy on her. Surely, she could defend herself against a man who hobbled in on his son's too small crutches.
As she made some final notes in Clint’s chart, her thoughts quickly turned to Daniel as they did every time she had a few free moments. The last three weeks since they made up and made out at the lake hadbeen amazing. Daniel was happier than she’d ever seen him. He hardly ever scrubbed his hand over his jaw and mouth anymore.
