“Correct, a party, actually. Mr. Austin has asked his mother to keep it low-key, citing that his staff is very laid-back. His words, not mine.” We both chuckled. Anna swung her chair back and forth as she spoke.
“So, what’s the plan? How can we help? Elena has already mentioned what an important opportunity this is to the firm and to you, Victoria.”
“Yes, it is, and I plan to do everything I can to impress both you and our client. Mr. Austin’s house is actually more a cottage. When I researched the surrounding area, I would classify the architecture as coastal elegance. What he’s in need of right away not only for he and his daughter but also the party, is a new living room set.
His mother, who is planning the party, will take care of renting some outdoor chairs, but I would love some ideas on where to go and who would be able to deliver what he’s requested quickly.” I took out my notebook and pen, ready to write.
“What is his budget?” Anna asked, her head cocked to the side.
“He has none. His only instructions for this part of the project are that he and his young daughter, MJ, would like something comfortable. My first objective is to take care of the living room furniture since his mother mentioned changing some of the wall colors to neutral. Luckily that makes it easy to choose furniture. I spent a good deal of time with MJ before Mr. Austin arrived home and have some ideas on how to make her room one she will love,” I said, not able to suppress my smile. MJ was the most wonderful little girl I’d ever met.
“I’ll email you some furniture stores we have dealt with that can accommodate a quick turnaround. Did he mention a style he wants to go with?” She was already typing away on her laptop, no doubt preparing the email as we spoke.
“Ah, no, Mr. Austin doesn’t have a preference. Again, he just wants something he and MJ can be comfortable with,” I answered, hoping the blush on my cheeks would subside before she turned her attention back to me. Just the thought of them cuddling together watching a movie made me flustered. He was such a good father. It didn’t help that I pictured myself there as well, which is why my cheeks reddened.
She scoffed. “Typical man. There’s not a wife or girlfriend in the picture, I take it? I didn’t see anything about his personal life online.”
Her question made my heart constrict. The idea of a woman in his life caused me actual pain.
“N-none that he mentioned to me, but I wasn’t comfortable asking,” I said quietly, shifting in my chair, my brows pulled down tight. I knew he had an ex-wife who was no longer in the picture, but the thought of him dating someone had my blood boiling. Anna must’ve noticed my discomfort and looked at me again, her eyebrows going high on her forehead.
“I see,” she said flatly, her eyes seeming to pierce into my brain.
Wait,whatdid she see? Did she see my point? Did she see the sweat building on my upper lip? Did she see my thoughts of cuddling with him on his new sofa?
I suppressed a groan.
“He, he has given me carte blanche as far as design. I want to incorporate his suggestions while aligning them with the beach cottage architecture. But, again, I have much more information on his daughter’s bedroom, which will be my next focus as far as the rest of the project goes.”
Anna moved her laptop out of the way, no doubt looking for her glasses. I pointed to her head and without a word, she put them on with a push of her finger.
“And what aboutMr. Austin’sbedroom?”
I dropped my pen, the sound reverberating in the quiet room. Bending over to pick it up, my notebook slid off my lap, making even more noise. Grabbing them both and sitting up quickly, I muttered, “Sorry.”
Her eyebrows went high again with an obvious look of ‘well, answer the question.’
“Oh, oh, um, sorry. Mile…I mean,Mr.Austin,didn’t mention his bedroom to me. Not yet.” I could feel my cheeks flaming, and I could only imagine what they looked like.
Please let the floor underneath me open up. Or a mild earthquake. Maybe a time machine?
She took a long, slow breath in and said, “Very well, Victoria. I’ve already sent you some options to start with. Send me your ideas about the daughter’s bedroom before you finalize the design.” She sat back in her chair, making it squeak, her expression tight.
“Yes, yes, of course. I’ll start that now.” I stood, praying I didn’t drop anything else, and walked to the door, her voice stopping me before I got through it.
“And Victoria?” I turned to face her as she continued. “I should mention that it’s against company policy to get involved personally with our clients. I know it may seem archaic, but after an incident last year that cost us an important client and led to an embarrassing article in a gossiprag, it became necessary. Mr. Austin and his family are high-end clients. I expect you to treat them with the utmost respect and discretion, and to maintain professionalism at all times. I know you’re young, just starting out. Mr. Austin is a handsome man but…”
The flush on my cheeks deepened. I honestly didn’t know if it was more from embarrassment or frustration at having yet another person in my life feel the necessity to remind me of my youth.
“Anna, excuse me for interrupting, but I want to make this clear.” I gripped my notebook, fearing a few paper cuts, but I held my head high, my back straight. “I am here with only my career as a focus. Nothing else, I can assure you.”
“Good. I see a great deal of potential in you. Don’t throw this opportunity away.” Her eyes were kind, but her words were stern.
I nodded again. “You have my word. Thank you again.”
With that, I walked back to my desk, my heart pounding, sweat trickling down my back, no doubt staining my silk blouse. I had no plans of wasting this chance. Not for anyone. Not even for a handsome, older, single dad. Miles’ face, with that backward hat, hoodie, and big smile (did I mention that dimple?), flashed in my mind, mocking me. I exhaled heavily as I settled at my desk.
I can do this. Focus, Vicky, focus. And for goodness sake, woman, stop thinking about hoodies and backward baseball hats!
