He walked away to speak to his professors.
I had to stop looking at him. It was going to get us in trouble. This day was exciting. Not for the building, but because this was the first day of the rest of our lives. I planned to formally ask him to move in with me.
And maybe in a year or so, I’d ask him to marry me. I smiled to myself. Who was I kidding? I’d probably propose tonight. I didn’t want to wait another second for the rest of our lives to start.
My attention was dragged from my happily ever after when Gloria Anderson welcomed everyone. She introduced me to the others and went around introducing everyone else. I didn’t care who was there. The only person to captivate me stood on the other side of the table next to Michael. It was probably good he’d put a table between us.
A man in khakis and a blue button-down walked in carrying a camera and a notepad. Michael stepped in at that point and made the rest of the introductions. “Everyone, this is Jason Simmons. He’s with Architectural World Magazine. He’s here to write an article about Nick’s design. He’ll be conducting the interview after the presentation.”
“Hello everyone. Is it okay if I take photos?”
“Sure,” Nick replied. “Thank you for coming.”
The pride in me swelled to great heights as he stood in front of his five professors and professional contractors to present our building and all the changes I’d requested.
Nick went to aPowerPointpresentation that showed everyone my new building as it currently stood on Fourth Street. He talked about vision and showed some photos of Bernardo’s and the needs we had to expand.
“When Preston approached me about the design, he had some very specific elements in mind. To make sure I fully understood what he was looking for, we flew to New York, where I took all these photos for inspiration.”
My own images of the most romantic trip of my life briefly flipped before my eyes, taking me back to our room at The Plaza, and watching him take in all the things most people don’t pay attention to. We needed to go back. Maybe we’d honeymoon there.
The artist’s renderings on the screen caught my attention. They showed each floor exactly as I’d described them to him. He’d incorporated all the elements from the restaurants in New York. It was stunning.
I was suddenly overcome with emotion and had to push it down. Nick must have noticed, because he gave me a look of concern. I smiled and nodded. I felt an eternal bond with him. He was my person. I’d waded through so much shit in my life to get to him. And I’d never let him go.
He continued on for a few more minutes before going to the models. “Michael suggested we put together a model for everyone to see. This, of course, is the completed exterior, but these are the individual floors and the proposed rooftop dining area with retractable glass and a greenhouse as requested by Mr. James.”
Nick took the individual pieces and put them together to produce a replica of the one beside it. I was so fucking impressed and in love with him, and it had to show on my face. But I didn’t give one fuck who noticed.
When he was finished, he answered questions from his professors and some of his advisors on the electrical and plumbing. Our green initiative was very important to both of us, as well as the city. We could be a model for other businesses.
As the questions ended, Michael took over. “As you can see, Mr. Reed is very talented. His attention to his client’s wishes was remarkable. I wasn’t sure he’d be able to get them all in, but it appears he’s done it. Would you agree, Mr. James?”
I looked at the man who knew all about us and smiled. “He has more than met my expectations. Surpassed them really.”
“Mr. James,” Gloria called, “these gentlemen have expressed an interest in bidding for the project when you’re ready to begin. I’ll make sure you have all their information in an email.”
I smiled. “Thank you. I’d appreciate that.”
“If you’d like to stay for the interview, you are more than welcome,” Michael said to the others in the room. “If not, I believe we’re finished, right Nick?”
The love of my life nodded. “Yes, that’s it. Unless Preston has anything else?”
He looked at me and I tried not to look at him like I wanted to take him right here on this table. But I must have failed when he blushed a bit. Time for words. “No, I’m good. Thank you.”
Michael nodded. “Thank you for your time, gentlemen. It’s been a pleasure to work with all of you on this partnership, and I’m very grateful Gloria asked me to be his mentor. Nick will be a huge talent in the industry.”
Handshakes were given all around, and two of the five guests remained. Michael got the ball rolling again. I hoped this didn’t take long because I needed to get him alone. And naked. And under me.
“Okay, Jason, I think we’re ready to begin.”
Nick took his seat across the table from me and made me smirk. He’d seen the look on my face and had probably chosen wisely.
“Mr. James, how do you feel about the overall design?” he asked.
I answered honestly. “It’s stunning. It is the perfect blend of Bernardo’s and the places we visited in New York.”
After a few more stupid questions that seemed painfully obvious, he moved on to Michael, asking questions about the partnership between the university and the architectural firm. I just stared at Nick the whole time, trying not to give him fuck me eyes.
