The mention of Thatcher makes my chest tight all over again. “I never felt this way about you,” I admit quietly. “When we were together, I thought what we had was love, but it was nothing like this. This thing with Thatcher…it’s consuming me.”
“I know,” Lior says gently. “I’ve been there, remember?”
My eyes drift to the coffee table, where the stack of books I bought in New York sits untouched. Lior follows my gaze, his expression curious.
“Architecture books?” he asks, leaning forward to read the titles. “I didn’t know you were interested in architecture.”
“I’ve always been interested.” The admission feels strange after years of keeping this to myself. “I wanted to be an architect when I was a kid. Used to design impossible buildings with too many angles and not enough structural support.”
“What happened to that dream?”
“My father made it clear that my future was in the family business. So I buried it.” I pick up one of the books, running my fingers over the cover. “But when I was consulting for Drew and West on their foundation building…”
“You consulted for Starfinders?” Lior’s eyebrows shoot up. “I didn’t know that.”
“I asked them to keep it quiet. But, Lior, I loved every minute of it. Redesigning that old hospital into something that could nurture kids’ dreams…? It felt like coming alive again.
“How did you even know what to do? You majored inbusiness. We went to college together. I don’t remember you taking architecture classes.”
I’m quiet for a moment, debating whether to reveal this secret. “Do you remember the two years I spent in Europe after graduation? Before I started working for my father?”
“You said you were gaining international business experience.”
“I lied.” The words come out in a rush. “I went back to school in London. Did a whole architecture degree in two years. I was obsessed, took tons of courses every semester, midterm, summer, everything. I loved every single moment of it.”
Lior stares at me in shock. “You have a degree in architecture?”
“I do. But when I started at Dellcourt, I knew there was no future in it, so instead, I worked to become the businessman my father wanted.” I laugh, but it’s hollow. “And look at that, I didn’t even do that right.”
“Pierce.” Lior sits back, studying my face. “If you could have a clean slate on your life, no consequences, no expectations, what would you be?”
The question hangs in the air, loaded with possibilities I’ve never let myself consider.
“An architect,” I say without hesitation. “I’d design community buildings, spaces that bring people together. Schools, libraries, community centers. Places that matter.”
“Then what’s stopping you?”
“I…” I start to give him all the reasons—family expectations, financial obligations, professional reputation. But as I think about it, I realize none of them are real anymore. “I don’t know.”
“Pierce, the life you’ve chosen is making you miserable.You could put yourself first for once. Not Dellcourt, not VSE, not anyone else’s expectations. Just yourself.”
“It’s not that easy, Lior.”
He chuckles. “If we were having this conversation a year ago, I’d agree with you. Now? I think it’s exactly the right time to consider a change.”
I’m quiet for a long moment, the possibility taking root in my mind. “You’re saying I should leave VSE to become an architect,” I say slowly, testing the words.
“No, you are the one saying that. Tell me more.”
“I could design those community buildings I’ve always dreamed about. Work on projects that actually matter to people’s lives.” My voice grows stronger as the idea takes hold. “Schools where kids feel inspired to learn, libraries that feel like sanctuaries, community centers that bring neighborhoods together.”
Lior nods, watching me.
“I’ve been thinking about it more since New York,” I continue, leaning forward with growing excitement. “The way Thatcher talks about his art, the passion in his voice when he describes turning chaos into stories… I want that feeling. I want to wake up excited about what I’m building instead of just going through the motions.”
“When’s the last time you felt that way about work?”
“The Starfinders project,” I say immediately. “When I was working with Drew and West, seeing that old hospital become something that could change kids’ lives… God, Lior, I felt more alive during those few weeks than I have in years.”
