Page 4 of The Other Side

I lean into the leather of my seat, swiveling in it to face Matt. “You know, instead of coming here, you should really be a guest speaker at schools for birth control. I mean, if you’re ever looking for a different career path.”

His dark brows pop up as he nods. “Funny.”

I sigh a lax chuckle, shifting in my chair to face my computer again. “How’s Melissa holding up?”

When I murmur the words, Jared’s Oxfords tap along the wood. He stands at the glass of my cubicle, and I lift my head from my screen. He’s holding his usual cup of Starbucks against his navy, tailored suit when he greets us.

“Good morning. How are we doing?”

Matt and I respond in harmony before a smirk pricks the corner of Jared’s mouth.

“Brant, can I see you in my office?” he asks. The crow’s feet around his right eye bolden against his fairer skin, and I just know it’s crucial. “Nexis has picked up a big project for an important client, and I’d like to discuss it with you.”

I bob my head once, straightening slightly. “Of course. Do you want to discuss it right now?”

His free hand gently waves at me, shooing my eagerness away. “No, no. Wrap up whatever you’re doing, I didn’t mean to interrupt. I just wanted to catch you sooner than later, that’s all.” Then his attention springs over my head. “How are the changes coming along for the dentist office?” he asks Matt.

“I think I was able to smooth over Adam’s outrage over the original layout I drew up.”

“Hate to break it to you, but it’s not going to be your last time getting reprimanded by a client.”

Matt’s only been working as a project manager for a year, so his experience is younger. That being said, he’s still one of the hardest workers I’ve collaborated with.

When Jared walks off, I run both hands over my head as I sink into my chair. “A big client means big stress. Any bets on which way this is going to go?” I sigh.

“You’ll be fine,” Matt assures. “This place would tank without you, and they know it.”

With my attention still averted from his, I continue. “So, what you’re saying is…this has to be a residential project?”

“Since Jared wants you on the job, I’m sure it’s residential.”

“Guess we’ll find out,” I exhale, rising from my seat.

Turning around, I travel the narrow walkway to Jared’s office at the rear of our company floor. Through the glass walls, he unfastens the button of his suit jacket before sitting behind his desk. Then he’s gathering some papers.

“There he is … my most valuable player,” he coos once I cross the doorframe.

I flash a crooked grin, stationing myself in the seat across from him. “Alright, what do you have for me?”

“Jesse Miller.”

His weathered hand glides a piece of paper over the polished surface of his desk. I lean in, my brows mildly crimping when I pluck the page from him.

“He just bought a home in Hampton Bays a few months ago. He’s interested in having someone design an addition for it.”

“This is great,” I say, my eyes roaming the printed email chain between Jared and Jesse. “I’d be more than happy to take this on.”

“We both know you excel at residential designs, so I knew I wanted you to be the architect on this project,” Jared claims. “Jesse is a real-estate investor, and the house he bought is about four thousand square feet. I’d like for you to give him a call to set up an initial meeting. Today, preferably. I’m hoping that’s not a problem.”

I recline, my free hand absently tugging the hem of my shirt over the belt of my jeans. “Not at all.” My head lifts, eyes connecting with Jared’s as I toss a soft smile. “I really appreciate you thinking of me for this project. This means a lot coming from you, Jared.”

He grins, bobbing his head when he lays both forearms on the armrests of his chair. “Absolutely,” he says. “You’re one of the biggest assets to our team, if not the largest one. This has your name written all over it.”

I softly jiggle the piece of paper in one palm. “I’ll take extra care of this one, I promise. Thank you.”

His gaze darts to my hand as he points to it. “You should be able to get in touch with Jesse quickly. He’s expecting us to reach out to him today.”

My body stands from the chair. “I’ll get in touch with him right now.”