Page 4 of Scarred Ruin

“Black tie?”

“Yes, and of course we’d understand if you weren’t feeling well enough to attend. However, it would be the perfect opportunity to cast our company as the premier architectural firm in the city.”

In other words, he wasn’t asking, although his gentle demand was handled in a classy manner.

“I’m really doing extremely well given the circumstances and in very little pain.”

He appeared relieved and I had the distinct sense that the reason was twofold including his employee not having suffered any permanent damage. However, I also had a feeling the client was pushy, requiring a meeting with the architect who’d be working hand in hand with them.

“From what you told me, you were very lucky.”

I’d been told how lucky I was a dozen times. Along with being nuts for jumping into action. Maybe that was the truth. I wanted to believe anyone in my circumstances would have done the same thing, but I knew better. “I know, but seriously, I’m fine. Although I won’t lie to you that I still have significant concerns about the success of the project.”

He took the opportunity to squeeze my arm. Another fatherly gesture. “Don’t underestimate yourself or your skills, Isabel. You’re the best designer on the team by far. Go to the gala and meet everyone. I think once you have, you’ll feel much better about the project altogether.”

“You’re not going to allow me to politely say no. Are you?”

He cocked his head. “This is good for us. All of us.”

“Please don’t tell me you’ve already RSVP’d.”

“Only for myself and Mark, but obviously as the project manager, you were invited.”

“By Mr. Aristov.”

“By someone from the trust established by the major investors. I assure you that given the expansive business he operates, he doesn’t handle event planning and the gala is being presented by the group. It’s my understanding they have a limited staff to handle the various speaking engagements and whatever media support is needed. I’m honestly uncertain which members will be present for the announcement.”

Announcement. The project had already gone that far, which meant there’d been at least the first county approval provided. It would seem the venue was on a fast track, which could mean palms had been greased. Perhaps I was just becoming more cynical at my ripe old age of soon to be thirty.

“In all seriousness, your sketches are amazing. I hope you plan on presenting them to members of the trust.”

“They’re just renderings, John. You know how I work.”

The single eyebrow lift meant he was well aware of my meticulous work ethic, which had occasionally driven a project behind the eight ball. I was a perfectionist. Sue me.

“They are damn good, Izzy. Come on.”

I shook my head rather vehemently. “I’m not ready yet. I don’t even have a handle on the entirety of the venture. I need specifics and the location of the property, which will most certainly alter the layout of the buildings. I’ll need an engineer given a few ideas are entirely different than what I’ve seen with other medical campuses of this nature. I need to be told the medical illnesses being handled and what type of equipment will be used. Will there be major surgeries involved or simply outpatient care? I’ve just begun to put together a list. There are a ton of logistics I need to learn before I can even begin to design a single building.”

Somehow, I’d fallen into a trap. “Well, I happen to know a logistics professional who might enjoy providing his assistance.”

How dare he walk toward the door leaving me with such a… ridiculous statement. “That’s entirely different and you know it.”

“Well, Mr. Aristov will completely understand what you’ll need.” He opened the door, laughing at my expense. “I did take the liberty of selecting a structural engineer for the project who will coordinate as needed with a team.”

“Oh, you did. Who?”

“James Watkins and don’t go off halfcocked.”

“Why does everyone think I go off halfcocked?” Oh, you bet I was furious with the choice. The man was a son of a bitch to work with. We hated each other, although I’d always had the distinct feeling he’d stop at nothing to get me in a lewd position.

John stuck his head back in through the open doorway. “Because you do. James has more experience with medical facilities than anyone we’ve employed.”

We’d only recently added a couple of engineers to the employee roster given our growth spurt. From day one James and I had clashed.

“Well, goody for him.”

“Buy yourself a very expensive dress and the whole works for tomorrow night’s gala. It’s on the firm. Whatever you need.”