Page 94 of Until We Weren't
“It’s called urban planning, Gloria,” Destiny said. “It doesn’t have anything to do with being liberal or not.”
“You never did understand aesthetics,” Faith added. “It’s always about the numbers and the cost.”
“Damn right it is,” Gloria said, bristling. “That’s how things get done.”
Destiny grinned and tilted her head. “Wow, Gloria. You’re getting worked up.”
“Are you afraid you’re going to lose this bid?” Faith asked with a sarcastic grin of her own.
“What would happen to your bottom line then?” Destiny smirked.
The conference room doors opened before Gloria could reply, but Faith felt like they’d won a little battle whether they got the job or not. The look on Gloria’s face showed she was worried.
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“Destiny, Faith?” David said. “Could you come back in?”
They walked back into the room and the negative energy that had greeted them before was now gone. The committee members were all smiles and the project manager explained that their bid had been accepted. The contract would be drawn up and signed next week. He welcomed them to the team and each committee member shook their hands and expressed how excited they were to see Fields of Green’s vision come to life.
David walked them to the door. “Gloria’s handling of the bid will not go unnoticed,” he said quietly. “One perk of working with this particular corporation is that when they break ground on new properties they will reach out to you for input and maybe even offer you upcoming jobs.”
Faith and Destiny exchanged a look. “Wow, that would be awesome.”
David nodded. “You deserved to win this bid,” he said. “But you need to prepare for what that will bring.” He smiled. “Fields of Green is going to be busy.”
They both returned his smile. “Thanks, David,” Destiny said.
As they walked out of the conference room Faith inhaled deeply as they walked by Gloria. “Ah,” she said. “I love the smell of dirt and sweat, don’t you, babe?”
“It smells like money,” Destiny replied, giving Gloria a sarcastic smile.
They walked out of the building and Faith stole a glance at Destiny. “We won the bid,” she said, her eyes widening. “Be cool,” she mumbled.
Destiny nodded as their steps quickened. “We won!” she squealed quietly. “Stay cool, stay cool.”
When they reached the front of the truck, Faith turned to face Destiny. “We won the bid!” she yelled, jumping into Destiny’s arms.
They hugged each other tightly as they bounced up and down.
“We have to celebrate,” Faith said once they got back into the truck.
“Let’s have all our people meet at your shop,” Destiny said, taking out her phone. “I’ll text Monica to give everyone the location and to lock up.”
“I’m texting Amy and Mark to tell them we’ll be there soon. We’ve got to stop by the store and buy a bunch of beer.”
Destiny waited for Faith to put down her phone. “We did it, babe,” she said, leaning over the console. Their lips met in a fierce yet happy kiss.
“I love you so much,” Faith said, breathing heavily.
“You’ve made me so happy,” Destiny said with tears in her eyes. “I get to do all of this with you! You’re the love of my life, my soulmate, my everything, and we’re doing this together.”
Faith chuckled. “That’s some list.”
“I didn’t want to leave anything out.”
“You are my destiny,” Faith said softly.
Destiny could see tears in Faith’s eyes. She leaned in and their lips met in a poignant kiss full of emotion, redemption, and love.