Page 82 of Strictly Business
MY STOMACH PLUMMETS WHEN Caitlin follows behind Meredith alone. She briefly glances at me flashing a quick smile before turning back to Meredith, who continues to babble about what she wants this space to “represent.” Caitlin makes confirming noises and nods at all the right times taking notes and drawing small sketches on a pink legal pad. I hang back a few steps, hoping that her partner is running late. As time ticks by, it becomes obvious she isn’t coming. I shouldn’t be surprised; it’s been a week since she left my condo. She has done everything to avoid me, including blocking my number and putting me on the blacklist at her building. When I tried to stop by a few days ago, her doorman regretted to inform me that I was no longer allowed in the building. I considered showing up at DV Designs, but Nina would kill me if I caused a scene there. However, just because I couldn’t show up at the office didn’t mean I couldn’t show up for the meeting with the client I gave them. I’m guessing Michaela had the same idea, which is why she sent Caitlin solo.
“What do you think, Finnley?” Meredith asks from the other side of the space.
“Say again, Mere.” I move closer to them and notice the sketch on Caitlin’s notepad of a wall that doesn’t currently exist closing off the kitchen from the rest of the space.
“Were you even listening?”
“Of course. You want to add a wall to the room, but I think that will eliminate that open feeling you have going on. I thought that’s what you liked about the place?”
“Well, I do, but—”
“I can do a few different mockups to give you an idea of what different plans would look like,” Caitlin says.
“Why don’t you ask Caitlin what she would do with the space?” I suggest earning an eye roll from Meredith. “Wasn’t that the whole point of this meeting? You wanted a professional opinion of what should be done.”
“Yes, but—”
“So, let the professional do her job.”
Thomas warned me that Meredith might be a challenge; she had already run off two different contractors because she couldn’t commit to anything. They would start work on one idea, and she would get a wild hair up her ass wanting to change things as soon as they started. When she said something about hiring a professional designer, Thomas mentioned I might have an in with one of the top designers in the country.
“Well, you promised me Davina, this isn’t Davina,” Meredith says looking Caitlin up and down.
“I promise, Caitlin is more than capable,” I say earning a grateful smile. “Neither Davina nor Michaela would send someone incapable of handling such a high-profile project.”
Meredith glares at me for a moment before rolling her eyes and turning to Caitlin. “Fine, what would you do with the space?”
Knox scrapes the plastic spoon along the wall of the paper cup to get every last drop of the chocolate chip gelato. There hasn’t been much conversation today — neither of us seems to be in a talkative mood, but that didn’t stop us from devouring a cup of gelato with an extra scoop each. However, I wish we had picked a different spot to indulge in our desserts because sitting on the steps of the Met is the last place I want to be right now.
“What’s got you in such a mood today?” Knox asks.
“I’m fine. What’s your deal?”
“I asked first,” he says sucking the last of his gelato off the spoon. “Michaela finally break up with you or something?” It’s meant to be a joke, but his tone turns serious when I don’t laugh along. “Wait, did she?”
“Knox—”
“What did you do?” His outburst causes a few heads to turn in our direction.
“Keep your voice down, would you? The entire city doesn’t need to know about it.” I sigh, letting my folded hands fall between my knees. The gray clouds rolling in above us look a little extra puffy. They cover the sun bringing a cool breeze with them. We should start heading North before it rains, but I hate to rush him.
“What happened? I thought things were going well. Last week, you said—”
“Yeah, well, things changed.”
“What changed?”
“Just things. Look,” I check my watch, “we should probably start heading towards your place. It’s getting kind of late and about to rain.”
“Finn—”
“I won’t talk to you about this, Knox.” I stand from my place on the steps, and the building looms over me. I can’t be here any longer. “My problems aren’t your problems. You have your own stuff to worry about.”
“I liked her,” he says looking up at me.
“Yeah, me too, kid.” I reach my hand out to him. “Now, c’mon, let’s go before the sky opens up.” Looking up at the sky, he finally takes my hand, and I pull him to his feet.
We walk down the steps in silence, but it doesn’t last long. Knox pushes the topic further, “So, why don’t you try to get her back?”