Chapter 4 #2
"I'm pretty sure this is the guy I ran into in Austin last weekend," Maddie said as she showed her phone to Emma. I couldn't see what was on her phone screen, but I could hear explicit rap music playing, which told me it was likely a video on Instagram or TikTok.
"How would you even know? He has a helmet on. I mean, he looks hot as hell. I am all for those biker guys and their thirst traps on social media lately." Emma fanned her face.
"Oh, I know, I built my hot biker algorithm brick by beautiful brick.
" Maddie punctuated with a chef's kiss. "Anyway, I follow this guy, and you can tell based on the buildings in his videos that he’s in Austin.
I was out with my friends last weekend, and this guy on a bike pulled up next to us as we were walking to a bar.
All he did was hand me his phone so I could put my number in.
Didn't say a word, but he looked just like this guy. " She pointed at her phone.
"Damn girl, I hope you put your actual number in there," Emma said while lifting her coffee mug to take a sip.
Maddie scoffed. "Of course I did, I'm not an idiot. He texted me the next day. We’re planning to meet up tomorrow night."
Emma's eyes widened. "Will he be wearing the helmet during the date… or will you get the big reveal? What if he only has a hot body and his face sucks?"
Maddie started laughing. "Ugh. That would be tragic. I'll have a friend on standby to get me out of the date if that happens and for safety purposes in general, of course."
I stood behind their desks, listening in on their conversation, shaking my head. Ah, to be young again. I mean, I was only twenty-nine, but still. I cleared my throat to get their attention, causing them both to jump and turn around to face me.
"Oh, hey, Farrah, I didn't realize you were standing there," Maddie said quickly. Emma just started laughing. Busted.
I laughed. "I'm looking forward to finding out what this biker guy looks like underneath that helmet after you meet him tomorrow."
A smile spread across Maddie's face. "Oh, I'll totally text you." She glanced down, noticing I had my work bag slung over my shoulder. "Are you heading over to Primrose Estates now?"
I nodded. "Yup, leaving now, but wanted to check in with y'all before I left.
Maddie, can you start working on our proposal for Lisa Porter's place, and Emma, can you find me some options for chairs and lamps that would work in the primary bedroom for the Mack project?
" They both smiled and nodded. "Well, I'll see y'all on Monday.
Since it's Friday, feel free to head out early today.
Maddie, have fun and be safe." I winked at her as I made my way out the door.
I knocked on the doorframe to Laurel's office before entering.
She immediately stood up and made her way around her desk, pulling me into a hug.
I loved Laurel—as my mother's best friend, she was a second mother to me.
Addison and Walker looked most like Laurel, with lighter brown hair and green eyes, whereas Ava and Weston looked like their father, Travis.
They both shared their father's darker brown hair (well, before it went gray), but while Weston shared the same hazel eyes as Travis, Ava was the only James sibling with dark blue eyes.
"Farrah, it's so good to see you, and I’m so excited to get started on this renovation!" She motioned toward the leather couch that sat along the wall in her office.
I took a seat and laid out all the samples I’d brought, along with the vision board I’d created, to show her what I wanted to do with the space.
Laurel grabbed us both waters from the small fridge tucked behind her desk before taking a seat next to me.
Her eyes scanned over my vision board, and a smile slowly spread across her face.
"Wow, Farrah, this looks great. I love the soft color palette and the airiness you’re going for. "
I nodded and smiled. "Thanks, I wanted it to have a similar feel to the restaurant. Right now, the colors and furniture feel too heavy and distract from the incredible views the room offers of the vineyard. I think with these colors, the furniture, and the decor I’m envisioning for the space, it'll complement the views.
Like bringing the outside in, if that makes sense? "
"It does, and I absolutely love it. How soon can you get started on it? I know your mom mentioned you have several large projects on your plate at the moment." Laurel picked up the cabinetry sample and inspected it.
"I’m so glad you love it!” I handed her a fabric swatch for her to examine more closely.
“I have several projects underway right now, but I think we could get started in the next couple of weeks and have it done in three-ish weeks.
Four weeks max. It isn't a big project, and now that I have Emma and Maddie, we can get it done pretty quickly.
Honestly, most of the time-suck will come from how long everything takes to come in from my suppliers. " I smiled.
Laurel took my hands in hers. "Oh, Farrah, I just love you! I thought it would take a lot longer, and I really appreciate you fitting us into your schedule."
I chuckled and then shrugged. "Y'all are family to me, I'm happy to do this for you." I gave her hands a squeeze before turning my attention back to the samples I’d brought.
As we finalized details, I couldn’t shake the awareness that Walker would likely be here—often.
And for the first time in years, running didn’t feel like an option. I knew I’d have to face him, whether I was ready to or not.