Chapter 11 Megan #2
I could envision two types of constructions—either a sprawling ranch-style home or tri-level glass construction that would let in plenty of light.
Then again, the downside of large windows was that when the weather was bad, there was no escaping the gray skies, plus undoubtedly you’d need a professional to clean them.
Right now, we did have a few clouds rolling in, but I was certain we would still have some time to walk around before it opened up on us.
As Charles spoke more about what he envisioned, the ideas began consolidating in my mind. I was starting to blend the two styles. I couldn't wait to get home. I probably wouldn’t even sleep tonight out of excitement.
We got the first drops of rain forty minutes later. "We’re out of luck," Charles said, looking around. "But I think you have a pretty good idea, don't you?"
"We do," Luke said. "Right?" He looked at me questioningly. I liked that he wanted my opinion.
I tapped my temple. "Yes. Everything's recorded here in great detail."
Charles drove us to his office building next, which was in the town's square. It was lovely. There was a convenience store next to a barbershop and a bakery. All the buildings were painted in vivid colors—blue, pink, green, yellow—and had wrought iron railing on the balconies.
As Charles said, there was a coffee shop on the ground floor of his building. I looked longingly at it.
"I'll order us some coffee to be brought upstairs," he said.
"Oh, they deliver. That's smart," I said.
"No, I just bribe them into bringing my coffee upstairs. Works for both of us."
We all laughed at that. Charles seemed like a really nice guy.
We walked inside the building. Charles led the way up, and Luke walked slightly behind me.
How was it that I could feel his presence even when I couldn’t see him?
I looked over my shoulder, intending to ask him if he had any idea how long this would take.
I wanted to know if I could plan on working on the project tonight or if it would be too late.
I nearly tripped over my own feet when I caught him staring at my ass.
Get yourself together, Megan.
In Charles’s office, Luke followed a similar presentation to the one for Rick’s office. However, I noticed subtle differences; for instance, this one contained more numbers and fewer visuals.
"And, Charles, I just want to note that this was my vision before I saw the space. It will change according to your desires. And Megan will come up with two proposals on her own, so you’ll have options, okay? You can go with either of them, or a mesh of concepts, or we can change it completely."
"I like you guys," Charles said, looking like a kid on Christmas morning. "You've got energy and enthusiasm and are showing excitement about my project. That means a lot."
"We are excited," I said.
"Okay, before I forget, what kind of coffee do you guys want? I'll just call downstairs real quick."
"I'll have a black coffee, please."
"Same for me," Luke said.
Our coffee arrived ten minutes later while we were in the thick of discussing the details. I was surprised by how much the rain had intensified.
"Damn," Charles said, looking out the window. "The weather stations said something about bad weather, but I hoped it would go right past us."
We went back to our conversation until around lunchtime when Charles ordered pizzas for each of us. I was starving since I hadn't had any breakfast and ate the whole thing, even though it was huge. After lunch, I was a bit full and tired, as was Charles, but not Luke. He seemed even more energized.
He opened the simulation software on his laptop and started creating some of the ideas Charles discussed with us earlier. The man was impressed. I was certain he was going to give us the project. I'd never seen anyone so enthusiastic.
"I think we can wrap this up," Luke said two hours later. “Unless you can think of anything else you want to discuss before you decide, Charles."
"No, no, you've gone above and beyond today. I'll be in touch." Looking out the window, Charles said, "You want me to drive you to the heliport?"
"If you could, that would be great," Luke said. "And speaking of that, Travis has been sending me texts, but I haven’t looked at them." He took the phone from his pocket while I put the laptop in my bag, along with my notebook.
"Jesus," Luke exclaimed.
I stopped in the act of packing my laptop. “What happened?”
“He says he can’t fly in these conditions.”
"I thought that might be the case," Charles said. "There’s no way a helicopter can make it in this storm." Checking the weather app, he added, “And the winds are pretty raucous. Yeah, it’s best if you all stay in town.”
Luke frowned. "Let's go downstairs and talk to Travis. He’s still in the coffee shop.”
"If you stay here, I recommend Delia’s Hotel. It’s the best in town,” Charles said.
Luke nodded. “Thanks. Do you want to join us for dinner?”
“Can’t. My granddaughter has a piano recital. Can’t miss it or she’ll be sad.” Charles added, “If you need anything, just call me.”
“Thank you," I said.
Charles shook my hand first, then Luke's.
"We’re going to get soaked," Luke said when we reached the front door. The entrance to the coffee shop was next door.
“We’ll just need to move really quickly,” I said.
He took off his suit jacket, handing it to me.
"What? Come on, Luke. I'm not going to melt. A little rain won't hurt me."
"It's cooler outside because of the wind and rain." His tone was determined, like he would actually fight me on it if I said no. Okay, this was very endearing. "And you've got long hair. If that gets wet, you'll get a cold for sure."
"Declan is the brother who worries about everyone, right? I think you can challenge that title."
"Jacket. Now," he said.
"Fine, you stubborn man." I took it, putting it over my head. It was so big that it covered my shoulders too. And it smelled like him. It was divine.
"And I don't worry about everyone. I just worry about you," I heard him say just before he stepped into the rain.
My mouth parted. Did he really say that?
I didn't get the chance to overthink it too much because he broke into a run, opening the door to the coffee shop for me.
I walked quickly, happy to have my flats on but realizing too late that I was stepping right into a puddle.
My tights were completely soaked. I hurried inside the shop, taking off his jacket and shaking the raindrops from it.
Next to me, Luke was completely soaked. And I didn’t mind one bit.
He looked sinful. The dress shirt was hugging his body, showing the outline of his chest and arms. Oh my.
Unfortunately, he was wearing a T-shirt underneath, so there wasn't too much on display.
"Finally. I thought you two were lost or something," Travis said, walking toward us from one of the ten tables inside. It looked cozy, with well-worn leather couches lined up against the walls. There was a huge Persian carpet in the middle of the room.
"You got my message?" he asked Luke.
"Yeah. Are you sure we can’t fly?"
"Yeah, I'm positive about it. No way to make it back to Chicago."
"We could rent a car," Luke suggested.
I wasn't completely comfortable with the idea of driving hours in this rain. The visibility must be extremely poor. Luke and I had gotten soaked in seconds.
“I was already at the local rental, and I wouldn't drive any of those cars to the nearest gas station, let alone Chicago. Besides, I'd have to come back tomorrow for the helicopter. I've looked into the hotels and found a decent one. Delia’s Hotel.”
“Charles recommended it too,” I said.
“Let’s just stay here overnight,” Travis suggested.