4. Rose
ROSE
Walking through the front door into the open foyer of the grand entrance is like walking into a dream.
My dream, specifically. It’s as if Dante and Luc took the sketches and vision boards of my dream home and brought it to life in the middle of a magical forest. I’m greeted with a massive staircase that curves up to the second floor on both sides and perfectly frames an impressively intricate crystal chandelier that is easily five feet tall.
It seems Dante has great taste when picking finishes and fixtures, so maybe this project won’t be so bad.
I know Dante and Luc are talking behind me about the work still needing to be completed, but all I can hear are my echoing footsteps as I move across the black-and-white marble entryway onto the dark-stained hardwood floors with detailed geometric parquet patterns throughout.
As I turn to my right, I can see the hallway will lead me into the great room, which is bare except for a stone fireplace.
The fireplace is so large I could probably walk inside without having to duck my head.
Its foreboding presence reminds me of an old English castle.
The primary living space is painted a dark charcoal color that looks almost black in this lighting.
Intricate wainscoting decorates the bottom third of the walls, adding texture and tactile depth with the custom-carved beveled panels.
The French-style crown moldings add elegance to the room’s dark tones and match the ceiling medallion anchoring a beautiful chandelier, similar in style to the one in the entryway.
Victorian cornices and custom plaster arabesques add to the luxurious nature of the home.
The time and skill it must have taken to craft such designs makes me want to spend hours admiring every surface.
My mind is going wild with all the lighting, furniture, and decor that will make this the most beautiful project I have ever worked on.
For the first time in my line of work, I could see myself living in a space I’m designing.
Luc and his team truly live up to the name Precision Builders.
The custom plaster and woodwork throughout this house are breathtaking and might be some of the best work I’ve ever seen.
I still can’t get over how similar everything looks to the sketches I have done in the past. I guess these styles aren’t unique to me, so it’s not unheard of that Dante would pick something similar.
“Well, what do you think?”
I startle slightly at Dante’s words, not realizing he and Luc have joined me in the great room. Okay, Ro, this is your time to showcase your expertise and land this contract.
“This is a great starting point for sure.” Understatement of the century. This will likely be the easiest project I have ever worked on, but I don’t want to come off too eager. “I have several sketches in my design portfolio that I think would really bring this place to life.”
“I can’t wait to see what you have prepared.” Dante’s proximity sends goose bumps down my arms. Why is he so close?
“Wonderful! If it’s all right with you, I’d prefer to make some tweaks to the design this evening after we’ve completed the entire walkthrough.
That way, I can adjust things based on what has already been completed and add any further work that I would recommend.
” I look subtly in Luc’s direction to gauge his reaction, knowing I’m speaking of the work he and his team have completed, but Dante speaks first.
“Yes, the two of us can review your updated proposal tomorrow morning. I have some work that needs my attention this evening, unfortunately.”
I don’t want to read too much into that statement, considering Dante and I have only just met, but I sense he would prefer Luc not be involved where I am concerned.
“Ro, I would be happy to show you the property myself and answer any questions you may have. I know Dante is a busy man,” Luc interjects eagerly. I can’t tell if he’s actually trying to be helpful or if he too wants to have time alone with me.
Before I can answer, Dante responds, “That won’t be necessary. I’ll accompany Rose on the walkthrough. She and I can prepare a list of any necessary improvements or changes for you and your team.”
“I don’t mind tagging along,” Luc responds, not breaking eye contact with Dante.
I seem to have found myself in some strange pissing contest between my client, whom I just met, and my childhood best friend, whom I haven't seen in fifteen years.
I need to say something and not just let these men bicker.
“Why don’t the three of us do a precursory walkthrough now, and Dante, you and I can review my proposal in the morning? From there, I will work with Luc on any necessary fixes or improvements before he fully signs off on the project.” There, I feel like that solution should appease both men.
“Fine.” Dante is the first to agree in a clipped tone.
“That works for me,” Luc adds with a beaming smile just for me. “I can’t wait to work on this project with you, Ro.”
“Shall we then?” Dante gestures for me to precede him out of the great room to continue with the rest of the walkthrough.
The three of us were able to cover the remaining property in about three hours, and I have filled my tablet with more ideas than I know what to do with.
The house is absolutely gorgeous, from the massive bedrooms upstairs to the enormous kitchen and dining area.
I’m already imagining how the various other empty rooms can be used, such as an office and a luxurious parlor/sitting room.
Maybe he would even go for a classic billiards room.
I definitely have my work cut out for me tonight.
First, however, I need to find food and caffeine, and then I can lock in for a long night of designing. I want my proposal to be something that Dante can’t refuse. Maybe I can grab some takeout and work in my hotel room.
“It was so nice to meet you, Dante. I’ll be back first thing in the morning, so we can go over the plans I have for your home.
” I stick out my right hand to shake Dante’s, but I’m stuck standing there awkwardly when he doesn’t immediately take my hand in his.
In fact, he just stands there, staring at my hand like it personally offends him.
As I go to drop it and move past yet another embarrassing interaction with my potential client, Dante grasps my hand in both of his, makes eye contact with me, and responds, “The pleasure was all mine.”
Before I have a chance to squeak out a response to his intense reply, Luc cuts in with an invitation to dinner at a diner in the nearby town.
“Oh, dinner would be great actually! I’m starving.
” Turning toward Luc, I can barely contain my excitement at the mention of food.
Plus, this will give Luc and me a chance to catch up.
I have so many questions. It’s then that I realize Dante is still holding my hand in his much larger ones, but he is no longer looking at me. Rather, he is staring at Luc.
Clearing my throat, I slowly pull my hand from his, breaking his stare off with Luc and bringing his attention back to me.
“See you in the morning, Dante,” I add with a smile and a short wave of my hand as I start toward the front door.
“Good night, Rose.” Dante’s words and gaze follow me the entire way to my vehicle as I climb in the driver’s seat and close my door.