Chapter Three
Carle knew she was running late. The meeting was in 15 minutes. She barely had time to make it and there was a sense of urgency in the text message from James Brighton. James ran a tight ship. Gaunt with a receding hairline, he wore rounded specs that was constantly falling down to his nose. He actually resembled a librarian but was one of the most brilliant mind in the industry. Carla considered herself fortunate to have apprenticed under him. When James announced an emergency meeting, everyone high-tailed it to the office.
“Sorry I’m late…” Carla exclaimed as she burst into James’ office.
“Come in, Carla.” James motioned to an empty office.
“Am I too early? Your message said 9 AM,” Carla replied glancing at her watch.
James beamed as she took her seat. “I only requested your presence. I have an announcement to make.”
Carla wondered what it was all about.
“We’ve just been offered a contract and it’s a big one.” How would you like to manage a restoration project? I believe that’s your forte,” James declared.
“I’d love to,” Carla replied. Her portfolio included some of the best restoration jobs in the country. There was something about bringing a derelict back to life that gave her gratification.
“You’ll have full control. Budget, contractors, construction materials, design, everything. And to top it all you will be paid $100,000 to do it.”
“$100,000?” Carla shrieked. That was more money than she earned in a year. It was more than enough to see her through her pregnancy and start her own practice too.
Suddenly she was hopeful. Fate threw a juicy steak in her direction.
“I’ll take it,” Carla exclaimed.
There are some conditions though,” James replied.
“What? I don’t care if the project is on Mars. I’ll still take it,” Carla rejoined with enthusiasm.
James smiled. “I’m glad to hear that because it will require you to live in another country.”
“Where?” Carla was bursting with excitement. Surely this had to be the biggest break of her career.
James scratched his head. “I can’t pronounce the darn name but no matter. The client will discuss the details with you.”
As if on cue, the door opened and James’ secretary ushered the client in.
Carla was dumbstruck. She would recognize him even on her deathbed. Falcon followed the secretary inside the room.
“Hello Carla. Good Morning, Brighton.”
Falcon?” Carla squeaked still unbelieving. She must be dreaming.
“You two know each other?” James was puzzled.
“Miss Hornsby and I are friends.” Falcon explained. “I knew she would be perfect for the job. That is the reason why I specifically asked for her.”
Falcon was staring at her making it hard to think clearly. But things started falling into place. She had no doubt the job was the property he acquired in France. That was all Falcon talked about the night…
“I’m happy to inform you that Carla just accepted the job.” James announced.
“Good. I do want to discuss the matter with her,” Falcon replied pointedly.
“Of course,” James said rising.
Silence ensued.
“Why are you doing this?” Carla asked weakly.
“It was the only way I could get you to talk to me. I’ve left messages in your voice mail and called you.”
Carla hasn’t checked her voice messages in weeks and when he called she was too afraid to hear what he had to say.
“I must have missed your call,” she replied.
“Calls Carla with an S. I must have called you a dozen times but you never picked up. It was deliberate. Why?”
“There’s nothing to talk about,” she replied.
She saw him flinch. His face turned to granite. Her heart ached with the lie but she had to guard her secret. It was the only way she could protect herself from further pain.
“Alright then. You’ve made yourself crystal clear. So…can we talk about the job instead?” the formality in his voice was plain to hear.
Carla remembered the price tag. $100,000 could buy her dream back. She would be so stupid to turn it down now because of her pride. The notion that Falcon’s money would help setup her future seemed fair payback for getting her pregnant.
I’m starting to think like Lindsay. The thought wasn’t very appealing.
This job, it’s the one in France? Reek-weer?” Carla asked.
“Riquewihr,” Falcon corrected. “The vineyard has an old house that needs renovation. I intend to live there parts of the year.”
To be nearer Lindsay, perhaps?
“When do you want me to start?” She asked.
“I’ll be leaving in two days and I need you to be ready by then.”
“We’ll be traveling together,” Carla shot back in surprise.
“Yes, unless you have a problem with that arrangement.” Falcon replied coldly.
“No, of course not. I’ll be ready.” Carla agreed.
“It’s settled then. I’ll see you in two days.”
Falcon left abruptly leaving her more confused than when she started. Life decided on taking her on a merry-go-round that was only going faster and faster. She needed to focus and control her emotions. She wanted the money so badly she was willing to brand it on her forehead so as not to lose sight of why she was doing this.
***
Falcon gripped the wheels of his car. Agitation was written all over his body. The meeting at Brighton’s office went according to plan. Throwing the bait of $100,000 made him queasy. It felt like he was buying her. But he had to make sure things worked out in his favor. But something was different.
“What the hell is wrong with her? Why is she suddenly so distant and so…cold?”
Falcon snorted. He didn’t expect things to go south with her. He wanted to make amends, make things right between them. But it was like dealing with an Eskimo. He turned the key and gunned the engine. He thought he knew women, knew how to soften them somehow. But he was wrong.
“Women!” He cursed as he backout of the parking slot. His tires complained and squealed on the pavement.