Chapter Three
Kenzie
“You will never guess what,” I said to my father sitting beside me as I had dinner with my family that weekend. I had already told Sophia about what had happened, but my family still didn't know about any of it.
Sophia was shocked, but then she started talking about fate and that nothing happened by chance and she was right, of course, but what kind of reason was there for me to repeatedly meet Wyatt. He was an asshole and demanding. I knew that I was being judgmental, but that was the impression that he gave me when we met on the plane, and on our blind date.
“What?” he asked me and looked at me with excitement in his eyes. “Did you get a promotion at work?
“Not really, but hopefully soon.”
“Oh, did you meet someone?” my mother asked with a similar excitement.
“I’d like to say yes, just to shut you guys up, but no.”
“That’s too bad because your mother had already picked out her mother-of-the-bride dress,” my father joked.
I glared at him and narrowed my eyes. “That’s not funny, you guys. It’ll happen when you stop nagging me.”
“Which will be never.” My father chuckled and looked briefly at my mother before turning back to me. “Tell us your news.”
“I was hired by a massive company to revamp their offices,” I announced proudly.
“That’s wonderful news, Kenzie!”
“Which company?”
“Pearce Data Storers,” I answered.
All of a sudden, the room went quiet and I glanced at my parents, as well as my brother, Dillon, who up until now was being very quiet.
“What?” I asked and glanced at all of them again in confusion.
“Wyatt and Calvin Pearce’s company?” Dillon asked.
“Yeah, do you know them?”
“No, but I know of them. They’re a bunch of assholes, Macky,” Dillon muttered.
I pursed my lips and kept quiet. Micky was my brother’s nickname for me, and I hated it. He’d been calling me that since forever, and every time he did, I wished he’d drop down a cliff, or something. I really hated it.
“Dillon!”
“What? It’s true.”
“And how would you know that?” I asked.
“Because I’ve applied for so many jobs there, but they never hire me.”
I looked at my brother in disbelief and said, “I didn't know you applied there.”
“Yeah.”
“When was this exactly?”
“It was when they just started out.”
“I didn't know that,” I mumbled. “Do you want me to put in a good word for you with Wyatt?”
“No, please don't do that,” he said, a little too quickly for my liking. “And you’re on first name basis with this guy?”
“I’m going to be working with him for the next few weeks, Dillon. I can’t be rude. It’s my job, and it can bring a lot of work for us.”
“At the expense of what?”
I narrowed my eyes at him and looked at him. “Why are you being like this? I thought you of all people would be happy, and proud.”
“We are proud of you, sweetie,” my mother answered.
“Well, then please act like it,” I said to them. “The looks on your faces makes me think that you’re not proud at all.”
“We are proud. It’s a big company, and a great opportunity,” my father said.
“Right.” What the hell was their problem, and why did my brother have such a disapproving look on his face? Dillon was known for being a bit petty at times, and right now was definitely one of those times.
There was an awkward silence at the table until my mother decided to break it. “So, when does this big job start?”
“Well, I have to do their entire floor, which is about eighty thousand square feet.”
“That is massive!”
“I know. I feel a little bit intimidated by the magnitude of this project, though. I’ve never done a project this size before.”
“You’ll be great, sweetie. You always are.”
“Thanks, Mom,”
“Are they the sons of Neville Pearce, the Chiropractor?”
“I have no idea, Dad. I didn't talk to him about his parents. I don't get personal with clients unless they tell me out of their own. I don't even talk to any of my clients about you guys, no offense.”
“But that is the way it should be, MacKenzie,” my father said. Mixing your professional life and your personal life can be damaging to your career, and it comes off as unprofessional.”
“I know, Dad,” I said and rolled my eyes. “So how do you know their father is a chiropractor? Were you one of his patients?”
“Miami is much smaller than you think,” he answered
“Don't I know that,” I answered with a sigh. “Do you guys remember when I told you about the rude guy who sat beside me on the plane to Atlanta?”
“Yes, I remember,” my mother said.
“He was rude to the air hostess about milk,” my father said and I nodded.
“Yes. Well, that was Wyatt Pearce.”
“That doesn't surprise me,” Dillon muttered and I glanced at him.
“Dillon, don't be rude. You don't even know the man. Maybe he was having a bad day,” my mother said.
“Well, that’s not an excuse to be rude to people, Mom,” I pointed out.
“I know, sweetie.”
I frowned at turned to Dillon. “Why does it sound to me like you know them?”
“I don't know them, but I know their kind. Billionaires with more money than manners, and think they can treat people however they wanted just because they’re rich and live in fancy houses.”
I looked at him in disbelief and shook my head.
“Don’t you shake your head at me, Macky. You know I’m right.”
“I must admit that you are right in some aspects, but it’s not right to generalize. Wyatt and Calvin were polite to me, although Calvin was a bit strange.”
“Strange how?” my father asked.
“Well,” I sighed and looked at them, trying to deliberate with myself whether I should tell them about Calvin having sex in his office and that Wyatt and I walked in on him. “He’s very flirty, but not in a good way.”
“Like a predator?” my father asked, narrowing his eyes.
“Not that extreme.”
“Did he touch you inappropriately, because that is sexual harassment?”
“Hold on. He didn't touch me or anything, he was just very suggestive.”
“I’ll kill him,” my father said and slammed his hands on the table, but I knew it was all for show.
“That’s not necessary, Dad, but thank you for the gesture,” I chuckled.
My father winked at me and carried on eating his steak.
“Oh, and Wyatt’s receptionist is so amazing. She’s a complete pro, and has mastered the art of multitasking.”
“You should get that girl at your office to get a few tips from her.”
I chuckled and nodded. “That’s exactly what I thought.”
“You seem excited about this project, Kenz.”
“I am, Mom. I’ve already started with my drawings and I am about halfway done with the reception area.”
“And?”
“It’s coming along nicely,” I answered vaguely.
It would be my usual response when it comes to explaining my job to my family. They were a bunch of intellectuals and were not in any way creative or artistic. If I had to describe the space to them in my usual lingo, they would not have any idea what I was talking about, which was okay, because when they started their conversations about their jobs and their complicated lingo, I was the one who was completely lost. Explaining to them of the basic concepts of design in layman’s term was just exhausting, so I just ended up saying what I usually said.
“Luckily though, he does not have a budget, as long as everything is done exactly the way he wants it, so I can go totally crazy with this.”
“He sounds very particular,” my father said with a smile. “I like him already.”
“He is very particular. He only walks on the right side of the hallway and does not step on any creases on the wood flooring. His office is arranged perfectly according to the sun so that there is never glare on his face.”
“You’ve noticed all this about him?”
“Of course. It’s my job to notice. I have to know the client so that I can figure out what the client wants.”
“That’s very true, Kenz. You may be the only artist in the room, but you are smart as hell,” my mom said.
“Thanks, Mom.” That did mean a lot coming from her, not that I didn't get praised often, but when it came from my mom, it was all the more meaningful. “I have to finish with all my drawings by next week. I have another appointment to see Wyatt next Friday.”
“You’ll do great, Kenz,” my dad said to me with a smile.
After dinner, I insisted that Dillon and I would do the dishes, although he made a big fuss about it. My mom and dad worked hard enough during the day, so the least we could do was help with the dishes.
When we were done, and I stood and watched as the water ran down the drain, Dillon placed four mugs beside me and switched on the kettle.
“You know, you haven't even congratulated me on getting this project,” I said, without looking at him.
“Congratulations.”
“To me, it doesn't sound like you mean it.”
“I do.”
“What is your deal, Dillon?”
“What do you mane?”
“You’re clearly upset about something, and you don't want to tell me what it is.”
“I’m not upset, I just...”
“You just what? Are you jealous that I am actually making a success of my life?”
“That’s what you think? I’m jealous of your success?”
“What else could it be?”
“Those people...”
“The Pearce brothers?”
“You’re missing the point. People like that are selfish and only concerned about their own personal gain.”
“I don't believe that.”
“Then you’re more naive than I thought.”
“Just because they didn't want to hire you, doesn't mean that they are bad people,” I said to him.
“You’re right, it doesn’t, but they may be nice to you today, or tomorrow, but there will come a day when those people, with more money than they can actually count, those people will stab you in the back and throw you to the wolves! But if it’s a congratulation that you want, fine. Congratulations, Macky, but don't say I didn't warn you!” Dillon stormed out of the kitchen and left me alone. A few seconds later the front door slammed and both my parents came rushing into the kitchen with frowns on their faces.
“What the hell just happened?” my father asked.
I ran my fingers through my hair and shook my head. “I have absolutely no idea.”
I visited with my parents for a few hours after that, and we chatted about the most random things, which was the best way that I could ever imagine spending an evening. I didn't want to be known as the daughter who worked too much and never visited, so I saw them often. It was almost impossible to say good-night and go home, especially tonight for some reason. Usually, I would feel that way when my insecurities were playing up again, and I started to doubt myself. It was probably just because of this new project, and the fact that my entire career was on the line. If I couldn't pull this off, then my boss would be rather pissed off at me.
An hour after I arrived home, I sat at my desk, staring at the drawing of the reception area and felt a little hopeless.
The drawings were fine, I was just afraid that they weren't good enough for Wyatt. He seemed like a man who knows what he wants and always gets what he wants. Even on the plane, I noticed that. He grew aggressive only when he didn't get his way, like a toddler throwing a tantrum. It seemed a bit immature to me to act like that, but then again, if you were used to getting your way, it was the only other option. It still didn't make it okay, but I guess that was how it was.
Was it?
There were a lot of things that Wyatt that interested me, but obviously I couldn't just ask him, could I? The boundaries that I had set for myself that separated my professional life from my personal life would definitely not condone such a conversation.
Another thing that bothered me was Calvin. He was a bit of a perv, who clearly objectified and used women. Sure, he was charming, and good looking in a non-pensive way, like Wyatt, but that was where it ended for me. He was not the type of guy who you could have a relationship with.
I dropped my pencil and frowned to myself. Why the hell was I thinking all these stupid things? I wasn't there to pick up a guy. I was there to work, and if I wanted to impress Wyatt, I had to pull out all the stops. I wasn't sure how, but I knew how to impress even the most difficult client.
I carried on working through the night, and after countless cups of coffee, I glanced down at the completed reception area, the conference room, the technicians’ workspaces and the employee’s lounge. The only two spaces I needed to draw up was Calvin’s office and Wyatt’s office. I had an idea for Calvin’s office, but my eyes were swimming as I glanced up and saw the sun rising on the horizon. I decided to call it a day, and at least I had four more days to complete the two offices, which was more than enough time. I stretched out my arms above my head and heard my spine clicking.
“Right, time for a nap.”
My nap turned into four hours of bliss and as I opened my eyes, I saw my phone light up like a Christmas tree. I had put it on silent last night, because I didn't want to be disturbed while I was working, and I probably forgot to turn it back on again. I reached for it and answered it.
“Hello?” My voice sounded as groggy as I felt and I rolled onto my back.
“Are you asleep?”
“I was, but not anymore, Soph,” I answered and stretched out.
“Are you sick?”
“No, I was working on my designs actually.”
“Did you watch the sun rise again?” she asked dryly.
“No, I was too busy drawing.”
“Oh boy. This project has you hooked.”
“It’s a big one, Soph. I have to impress this guy, or Dolores is sure to fire my ass.”
“She won’t fire you. Your ass is too valuable.”
“Everyone is replaceable, Soph.”
“Yeah, but not you.”
“Thanks for the vote of confidence.”
“Do you feel like doing something fun?”
“What did you have in mind?”
Sophia and I went to the beach and had ourselves a bit of a girl's afternoon and evening. My four-hour nap served me well, as my energy levels were refilled. We went dancing at a bar with a live band, and I hadn't felt this free in a long time. I didn't even drink because I didn't need alcohol to have a good time. I was crazy enough without it, and I had to be Sophia’s designated driver. The band sounded really good, and Sophia, of course, swooned openly and shamelessly over the lead vocalist. I had to admit, he was good looking, but he was much too young for me, or Sophia for that matter.
All in all, the night was fun and I enjoyed Sophia’s company.
The next four days I worked harder than I had ever worked before and devoted every waking moment trying to perfect my presentation for Pearce Data Storers. Even at my office, that was the only thing that I focused all my attention on. I worked through my lunch breaks and even worked when I got home. For four days, I was fueled by caffeine, protein bars, and the determination to impress. Friday morning, I woke up early, did my hair, and left with more than enough time to spare. I decided against my usual outfits, which would consist of a skirt, and opted for linen pants instead. I saw the way Calvin looked at me and I didn't want a repeat of that, although I feared that it didn't really matter what I wore. He’d be a perverted little ass regardless.
I arrived at the office building and as I stood inside the elevator, I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror. I looked really good, even if I had to say so myself. I wore a pair white linen pants that weren't too tight, and I paired it with an emerald green top and gray heels. My hair was pinned to the one side in a messy little bun at the nape of my neck and somehow, I felt completely confident and dead sure that I was going to nail this presentation. The elevator doors opened and I stepped out, walking directly the reception desk.
“Miss Morris, good morning.”
“Good morning to you too. You remember me,” I said with a smile.
“Of course. We’ll be seeing a lot of each other in the next few weeks.”
“Did Mr. Pearce tell you that I was redecorating his offices?”
“Of course. I know everything that goes on around here.”
“Right, of course,” I chuckled. “You can call me Kenzie, by the way. Miss Morris makes me feel really old.”
“Kenzie is it then,” she said with a smile. “Mr. Pearce is just dealing with something urgent at the moment. He won’t be too long.”
“That’s fine.”
“You shouldn't be nervous, you know.”
“What?”
“About the presentation. He can tell.”
“He can tell that I’m nervous?” I asked hesitantly.
“Yeah, he picks it up very quickly.”
“Does he have any other superpowers I should be aware of?”
Hannah smiled and shrugged. “I can’t tell you all his secrets, can I?”
“If it’ll help,” I said and she laughed.
“You’ll be fine, just breathe and try not to sweat.”
“Can he sense that as well?”
Hannah chuckled and shook her head. “I’ll let you know when he’s ready. You can take a seat.”
“If it’s okay, can I just look around the waiting area?”
“Sure.”
She turned her attention back to the screen in front of her and I slowly made my way across the waiting area. There were a few portraits on the wall, and I stopped in front of one with Calvin and Wyatt standing in front of the logo which was located to the left of the elevator. It was the first things you’d see when the elevator doors opened, and it was one of the things that I suggested they changed. It seemed too open to me and hoped that they felt the same way. The floor space has incredible potential, and hopefully, they would trust me with it.
I studied the photograph of them and a small smile ran across my face. The two Pearce brothers, polar opposites of one another.
“You’re staring at me, aren't you?” a voice came from behind me and I looked over my shoulder.
Of course, it was Calvin with his supposedly witty comments.
“Mr. Pearce. Good morning.”
“Please, you can call Wyatt Mr. Pearce, or my father. I’m Calvin.”
“Okay, Calvin.”
“We’ll be going to the conference room. Wyatt is on his way there now.”
“Okay.” I grabbed my briefcase and followed Calvin. We walked passed reception and down the hallway. He opened a door and motioned to me to enter. “Ladies first.”
“Thank you.” I entered the room and was relieved when Wyatt was already there, sitting at the far end of the table.
“Good morning, Mr. Pearce.”
“Good morning,” he said simply and motioned to me that the floor was mine.
I placed my briefcase on the desk and took out all of my drawings. I arranged them according to the blueprints in front of Wyatt and stood beside him, explaining everything that I had changed. He seemed impressed with everything I had suggested for the reception area, but of course, he had some questions, which I skillfully answered. I made sure that I explained everything very clearly to him because I did not want him to think that I didn't care about making everything as clear as possible.
Calvin had no problem with the way I designed his office, in fact, he even gave me a little applause, which I found equally patronizing and complimenting. The rest of the designs they both liked, but as soon as we got to his office, he looked at the plans with a frown and shook his head.
“This isn’t going to work,” he said flatly.
“What do you dislike about it?” I asked.
“It’s nothing like my office now.”
“That’s why it’s called a redesign, Wyatt,” Calvin said and rolled his eyes.
He shot a dirty look towards Calvin and I stepped away slightly. I didn't want to get in the middle of this possible fight, but shit, it was a bit too late for that.”
“I could change it for you, Mr. Pearce. That’s not going to be a problem at all. Sometimes it’s also difficult to imagine what it would look like-”
“My desk has to be North facing and it has to be in the middle of the room.
“In the middle,” I repeated.
“Yes, to have easy access to everything else in the room.”
“Okay, sure.”
“What is this exactly?” he asked and pointed on the sketch.
“It’s a water feature.”
“You have a water feature?” Calvin exclaimed.
“I thought it would be soothing,” I answered.
“Because he’s so high-strung. Good idea.”
“That’s not the reason. I...”
Oh god, this was going so badly.
“I like the water feature,” Wyatt said.
“You do?” I asked, a little relieved.
“Yes, but it can’t splash, or make a noise. If there’s too much noise, I can’t work.”
“The only noise you’ll hear is the water, I can assure you of that.”
“Does it come with a remote?”
“A remote?”
“To switch it on or off.”
“If that’s what you want.”
“And what colors are the wood floors, and the ceilings?”
“I brought you a few samples, so you get to decide.” I took out a sample book from my case and handed it to him. “All of them are labeled, so you know exactly which ones you can choose from.”
I paged slowly through the sample book, showing him and Calvin exactly what I meant. Everything was clearly marked, all they needed to do was choose.
“Can I have carpeting instead of wood floors?”
“Of course, they’re all in here,” I answered pointing to the carpeting samples.
“I like the wood. Especially the mahogany.”
“You can choose whatever you want,” I said to him.
He glanced at me and I hoped he didn't think that I meant that suggestively. I straightened my shoulders and cleared my throat. “Do you need to look over the samples and decide?”
Calvin glanced down and paged through the booklet.
“No, I’m good,” he said.
“Okay,” I answered and took out my notebook.
“Mahogany floors and ceilings, the charcoal shutters, paint sample 3, desk A, and the second cabinet layouts,” Calvin answered and I wrote down exactly what he wanted. I shifted my gaze to Wyatt and my shoulders slumped slightly.
“I don't know.”
“Oh boy,” Calvin muttered and I briefly glanced at him before looking back at Wyatt.
“What are you not sure of, Mr. Pearce?”
“Everything.”
“Everything?”
“I definitely don't want wood flooring, and I don't want white carpeting as it will definitely stain. Brown is such a dull color, but yet it is neutral enough to go with anything. The glass top on the desk isn't going to work either, so desk B, C, and E are out, but I don’t like the remaining options,” he said and I tilted my head at him. “Can you get a desk exactly like desk D without the glass top?”
“Of course,” I answered.
“Good,” he mumbled as he still paged through the booklet. “I like paint sample 4, but maybe a little bit lighter, with the shutters the color of paint sample 4. Can you do that?”
“I can.” At least I knew that I could do my job and make all this happen. I pretty much had my supplier wrapped around my finger, so I could make anything happen. If he wanted a conveyer belt for all his bullshit, I could arrange it. That thought made me smile and Wyatt glanced at me.
“What do you think? Would that work?”
“I think that you’ve got a better sense of style than you think.”
“I just know what I like, Miss Morris.”
“And there is nothing wrong with that.”
Wyatt nodded and glanced down at the booklet again. “I’m not sure about the carpeting though, but I do like the third layout for the cabinets.”
“Okay, and which wood would you like that in?”
“The cherry should look good,” Calvin joked.
Wyatt glared at him and muttered, “I hate cherry wood.”
“Noted,” I said diplomatically and removed the sample. “The ash-wood is beautiful and would look good with the shutters. You can also have a medium colored carpet, seeing as you don’t want a light one.”
Wyatt glanced at me and nodded. “I like that idea. The ash-wood is nice, and I’ve never seen it in an office before.”
“Is it very popular?” Calvin asked.
“Not really. Usually, clients go with the mahogany, or the cherry, so the ash would be a refreshing change.”
“Does it scuff easily?” Wyatt asked.
“No, it’s just as durable as any of the samples, and it does clean easily.”
“He’ll love that,” Calvin muttered.
I glanced at Calvin and noticed the tense atmosphere in the room.
Wyatt’s jaw clenched and he looked at me. “Could we discuss my options in my office, Miss Morris?” Wyatt asked me.
“Of course. Wherever you feel most comfortable,” I answered.
Wyatt stood up and I gathered everything. He opened the door and waited for me to leave the conference room. He followed me to his office and we went inside.
“I apologize for my brother,” he said as he closed the door.
“You don't have to apologize,” I answered and placed the booklets on the table between the two couches.
Wyatt and I sat down on the same couch, which surprised me a little and we went through everything again. A few times actually, which I didn't mind. Wyatt was entrusting me with everything, the least I could do was spend time with him to make sure that he was completely happy with everything.
We discussed all his options for about two hours, and even though it became a bit tiresome towards the end, I still remained helpful and tentative to his needs.
“Oh, and lastly, keep the water feature. You were right when you said that it could possibly relax me.”
“I can imagine that your job is tense.”
“It’s not just my job, it’s my life.”
“Okay.” So this was a bit weird because he didn't strike me as the kind of person who would open up to anyone, especially not me. “I think it’s the pressure we put on ourselves. We obviously want to make a success of ourselves, and excel in our careers.”
“You’re right, but I’m good at my job, so are you. You do this so effortlessly, it doesn't seem like you’re stressed or pressured at all.”
“You’d be surprised,” I chuckled, but then remembered my policy on not discussing my own personal life with clients. “Anyway, I think I’ve taken up enough of your time for today.”
“I don't mind. The longer the better actually.”
“Just because it’s Friday, doesn't mean you can just sit around and not do any work.”
“I'm the boss. It sort of comes with the territory.”
“It must be great to be Wyatt Pearce.”
“Not always, but let’s not get into that,” he said with a sigh and glanced at me. “Thank you for all your time. It’s not every day that someone who barely knows me is so patient with me.”
“You’re not as difficult as people think you are.”
“You’re just saying that to be nice.”
“We’re all fighting our own battles,” I answered with a shrug. “Should I leave this with you?” I asked pointing to the sample booklet.
“Can I just have the samples that I chose, if that’s okay?”
“Of course,” I said and took them out for him. I quickly glanced at my watch and stood up. “I have to get going, Mr. Pearce. My boss probably thinks that I’m playing hooky and went to the beach.”
“I could call her and explain to her,” he said as he stood up.
“No, that’s fine.”
“I don't want to get you into any trouble.”
“It’s fine, I swear,” I said with a smile. “I’ll send the necessary documentation, and all I need you to do is sign them. They’re just to say that you grant me the permission to redecorate and all that. It’s just standard procedure.”
“I’ll come to the office and sign them. Is Monday afternoon good with you?” he asked me.
“Sure. I’ll make sure that they’re ready for your signature. You know where our offices are, right?”
“I don’t but Porter will know.”
“Porter?”
“My driver.”
Of course. “That’s great.”
He walked me to the door of his office and he opened it. “Thank you again. I appreciate your effort.”
“Thank you for your time. I know you’re a busy man.”
“I’ll see you Monday.”
“Have a good weekend,” I said to him with a smile.
“And you.”
I turned away from him and made my way down the hallway to reception, still carrying that smile on my face. I passed by Hannah at her desk and said goodbye to her and that she has a wonderful weekend. She reciprocated the wishes and I headed for the elevator. Right before it closed, Calvin barged through and stood beside me.
“You’re leaving without saying goodbye,” he said, pretending to be wounded.
“I figured you were busy,” I said simply. “You know, I don't want to interfere, but you shouldn't be like that with your brother.”
“Like what?”
“You’re condescending, and you talk to him like he’s a child. It’s kind of rude.”
“You think I’m rude?” he asked.
“A little bit, yeah.”
“Wyatt is worse than me.”
“Your brother is particular, he’s not rude. At least not to me.”
“He was on the plane.”
“He told you about that.”
“He did. Good for you for standing up against him.”
I narrowed my eyes at him and shook my head.
“Let me tell you something about Wyatt.”
“I’m not here to-”
“My brother has OCD,” Calvin said to me.
“Okay,” I answered with a frown.
“That’s Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.”
“I know what OCD is.”
“You don’t look bothered.”
“That’s because I’m not. Why should I be?”
“Because he drives people crazy.”
“Well, I’m already crazy, so that’s okay.”
“You’re kidding, right?”
“Look, Calvin, your brother is a nice guy, and it seems to me that he’s having a bit of a tough time with something, and you should really cut him some slack.”
Calvin opened his mouth to say something, but before he could, the elevator doors opened and I stepped out.
“Have a good weekend,” I said to him and walked through the lobby, to the exit.
As I stepped out into the afternoon sun, I felt strangely invigorated, yet rather confused that I just defended the man who I thought was one of the biggest assholes I had ever met.