Scraping up what little dignity I could, I took a deep breath and said, sorry.
Scott broke out into a fit of laughter. “Shit. I never expected you to do it.” I waited while he calmed down. “What’s the gig?”
“A Moretti condominium. It’s being completely gutted and redone.”
“How’d you swing that job? They always work with Jones Design.”
I tapped my pen on the desk. Since winning the contract a month ago, I’d run into this question a lot. The fact I got a job because of my partner embarrassed me. Luca swore our proposal was the best, and we would’ve won the work whether or not I was his girlfriend, but I knew I would’ve nevergotten theopportunity to make a pitch without our connection.
“Luca Moretti asked me to put in a bid, and we won.” Scott made a noise like he was going to say something, so I cut him off. “That’s beside the point. Are you available?”
Scott laughed. “I can make the time. Come to the studio tomorrow, and we’ll get to work. I promise to make my deadlines.”
“You better. This is big for both of us.”
“10-4 Red.”
“Bye,Scott.”
Ending the call, I let out a groan.
Pulling together the updates that I had to deliver to Luca’s office at three, I didn’t notice Ashley slip into the room.
“You heading to Moretti’s today?”
Nearly jumping out of my skin, my hand flew to my chest as I scowled at the bubbly nightmare. “Jesus,Ash. Please announce your presence or I’m getting you a fucking bell.”
She laughed as she plopped down in the chair in front of my desk. “Sorry, I can’t help how stealthy I am.”
“Mhm. How was your 10 a.m. with that boutique hotel?” I went back to sorting all the documents.
“It’s a done deal. We’re going to renovate the entire thing over the next few months, so they don’t have to close.”
Ashley smiled from ear to ear. The only thing better than her eye for design was her sales pitch. The girl had the gift of gab.
“That’s great! A year from now, SA Designs is going to be the go-to inSt. Louisfor hospitality.”
Checking the candy bowl, Ashley pursed her lips as she dug through the remaining Werther’s Originals. “Maybe then we can take a vacation. These hours are making having a personal life impossible.”
“Sure, but it’s worth it, right?”I frowned and glanced up from my tidy pile of papers.
Her eyes widened, and she sat up straight, her hands flying out in a defensive move. “Of course! This is our dream.” She lifted one shoulder as she looked back down at the desk. “I just wish I could have this and a steady relationship. After Theo, I realized I don’t have time for a man right now, and that really sucks.” She ran her hand over the slicked-back hair that gathered into a big poof at the back of her head, patting on top with a frown. “I’m twenty-seven, and I thought I’d be a little further along in the romantic department.”
Guilt hit me hard. While Luca and I had been struggling to make time for each other, we had the benefit of living together. Even if I only saw him two evenings a week, I at least caught a glimpse of him here and there.
“Ash, I’m sorry. I wish I could take more off your plate. How about after we wrap up the Moretti project and the hotel, we take a girls’ trip somewhere fabulous?”
Ashley relaxed back in the chair. “That sounds heavenly. Let’s do it.”
“Great.” Shoving the folders into my bag, I walked around my desk toward the door. “Now I have to go sweet talk Luca into letting go of those hideous, fucking expensive-ass light fixtures he’s dead set on for the hallways. Wish me luck.”
Ashley followed me out, flipping the light switch. “Godspeed, Sasha Mitchell.”
Booking it, I made it to Luca’s office just in time for our meeting. I placed the cupcake I picked up for Lauren on her desk with a wink. Luca’s executive assistant was a fucking saint. She kept me looped in on his schedule and even reminded him when he had been at the office late too many nights in a row. I loved Lauren.
Nicki’s monotone voice greeted me before I even stepped into Luca’s office. The woman was a bore. The few times I had to interact with her,I found myself imagining new ways to incapacitate her and flee. It was a good thing she was beautiful and intelligent because moss had more personality than her.
“I need you to get these contracts signed by 4 p.m. today.”Nicki was leaning over Luca’s shoulder, her dark wavy hair brushing his shoulders. Had the woman never heard of personal space? I took a deep breath to try and shake off my annoyance.