Gracie:We need to go back to the safe zone.
I sigh.
Marc:You got it.
I stand and pour another drink.
Marc:Do you have a favorite TV show right now?
I take the drink back to my position on the couch.
Gracie:Not really. I just watch any cheesy reality show.
Marc:Sounds boring.
Gracie:For boys, yes. For girls, no.
Marc:I watch thirteen-year-old movies. I’m sure I could sit through girly TV shows.
Gracie:Is that a challenge?
Marc:If it means I can hold you.
Gracie:Marc…
Marc:I better go because I keep slipping the longer we talk.
Gracie:Probably a good idea.
Marc:Goodnight,Bellax
Gracie:Goodnight, Marc.
I drain the glass and walk to my bedroom to strip and get into bed. Every night, I close my eyes and dream of her. And tonight is no different.
A few days later, there is another meeting with Jason. I sit and listen to him talk, occasionally peering over and catching a glimpse of Gracie. Sitting there in a pretty green top and a black jacket. Her hair is swept up into a bun, and it shows off her high cheekbones and tempting eyes.
“Okay, we made a decision for the first part,” Jason says.
The picture of the winning design pops up and it’s gray with blue undertones…it’s theirs.
“Oh my god,” Gracie mumbles around her hand that’s covering her mouth. Her eyes are wide and glossy.
Mason smiles at her and says, “It’s your design.” And I’m no longer angry the competition won because it was her design. I’m fucking proud.
My face splits into a wide grin, and as she looks over, I mime, “Congratulations.”
She mouths back, “Thanks.”
Her face flushes pink, and then the client stops the celebration by changing the conversation to a new area for us to work on.
Using a new color pallet to work with the gray/blue of the sign.
The meeting lasts for an hour, and I pack up and leave. I want to catch Gracie to congratulate her properly, but Mason is talking to her. I follow them into the elevator, and I keep my eyes forward, not allowing myself to let them drift toward her.
Exiting onto the ground floor, I turn for my car and pull out my phone.
Marc:Congratulations. You chose the blue, I heard.