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“Oh, really. Which one of my projects did you like best?” I test her knowledge to check if she’s a keeper or one who likes to impress.
“Let’s see. The Mansion de LaSalle you completed two years ago out in Baton Rouge is one of my favorite boutiques to shop at. The arches and rounded corners scream luxury, but the price tags do not, thankfully. I also love club Paradise in Miami. I think it fits the regional flair perfectly. The design was on point. Also completed by one of my girl crushes.”
No one knows I did the boutique. It was a favor for a friend of our family who had won the state lottery. I have to admit, I am impressed.
“Yeah, Marlissa was a great asset to my company. Glad to see her doing well. I’m curious, why is your résumé so empty? You seem to have a vast knowledge of the industry and a great ass… I mean an eye for detail.” Did I fucking just let my dick talk for me?
I rub my face to hide the embarrassment while Darlene laughs at my error. Kara’s smile wavers before she speaks.
“I haven’t had an opportunity like this open to me. I have done small things locally, as outlined on my résumé, but that’s the extent. I’ve applied with companies in neighboring cities and states, but no one wants to take a chance on a virtual nobody.”
I can’t stop staring at her. Her voice puts me in some kind of trance that neither me nor my dick can get out of.
“Wh-wha-what would you do differently than what’s already done?” I try to find my words when speaking with Kara since the mere sight of her has me captivated. I nod to Darlene to take notes and I take Ms. Brown by her arm, urging her to walk around.
“Well, to be honest, and probably ruin my shot at this job, I would scrap the pale colors. New Orleans is a rich, vibrant city, and in every popular, trendy, big or small establishment, you can always tell you’re in the Big Easy. These filigree designs in the crown molding scream snobbery, no offense. What I picture is a mash-up of hot and chic with a little New Orleans bounce. Oh, that’s a music style popular here, in case you didn’t know.”
Darlene laughs out loud, and I look to her with my brow arched.
“Okay. Do you have any designs that match what you envision?”
“Here on my tablet I have a few samples, but my full portfolio is back at my office. I can send a few over for review.”
“Hey, boss. The marble for the bar is here. Do you want to examine it before signing off?” Jerome, my lead foreman, announces.
“Wanna go inspect the marble and make sure it fits your design scheme?”
Her eyes open wide, and I can tell she’s excited.
“You mean…” she squeals, pressing a hand against her chest in excitement.
“If you want it,” I reply.
“Of course I do. Thank you so much.”
She hugs me, and that little static spark hits us again. We both giggle, and I ask Jerome to escort her to the back, allowing me a moment to talk to Darlene.
“So, no experience, yet she impressed you,” she says smugly.
“Okay. You were right. What made you pick her?”
“Call it a woman’s intuition, but I knew she would be perfect for this job.”
“Yeah. She is perfect.” I stare off at the back area where she is standing shaking her head no at the marble and using her smartphone to show them what is needed. “I mean, for the job. Go start her paperwork, I’ll send her to you in a moment.”
“Mmm-hmm,” Darlene utters, walking away.
I go over to the delivery guy to help smooth over any changes.
“That’s actually a better choice for the bar areas. You have a great eye, Ms.…”
“Brown. Kara Brown. I can see if Mr. Phillips will order it from this distributor. They have a great discount, and it should help him come in under budget.”
“Whoa. On the job five minutes and already saving me money?”
Everyone laughs while I shake the hand of the delivery driver.
“Well, I know the owner of this warehouse. I created a few formals for his daughters and wife, and he promised me a twenty percent discount off the cost if I ever needed it. I can call and order this marble if you want.”
