Page 35 of Changing Lanes

~Ten years later~

My cell phone vibrates as I finish the last email. Looking to see what it’s about, I see my father’s name. What in the hell does he want? I’m sure it’s to go over plans we’ve been over a hundred times. A few more months and he’ll be gone, and I can damn well run things the way I want. Pushing a few buttons, I hit speaker on my desk phone and it begins to ring.

“Torrence, I didn’t realize you would still be at work. Is there anything wrong?” Rolling my eyes, I gag a little before answering.

“No, nothing’s wrong. I just work my ass off for this company. How can I help you?” I’m tired and my morning starts at five, so I’m ready to go home.

“I know you do, that’s why I need to ask you to handle an issue.” Someone starts the fire, I put it out. I’m beginning to think I should’ve been a fireman.

“I’m taking notes.” His signal to fill me in.

“The Cherry Grove project may be done for. We need someone on the ground in the next twenty-four.” He tells it like it is. What in the hell?

“Did Davidson not finalize?” Heads are going to fucking roll.

“It fell through. I do not trust him now or his gut instinct. I need you there. We have to finalize and start in one week,” he explains. Damn it.

Disbelief washes over me. “One week? You’re joking me? You want me to find an engineer, crew, and submit plans in one week?”

“Yes. I need it done. When something needs to be done and done right, we send the best. I’ll have Tina make the arrangements. Be ready to fly out by six in the morning.” He ends the call.

Counting to ten before I pick up my cell, I send a text to Tina with a few instructions of my own. An hour later, I tie up loose ends here at the office. I’m not sure how long I’ll be gone, so I plan to pack for a week knowing I can go purchase the rest as needed.

I’ve spent the last ten years working my way up the corporate ladder, my decision. No way would my father have the right to say he gave it to me. I worked from the ground up, learning every corner of the business and getting my ass kicked until I learned how to kick ass. I focus solely on my job, I have nothing else. I lost it years ago, and I have no plans of going back to who I was.

I’m one of the most respected COO’s in New York. My apartment is worth a million five, and I earned every penny to pay for it. It sits in the wealthiest community in the city, with views of the park. I have a doorman and a driver.

I’m home by eleven. I grab a bottle of wine and a glass on my way through to pack. Tina sent the email I need for this project. My first line of business is to find a company that can handle this build. Hopefully, they can recommend an engineer and we can get the ball rolling.

Getting the right construction company will allow us certain pull with the permits. So, I’ve asked for the most sought after and influential company. It will cost but we’re already in the hole. I’ll cut cost somewhere else. By one in the morning, I crawl into bed.

I hate early morning flights. I opt for traveling clothes, my father would die if he seen me dressed unprofessionally. Good thing, he isn’t seeing me off. Jeans and a baseball tee with a ball cap pulled down low is my choice today.

My rental car is ready when I get off the company plane. Not my first choice but I’ll be near the beach on a work site, so an SUV will work. Setting my GPS, I drive to town. I need a rental and prefer a house on the beach. It’s cost effective since I don’t know how long I’ll be here. Hotels, especially ones we don’t own, aren’t my style.

Driving Highway Seventeen into town, I find I enjoy the quaint feel it has. Cherry Grove is just north of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. It’s just far enough away from the hustle and bustle of the main beach. Families will love this area.

I call the realtor, explaining that I’m on my way in. An hour later, I’ve rented a house next to the beach in a gated community. I paid a hefty price, but I like the added security.

My next stop is to find a few pieces of furniture and staples. By the end of the day, I’ve set up my house and filled the refrigerator. A glass of wine in hand, I hit the beach for a few minutes alone. The waves are comforting as they crash to the shore.

The late spring evening makes the air cool, but being from the north, I don’t mind it. It’s warmer than the temperature at home. The night sky is clear, showcasing the stars as they dance high in the sky. Setting my glass down beside me, I wrap my arms around myself.

Soon, memories haunt me like demons. Mistakes made I’ll always regret. Some, I’ll never forget. The ocean is restless, mimicking my thoughts. The moon hangs high overhead, helping me to find my way back an easy walk.

Starting my day at six, I spend a few minutes on emails, sending and approving things back at the office. I open Tina’s attachment for construction companies in the area, combing through each one and checking references. One stands out above the rest, the owner is an engineer, and the company also offers landscaping. I feel as though I’m a bit too lucky, but we schedule a meeting for eleven this morning.

The construction company, based in Raleigh, North Carolina, has been in business for seventy-five years. The founder’s grandson took it over and relocated the home base here in Cherry Grove. Specializing in commercial construction, including some of their own buildings. They also have recommendations a mile long.

If I hadn’t verified the company’s background myself, I would be doubting they could do the job. The office building is small and adjacent to a landscaping business. Woods Commercial and Residential Construction is the highest rated in the tristate area.

Opening the office door, there’s a stunning lady sitting at a desk. She looks at me with a smile before standing. I immediately introduce myself. “Good morning, Torrie Harrington for Malone Woods.”

She offers her hand. “Hi, I’m Thayer Turner of Living Designs. Malone is my brother.”

“Hello, it’s good to meet you.” Taking her hand, I give it a firm shake.

“Malone will be right out. Please, call me Thayer. Are those your plans?” She motions to the cylinder in my hand.