Page 36 of Changing Lanes

“They are. I must admit, I’m playing clean up after someone who dropped the ball on us.” She nods as she reaches for the tube.

“No worries. We’re a little laid back, but my brother is brilliant at his job.” As she pulls the plans, I scan around the room. Family photos are scattered everywhere.

“You have a large family.” It’s breathtaking.

“We do now, yes. Most are of Malone and his family. They have eight children and one on the way. Good thing he can build things, helps with additions.” She giggles.

“I can see where that would help. You’re also expecting?” Pointing to her adorable bump.

“We are. My husband is One’s lead foreman. Oh, here they are now.” Standing again, she makes the introductions. “Malone, we call him One, this is Torrie Harrington of Harrington Holdings. Torrie, One and my husband, Hardy. If you’ll excuse me, I’ll just go grab my plans.” She ducks out the door.

“Hi, Ms. Harrington. If you will, our conference room is just around this corner.” He points me in the direction. “The engineer had a bit of a family emergency, so he’s running late. I’m thankful he wasn’t busy considering we needed one immediately.”

“Torrie, please. That’s fine, we can go ahead and get started while we’re waiting if that’s good for you?” Turning to him as I sit down.

“Of course, let’s see what you have.” Hardy lays the plans on the table as Thayer re-enters with hers.

Going over every detail, One assures me there will be no issues. “The engineer is a subcontractor; he can start immediately. We just need to pull permits, submitting new papers with city hall,” One explains. I’m surprised by the family’s closeness. I suppose some families can get it right.

“We’ll need the engineer to draft new plans, but it won’t take him long,” Hardy explains.

“Excuse me.” One steps out of the room as Thayer shows me her mock-up for our landscaping.

“Torrie Harrington,” One says as he enters the room again. I stand and turn toward him when my breath is knocked out of me, “our engineer, Brannon O’Hurley.” Some would think ten years should be enough time to heal all wounds; apparently, it’s not. Looking at him, I see the same hazel eyes I believed in so much at one time. His features more matured, still ruggedly handsome. He wears a beard and mustache now, it looks good. I’m speechless as we stare at one another. I’m sure he’s trying to find words also. His eyes search mine but before he can say anything, I pull myself together.

“Oh, excuse me. Alright then, it’s been a pleasure. I’ll get back to you this afternoon.” Gathering my things quickly, I keep my eyes down.

“Okay. Let me get you my card so you can call my cell if you have any questions.” One turns to the table.

“Good. That’s fine. I, umm, okay.” Taking the card, I rush past, refusing to look at him again.

One follows me out of the room. “Torrie, is there a problem?” he asks.

Stopping me in my tracks, I consider his words. I also think about the position I’m in with this project. I don’t have any choices here, I can’t walk away. Taking a deep breath, I choose my words carefully.

“There is, do you have another engineer?” I ask calmly.

“No, this is last minute, he’s who’s available,” he says as he shakes his head.

“Alright, I need Mr. O’Hurley’s credentials. Could you email them to me?” I rasp from the knot that’s formed in my throat.

“I’ll send it this afternoon. May I ask what the problem is?” Moving closer to me, his voice lowers.

“I’ve had dealings with Mr. O’Hurley before, and my father wouldn’t approve.”

“And we wouldn’t want that, would we?” Brannon growls from the doorway.

“No, I would not,” I snip.

“I’ll do you the favor. I apologize, but it looks as though I can’t take the job. Thank you.” He hurries past me.

What the fuck? He’s already walked away from us once, he doesn’t get to again. I’m the one who got screwed between my father and him. I follow him out the door, barking at him, “What? No, that’s not how this works.”

“How what works?” Turning quickly, he stares at me as if he hates me. He hates me?

“It’s my decision whether to keep you or not, not yours,” I say sternly.

“Oh, what about your father?” He’s such an ass. I could kiss–kick him. What the fuck?

“It’s my call. Besides, I’m sure you don’t have an issue cashing my father’s checks, do you?” That should do the trick. This has been brewing for ten, long years.

“You know what, it’s not worth the money.” He storms away. Son of a bitch.

I step back into the door to find One looking concerned. “Torrie, we don’t have another engineer available,” he says.

“Can you find one? Raleigh, maybe?” I’m begging.

“I’ll see what I can do, but I’m not sure we’ll salvage the start time.” One looks closer through the plans.

“Just try. There’s no way we can work together.” I begin worrying my lip between my teeth.

“I can see it could be a problem, but we may not have a choice,” One replies.

“Do what you can, and I’ll see if I can resolve a few things.” Taking my bag and plans, I leave the office. Hurt, confused, and mad as hell.