Page 26 of Scarred Temptation

“You did these?”

He laughed before moving toward one of his office windows, his view of the ocean and crystalline beach spectacular. “Don’t sound so shocked. I enjoy drawing if now only for personal reasons and as a hobby my wife says is taking over my life. The firm was presented with an opportunity that we weren’t certain we wanted so I handled the first stage. To our surprise, our firm was chosen above the top architects in our field out of New York, Boston, and Atlanta. A significant nod to our company.”

“That’s wonderful, but we don’t handle medical facilities.” I turned my head toward him.

“We do now. Which is why you’re here. Mark and I want you to be the project manager. This isn’t an overnight proposition and will require a close relationship with the people providing us with the opportunity.”

“Mark wants me involved? I thought he was too busy giving unbiased promotions to family members.” I didn’t even blink when I made the statement.

He shook his head, chuckling under his breath. “Even Mark knows his nephew couldn’t handle this given its importance. Plus, you’re more than qualified and you understand the needs surrounding a medical facility of this nature.”

“Because of my sister.”

“Because of your sister.”

Every muscle in my body tensed. “I don’t know as much as you think I do.”

“You have a feel for what would have made the months you both endured more palatable.”

While he was right, I wasn’t certain I could stomach handling a project of such a magnitude. Especially without becoming emotional.

“When is the project set to start?”

“A couple weeks. You’ll have a preliminary meeting with the owners in a few days where you can present a timeline and they can provide expectations.”

A lump had already formed in my throat. “I’d need a team. Handpicked.”

“Of course.”

“And a larger space to work. I’m wall to wall in my office.” I was trying to be practical.

His smile indicated he’d already thought of it. “Easy to do. And of course you’ll have a significant bump in salary. You are the best person for the job, hands down.”

Memories were something I didn’t need or want. They were debilitating and harsh, keeping me unfocused and for a project of this magnitude, I needed all my faculties on full display. “John. Can I think about it? It’s not that I won’t relish the challenge or appreciate being chosen. It’s just…”

“Being involved will bring up painful memories.”

“That’s already happened.” I looked away from him, trying to concentrate on the waves outside his window.

“Take the upcoming weekend, Isabel, but I will need to know by Monday as timing will become an issue very quickly. Just know that if this project goes well, there is a good chance we will consider opening a healthcare division. You’d certainly be the logical choice to be the head.”

I took a deep breath, returning my attention to the sketches one more time. “Do you have any information on the company we’ll be working with?”

“I do and I’ll be happy to send you everything I have.”

“Thank you.”

“You’re an incredible architect, Isabel, and honestly, I have a strong feeling the experience could be very cathartic for you as well as being the catalyst in helping hundreds of children in the future.”

“I know,” I half whispered even as another pang of anguish flowed through my heart.

* * *

“What does a logistical firm know about building an entire medical mecca?” Hope was my best friend in the world and had been for years. We were like peas in a pod, able to read each other’s minds.

“I don’t exactly know. All I learned is that they are diversifying into real estate.” Which was true. John had sent me the information later in the day and I’d yet to have time to research who they were other than the basics.

They seemed to be well funded. In truth, I’d been a little shell-shocked, both avoiding the subject in my own mind and already creating mental lists of what changes I would make given my former experience.