Page 52 of Stay

Jaedyn and I drop down in the remaining two chairs at the large table, empty-handed.

Noah strides over. “Let’s get started. Brent, where are we with the McDowells?”

“Contract’s signed and construction has started.”

“Good. Avery, what’s on your end?”

“I’m just waiting on a few approvals, but don’t expect anything until after the New Year. I also made adjustments for each of the Clyde-Smith projects. They’ve signed off on them already.”

Avery is the favorite in the company. He seems annoyed all the time, but he’s a really good goddamn architect who I think just hates people. He also reminds me of my baby brother with how he’s always working.

We take turns going around the table, reporting to Noah about shit that could have all been done through email.

My cell buzzes again. Damnit.

“Cole?”

I look across the table and lean back in my chair. “All good on my end. Just waiting on some approvals.”

“And the party plans? How are those coming along?”

“Good.” I perk up, suddenly eager to throw my girl some well-earned credit. “Haley’s secured a venue and has already taken care of everything.”

Noah’s brow arches. “It’s two weeks away, so I would hope she has, for fuck’s sake.”

I want to punch my boss in the mouth. What an arrogant piece of shit. He threw that event at me last minute, and for Haley to get it all together so fast was no small feat. The asshole should be more appreciative.

“Did she sign off on her office design?” Noah asks.

Wait. Woah. Shit. I forgot Noah knew Haley came here asking for a design. I’m not about to tell him I’ve done it for free. “She’s run into a minor hiccup with her landlord. The project’s on hold for the time being.”

If I say more, I’ll get us both in trouble.

Jaedyn shoots me a quick glare and clears his throat. “Did you happen to hear anything about that Marine Life project yet?”

Noah leans back and swivels in his chair. “As a matter of fact, I have.”

I swear, all the blood drains from my body and pools in my shoes. A visceral reaction like this speaks volumes about how much hope I’ve put into this opportunity.

“That’s fast,” Avery says, looking at me. Going by the smile on his face, he probably already knows he’s gotten the deal. He always fucking gets it. I mean, hey, good for him, but damn, I’d like a shot for once too.

Noah stands up and clasps his hands behind his back. Slowly walking around the conference table, he says, “There were fifty-two designs submitted.”

My heart drops. Well, there went my last hope. I can’t compete with that much talent. I can hardly compete with the people in my office.

“Getting this deal was a long shot,” Noah says solemnly. “And I’m really proud of each of you for submitting. You made NGC look damn good.”

Just fucking say it. Say we didn’t get it. Or say we did, and it’s all thanks to Avery.

“Apparently, it came down to three options. One from Lumineer Architects in San Diego, one from London, and the other,” he says, his gaze sailing to Avery, “from our humble office.”

My stomach drops. Avery got it. I knew he would, and I’m happy for him, but man, I put my soul into that design, and it still got me nowhere. Swallowing past the tightness in my throat, I do my best to not let this news affect me. So what if I didn’t get it? I’m used to rejection. I’ll just try harder next time.

“Congratulations,” I say, meaning it. My hands are clammy. I can’t believe this news is hitting me so hard. “You deserve it, man. You bust your ass more than anyone else here.”

“Who said it was Avery?” Noah glowers at me for a heartbeat. Two heartbeats. Five heartbeats. Then he starts to slow clap.

What the hell?

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