Damaged Perfection (The Perfection Series Book 1)

dAMAGED

pERFECTION

bY

nICKI rAE

Copyright 2014 by Nicki Rae

All rights reserved. Damaged Perfection is copy written by Nicki Rae
.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, write to the publisher.

This is a work of fiction. Any names, places, characters or incidents used are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

Any questions or comments about this book should be forwarded to the author at the following email: [email protected]

dEDICATION

First and foremost, I need to thank my family for their constant support. Without them, none of this would be possible.

Sara N., you have become not only a great right hand woman but also a great friend. I look forward to our daily chats (and auto-corrects) for a good laugh. I am glad that I have had the pleasure of getting to know you. Fenton and Piper are that much better because of your dedication and daily assistance. (And the inspiration brought by Lego Fent!)

Michael and Cassidy, thank you so much for being the faces of Damaged Perfection. You made the perfect Piper and Fenton and I cannot thank you enough!!

Chasity H., Thank you for lending your skills in photography. Your keen eye captured some great shots. The photos that you took are making some great covers and I cannot thank you enough.

Christin and Amanda, thank you so much for BETA reading. Your input shaped this book quite a bit. You gals rock!

To the readers: I hope you love Fenton and Piper as much as I do. Thank you so much for reading

Prologue

              “Let’s go around front, Junior.”

              “Ok Pappy, what are we doing?”

              “We are going to take this telescope and look at some stars.”

              The two walk side by side to the front of the house, enjoying the sounds of a country night. When they begin walking down the long gravel driveway, Junior asks, “Can’t we see the same sky back by the house?”

              “Sure we can but we need less tree obstruction,” he says as he looks down on the boy with a sparkle in his eyes. They have looked through the telescope together many times but his nine-year-old mind is now able to understand what they are looking at.

              Once they make it to the end of the long drive and around the trees that line it, Pappy hands Junior the bag that holds the telescope. He eyes grow as large as saucers when he realizes what his grandfather wants.

              “Can’t I watch you one more time? Please?”

              “Son, you will never learn if I continue to assemble this for you.”

              The boy closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. Then he takes the bag and begins removing the parts. After he has everything out and in a straight line, he begins silently repeating the steps of putting the telescope together; steps which his grandfather has shown him repeatedly.

              After he successfully extends the legs of the tripod, he stops for a moment to remember what is next. This is the part that always trips him.

              “You are doing well, Junior.”

              His grandfather’s praise fuels his need for perfection. He walks over and retrieves the main tube, struggling just a bit with the heavy piece of equipment. When placing it in the center mount, he steadies it and checks both sides to be sure the placement is perfect. After adding the accessory tray, he tightens the wingnuts on each side and smiles at his grandfather with a sense of glowing accomplishment.

              “I did it all by myself!” he exclaims, while his grandfather nods his approval. Without saying a word, Pappy walks over and grabs an eye piece to assemble.

              “Who are we looking for tonight?” the boy asks his grandfather, as he bends to look through the scope, making sure everything is in focus.

              “Come over here,” he calls to Junior. The boy runs over, excited to find out what is in store for them on this early fall night.

              “No matter where you are, look to the Southwest sky and you will find the belt of the great hunter, Orion. Now, I want you to move the scope to the correct direction.” Junior pauses a moment, thinking. After talking himself through all the different directions, he finally he moves the scope slightly to the left.

              “That’s right, isn’t it?” Pappy looks at his grandson with pride welling in his eyes.

              “Yes.” He watches his grandson look through one of the eye pieces. Junior’s gaze returns to his after he is satisfied that it is focused.

              “What am I looking for, Pappy?”

              “You need to find three bright stars that are in a straight line.” Once again he looks through the scope, focusing and re-focusing the eye piece until a wide smile spreads on his face.

              “I see it, Pappy!”

              “Look just a bit north and you can see his shoulders. Just south are his feet.” He searches a few moments more.

              “I see them, too!” he says, as excitement courses through him.

              “That my boy is the constellation of a hunter. He was born strong and raised to be confident in himself. Orion would have looked at this scope and never questioned his ability to assemble it. He had the same confidence in himself that I have in you. Never question your abilities; always remember that you can do whatever you set your mind to.”

              Junior looked back at his grandfather as he absorbed his words. No one had ever spoken of such things to him. In that moment, he vowed to never disappoint his grandfather. He will learn the meaning of confidence and be sure to always carry it with him.

Chapter One

Piper

“Baby, are you sure you sure you want to work for this company? With your knowledge, you can work for anyone in the world.”

What my father really wants to say is, “Come work for my company.”

When I told him I wanted to be an architect just like him, he was ecstatic. But when I told him that I wouldn’t be working for the family business, he was heartbroken. It is hard enough getting people to respect a woman in the architectural field but being the boss’s daughter, I know that people will not take me seriously. I don’t want that. I want people to respect the fact that I know what I am doing. I even went as far as moving to Indiana to go to school. My father knows everyone in the field in Ohio and I needed a fresh start.

I worked my ass off in school to get where I am today. I was always hounded by the guys who thought they were better than me. I worked harder because of them. It was a bittersweet day when I walked back to my seat after giving my Valedictorian speech.

“Daddy, it will be fine. I can always walk away if I don’t like the company.”

“Ok, baby girl. But you better tell me if they give you any shit!”

“Daddy, I have to go. I love you.” I sigh, as I place my phone on my bedside table.

I take a look at myself one last time before leaving. The person staring back at me in the mirror looks distinguished in the tan pencil skirt and black jacket over a turquoise cami. But I feel as though I am going to vomit. Everything that I have worked so hard to accomplish over the last four years hangs in balance as I try to begin my new life and a new career. If I fail, I will have no choice but to head back to Ohio, and I am not going to let that happen. So I take a deep breath, find my confidence and head out of my apartment while trying to feel more optimistic about the interview.

As I drive along New York Street, I realize the route isn’t too difficult to navigate which is a bonus for me. I pass a beautiful Arts Garden that is next to the zoo and I make a mental note to visit them as they both look so beautiful. The road runs alongside of the White River and I silently pray that if I get the job, I am seated somewhere near a window so I can see the water.

I speed through the yellow light at the Washington Street intersection when I realize I was supposed to turn left. I exhale hard and scold myself for not driving down here yesterday as planned. The one thing I do know about driving in downtown Indianapolis is if you miss your turn you have to loop around and try again as it is full of one-way roads. For that reason and the fact that I am awful with directions, I allowed myself plenty of time for the drive.

Once I get myself going in the correct direction again, I take in the buildings that tower over me. I have only seen James Design on a website so I cannot wait to see the real deal. Everyone at school always raved about the place but I will have to see it with my own eyes.

My GPS begins telling me that I have arrived at my destination. I pat myself on the back when I realize that I am on the correct side of the road. It’s the small victories...

I ease into the parking garage that reads James on the over-head and my heart begins pumping. James Design is all the talk around the architect world and they chose me for an interview even though everyone that I graduated with applied. I wanted to shove it in their condescending faces when I actually did get the call. But I didn’t. In fact, I didn’t tell anyone but my family and my one close friend. Everyone from school can go to hell as far as I am concerned.

Glancing in my rear view mirror, I notice that there is not one other person in sight. I pull open the glove compartment and grab the pepper spray. My father made me promise to keep with me at all times. Even though I told myself that I would probably never use it, this garage is kind of creeping me out. With its dimmed lights and eerie calmness, I think it would be better to be safe than sorry.

After constantly looking over my shoulder, I finally make it out of the garage and walk the short distance to the corner. I feel a little more comfortable with all the people that are scurrying around, so I put the spray back in my purse.  When I round the corner, I see the massive building that is James Design on the back panel of the downtown circle. Its round shape is one of the tallest buildings in Indianapolis and it is a little overwhelming that I have to find my way around in there.

When I actually reach the building, I take a deep breath and pull open the large glass doors. Once inside, I can see why everyone says this company is the best. There is dark marble flooring throughout the entire reception area that is outlined with cream colored walls. The reception desk is massive with a very large Venetian crystal chandelier hanging from the high ceiling. First impressions are everything and James Design made sure that you have a good one.

              “Hi, can I help you?” I follow the voice to the lady sitting behind the desk. She must have seen the lost look on my face as I was searching the giant place. But I was in so much awe the first time I saw the desk that I completely missed her.

              “Yes, I am Piper Adams and I am supposed to be interviewing with Mr. James,” I answer. She walks out from behind her desk to shake my hand.

              “Hi Piper, I’m Jane and I am very glad to meet you!” she smiles warmly at me. “Mr. James will be with you shortly. Please, have a seat.”

              She walks with me to the seating area and waits until I am comfortable before returning to her desk. I can see how people, including me, could be overwhelmed with this place but I already love it.

              I am seated on a black leather sofa that is lined on either side by sleek glass end tables. The table to my right holds one of the most beautiful bouquets of carnations that I have ever seen. I stand to smell the flowers when I notice there are three other seating areas aside from the one I am occupying. I am a little confused as to why they all look the same, though. I know this is a design house but I would have thought they would just have samples put together for customers.

“Miss Adams, Mr. James will see you now,” Jane says, as she walks up to escort me to his office.

We walk down a long hallway that leads to an atrium that houses a long executive table with black leather desk chairs. The table has a beautiful centerpiece made of fresh carnations and a table runner the color of the chairs with a pen holder on each side of the flowers. The ceiling panels stop at a point and has the same large Venetian chandelier full of crystals hanging from the lobby. She smiles when she notices the look on my face.

“Don’t you just love this room? Plus, look at this magnificent view of the city?” I look past her to see cars traveling around the circle and the hustle of people on the streets making their way to their respective destinations.

“Absolutely! I am in such awe of the beauty of this place.”

“There are a lot of design houses to compete with, so we have to stand out in any way we can. I would put James against any of them. We have the best architects, engineers and interior designers.  And as you can see, they have created a very unique and open office. This is the best team that I have ever had the pleasure of working with and I am certain that you will love it here, too!” The pride that she has for the company is contagious and I find myself smiling along with her. She is just one more thing that makes me love this place already.

We begin walking down another, shorter, hallway that is lined with offices on either side. We stop just outside the door that is at the very end of the long hallway and I can feel myself getting a little nervous.

“Here we are Miss Adams,” Jane alerts. She shakes my hand and gives me one last warm smile before turning to walk back to her desk.

“Thank you.” I smile weakly at her, my confidence wavering. She smiles back at me over her shoulder.

I turn back to the office and am not sure exactly what to do. Do I just walk in? Before I have time to consider it further, I hear someone calling my name.

“Piper Adams?” an older gentleman asks, as he walks out of the office. I straighten my back and put my game face on. I can do this.

“Yes, I am Piper Adams; very nice to meet you, Mr. James,” I say, as I put my hand out for him to shake. I know in the business world, it is the woman who must extend her hand first when meeting with a man.

“Come on in and please call me Frank,” he says. He grabs my hand and we shake while we walk in his office.

His giant oak desk is in the center of the most immaculate office I have ever seen. It is very neat and orderly; there isn’t a pen out of place. His papers are stacked, evenly, on one corner of his desk and each magazine is sitting perfectly square on the coffee table. Bookshelves line three walls and are filled with architectural books of all kinds. I am amazed to see that even the books on the shelves seem to be perfectly placed. As I stand there surveying the office, I notice a bathroom. My father’s office doesn’t even have a bathroom. I have to keep myself from showing the incredulity that I feel.

He closes the door behind me and motions for me to sit in one of his large black leather chairs. To my surprise, he takes the seat next to me; not the seat behind his desk. For some reason, this makes me a little more nervous. I feel the lump beginning to form in my throat as I feel I need his desk between us for comfort.

              Frank looks to be in his early fifties with gray hair and sky blue eyes. He crosses his jean-clad leg over his knee and drapes his arm over the armrest of the chair. The longer I sit next to him the more the nervousness seems to be fading. He has such kind eyes and they seem to be really intrigued about our impending interview. I am a little confused to see him wearing jeans as I expected him to be in a business suit. However, now that I think about it, everyone in the office was somewhat dressed down.

“Your name has come highly recommended to me, so thank you for agreeing to meet.”

I get a sinking feeling in my stomach because I know this is my father’s doing. I thought I was called for an interview based off of my background.

“Professor Barnes is much respected in the industry and she spoke very highly of you.”

I let out the breath I was holding. I am relieved and shocked at the same time.

              “Everything ok?” Mr. James asks me a little confused.

              “Yes, I was just not expecting to hear that.” I briefly consider telling him why but if he doesn’t know who my father is, I am not going to tell him.

              “Ok. I want to have a very informal interview here and then if you don’t mind, I would like to take you to one of the job sites. I want you to see what you would be working with.” I have to contain my excitement. There is no place I would rather be than on a job site. Seeing everyone working together with the help of machinery, to make something beautiful, is heaven to me.

              “Yes, that would be great. I would love to see one of the company’s projects.”

              “Great let’s get started.” He walks over to his drawing table and pulls out some plans for a new school. He hands me the specifications and asks how I would make them work. I look at them for a few minutes before I begin telling him the ideas that are flowing.

              “What level school are we talking?”

              “The current middle school is attached to the elementary and is far too small for the growing number of students. So they would like a separate middle school and then they are going to expand the elementary.”

              “A lot of communities are going this route. There is plenty of room for all of the different types of ball fields, here by the back fence line. I think we will have to expand the parking a little, but that can be arranged. How many grade levels will be in this building?” I ask without even looking up at him.

              “Seventh and eighth grades.”

              “Well that works perfect because it looks as though in order to add parking we will have to make the building into a horse shoe shape. That should also create separation between the grades.” I continue on about placement of the bathrooms, how many students each room can accommodate and how much I loved my Science teacher for the next fifteen minutes before realizing that I have went over everything. I pull my attention back to Mr. James to find him relaxing back in his chair, listening intently with his chin in the palm of his hand.

              “I hope that answers the question. I felt I began rambling, so I stopped,” I say, with a skeptical smile.

              “How do you feel about the plan that you presented?”

              Even though I know he has been in the business a while, he is easy to talk to. And I didn’t feel as self conscious about talking to him as I initially thought I would.

              “Honestly, I am very confident in the knowledge that I have, but I may not have the best presentation, especially on such short notice.”  Without saying a word, Frank stands, walks over to his coat closet and pulls out a black leather bag and a briefcase. He grabs his keys from his desk and begins waking towards the door.

              “Are you ready for your tour of the job site?”

              “Absolutely!”

              Even though I have no idea what he thinks of my answers, I am excited to go to the site. Hopefully once we arrive, he will talk to me about it a little more. We head out of the building and I feel a little safer walking around the garage knowing he will be with me.