Let It Be Me (Let It Be Me #1) (2 page)

“Well it’s back to work today,” Kayla said automatically, always the party pooper. “Have to finalize the presentation for next week.”

“You’ll do great. You’ll definitely wing it,” her friend said loyally.

“I really hope so. And of course all thanks to you and Brandon,” Kayla said. The low-cost apartment project was important to her. Bobby gave her the project brief a couple weeks back. They have already visited the site – it seemed like a peaceful part of Brooklyn. The firm was only going to be paid minimally for the project as she heard Bobby was a supporter of the foundation.

The project was a breath of fresh air after almost ten years of working on high-end condominiums, office buildings, and houses for the rich and famous. Growing up in a rough neighborhood, Kayla has always dreamt of coming up with this home for those who have it harder at life. She knew all too well that a great environment helped a person’s outlook.

She hasn’t personally met anyone from the client side. She was in Seattle for the turnover of one of the firm’s designs when Bobby first met with the foundation last month. The clients gave a very detailed design program to work with though, so Kayla and the team didn’t have a hard time coming up with the proposal. Somehow, Kayla immediately understood what the clients wanted. She hoped she wasn’t wrong, and that the foundation would be happy with the proposal they have come up with.

* * *

“The concept is
family
. It’s about belonging and taking care of one another. It’s about openness and community. We’re going to have a courtyard with low-maintenance landscaping that will also serve as a play area for the children. This way the play area is secured, with the units looking over the common area. Then at one corner would be a vegetable garden which can help sustain the soup kitchen.”

“The system would require some training and discipline for the residents,” she added, “but I think the garden would help strengthen the ownership they feel over the whole complex and provide some of them a bit of livelihood. The project brief said they did want to offer some livelihood for some of the residents. So I hope they would be on board with this.”

Kayla could almost feel the excitement in her voice as she explained the concept to Bobby later that afternoon. The design she and the team came up with was a development of four mid-rise buildings that was far from cramped, yet still met the space requirements of the clients. Open spaces were maximized, and each tower had a partial roof garden. Vertical gardens of low-maintenance plants were also scattered around the complex. The feel of the development was light and airy to promote an open feel and hopefully serve as security.

She went over the cost estimate and floor area numbers with Bobby. Bobby had some suggestions, which Kayla agreed with.

“Great job as usual, Kayla,” Bobby praised at the end. “With the minor revisions we talked about, we’re good to go. Not to get ahead of ourselves, but I think they would be quite happy with this.”

“Thank you,” Kayla beamed, grateful for the approval and praise. “I really hope so.”

“So I think we’re more than ready for our presentation next week,” Bobby inferred.

“I think so,” Kayla agreed, nodding.

“Yes, so everyone can enjoy the office party this Saturday,” Bobby reminded her.

“That’s right, I almost forgot,” Kayla admitted. It seemed like ages ago when she and Jenny went shopping during their lunch break last month to buy their dresses. The office held an annual party for both clients and employees to celebrate the anniversary of the firm. It was a night for everyone to forget about work, yet not quite.

“We want everyone in the office to have a balanced life,” Bobby lectured kindly, with a knowing smile. 

“I try, Bobby,” Kayla said, smiling. Bobby has been her mentor since she joined the firm ten years ago when she just graduated from college. He saw the potential in her, trained her for her board exams, and made her an associate after her sixth year. It meant so much to Kayla because the firm was a male-dominated one and she was honored to get one of the higher positions after her years in the firm.

Bobby Flanders, who was in his early sixties, wasn’t the least bit ostentatious and not overly ambitious. He was a leader and an ally, that’s why Kayla has remained devoted to the firm. She knew that she was very fortunate to have a boss like him. And at times, she felt like he treated her like the daughter he never had, as he was only blessed with two sons. Neither of his sons went into architecture, but Bobby never expressed disappointment in that fact. He respected his sons’ chosen professions as a doctor and as a chef.

“Well then, let’s go over the revisions Monday morning. It will give us enough time to do last minute adjustments if necessary for Wednesday’s presentation. You’ll lead the presentation, okay?”

“I would love to,” Kayla replied happily. He understood that she was treating the project like her own baby. She didn’t keep it a secret from him how much she enjoyed working on this project. “Thank you.”

Kayla passed by Jenny’s table on her way back to her office. 

“How did it go?” Jenny asked.

“Good,” Kayla said. “I’ll round you guys up in a bit to discuss the revisions, but I think they’re quite minimal.”

“Great!” Jenny exclaimed.

“And it was Bobby who had to remind me about the party this Saturday,” Kayla said, laughing. “I’ve been so caught up with work that I forgot we’ve already bought our dresses!”

“Oh Kayla, I’ve been talking about it while working on this project!” Jenny said, shaking her head.

“I know, I’m sorry,” Kayla said, grinning. “You know me, I sometimes have a one-tracked mind when it comes to work.”

“Maybe a bit too much?” Jenny scolded lightly.

Kayla laughed. “Fine, how about this. I go to your house Saturday afternoon so we can prep for the party together.”

Jenny clapped her hands. “That would be fun!” 

“For the number of years I’ve known you, I never got to ask you, but were you a cheerleader in high school?” Kayla kidded.

“Of course I was!” Jenny replied grinning, but it was obvious she was telling the truth. “Not sure if I could still do all those cartwheels and splits though!”

Chapter 3

“I’m so happy about the dresses we got. My favorites to date,” Jenny gushed that Saturday night. The ballroom was filled with the firm’s employees, consultants, and some clients. The ballroom was at the top floor of one of the hotels in the city, and had a stunning view. Music from a live quartet was playing, and people were already dancing. The party started a couple of hours ago and it was already in full swing. Bobby set aside a generous budget for these celebrations.

“I know. We did get good finds,” Kayla agreed. She was in a gold one-shouldered fitted dress that billowed out past the knees. The dress looked regal when she and Jenny saw it on a mannequin last month. She felt confident wearing it, and it was luckily within her budget.  

Jenny wore a royal blue strapless dress that flattered her curves. 

For the past four years, both Jenny and Kayla enjoyed dressing up for the party more than the event itself. Jenny has influenced Kayla to dress to the nines for these functions especially since she had to face clients. 

Seeing their other colleagues all decked out was pretty fun too.

“Do you want anything to drink?” Jenny’s husband Ryan offered. He was looking quite handsome also that night, wearing a tailored suit – quite different from the ensemble he would usually wear as a high school teacher. Kayla had been teasing them that afternoon as they prepared for the event. After finding out Jenny was a cheerleader, she asked Ryan how he was during his high school days. Ryan admitted he was the math geek. Kayla had a laugh teasing him that he got to marry the popular girl. Flushed, Ryan declared that he was indeed a lucky guy.

“A glass of white wine please,” Kayla said, smiling at the memory. “Thank you.”

“Me too, hun,” Jenny said.

As Ryan left them, they were approached by Dave Connor, one of their colleagues. He was also one of the head designers, like Kayla, having his own team. 

“Hey ladies,” he greeted. “Both of you are looking gorgeous.” He had a glass of wine on one hand and his other hand in the pocket of his pants. 

“Dave,” Kayla greeted casually, then peered at Jenny who gave her an eye roll. Dave wasn’t exactly their favorite person. Their teams have worked together in a large resort project three years back. Kayla wished it wouldn’t happen that often – or better yet, never again. Dave was known around the office to be quite pompous and vied to get all the high-profile projects of the firm. She pitied the architects assigned to his team. 

He was one of those men who have tried to ask Kayla out but hasn’t succeeded. At first glance one would think Dave was good-looking with his chiseled features and a body he seemed to be taking care of. But once he started talking, people easily got turned off. He was a pretty good designer though, Kayla would give him that.

“So how’s the charity project?” he asked, looking at Kayla.

Kayla cringed by the way he phrased his question. It was no secret that the apartment project was one of Bobby’s pro bono projects since he was supporting the foundation of the clients. Kayla was pretty sure Bobby waived the professional fees, and that the foundation was only paying for the direct expenses. But by the way Dave spoke, he made it sound like Bobby just gave Kayla the project as a charity case. 

“It’s going great,” Kayla said, managing to play it cool. “We’re ready for the presentation this coming week.”

“Good, good,” Dave said, though Kayla didn’t really sense any sincerity. 

Ryan came back just then with their flutes of white wine.

“Hun, I think you’ve met Dave before,” Jenny said. “Dave, this is my husband Ryan.”

“Ah yes, hi, Ryan,” Dave said, shaking Ryan’s hand. “Looks like you have one too many pretty ladies with you right now. Maybe I can steal Kayla away for a dance?”

Kayla was quick to reply. “Sorry Dave, I don’t dance.” She hardly did. She just didn’t like making a spectacle of herself. And dancing with Dave made the offer much less appealing.

Dave shrugged. “Your loss,” he said, walking away.

Kayla’s eyes grew wide. Even if she was quite familiar with how much of a douche Dave could be, he would sometimes still shock her.

“Jerk,” Ryan muttered, as Jenny used a more colorful term. Ryan has heard stories from both Kayla and Jenny about Dave, but hasn’t seen it for himself until that night.

“Don’t mind him, Kayla,” Jenny said, “The apartment project is pretty exciting.” 

“I know,” Kayla concurred. “He’s just jealous. I really hope the presentation goes well.” Even if it wasn’t her money, designing the apartment complex would practically be fulfilling one of her dreams.

“It will. You deserve it, Kayla,” Jenny said in a soft voice. Kayla was aware of her friend’s enlarged eyes, probably because of Kayla’s overenthusiasm. 

“Thanks. I wouldn’t have done it without all your help of course,” Kayla exclaimed, oblivious to the whispers and giggles around her. Even Ryan cleared his throat.

“Kayla, there you are,” she heard Bobby Flanders speak from behind her, cutting her off. She slowly turned around and grateful for the years of dealing with high-profile clients, she managed to keep her cool. It was not because of the sight of her boss, but because of the man standing next to him. 

She found herself face to face with the same movie star she encountered just days before. This time he was wearing an Italian suit that just made him more alluring. 

Her heart started pounding.

“Kayla, I don’t think you’ve met Alexander Stone. Alexander, meet Kayla Richardson… one of the firm’s prized possessions.” 

Kayla couldn’t believe it. No wonder he was in their building that day. One of the other teams was probably designing his house. It just felt so surreal seeing Alexander Stone standing in front of her.

“Call me Alex. Nice to meet you, Kayla,” he said, offering her his hand. He flashed his dazzling smile. 

“Nice to meet you, too, Alex” Kayla found herself reply, taking his hand. She couldn’t believe his arms were around her waist a few evenings ago. Or that she just had a wild dream about him. And now she was in first name basis with him – a movie star that broke box office records with his summer blockbuster last year.

Just then Bobby’s mobile phone rang.

“Excuse me,” Bobby said after reading on his phone the name of his caller. “I better get this.” Then he left the two of them.

“So we meet again,” Alex said, giving her that disarming smile of his.

Kayla raised an eyebrow, surprised he remembered her. 

“Yes,” Kayla replied, suddenly self-conscious. She looked around to look for Jenny and Ryan but couldn’t find them. They must have slipped out when Bobby introduced Alex to her. She noticed a handful of people looking their way, interested in the movie star she was chatting with. She turned back to him. 

“I had a meeting with Bobby that night,” he explained. “I was already in the car out front when I remembered I forgot some documents in the meeting room. So I had to run back up to get them.”  

Kayla wondered why a movie star didn’t have someone to do it for him. She must have said it out loud because Alex started laughing. “We’re still normal people, Kayla. We could still practically do anything so long as there aren’t any paparazzi bothering us. With the help of some disguises, of course.”

Kayla laughed. She remembered the cap he was wearing when they collided. That must have been his disguise for the night. “It’s quite embarrassing that your first impression of me is being such a klutz,” she admitted. Playing that scene in her mind again, she knew she wasn’t herself then.

”Nothing to be embarrassed about,” Alex said quickly. “Just hope you won’t be hurrying home tonight.” Again, that dazzling smile.

Kayla sipped on her wine to distract herself, as she felt her reddening cheeks.

“So you’re having your house designed?” she asked, to make conversation.