Total pages in book: 39
Estimated words: 36122 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 181(@200wpm)___ 144(@250wpm)___ 120(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 36122 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 181(@200wpm)___ 144(@250wpm)___ 120(@300wpm)
“Yes. I suppose we will. Are you saying you’d like to be considered?” Connie’s eyes narrowed like she’d never thought about him in that sort of role before.
All of her current design staff were women, but Russ wasn’t going to let her preference for elegant, artsy types stop him from getting out of his remote cubicle and onto the showroom floor where he could make more of a difference.
“I might.”
He’d been playing around with design software a lot lately, and it was as neat as he’d expected—like a cross between art and playing with building blocks. His knees probably wouldn’t let him be an installer, which might have been his preference when he was younger, but he was pretty sure that he could help customers in the showroom.
Coming up with space-saving plans was fun. And moving up in Connie’s business would beat trying to find a supply-clerk position somewhere else or having to start from the ground up in some other industry. He liked working with Connie and the family-owned business a lot more than he’d thought he would.
“Maybe I’m ready for the challenge,” he added.
“You can’t cook,” Judy reminded him. Her tone wasn’t unkind, but she also wasn’t helping his case. “You really want to help people pick out six-burner ranges and cabinet finishes?”
Even Esteban looked doubtful, and he barely knew Russ. But when their eyes met, he gave Russ a little nod, exactly enough to give him the courage to keep speaking.
“It’s the puzzle.” With everyone’s attention on him, Russ’s neck began to heat. “I like the software. Sliding everything into place, using every square inch efficiently. Take my kitchen. Swap a few things around, and the previous owners could have gained a pull-out pantry and the ability to have both the oven and the dishwasher open at the same time. No wasted space. I’d be good at that part.”
“Yeah, you would.” Esteban gave him an encouraging smile, again playing the role of the doting boyfriend to perfection. Russ’s throat tightened. “You can fool around with a design for my remodel if you need a sample space? I’ve replaced appliances, but there’s still a lot I’d like changed.”
“That’s a great idea,” Judy enthused, apparently over her earlier hesitation. Having seen Russ through some dark days post-discharge, she probably would have supported him if he’d shown an interest in backyard chicken raising, but the cheerleading was still nice.
Setting her fork down, Connie took a moment before giving a thoughtful smile. “Well, at least your relationship seems stable. Unlike others. I can’t handle anymore drama on the showroom floor. Tell you what, I like the way your boyfriend thinks. Do a sample design with a couple of options, and I’ll take a look next week. We’ve got time before Judy goes out on maternity leave, but I’d like to get it settled before the new year.”
Hell. This should be exactly what he wanted, but his “stable relationship” was made of burnt onions and nice gestures. Chances were high that he wouldn’t get the promotion once Connie learned of his breakup. The one Esteban had already scheduled for Monday. Which likely meant more months alone in his cubicle. But he hadn’t made it through bootcamp and ten years in the marines to become a quitter, so he nodded. He’d give it his best shot.
“If Esteban will let me come invade his space. Get measurements and stuff.”
“Invade away.” Esteban gestured like the offer was no big deal, and his eyes sparkled like he’d made a dirty joke before he turned serious again. “I’d love to see your big ideas. And I’m likely to be busy with our big holiday fundraiser, so plenty of time for you to work on the project.”
That was smooth. Permission for Russ to use him for the sample while also laying the groundwork for being too busy to pursue a relationship and setting the stage for their fake breakup.
“Fundraiser?” Connie tilted her head.
Esteban took the opening to talk all about his work for the nonprofit literacy foundation and their annual holiday book drive culminating in a big party with entertainment in two weeks. Russ liked listening to him far better than dwelling on his chances for promotion.
“It’s a ton of fun. We have programs in schools all across the state, but this is one of our biggest events for Portland-based donors. We’ll have a celebrity reading of Twas the Night Before Christmas, surprise musical guests, donated food, and more.”
“That does sound fun.” Connie nodded, leaning forward, apparently as captivated as Russ was.
“Mom needs another charity,” Bob teased. “I swear, you’re single-handedly supporting like seven already, including that softball team you make us sponsor. But you should go.”
“Yes, do come,” Esteban encouraged, demonstrating his skills as a host and his dedication to fundraising. “I can get you a ticket or three, no problem.”