Page 35 of Fighting Gravity

Tate brought his wandering gaze to the older woman behind the desk. He offered his most dazzling smile, followed by his hand. “I’m Tate Geier. We’ve just engaged Abode for a hotel project out in Victory.”

“For OrbitAll, yes. Nice to meet you, Mr. Geier. I’m Anne, Rosie’s administrative assistant.” She released his hand but didn’t sit back down. “I talked with your assistant yesterday. I thought we were meant to be coordinating a meeting but couldn’t find a mutual time that worked. I’m afraid Ms. Flynn isn’t here right now.”

Anne’s rebuking tone had Tate recalculating his likelihood for success. Maybe he should have had Luz be up front with Anne. Now he had to backpedal. “The meeting was a ruse, I’m afraid.”

She began tapping her nails on the desk. Her full-face frown reminded him of his least favorite tutor from childhood. “Then why are you here?”

“I came to get a look at the drawings Rosie’s been working on for her homeless housing project.”

She scowled. “The fact that you showed up here when you knew Rosie would be gone tells me everything I need to know about that request. The answer is no.”

Okay, she was more loyal than Luz. Anne was guarding the office, and Rosie, like a dragon hoarding treasure. It dawned on Tate that Anne might be aware of what had happened with Chad the Douche. If so, that would explain the daggers he was barely dodging.

“Look, I know you’re protecting her. You care about her and want to see her happy. So do I. She wants those homes built. I’m going to build them. I think we can both agree Rosie deserves something good to happen to her.” He leaned against the desk and dropped his voice. No one seemed to be paying attention, but he wanted to be cautious. “I know about the last guy. I’m no Chad. I just need a few photos for the contractor, and then I’ll leave with only the intent to make Rosie happy. You can even take the pictures with my phone if you want.”

Without taking her eyes off him, she sat at her computer and began typing. Tate was impressed. After a few hard clicks, she tore her narrowed gaze away, flicking her eyes between him and the computer screen.

“Tate Geier, Chief Operations Officer. At least you are who you say you are.”

She’d Googled him. He fought a chuckle.

“‘Responsible for executing all OrbitAll initiatives, with a focus on enhancing efficiency and safety,’” Anne continued, clearly reading his website bio. “Involved with Representation in Aerospace and Big Brothers Big Sisters.” She paused. “I’m involved with them myself. You have a Little Brother?”

Tate shook his head. “Not anymore. Pedro graduated and moved to Texas for college. We still text every once in a while, though.”

She stared at him a few beats longer. Tate tried not to sweat. He really wanted to surprise Rosie. Finally, Anne stood. “Come with me.”

Tate followed her into a glass-walled conference room. Of the two non-glass walls, one was whiteboard, wiped clean. The other was cork and covered in drawings on translucent paper: sketches of a row of connected tiny homes with varying rooflines, some with porches or flower beds and some without. A few had faux window shutters and simple millwork details and porch lights in various designs. The row homes were sweet and homey and representative of Rosie’s heart.

“God, she’s incredible,” he said softly.

He hadn’t realized he’d said it out loud until Anne replied, “She is. Her idea could have real impact.”

Tate looked at her. “I agree. I want to get the project past all the hard stuff on her behalf. Then I want her to see the impact.”

He took his phone out of his pocket. “May I?”

Anne nodded. Tate snapped a handful of photos, put the phone back and showed her his empty hands. “That’s all I came for. I’m going to send these to a contractor and start getting them built.”

She nodded and led him back to reception. She took her place behind the desk. “I assume you don’t want me to mention that you came by.”

Tate winced. He hoped that wasn’t asking too much. “Only if you’re comfortable with secrecy. I plan to surprise Rosie with the final product. I’m thinking Seattle is a good place to start. They’re desperate for a solution up there.”

She pursed her lips. “All right. Your visit will go unmentioned for now, Mr. Geier.”

“It’s just Tate. Thank you, Anne.” He smiled in relief. He made to leave, but she called his name as his hand connected with the door handle.

“Tate?”

He turned. He noticed that the Rey lookalike was watching them now.

“Tomorrow is her birthday.”

A grin spread across his face as his heart gave a happy thump. “Anne, you just made myweek.” He bounded back to the desk. “Can you check her schedule for me?”

Anne dutifully clicked away. Apparently, she was now on Team Tate. “Well, we’re surprising her with lunch at her favorite café. Looks like she’s got dinner plans with her dad. A couple meetings in between.”

Well, there went the hope of spending time with Rosie on her birthday.

---