Page 151 of Chandelier Enthralled
“Thank you for doing this,” I said.
“Of course.” Her focus returned to the screen.
I couldn’t say exactly when I’d fallen for her.
Perhaps it was the night in Cameron’s foyer when I saw her in the hallway, looking ethereal and questioning if she was real.
We’d changed the mood of my home back to livable, the two of us unable to pull away, unable to deny our chemistry.
Back in my office, I tried not to think of Willa having to deal with this traumatic event, even though she’d insisted.
It felt wrong to put this one on her.
She really was a New Yorker, full of confidence and sassy as hell.
I approached my workstation, an adjustable surface that tilted my blueprint while keeping it smooth. Picking up a pencil, I quickly became absorbed in my work.
This was my safe space, a bliss too profound to articulate. The brush of lead on paper seeing form and function merging, giving shape to my design, bringing it to life, transferring what my mind’s eye could envision and seeing it evolve as I drew—the flow between spaces.
Transitioning between rooms felt as natural as breathing, as though the building itself was alive. Structural elements resonated, carrying the weight of the concept through every column and arch.
Time evaporated—taking my mind off what was happening in the kitchen.
Every line sketched was a step toward a horizon where beauty and purpose walked hand in hand, guiding the one who would one day own this property into the dawn of what might be.
Letting light into not only their home, but into theirlife.
A new existence would begin here for them, inside this waterfront home. Maybe they would have children in this exquisite setting, make a lifetime of memories. Maybe they would see the rest of their life out with a view that would soothe the passing of time.
This private client had declined an in-person meeting. Instead, she’d offered time on the phone to discuss her vision. An older lady, sophisticated, with an elegance and insight that spoke of decades of experience.
“Design me a glass mansion that will overlook the ocean. Bring all that peace into the space. Can you do that for me, Greyson? Cost is not an issue.”
This would be my finest work yet, but then, I always felt that about every new project.
Checking my watch, I realized time had gotten away from me. Willa had been in the kitchen for a long time. Too long, and I’d been distracted.
I hurried back to the kitchen, but Willa wasn’t there.
I continued to search the house, each room, and the back lawn. Then I hurried outside and found my car gone.
Whatever Willa had found had caused her to flee the house.
I slumped down on the front step, heart pounding, questioning if I had the guts to go watch the footage myself.
It was useless. I was going to have to face the truth, face what was on the security camera, because whatever it was, it had Willa fleeing for her life.
Imissed her like I missed oxygen, my heart twisting. Why had Willa left without saying goodbye?
I was terrified to think of what she might have seen.
I’d tried her phone, but she hadn’t answered…not yet.
Maybe she’d seen me working, engrossed in my design and had not wanted to disturb me. But her leaving without saying anything felt strange.
I stood in the backyard, replaying last night, what we’d done in the pool, and then how much we had enjoyed our hike together.
I’d shared with her my most sacred secret.
