Page 33 of Space Cowgirl: Houston, All Systems Go
“Ray, ma’am.” He reaches out for my hand as a grin flashes under his gray mustache. Reminds me of a short-haired Sam Elliot.
I shake his hand. “Don’t call me ma’am. Jules will do.”
His smile falters, but he nods.
I look back and forth between Ray and Melissa. “You think you two can handle all this?”
“I have my own company,” Ray says. “I just sometimes work with Pearl’s design firm.” He looks over the winning design board. “This won’t be too hard. We aren’t changing the layout. The biggest change is getting rid of this half wall and widening the entryway from the foyer into the living room. Everything else is more or less cosmetic, with the floor plan staying the same.” He blows out a breath, nodding. “Yeah, I can handle all the construction you need, in the time frame you need, if the price is right.”
It’s my turn to nod. “Well, Ray, as you can obviously see, I am a total badass.”
Holt snorts.
“But I amnota banker or a West, so you’ll have to talk numbers with this guy.” I thumb over to Holt’s direction and then look at Melissa. “But the answer I really need is from the new grad.” Even though I didn’t like Pearl, I’m not going to saddle Holt with some green behind the ears sorority sister.
I stare hard at Melissa, and I’ve been told being on the receiving end of my stare is no joke. “I’m going to be straight with you, Melissa. Due to Pearl’s godawful taste, the fact that your design is the only one here that doesn’t make me want to vomit plaid, and the tight timeline we’re under, you’ve got yourself an opportunity here.” I look the girl up and down, infusing my look with all the hardassness of my military training instructor at the Air Force Academy. “This will either be the start of an amazing career for you or your downfall. So think carefully. Can you handle it?”
To give her credit, she doesn’t cry, nor does she jump at the chance. She takes the time to actually think about what I’ve said. And that right there lets me know I’ve gambled well.
Melissa nods to herself and thrusts out her hand. “You’ve got yourself a designer, Miss Starr.”
I take her hand, pleased that her grip remains firm as we shake. “Jules, Melissa. Call me Jules.”
There’s a beat of silence before a deep Southern drawl has my toes curling on the hardwood floor.
“So do I actually get a say in any of this, or what?”
I adopt a look of nonchalance when I face Holt. “Did youwanta say in this?”
He points to the design board Melissa had created and looks to the assistant. “Is my house going to look more or less like that?”
“Yes sir,” she answers, and I swear the girl grew about three inches since Pearl left.
He turns to Ray. “And will it be done in three and a half weeks?”
“You got it,” Ray says, rocking back on his heels.
Holt frowns, but nods. “Then no, I don’t need a say.”
A smile takes over my face, and I’m sure I look somewhat devilish as I rub my hands together. “Awesome then. I’m in charge.”
Just the way I like it.
Ten
Orbital Trim Maneuver
Jules
Work out.Check.
Breakfast shake. Check.
Morning cuddle with Cookie. Check.
Check emails. Check.
Follow up on wedding vendors. Check.
