Page 53 of Designing Love
“For once, Simon and I agree,” I add dryly.
Mayor Campbell leans forward, steepling his fingers. “Exactly. Legally speaking, it doesn’t have a leg to stand on. It’s likely just someone stirring trouble — maybe hoping you’d back down if things got complicated.”
I glance sharply at Simon, but he looks genuinely confused. I keep my face neutral —no one needs to know.
“So, what does this mean?” I ask carefully.
“It means you’re free to resume work immediately. I’ll sign whatever paperwork you need. Honestly, I’m sorry you got caught up in this mess.”
Relief floods through me, washing away some of the lingering anxiety. “Thanks, Mayor. Really appreciate your help.”
Simon scoffs. “So, this whole meeting could’ve been an email? Fantastic.”
The mayor shoots Simon an irritated glance. “Better safe than sorry, Mr. Reynolds.”
Outside the mayor’s office, Simon straightens his suit jacket with exaggerated flair. “Well, crisis averted, Ethan. Maybe your runaway designer will actually return once you’ve got things moving again.”
Ignoring him, I step outside, pulling out my phone and Sophia’s number. But I stop myself. I wouldn’t want to hurt her negotiations by distracting her.
Simon chuckles softly behind me. “Still no luck, huh?”
I whirl around sharply. “You know, Simon, one of these days, you’re going to say the wrong thing at exactly the wrong moment.”
“Relax, Ethan. I’m just pointing out the obvious: maybe Sophia isn’t as invested in this little fantasy as you are. Women like her — big city, successful — they don’t stick around.”
“And you’d know this because?” I snap defensively.
He shrugs casually. “Experience. Women who breeze into small towns for ‘soul-searching’ rarely stick it out. They leave, and men like you are left holding the bag.”
I glare at him, frustration boiling just beneath the surface. “Simon, you have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“Maybe,” he concedes lightly, clearly unbothered by my anger. “But when she gets bored with your rustic charm and simple living, send her my way. I’ve got contacts in Vancouver. Could help her out — professionally, of course.”
My fists clench again, but he walks off, laughing softly. Alone on the sidewalk, my stomach churns uncomfortably.Is Simon right? Am I kidding myself, falling for someone who sees Bluewater Cove as a temporary escape?
Pushing the thought away, I stride toward my truck, heart racing. She wouldn’t just leave — not like this. Not without telling me.
I dial Turner’s number to let him know of these developments.
“Hello?” Turner’s voice crackles.
“Mr. Turner, Ethan here. Good news: the mayor cleared everything. We can resume work immediately.”
He exhales audibly. “That was one strange hiccup.”
“Agreed. Meet me at the Miller house in an hour? We need to pick up where we left off.”
“Absolutely,” Turner confirms eagerly. “See you then.”
Starting my engine, I focus on the road ahead. The truck rumbles toward the Miller house, each mile firming my resolve. I’ll get the renovations back on track and go from there.
Because despite everything, and my self-doubt, I’m sure of one thing: Sophia’s worth believing in.
24
BOARDROOM BANTER
Sophia
