Page 33 of Degrees of Acceptance
It looks very similar to his, but apparently a newer model. It takes me a few moments to figure out the bells and whistles, but soon I’ve got my rhythm down and am listening to my favorite playlist. Just as my cool down song comes on my phone cuts in with a message. I look down and smile.
Message: Are you awake?
Reply:Working out on my new treadmill. Love it!
Message: Glad you like it. Come and eat!
Reply:Hope you left me some peach strata.
I walk into the kitchen to hear Chase talking to Gaby about my question about the peach dessert. She looks up at me and laughs. “I’m glad we made two pans last night. The boys were in early for coffee, and they cleaned out one of them,” she clucks, bringing me a plate. The cinnamon and nutmeg combined with the peaches smell incredible. I take a bite and murmur my appreciation. “Gaby, you are truly the best cook in the world. This is absolutely delicious,” I praise.
“Well, you helped make it,” she says.
I laugh. “I’m sure peeling some peaches doesn’t account for how it turned out, but anytime you need a peeler to make a breakfast like this, I’m your gal!”
“Katarina, we’re going to spend tonight here and then head to New York tomorrow. We’ll be there until Thursday and then stay in the city when we return for a couple days. I sent Mary the plan for the next few days, and she will coordinate rescheduling any meetings for the two of us that can’t be done remotely,” Chase says.
“Okay,” I say, finishing my strata.
“What, no arguments this morning?” he asks, his eyelids raised in question.
“No, I told you, I trust your judgment with security. In fact, I’m a little surprised we’re leaving as quickly as we are,” I admit.
“Glad to hear that. Yes, there has been a turn of events with negotiations and it’s highly unlikely anyone would take a chance on destroying the position they are in,” he explains.
“I think I’m going to work outside on the terrace then. I have a ton to get done since I didn’t work last night, and it’s a beautiful day,” I say.
“Good idea, I’ll join you later if I can,” he says.
“What no argument this morning?” I ask, finishing my pastry.
“No, working outside during the day seems perfectly logical, while working past midnight on things that don’t require your immediate attention does not.”
“Of course, you would know about not working until all hours of the night? I think this may require further discussion later,” I say sweetly, walking around the table to kiss him lightly on the lips, aware of the challenge in his eyes and Gaby's smile as I pass her on the way upstairs. I pull on a cami and yoga pants and open the french doors to the patio. A large carafe, along with creamer and cups has been laid out on the table. The light breeze from the lake has added a little briskness to the air. I step back into the bedroom to pull on a sweatshirt before pouring myself a hot cup of coffee and firing up the Mac.
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FromTParts@ Martel&Sons.org
As requested, I have not spent much time creating different drawings with additional exam rooms, but I believe your idea of providing the physician group with a simulation is a good one. They still seem quite concerned about the number of rooms, and this may alleviate that. I would like to attend if scheduling allows and appreciate your offer.
Thanks,
Terry
Terry Partes
Lead Architect
Martel and Sons
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