Page 46 of Sweet Heat at Bayside
“Certain people won’t like that,” Spencer said under his breath.
“That’s too bad. Consider me the rebel of KHB, because unless you want to see me lose my sanity, I can’t be that hands-off. The very definition ofteamis a group working together toward a common goal. Do either of you have a problem with that?” Their eager smiles soothed the jitters in her stomach over possibly getting on the bad side of other senior-level employees. “Okay, then. Let’s show the others just how awesome our team can be.”
They discussed the budgets and interior elements for Muriel’s offices, and Serena got the lowdown on how they usually handled projects. She tweaked their processes so they could work as a cohesive team rather than three separate entities coming together at a finish line.
Two hours later, Gavin peeked into the meeting room. “Ready to go on our BDC date?”
Laura’s eyes sparked with curiosity.
“After a quick lesson in sexual harassment, I think it’s more appropriate to call it anouting.” Serena winked at Spencer. “Can you give me ten minutes to wrap things up with my teammates?”
Gavin’s brows shot up in surprise. He checked his watch and said, “Uh, sure. I was hoping we’d get lunch afterward.”
She glanced at the work before her and said, “I’m not sure I can afford the time for lunch. Can we grab something to go on the way back?”
Gavin stammered in agreement.
Serena purposely took her time wrapping things up with Laura and Spencer, making sure they were all on the same page. “I’d like you to go see Younger, Lynch, and Ryan’s space Tuesday. Can you guys make time?”
They exchanged another astonished glance.
“We don’t go see clients alone,” Laura said carefully. “Only seniors do that.”
“We can shadow you, though,” Spencer said.
As much as that bothered her, she understood why the company worked that way. However, it didn’t screamteamworkto her. If this were her company, she’d want the clients to be comfortable with any of the designers who were on their team.Although I wouldn’t pit Muriel against either of these two.They were too nice to have to deal with her.
Heck, I’m too nice.
“Okay, then. Clear your schedules for Tuesday afternoon, and I’ll make the time to take you over.” Serena consulted her client notebook. “Actually, clear your morning and early afternoon. I have an appointment with the Wilkinsons for a library redesign. Shadow me on that visit, too. It’ll shorten our lead time for the job if we do it all at once rather than two meetings.”
“Suzanne’s pretty firm about the initial meetings being only the seniors,” Laura warned.
“This is my team, correct?” Serena paused as they agreed. “My team, my directions. I’ll handle Suzanne. Younger, Lynch, and Ryan has us on a short leash with an even shorter turnaround time. If we’re going to fit other clients into our busy schedules, we have to be efficient.”
“Woman, you arefierce. I’m going toloveworking with you,” Spencer said. “If they don’t fire you before we get a chance.”
“Mallerys fire things up,” Serena said proudly. “We don’t getfired.”
As she gathered her things and went to meet Gavin, she hoped like crazy that was true.
THE BOSTON DESIGN Center was everything Serena remembered and more—designer eye candy at its best. Every showroom was more luxurious than the last. Her favorite designers had all their best pieces on display, with incredible selections of drool-worthy fabrics and textures. The fine designs gave off different vibes, breathing life into every showroom. She’d dreamed for so long of being exactly where she was today. She wished Drake, Mira, and Chloe were there to share this moment with her. She could rave to them about the designs and pieces, but she’d never do that with Gavin. She was supposed to be a cool, experienced senior designer, and she worried she’d sound like a novice. Not that Gavin seemed judgmental. He was good company, helpful, informative,andentertaining.
“Call ahead next time and I’ll set time aside for you,” a pretty brunette said to Gavin.
“Thanks. I’ll be sure to remember to do that.” Gavin slid her business card into his suit pocket as they left the showroom.
“You really are a woman whisperer.”
He flirted witheverysaleswoman, but he wassuavein his designer suit and purple tie, laying on the charm just thick enough to leave the women wanting more. And yet he’d been a perfect gentleman with Serena since she’d told him she had a boyfriend, which showed that he had at least some modicum of morals.
He smirked. “The Wheeler charm is a burden.”
“I bet,” she said sarcastically.
“Seriously. Just ask my brother, Beckett. He swears fending off women is a full-time job.”
“And you?”
