Page 123 of Forever Wild
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YOU ARE VERY FRUSTRATING
EVERLY
The flutters in my stomach haven’t stopped all week. The house was listed Monday morning and since then I’ve refreshed the listing to see how many people have viewed it about a million times. And when Heather so much as smiles at me, I’m hoping she’s going to say we have an offer.
She warned me that a house at this price point could take a while to sell. Plus, we’re at the end of the lake season so buyers aren’t as eager. At least Lisa is in the same boat.
Today we’re both working on staging another home going up for sale soon. This one is a lot smaller than our previous projects, but it’s still great to be out of the office and doing real design work. We do everything together, instructing the delivery people where to set the furniture, and then adjusting every small thing until we’re both satisfied.
“I think we’re done,” I say.
“It’s perfect.” Lisa does a circle, taking it all in and smiling. “This is exactly how I’d decorate it if I lived here.”
I’ve learned what appeals to buyers when it comes to décor, but the modern and simple touches still feel too sterile for me. It has no personality, and I want my house to feel like a friend.
When we get back to the office, Heather steps into the doorway of her office, looking out. “Lisa, Everly, can I talk to you both a minute?”
I can’t find my voice, but nod. We shuffle in, nervous energy bouncing between us, and sit in front of Heather’s desk.
I dig my nails into my palms to keep from wringing my hands and showing how anxious I feel.
“Congratulations,” Heather says. “The feedback on the homes you staged has been positive. The listings are both getting a lot of traction and we’ve even had a couple of offers.”
“We have?” Lisa asks, then steals a glance at me.
“Mhmm.” Heather nods and smiles at her.
“Which house?”
A pit forms in my stomach. It’s Lisa’s house. Of course it is. She stuck with what works. She did a clean, modern approach, following the usual playbook. I knew that it was a risk to deviate and I’m willing to accept my fate. It stings, but I force a smile. I can be happy for Lisa now and frustrated with myself later.
“Both.” Heather smiles. “And they came in at nearly the same time.”
“Oh my gosh.” Lisa and I grin at each other. A wave of relief washes over me followed by a sea of pride. I did it. I staged a house and someone loved it enough to want to make it their home. But it’s not just about the house, I believed in myself. I stuck with what I felt was right and it paid off.
“You both have done an exceptional job. I wish I had capacity for both of you at the end of your contracts.”
The realization that we still don’t know who she’s going to ask to stay hits us both and we fall quiet again.
“I haven’t made a decision yet, but I promise not to leave you in suspense for long.” She smiles. “That’s all. Have a great weekend and good job. Both of you.”
We leave with the same anxious energy as we arrived with.
“We did it,” I say quietly.
“Yeah.” She smiles and then lets it fall. “But one of us still has to find a new job.”
“Not for another few weeks.” There’s less than a month to go on my contract and I have no idea what I’ll do if Lisa is the one asked to stay. I didn’t allow myself to plan on being here longer than the internship, but I also didn’t plan on what to do after.
“Do you want to go out and celebrate?” she asks as we get back to our desks.
My phone vibrates in my pocket. I pull it out and stare at Jack’s name flashing on the screen.
“Uhh…maybe. I think Jack is coming up.”
“Bring him if you want.” She grabs her bag. “Text me. I’m going to run home and shower.”
