Page 93 of Forever Wild
“Are you staging the entire house?”
“The sellers have some nice stuff, so mostly we’re just clearing out excess furniture and clutter, making it look cleaner and highlighting the decadence.”
I’m itching to take on a real project where I can really use my design skills. I understand that a clean, simple aesthetic sells houses, but I want the satisfaction of designing a real homey space where people will live and enjoy every detail.
I’m about to pack up for the day when Heather returns. She stops by my cubicle on her way to her office. Her gaze slides from me to Lisa. “Can I talk to you both in my office before you leave for the day?”
“Of course,” we say in unison. Heather has been nothing but warm and lovely, but she has a certain air about her that demands respect. Also, she frightens me despite how nice she seems.
Lisa and I take the chairs in front of Heather’s massive desk. Our boss smiles at us. Her dark hair is cut in a sleek bob and her makeup is perfect and timeless.
“I know that this internship is a lot of errands and grunt work, and while I think that’s important to familiarize yourself with the process of what we do here, I want to give you both an opportunity to do something a little more…fun.” Her red lips twist into a smirk.
Excitement zaps through me and makes me sit taller.
“I have two homes that need to be staged to sell. Both properties have waterfront access and both owners are looking to sell quickly.”
A little of the excitement dwindles. Selling means less creativity in the design. I’ve learned that much. But a homeonthe lake?!
“I’m going to let you each take full control of staging one of these homes. You’ll have the same budget and resources, but how you choose to use them are up to you.”
“We’ll do this together or on our own?” Lisa and I share a nervous glance.
“Each of you will be responsible for one of the homes. You can share resources and ideas, but I’ll be looking to see how you handle the design and project management individually for your assigned house.”
I’m so excited. Adrenaline pumps through me. I want to start now. I already have so many ideas and I haven’t even seen the house.
“Thank you,” Lisa says, prompting me to do the same.
“Yes. Thank you. This is…” I trail off. I have no words for how big this opportunity feels.
“One more thing,” Heather says. “Your internships are over at the end of the year, but because of the recent contracts with the condominiums and a few other commercial spaces, I’m going to be hiring a full-time employee. You’re both talented and hardworking. I’d be happy to offer the position to either of you. The only fair way I can see to choose is by observing you in a final project.”
The smile Heather aims at us doesn’t ease the swirling anxiety in my stomach. She gives us a few more details, but I barely hear any of it. “I’ll send you each the details on the house you’ll be working on shortly.” She dismisses us with a nod.
Lisa and I leave her office, sharing hesitant and excited smiles.
“I can’t believe this,” she says in a rush. “Only one of us…”
I knew that working here beyond the internship was a long shot. I thought at best I’d have a great reference from a top designer, but to know that I could actually work here full-time is exciting.
“Let’s not think about that,” I say. “We get to design something. Finally!”
“Not just something. A house on the lake. Can you imagine the views?!”
Before either of us can stop talking about this opportunity, Heather emails us the houses she’s assigned. The homes are similar. Lisa’s is slightly larger, but mine sits right on the lake; whereas, hers sits back farther from the water.
I leave the office and head to my apartment, but I spend all evening looking through the photos. Five bedrooms, three baths, an open concept kitchen, dining, and living room. Plus, a loft and an office. There is so much house. So many rooms. Not to mention the views of the lake and the easy access. I’m not even a huge fan of boats or fishing, but there’s something serene about being near the water.
My head spins with possibilities, but I want to walk around and get a feel for it before I decide on anything for sure.
The budget isn’t much for the size of the house, so I’ll need to identify the most important rooms and allocate the money accordingly.
I’m brushing my teeth, still thinking about the house, when my phone pings with a text.
Bridget
I miss you. Also, did you see this?
