Page 57 of You Found Me (The Meadow Springs #1)
Spencer
Tuesday rolls around quicker than I want it to.
I left home early enough so I could grab a quick lunch with my parents before going to my staff meeting. If I came to town without seeing my mom, there’d be hell to pay. For months and months. Plus, I still feel a bit guilty for dodging her calls after she tried setting me up with Shiloh.
After placing our orders at the little beachside cafe, Mom brings up Christmas. “I know you made Thanksgiving work with us and her family gathering, so I was wondering if that was the same plan?”
“I haven’t thought to ask her about it. Christmas is her favorite holiday, and I know they have a lot of traditions they do, where we don’t.”
“What if we came and stayed at the Wildflower Inn? That way you wouldn’t have to worry about all that traveling.”
“That wouldn’t be an issue for you two? And what about B?”
I watch as she tries to coyly slap Dad’s leg underneath the table, seeming to forget it’s a glass top table. “Oh, um . . . no issue at all, sport. ”
“See, no worries. I doubt Beckett will have an objection. He talks nonstop about that town and your friends. You let me worry about him.”
I shake my head and laugh, “Alright, mom. I’ll mention it to Emmy. I’m sure she’d love to include you guys in their traditions. Plus, you’d get to meet her parents.”
Mom smiles, obviously proud to have gotten her way. “Even better.”
When we’re done eating, I promise to let them know whether or not their Christmas visit works and if it’s not, I agreed to bring her back to town the next time Mom requests our presence. I leave my truck parked at the cafe and decide to walk to the office.
Parking in front of the office building is a nightmare because it’s right in the middle of downtown and flooded with people and blooming businesses. I make it with time to spare and without having to make small talk.
After our meeting is over, Mr. Jenkins asks me to stay put.
While everyone files out, giving me questioning glances, I start to overthink.
Did I drop the ball on something? Have I offended them in any way?
I don’t have too much time to worry as the last person closes the door, leaving me alone with my bosses.
“Spencer, don’t look so freaked out. You’re not in trouble.”
I release a breath. “Sorry. My mind tends to go to the worst place when it comes to work.”
Mr. Coleman chuckles, “We just wanted to see how working with Callahan is going?”
“Oh, it’s great, sir. Gavin has let me take control of a few projects and I’ve seen one start to finish.
” I clear my throat, “I really appreciate you both agreeing to let me work here remotely. Being able to get out of town and work alongside my college best friend has really invigorated me. It has completely renewed my love of architecture. So, I’m immensely grateful that you have both allowed me to work in both cities. ”
“That’s wonderful. Callahan must keep you in the loop about potential projects then, huh?”
“Sometimes. It’s mostly Theo that updates me. ”
Mr. Jenkins pipes in, “Well, have either of them let you know if Callahan is planning to place a bid on the renovation of the old Beaumont house in Charleston?”
My mind starts spinning. Maybe they’re only asking because they’re generally interested. “I think Theo mentioned something about it. It’d be a big deal to be in charge of that renovation—for either firm.”
Mr. Coleman nods. “You’re right. We've been getting our ducks in a row to take our bid to the city council members. It’d be nice if we knew what he's planning for his bid. Any help you give us will be highly compensated.”
I look between him and Mr. Jenkins, feeling uneasy about all of this.
“Sirs,” I say, standing up from my chair. “Even if I did know—which I don’t, probably because he knew the two of you would put me in this position—I wouldn’t tell you. It’s unethical to share business plans between workplaces. Especially since you’d use that information to outdo his bid.”
“Hale, wait just a minute,” Mr. Coleman pleads.
“No. I received an offer from Gavin before the holiday to work for his company full time. Negating the need to work here. Up until this conversation, and you foolishly opening your mouths to speak about childish business tactics, I was sure I wouldn’t take him up on the offer.
But now, consider this my resignation. I don’t have any ongoing projects as I finished my final one last week. ”
And with that, I walk out. I hear them both calling out for me, hear the whispers from the others. But they are drowned out by Emmy’s voice in my head telling me how proud she is of me. And I crave to hear that in person. Which is why I race back to my truck and drive straight to Meadow Springs.