Page 12 of Trusting the Fall
I remember seeing this design on the website when I was searching with Britt, my interior design consultant, but I thought the pattern looked too big. As I compare it to the one I chose, it actually seems more fitting for the amount of wall space it will take up. The blooms on my one look busy and chaotic compared to Lee’s bold, refined selection. My eyes twitch with the admission.
“Lee thought this bigger pattern had potential, given the slightly higher ceilings in the place.”
“Yes, interesting.” I pull the words from my throat. “Can I have some time to think about it?”
“Sure, just flick Lee an email so he can get the order in, and hopefully, we can install it the same week the painting is done.”
I nod and snap a photo of the designs to obsess over later. “I’m just going to take a few more photos, then I’ll be out of your way.”
“No worries, I’ll leave you to it.”
He retreats towards the kitchen, and I’m left with my thoughts as I look around the room.
Closing my eyes, I slowly spin on the spot, imagining what it will feel like once the salon is open and operating. The space filled with upbeat music, women chatting and feeling happy every time they walk in here, my team becoming a little family.
My heart pumps as if I’m running a race and the end is in sight, and someone’s waiting there to place that gold medal over my neck.
When I open my eyes, I’ve stopped right in line with the big, blooming peonies. The moody, burgundy background offsets the bright flowers with such captivating contrast.
When I look back at the design I chose, I grimace at how messy and cluttered it looks.
Fuck, the bastard was right. Again.
From: [email protected]
Subject: Parlour Tricks Beauty - Wallpaper
Hi Lee,
After careful consideration, I have decided the second option for wallpaper will be better for the salon. Adding in the burgundy and gold is a nice way to break up the colours.
Regards,
Claire Pryor
5
Iclickoutofmy email with a huff. The owner of the beauty salon project we’re doing has been a constant thorn in my side for the last five weeks.
She makes no logical decisions. They’re all driven by her need for things to be pretty and for herself to be right.
My cousin, Tristan, is an architect and will often refer his clients to my company.
Connors Construction specialises in commercial builds, particularly renovations on heritage buildings like the one Parlour Tricks is in.
Not once did Tristan mention what a diva Claire is, and he’s normally pretty good at warning me if clients are more hard-headed than others. And I can understand that. Their business is a personal passion, just like mine is. But Jesus, this woman has a sass that sets me on fire.
Thankfully, I have a good crew working for me. Westley is one of my top supervisors. It was perfect timing that one of his projects wrapped up just as Claire’s was ready to start.
He’s a calm, level-headed guy and a dedicated worker. He’ll be able to handle the beauty queen for the day-to-day stuff, and I’ll stick to the office stuff.
I am a little curious about her, though. Every week, when the boys come in after working on her site, they love to talk about what a smokeshow she is. Maybe that’s why they don’t seem as bothered by her as I am. They ignore her words by checking her out, yet all I have are her words.
I push away from my desk, grabbing my mug for my second coffee of the day. I managed no sleep Saturday night, and it’s made the rest of my week feel unsettled.
Although that’s probably more because of the quality of the company rather than the lack of shut-eye.
