Page 33 of Forbidden Dreams
"Where would the shuttle pick up?"
"You might have to reach out to local churches to ask if you could use their lot."
"I'll need a bus too." Why was I getting in deeper when I was supposed to be extracting myself from this job? I needed to do it now so that she had time to hire someone else. Someone more capable.
"Did you talk to Cooper about the renovations? Can the work be done before the ball?"
"I have the estimate. I just need to summarize it, and forward it to you. He's proposing to renovate the entire bathroom, all new fixtures, lighting, tile, and floors. He even added a sitting room in that space between the two doors. Cooper said he'd put the extra crews on the job, but he'd need the ballroom shut down for the duration of the repairs."
"I figured it would be a big job. You think it's possible it would be done in time?"
"I don't have any experience with this kind of thing. But Cooper seems motivated. He wants to get started right away."
"Send me the estimate."
"You didn't have to come in here to talk about it. I could have emailed you more information or set up a time to meet you at your house."
Eve waved a hand. "I'm getting a little crazy working at home by myself. I needed a change of scenery. Speaking of which, it looks like you're spending a lot of time here."
"Sorry about the mess. I wasn't expecting anyone."
No one had stopped by since Cooper the other night, and he hadn't been impressed. I should tell her that I couldn't do this job, that she should find someone else. But I felt capable when I was with her. She never talked down to me or assumed I couldn't handle the responsibilities.
"I wanted to get out of the house and do some shopping." Eve stood and moved toward the door. "I'll sign the contract as soon as you send it over. I can't wait to see how it's going to look."
I followed her. "I'll do that."
She paused at the door. "How's everything going? Is it too much for one person?"
"I've got it," I said as unease settled in my gut.
Her forehead creased. "Maddox said that I was doing too much, and now I'm unloading it all on you."
"You're still working. There's two of us." But why did it feel like the responsibility was on me now?
"If you're sure?" Her gaze moved to the overflowing garbage can.
"Of course," I said with a smile. I'd have to do a better job of pretending I had it together.
Eve hugged me. "Thank you. I couldn't do this without you."
I was fairly sure that wasn't true. "I'll do my best to take care of things while you take it easy."
"You're a lifesaver." She flashed me another smile before walking out of the office.
I lowered my shoulders, feeling like an imposter. That was my opportunity to tell her that I couldn't do this. That I was the wrong person for the job, but I didn’t.
I forwarded Eve the estimate and took the garbage out back. Then I organized my desk. Maybe if I pretended I was organized and responsible, someone would believe me. Maybe I'd start believing it.
I sent an email to Cooper, telling him that Eve would be approving his project, and he should get started on the work. I kept it as short as possible. We didn't need to be friends. Especially after the other night when he acted like I'd screwed up.
He was like everyone else in my life. It sucked when I disappointed them, but it was inevitable. It was best that he realized that now. Eve was really the one in charge. I was merely the secretary.
I stared at the screen, the words blurring. I'd liked being in charge of something. The other shop owners looked at me differently. Even my family seemed impressed by my new job and my volunteer work.
It was dangerous to raise people's expectations though. It only made the eventual fall that much worse.
I managed to refocus on the Cocoa Crawl, making calls to shop owners who'd called to discuss potential offerings and discounts. I enjoyed talking to people more than creating spreadsheets.
