Page 44 of The Other Side

“It’s testing me, that’s for sure,” I sigh, running two hands over my head.

“Uh oh.”

“Outside of the business, my client and I wouldn’t be buying each other beers on the weekends.”

“What’s the actual project?” Matt asks.

“I’m designing an addition,” I reply, scooting forward to reach for the mouse. Then my eyes roam the Revit software across my monitor screen. “Jesse wants an entertainment room on the first floor, and then two bedrooms on the second.”

“That’s pretty sweet.”

“Actually, do you have any recommendations for audio and visual consultants I can bring to him?”

“Sure, I’ll forward you the company I used for SMART technology on one of the residences I worked on. I’m assuming if this guy is well off, he’s going for the highest end of everything.”

“Yeah, he doesn’t miss a chance to remind me he’s loaded,” I answer, crossing my forearms on the desk.

“Brant, how’s Miller’s addition coming along? Where are we at?”

I sit up to acknowledge Jared. My eyes immediately target the paisley pocket square folded in his suit jacket. “I’m drawing up two options for him right now. I’ll be meeting with Jesse by the end of the week.”

Jared’s thin lips tuck as he delivers a pleased nod. “Sounds good. Just make sure to be confident with what you’re presenting. Highlight the details you’ve added.”

I gesture a hand toward my computer. “You’re always welcome to take a look and offer any suggestions.”

He buries his hands in the pockets of his gray slacks before spinning around. “I’ve seen enough of your work to know Miller’s in good hands.”

“I’m always open to criticism,” I call after him. “That’s all I’m saying.”

That familiar smirk is bolted to his lips when he turns back to face me. “That’s an admirable trait, Beckett. Never lose that.”

A vibration growls underneath my forearm, and my stomach practically tosses itself inside my throat.

I’m like a fucking teenager with a crush. It’s embarrassing.

Julia

Hey you

And just like that, we’ve returned to earth.

Now, I really like Julia. That wasn’t a lie to me or her. We hit it off from the very beginning, and I have a great time in her company.

Before Callie, I considered giving Julia a fair shot. After Callie, my time with Julia will be nothing more than a distraction.

Not a sexual distraction either.

Before Callie.

After Callie.

I don’t like either of those phrases. For the past decade, my life was like a box of scattered puzzle pieces slowly merging.

Too slowly.

All but one piece.

In Willowhart, there was no life before Callie. And as it turns out, there’s no life after her. My life was Callie.