Page 5 of The Other Side

“Let me know how it goes or if you need anything.”

“Will do.”

I rotate on my heel, journeying back to my cubicle. I lay the sheet of paper on my desk and sit down, grabbing the handset from the base of the desk phone. My eyes skate between the page of information and the keypad before a voice hums through.

“Jesse Miller.”

There’s a steady confidence woven in this guy’s tone—a balance between maturity and youthfulness.

He’s young but established.

At least, younger than my typical middle-aged clients.

“Hi, this is Brant Beckett calling from Nexis Architecture. I’m reaching out to you in regards to designing an addition for your home.”

“Yes,” he replies. “Am I speaking with the architect?”

“Yes, I’m the architect who’s been assigned to your project.”

“Okay, great,” he comments. “I’m not sure how much you were told, but I just bought a house in Hampton Bays a few months ago.”

“I was given an overview of the details, but I’d like to set up an initial meeting in person so that we can go over your specific needs.”

“Well, obviously,” he remarks, almost mockingly. “I wouldn’t dive into this project without meeting you face-to-face. Do you have a portfolio you can send me beforehand?”

“Absolutely. I can attach that in the confirmation email I’ll send you after we speak,” I say.

“Great,” he agrees. “I’m sure you understand this, and it’s nothing personal, but I’m not going to hire someone to design an addition for my house if I don’t like their work. No offense, having a portfolio prepared is just the tip of the iceberg. I’ll believe your craft when I see it.”

Uhm, okay.

“I completely understand, Mr. Miller. This is your home, and you should be nothing short of satisfied with the product we deliver. I’d never allow my clients to go in blind, and I have my portfolio ready to showcase to each client I work with. It’s not a problem.”

“Okay, okay,” he drawls out. “I like that. Seems like you might know what you’re doing after all.”

My throat rolls through my smart-ass tongue. My elbow props on the desk so my hand lays on my head, and I force myself to ignore his patronizing attitude.

“To give you some background, I’ve been working in architecture for six years and officially became licensed in October. I’m hoping that makes you a little more comfortable before our meeting,” I offer, a lightheartedness bordering my tone.

But his reply is flat. “Yeah, I still want the portfolio.”

Okay, he is a complete douchebag. Great.

“Of course. Is there a specific day and time you had in mind to schedule a meeting?”

“Let’s say in the afternoon. Either Thursday or Friday of next week.”

“We can meet Thursday. What time works best for you?” I ask.

“I’m actually not sure yet, so I’ll have to get back to you. Most likely around one or two o’clock,” Jesse responds.

“Not a problem. You can let me know as we get closer to the consultation. Are there any other questions you have for me right now before we sign off?”

“No, that’s it for now,” he assures. “I appreciate the call and look forward to the portfolio. If I’m not satisfied with what you send me, I’ll let you know to cancel our meeting. I wouldn’t want you to waste a trip out here, and it would be the least I can do if I’m not going to give you the business.”

Thanks?

“As much as I hope it’s the contrary, it’s completely understandable. As soon as we get off the phone, I’ll be sure to send you an email summarizing our conversation. I’ll also attach my previous designs for you to take a look at. I really enjoy residential projects, so I hope to help you out here.”