Mr.Brightside

Chapter 45

Jack's Unexpected Setback

The early morning light filtered through the kitchen window as I poured myself a cup of coffee. Clara was already in the studio, working on her latest piece, and Olivia was still asleep upstairs. I liked these quiet moments—the stillness before the day really started. It gave me time to think, to plan, and lately, there had been a lot to plan for.

After the success of my first commission, word had spread quickly. I was booked for the next two months with custom projects, mostly furniture pieces, and it felt like my woodworking business was finally gaining momentum. It was exciting but also overwhelming, and the pressure to deliver each time was starting to weigh on me. But I couldn't slow down. This was the future I'd been dreaming of.

As I took a sip of coffee, my phone buzzed on the counter. It was an email from one of my current clients, Mr. Caldwell. He had commissioned a large mahogany bookshelf for his home office—a complicated design with intricate carvings that required precision and care. I opened the email, my stomach tightening.

**Jack,

I've been thinking about the design again, and I'm wondering if we can change a few things. Let me know if this is possible.

Best,

Greg Caldwell**

I exhaled, setting my coffee down. It wasn't unusual for clients to request changes, but Caldwell had been notorious for his constant back-and-forth. This would be the third time he had asked for adjustments, and I was already deep into the project. Changing things now would mean reworking parts I had already built.

The Setback

I walked out to the garage, my workshop, staring at the half-finished bookshelf. The frame was already assembled, the carvings started but not complete. Every inch of this project had been a challenge. Caldwell wanted the kind of craftsmanship you rarely see anymore—something that looked like it had come out of a Victorian manor.

I pulled up the design on my laptop, cross-referencing it with the parts I had already completed. The adjustments Caldwell wanted weren't minor. He wanted to add more intricate detailing along the edges, extend the shelving depth, and change the finish to a darker stain—none of which was part of the original plan.

A wave of frustration hit me. I had worked tirelessly on this, pouring hours into the delicate carvings, only to now be faced with the possibility of starting over. I knew I could push back, but the problem was, Caldwell was a high-profile client. He had connections, and if he was happy, he could recommend me to others. If I refused, or if he wasn't satisfied, it could mean the end of those future opportunities.

Talking to Clara

That afternoon, after finishing a few adjustments to the bookshelf that didn't involve Caldwell's new requests, I walked into Clara's studio. She was at her easel, her brush moving in slow, deliberate strokes. The soft tones of blues and greens on her canvas were calming, and for a moment, I just watched her work.

"Hey," she said, glancing over at me with a smile. "How's the bookshelf coming?"

I sighed, rubbing the back of my neck. "Not great. Caldwell wants to make changes again. Big changes."

Clara put down her brush and turned toward me. "Again? Didn't you already start the carvings?"

"Yeah, and now he wants them more detailed. Plus, he wants the shelves deeper and a different finish. It's going to add at least another week of work."

She frowned. "That's frustrating. Can you say no? Or maybe ask for more money since it's outside the original scope?"

"I could, but it's tricky. Caldwell's connected. If he's happy, it could lead to more commissions, but if he's not... I don't know. I feel like I'm stuck."

Clara stood up, walking over to me. "It sounds like you're doing a lot to please him, but what about you? Is this worth the extra time and stress?"

I thought about that. The excitement of having work had made me say yes to almost everything lately, but now, with the weight of deadlines and difficult clients, I was starting to feel burnt out. "I don't know. I guess I just didn't want to lose momentum. Things are finally picking up."

Clara smiled softly, resting her hand on my arm. "You don't have to do everything, Jack. It's okay to set boundaries, even with high-profile clients. Your work speaks for itself, and the right people will recognize that."

She was right, as usual. I had been so caught up in trying to keep the business growing that I hadn't stopped to think about the toll it was taking on me. It was one thing to push through challenges, but I had to be careful not to lose myself in the process.

A Difficult Decision

Later that evening, I drafted a response to Caldwell's email. I decided to take Clara's advice and politely explain that the changes he was asking for would require additional time and an increase in the cost of materials and labor. I hit send, feeling a mix of relief and anxiety. Part of me worried that I'd lose the commission altogether, but I also knew that I couldn't keep bending over backward for every client who wanted to change things at the last minute.

The next morning, Caldwell's response came in. I opened it cautiously, preparing myself for the worst.

**Jack,

Thanks for getting back to me. I understand the additional cost and time. Let's go ahead with the changes—whatever it takes to make it perfect.

Best,

Greg**

I exhaled. It wasn't the perfect solution, but at least he was willing to compensate for the extra work. And now, with a clearer plan in place, I could focus on finishing the project the way it needed to be done.

Finding Balance

Over the next few days, I settled back into the rhythm of work. The anxiety that had been hanging over me started to lift as I made progress on the revised design. The carvings, though intricate, were turning out even better than I'd anticipated, and the deeper shelves gave the bookshelf a more imposing, regal feel.

Still, I knew I had to be careful going forward. The business was growing, and with that came the need for better time management and clearer boundaries. I couldn't say yes to every project or allow clients to dictate unrealistic timelines. Clara's words echoed in my mind—I needed to find a balance between pleasing clients and preserving my own sanity.

One evening, after another long day in the workshop, I sat down on the couch next to Clara. She was sketching in a notebook, her focus on the lines and shapes forming on the page.

"Thanks for your advice," I said, leaning back into the cushions. "It helped a lot."

She looked up at me, her smile warm. "I'm glad. You deserve to do work you're proud of, without burning out in the process."

I nodded, feeling a sense of peace that I hadn't felt in a while. There would always be challenges—clients like Caldwell, tight deadlines, and unexpected setbacks. But as long as I stayed true to my craft and took care of myself along the way, I knew I could handle whatever came next.

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