FATE'S SECOND CHANCES

Chapter 10

East felt fulfilled feeling the reaps of all his hard work. All was going well for Tuscany the final stages have already been studied and done to perfection. The designs carefully scrutinized and rechecked. It was almost ready for the Board. The only plans that had to be dealt with was the building's interior which left a lot of open discussion between him, Nicole and Ben.

The only thing that saddened East was Nicole. After the incident she had become even more detached. She was a professional that he could say of her. Work never came in the way. But she was cold and distant afraid somehow that her feelings might get out of control. It hurt East not knowing where he really stood with her. He felt love in that kiss. Feeling that yearning that he still had hope with her. But as days passed he felt it was just a figment of his imagination like it never happened. No matter what he did there was no softening up of Nicole. When East felt he was gaining headway he was back to zero once again. Negative even.

Today was no exception as the three of them were stuck in the conference room going over the plans of the interiors of the building gaining no results. She was in a heated state of mind. Her fury directed on him. Nicole's anger evident as East tried to correct some areas explaining gently to her without criticism but only for the good of Tuscany.

Please look at it this way Nicole. This is a very big office and mall building. To have exits at the very end of each floor is too risky. What if there's a fire everyone gets trapped scrambling for a way out. Fire Exits have to be mid section and on each end for safety purposes.

You're telling me I'm in the wrong then. And you're always right. You know better and I don't! Is that what you're driving at East. she shouted at him.

East sighed inwardly. Nicole was being so unreasonable. The three of them had to work harmoniously together for the good of Tuscany. If changes had to be made it was for the project's benefit.

I didn't say that. All I just want you to do is listen and keep an open mind. Like the rest rooms. There is only one available per floor with the magnitude of the building it will be too inconvenient for people to even search where the rest room is. You can imagine how difficult it would be for senior citizens to go about. I think it's best that we have one mid section of the building and on the edges of each exit. he suggested quietly. His voice even.

Right shove it it in my face East that I'm wrong again. You even have to educate me like a little kid! You run the show so I should just follow right? she said angrily.

There was silence. Thick silence. Even Ben who was keeping quiet was observing them at their heated exchange looked a little stressed.

Nicole could see she had pushed East too far. His handsome face hardened the evidence of his anger was in the grating of his teeth and the ticking of his nerve on his cheek. Some part of her knew East was right. All his suggestions made sense. They were constructive ones as he explained clearly to her. He also had all the patience even if she was shouting at him sounding like a spoiled brat. But she was not going to admit defeat not with East. He didn't say a word just looked at her looking exasperated but made her guilty just the same.

The way you're acting like some big shot architect lording over me and Ben. Expecting us to follow all your orders. she said belligerently.

Lording over you and Ben? he scoffed. What the hell Nicole. The problem with you is that you hate to listen to suggestions. You think you're always right. When things don't go your way you want to lay the blame on me. he shot back at her.