After Hours

Chapter 1

Two Years Later...

Leaving the office, I drive over to my parent's house. It has been a while since I've seen them so I decided a visit is long overdue. When I get there, I notice Danielle's car in the driveway. We have learned to tolerate each other although it was quite difficult after finding out she lied about her pregnancy for the attention. We'll never be as close as we used to but I no longer feel the urge to rip her head off every time I see her. She is still with Liam who I am also civil with but we don't talk to each other much.

I open the door and head to the living room of their new house. It's absolutely stunning and I am proud to say I am the reason it happened. "Hey," I smile.

"Hey, sweetheart," my dad smile.

"Can I get you something?" my mom asks.

"I'm fine, thanks."

I wave at Liam and Danielle before sitting in the rocking chair. "How is Noah?" my mom asks. "It's been a while since he last visited."

"He's in Miami working on the new hotel. This is probably my best work yet," I announce happily.

"That's awesome," my mom says. "You did such a wonderful job on this house. I never imagined we'd live in such a nice place."

In college, I majored in architecture and minored in interior design. It was difficult but I managed to go through with it. When I met Noah, he told me how he was in the process of building hotels. His plan was to have a hotel in every state within five years. He had already purchased a few local hotels to get money flowing so he had the income to make luxurious hotels. Now we are building in every major city in the United States. I create the blueprints for the layout and even help design the interior of the hotels.

After weeks of convincing, I got my parents to agree to move and build a new house. So after I designed a house to their liking, they sold their old house and moved into this larger and eco-friendly smart home. They were hesitant at first but they were so happy with the final product.

"When is Noah getting back?" my dad asks.

"He's actually on a flight back home right now. He told me he'll be home around nine tonight," I say, glancing down at my phone to check the time. "I have a meeting with a new client at five then I'm going to go home and clean up a little before he gets there."

We talk for a while longer before I decide it's time to go. After giving them hugs, I make my way to the other side of town where I am meeting a man named John Foster who wants a high-rise building with very specific wants. I thought it'd be easier for him to tell me what he wants in person so I can take notes and ask him questions. When I arrive at the fancy bar, I immediately spot an older man sitting at a small table. He perks up when he sees me so I go over to greet him. "You must be Mr. Foster," I say, shaking his hand. "I'm glad you chose to work with me and I'll do my best to meet your needs."

"It's a pleasure," he smiles. "I've heard nothing but great things about you. I look forward to working together."

I gesture to the table. "Shall we get started?"

He glances past me. "Actually, my boss has just arrived. He'll inform you on the budget and other important details."

"Oh good," I say, turning around. When my eyes meet Jackson's they widen. "Jackson?" I pause, clearing my throat and put an impassive expression on my face. "Mr. Lancaster. It's a pleasure to be working with again."

He stares at me for a long moment before placing his hand in mine. "The pleasure is all mine, Miss Smith," he pauses. "It is still Miss Smith, right?"

My lips twitch up into a small smile. "Yes, sir."

He nods. "Well, let's begin."

John doesn't comment on our relationship although I can tell he's curious. The waitress comes to order our drinks and I order the usual. "I'll take a Mimosa."

Jackson smiles. "I believe I am the one who first ordered you that."

My lips part as memories of our trip to Las Vegas come to mind. "You were," I nod.

After they've ordered a drink, I take out a pen and notebook from my bag. As they begin describing the building they want, I take notes and get in-depth descriptions to ensure everything is done right the first time. By the time we're finished, I realize how thankful I am for the normal behavior between us. At first, I thought it'd be awkward but it actually went well. We make plans to meet again tomorrow at the property so my team can take measurements and I can start making the blueprints and create a few sketches of the building for Jackson's approval.

After shaking my hand, John heads out, leaving me with Jackson. The waitress places the bill on the table and I quickly grab it before Jackson can. "I pay for my clients," I smile.

He shakes his head. "I can't believe you are sitting in front of me after two years. This feels unreal."

I hand the waitress my card and she walks away. "I know. How are you?"

"I'm doing okay," he pauses, rubbing the back of his neck. "I don't know if you ever heard about it but Sophie's baby wasn't mine. I didn't think the timing was right but the press has a way of persuading readers to think the opposite of the truth."

"I read it," I nod, pausing. "What have you read about me?"

He purses his lips. "I know you're close with Noah if that's what you mean."

I raise an eyebrow. "We're dating actually. We have been for about a year."

He nods slowly. "I'm glad your happy."

"Me too," I smile. The waitress returns with my card and I tuck it into my wallet before standing up. "It was nice seeing you again."

"You too."

He holds out his hand and I shake it before making my way out the door.

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This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.