Yours Truly, Juliet [s.m.]

Five [j]

Meetings are very important in any business. Discussing the details about a company's next move, its directions and predict its outcome might determine if it will be successful or if that decision will lead to failure. In architecture things aren't much different. Every idea and each detail must be taken in consideration before being introduced to the client.

Today I would be receiving the client who owns the place we're designing and afterwards pack my things to go to Glasgow.

I learned that I would only need my personal things since this would be a permanent office once I was done with the two following projects. Till now there was nothing else assigned a part from Miami and somehow I was glad. I wouldn't pressure myself while developing the mansion to move to another stage and could do things with more precision.

But as time advanced, Miami was closer which meant that Tom would also be the closest he had been in two months. I should be thrilled about seeing my handsome man, yet I was very nervous. I sent him the post card a few weeks ago but there was no response about it. For a moment I actually thought that there was some delay on the delivery but I dropped that option a while ago.

There was a slight chance that he didn't open his mailbox since he barely did it back home. He was so drown into developing his game demos that forgot a lot of things.

He also didn't mention anything through FaceTime which I thought was weird. Knowing him as the most affectionate person ever, he would have replied it to match my effort or do something even more special to top it. Not giving any feedback was weird.

The past couple of weeks were busy for both of us and we didn't have a lot of time to get in touch. His game was almost finished and the details surrounding its promotion and design were being discussed. At one point I actually offered to help him designing the cover, but he declined.

"J, you have so much to do. Thank you so much for the offer, I'm sure it would be way better than those we are evaluating but I also don't want to pressure you. That would also mean that you needed to get back and you're really close to finish your project."

As always, he was right. I would have to drop everything for a while to figure some things regarding the cover and as tempting as it sounds, I couldn't. The amount of work I was having wouldn't help me to fulfill that task. I had clients waiting, paperwork to take care of and a job to do.

Manchester kept surprising me as time progressed. This job was a complete challenge. Every day there was a new material to add to the pile of options available, a new detail to input into the project or a specific idea that the client has and needs to match among all the others. The creativity behind managing a project this was key to make everything work. Fortunately, there was an outstanding team behind it. If ideas ran out, searching, casual meetings and trying to combine different elements would result in a brand new concept that hopefully would match the client's expectations.

I was really looking forward to finish this project. Not because I was tired, I enjoyed the planning and development of the project, but a few weeks in Miami sounded like a dream. I had been away from home as long as I can remember and I quite missed it. Also, I could use a break from all the stressful environment surrounding work. There is no better break than a love marathon, and I am sure that Tom would be as down as me.

I still wrote a few letters here and there, but questioned if I should actually send them or simply wait to go home and spread them through the house. Eventually he would find them and the possibility of not opening the mail box and not see them would be out of the equation.

****

"So this is our plan for the first floor. White wooden doors locked by a magnetic card. It would also be used to open or close all the rooms inside."

The client looked closely at the plan not showing any emotion despite the effort we put into the presentation.

Mr. Dawson looked to invest in the Real Estate market after a long career as an entrepreneur. Critical as he is, he would definitely look for flaws until reach perfection or a level near that.

"Double windows to keep the temperature and avoid the heat in the summer or cold in the winter. And air conditioning in case of need to increase or decrease temperature."

So that I didn't miss any detail, I let my fingers slide fearcely through my notepad's keybord. This would be an important business if we had closed it. With that being said, there was no space for playing around.

"Would you like any specific design applied in the building?" I asked, intrigued about how he was picturing the place. Surprisingly, he was looking for a classic design with a modern twist. Smart choice, I thought. That type of design is always approved whether you're 21 or 70. By making this decision, the chances of atracting renters were high.

Two hours and 4 written pages later, the meeting was over. My neck was tight and my temples squished my head from how tired I was. It was only 4 pm and there was a lot to do:  a report to write for the designer, visits to be scheduled for the following day and an unbeliveble amount of papers to organize. My head was somewhere else though. As much as I wanted to focus, my head kept running away for a different place. 

Outside, leaves dressed the streets in yellow and orange and rain slid through the big office windows. For a moment, I turned my back against the messy desk and looked at the beautiful view Manchester had to offer. Isn't it crazy how the day slips through our fingers and silently reaches it end? And despite resuming its activities for the day, somehow it is comforting. A cup of coffee, a stunning Autumn scene and everything seems okay. 

Taking a big breath, I turn my attention back to my notebook and write a few words on my keyboard. As I was writing, a message popped up in my screeen. 

"Your dispatch successfully has arrived to its destination"

My life was hectic and home sickness didn't help, but there would be always something to keep things at the right place. Another letter had arrived, maybe this time my love would notice.

****

Hello everyone! I hope everyone is doing well and healthy!

This chapter was more of a filler, but I wanted to give a bigger insight on Juliet's professional life.

Any thoughts on the chapter? What do you think it's going to happen next?

Stay safe. Love you all ❤️
M.