Fern sighs in frustration.
“Take a deep breath. It seems like you have a big project on your hands, but you just haven’t found the right person to manage it.”
She grabs a napkin and wipes the corner of her lips and nods. “That’s why I went to North Bay Construction. However, Jonathan Smith shut me down and invited me to get the eff out of the company.”
Fern straightens her shoulders and tilts her head toward the door. “The CEO is an asshole. I swear he just agreed to see me because…”
She clamps her lips without finishing the sentence.
My jaw tenses. “Did he insult you?”
“He kicked me out of the building. He has quite a colloquial vocabulary. I bet if I had been there representing one of my brothers, he would’ve been trying to kiss my ass.”
Some people are just entitled assholes. But maybe I should be thankful, because I could take on that project and give myself some time to think about where I’ll be going next. It shouldn’t take me long to draw up some blueprints and plan a community. I’ve done it a few times before.
“Why don’t we finish our lunch, and I can follow you to your office. Then, you can tell me more, and I might be able to find the right person.”
Her eyebrows draw together. “Just like that.”
I shrug. “Why not?”
She laughs. “Sorry, who are you?”
“I thought I already introduced myself. The name is Elliot.”
Fern can’t stop the laughter. “Well, that should be plenty to trust you with this project. What are your qualifications?”
“Well, for starters, I know the right people for that kind of job.” I wink at her.
She gives me a suspicious glance. “What do you know about construction?”
I show her my calloused hands. “Dad taught me from a young age so I could help him.”
“Though that’s helpful, I need more than a handyman.”
This woman might want my résumé before I can even learn more about the community. I sigh. “I’ve worked in construction for more than twenty years. I also have a degree in architecture and have a few engineer friends who might be able to give you a hand—for free. As long as your foundation is legit.”
She’s still not buying what I’m saying. I can see it in that doubtful gaze. “Are you pricey?”
“No, and if your cause is worthy, I might even donate my time.”
“You don’t have to. We can pay you, but—”
I point at her food, interrupting what might be her pitch. “Why don’t we enjoy our lunch, and then you can proposition me. Maybe I’ll even do a lap dance for free.”
I wink at her, and her cheeks heat up.