Sweat covers my face and body as I cautiously run through a strange crowd while fog floats over the ground. I run and run until I spot Clara. In some dreams I get close to her, and sometimes, no matter how fast I run, I just can’t catch up. I’m within arm’s reach of a person I believe to be Clara, but then recognize the familiar feeling of waking up.
The crisp, cold water has left goosebumps all over my skin. My hair is thick and goopy from a cashmere hair mask. I close the shower curtain then start the hot water relishing in my satisfying waterfall showerhead.
Once I’ve removed all the beauty products, I shut off the hot water before wrapping myself in my Lenox Platinum bath towel. Violet loves luxury and, honestly, I do too.
After prepping my hair and skin, I dart across my room and into my bedroom-sized closet. I search my hutch to find my comfy Calvin Klein string bikini and camisole tank top with a built-in bra.
My coma-inducing, queen-sized mattress and frame match my closet hutch, nightstand, and vanity dresser. The entrance to my room faces my sitting area. Then there’s my sleeping area, with my bathroom on the left side and my closet on the right side of my bed. Near the sitting area, I have two bookcases that are filled with books. My infatuation with fiction paperbacks transitioned from childhood into adulthood. This week I’m reading Club Dead by Charlaine Harris.
I snuggle into my purple comforter to catch up on Sookie’s love life. One chapter in, I notice that it’s 12:50 AM. After a quick bathroom trip, I set my alarm for 7:25 AM. then shut off my glossy white cylinder table lamp. Without much struggle, I’m asleep before I even finish my prayers.
Faceless strangers surround me as I push my way through a thick fog. I look down to see my feet and notice I’m wearing my blue summer dress from the day Clara abandoned me. Not again. I excuse myself in an attempt to make my way through the narrowing crowd. Without much effort, I spot the back of Clara’s head, or who I think to be Clara. I call her name, but then the person I’ve chased in my dreams for years picks up her pace. The crowd narrows tighter, and I’m squeezed in between two males. My heart rate accelerates and my sight becomes blurry as the crowd consumes me. Darkness takes over as my dreamscape fades.
Like clockwork, Violet is knocking at my bedroom door at 7:20 AM. Most mornings I’m up and ready—today, not so much. Staying up until one in the morning was a mistake. Nevertheless, within ten minutes I’m dressed, stretched, and ready to go. We’re not morning people, but it’s too hot in June to run after nine. Plus, we prefer to be at work before ten. A benefit of being a partner at BDR is that we set our own hours. Unless there’s a jam-packed day, our normal work hours are 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM from Monday to Thursday. While our staff hours are from 9:00AM to 6:00PM, Monday to Saturday.
“Did you sleep well?” Violet queries from my door. She’s in her usual running attire: running shorts and a tank top with matching running shoes. Violet, even without a stitch of makeup and dressed down, is lovely.
“Eh… I stayed up reading,” I say with a shrug before a yawn escapes my mouth.
“We have a 10 o’clock appointment, so let’s do a quick run.” She’s ready for business this morning. I take care of my morning duties, dress quickly, and then meet Violet at the front door. Before I forget, I turn around to lock the door. We live in a luxury neighborhood with a non-existent crime rate, however, a break-in can occur in any neighborhood.
After a twenty-five-minute run, at 8:00 AM we’re stretching our legs in the kitchen. With haste we return to our rooms to prepare for work. By nine, I’m in the kitchen making coffee. Violet walks in wearing a fitted, navy, Chloe skirt suit with a beige, button-up, dress shirt. Her heels are classic black Christian Louboutin. Her purse of the day is a large beige Chanel quilted tote. She’s a product of luxury, down to her smell.
We’re hardworking women with a taste for the finer things. Most may view architecture and realty as low-stress, straightforward careers, but some property owners and/or buyers are unpleasant to work with. Negotiating an agreeable figure can often show our client’s true nature. But honestly, when you’re paying millions, you want the best of the best.
Running always leaves me jubilant, so today I choose a gray Chanel skirt suit, lavender, button-up, dress shirt, black Chanel heels, and a small navy Chanel quilted tote. I’m a Chanel addict. Violet and Coco are my role models. Violet and I prefer Chanel makeup, nail polish, and perfume. Dior is also one of our favorite brands, but today is a Chanel type of day.
Violet always says, “If you wear the best, you feel your best, and the rest just falls into place.” She’s right. As a result of hard work, we are the top architectural firm of Naples, and this year we expect to complete several out-of-state projects. We’re leading the Naples architecture world and loving it.
“Would you like your usual breakfast?” Violet queries as she makes her way to the fridge.
“Yes, please,” I answer as she collects our daily breakfast: granola cereal with coconut milk.
“We’ll probably eat out for lunch, so just pack some snacks.” She’s chipper as she sashays toward me. Most Mondays she’s strictly business, so I’m taken back by her unusual behavior. She mentions several times that she’s aiming to triple the worth of BDR before she retires. I plan to help her accomplish her goal.
I agree to Violet’s lunch suggestion then quickly wash my dishes. Next, I pack a few apples, some bananas, green tea packets, and fill up our water bottles. We shut off all the lights then lock the front door. Our heels click as we scurry toward my car.
For my sixteenth birthday, I requested an ATV. Benjamin surprised me with a brand new, customized purple one. Then Elizabeth drove up in a brand new white Toyota Tacoma. I was flabbergasted. I still own both the ATV and the truck. However, nowadays, I regularly drive my pearl white Toyota GT86.
“Fasten your seat belt. Are your mirrors set?” Violet questions as she scans the windows. She’s forty, but appears to be a youthful thirty-year-old. However, whenever she’s a passenger in my GT86, she becomes the safety patrol.
“Come on, Mom. I’ve had this car for six months now,” I squeak as I ease out of the driveway.
“I know…this car just makes me so nervous,” she retorts as she peeks out her window. I grin at her and offer her the wheel, but she quickly snaps, “No. Focus on the road, Scarlet.”
Vanderbilt Beach in the Vanderbilt Gulfside subdivision was Belka Design and Realty’s original location. After some financial success and a desire to relocate to a commercial business area, the Belka’s bought into the Galleria at Vanderbilt on Strada Stell Court. Our new location is less than twenty minutes from home.
Violet and I became leads at BDR in 2010. Since then, we’ve revamped our office space and have enjoyed the last two years as CEOs of Belka Design and Realty. Elizabeth and Benjamin were generous by giving us 60% of the business, but have yet to completely step away from the company.
We walk into BDR’s lavish entrance where lovely Vera greets us with a charming smile.
“Good morning, Miss Violet and Miss Scarlet.” Vera offers a quick smile before returning her attention to her laptop. Vera is BDR’s administrative manager; she works diligently and has earned her keep.
“Fresh coffee and pastries are in the conference room. Your 10:00 AM appointment rescheduled for one.” Vera squints her eyes and wrinkles her nose as she leans back and braces for Violet’s reaction. Violet’s stance tightens; she closes her eyes and lets out a deep breath.
“Did Dr. Jensen give a reason for his rescheduling?” Violet retorts through clenched teeth.
“He said one of his patients went into preterm labor. And that he would keep in contact if anything changed,” Vera answers quickly then averts her glance back to her laptop.
Vera’s a bronzed twenty-seven-year-old that is fluent in Spanish, English, Portuguese, and Russian. She’s an exceptional receptionist and has always exceeded her boundary of responsibility by ensuring that our clients and staff are taken care of. Vera’s
originally from Brazil; born to a Brazilian mother and Russian father. Her parents believed that Naples, Florida would be a better place to raise their four daughters. Naples was a drastic change for the family, but it didn’t stop Vera’s family from becoming active members of Naples’ social community.
Behind Vera’s receptionist desk is BDR’s open office layout. Violet has her own office, and so do I. Then there is a conference room, followed by gender-separated restrooms. Betty, Lance, and Edmond, BDR’s realtors, each have their own private cubicle-type offices that are located in the center of BDR.
Betty and Lance are in their forties, and were part of the company when Elizabeth and Benjamin were active owners. Violet hired Edmond, and I hired Vera as well as Flora—she’s BDR’s third architect. Violet and I agreed it’d be best to have Flora fill in when Violet and I were unavailable.
Flora also graduated from USF. She was a great friend throughout college and grad school. Edmond was just a random realtor new to Naples and in need of a job. Betty’s sister highly recommended Vera. Although BDR takes up the entire first floor of The Renaissance financial center, the eight of us manage to produce enough business to keep everyone busy.
When we’re not taking on remodeling or development projects, we purchase and revamp properties in need of a makeover. Betty, Lance, or Edmond take on the task of selling the properties. Excluding Vera, all employees are paid a hefty commission plus an hourly wage for their contribution in projects and sales.
To create a home environment, employees are encouraged to decorate their cubicles as tasteful reflections of their personalities. Betty always brags on how her new office cubicle provides enough space for herself and at least three perspective clients to sit comfortably.
Violet’s office is a reflection of our home, and so is my office. An elegant, recycled conference table is the focal point of the conference room; most of the office is furnished with recycled or refurbished décor. As a result, we strongly encourage recycled or refurbished décor be used for clients’ projects.
We found it necessary to build a male and female restroom with several stalls in each. I’m thankful for my private restroom. Not having to rush is an indulgence compared to the previous BDR office that had one restroom—for the entire staff of twelve.
“Scarlet?” someone questions from outside my restroom door.
“I’ll be out shortly,” I respond as I check my makeup and adjust my cleavage. Being ample-breasted is a curse and a blessing.
“Hi, Edmond. How are Pearl and the boys?” I inquire as I shut the bathroom door. Edmond mimics me as we take our seats.
“Great. Everyone is enjoying their summer break. Have you or Violet considered my website restoration idea?” Edmond shifts in his seat then reveals a warm smile.
“Let me call Violet; we had a busy weekend...” I grab my office phone then dial Violet’s extension. Edmond rolls his head from side to side. Violet answers her office phone on the first ring.
“Violet speaking,” she blurts out in an irritated tone.
“Violet, have you had an opportunity to review Edmond’s proposal for BDR’s website revamping?” Silence greets my question. For a moment I consider that the line has disconnected.
“Hello?” I enquire as I check the phone base to verify that we’re still connected. Edmond’s face furrows as he stares into my eyes.
Violet answers, “No, I haven’t. But give me thirty minutes, and I’ll give you an answer.” I thank Violet then return the phone to its base.
I direct my attention to Edmond and say, “Edmond, I’m all for a revamping of the website, but I want to make sure...”
My phone rings, loudly interrupting me. I glance at the caller ID and pick up to Violet saying, “I love it! Tell Edmond it’s an excellent idea, and if he has no other responsibilities he can focus on the completion of the revamping alone, or with someone else’s help—it’s all up to him. Also, since it’s summer, let him know his reward for the revamping is three paid days off. Does that sound adequate?” she questions in a cheerful tone and waits for my response. I agree and let Violet know I’ll tell Edmond the great news. After I apprise Edmond of what Violet said, we chit chat for a while until Edmond dismisses himself to his website project.
I check my email and discover an email from Tim:
“Hey, stranger. I’ve missed you. Did you receive my package? Sorry, for not including my address. Anyhow, all is well in Chicago. I’ve been dating but nothing serious. Hope you can visit soon, or that we can finally have an opportunity to Skype. I miss you so much. Love you more. –Love, Tim.”
I smile broadly as I read his email. I become nostalgic as I fondly remember how we spent our time together. At first I thought Tim was the one. However, after we were together for six months, I realized we were never going to have sex. We became comfortably happy with each other. As a result, we stayed together until I met Sam, an openly gay Abercrombie and Fitch store manager. I introduced Sam to Tim, and about a month later, Tim and I split up. I missed my make-out buddy, but was happy for them.
My cell phone buzzes, and I see a text from Vera.
Vera – Could you bring me some lunch when you leave? I’ll pay you back.
Me – No, it’ll be on me. Do you want to have a drink after work?
Vera – Yeah, I’d love to. Will Violet join us?
Me – Most likely.
Vera – K. She’s such a riot.
Me – Haha! And that’s why I love her.
Abruptly, my office door opens, and Flora fills my room with her personality.
“Hey. Sorry to barge in, but Lilly Willford has an interest in remodeling her kitchen and is requesting your talent.” Flora shakes her head then plops down into a chair.
In an attempt to calm her frustrations, I empathetically express, “Yikes. Why doesn’t she want you to draw the floor plans? You’re her church mate…” As much as I enjoy working with Flora, we have a heavy work load this month, and I didn’t need nor want the extra work. Plus, I’d rather avoid working with picky Lilly.
“I won church treasurer over her. She isn’t happy with me. In fact, I drew the floorplans, almost completed the project, and then she just called to ask for a ‘more experienced designer’.” Flora’s nostrils flare as she rolls her eyes and lets out a sigh of frustration. I offer a sympathetic smile then take a moment to consider a solution.
“Leave Lilly waiting. Check with Vera, and if my schedule is free, we’ll co-draw. Let Lilly know that I’m busy with other projects, but I’ll be present as supervisor. Does that work for you?” I smile awkwardly with hopes of making Flora smile. She releases an infectious laugh as her shoulders relax. She thanks me as she sashays out of my office.
Once again, I’m alone. I notice it’s merely noon, so I decide to leave my office and walk through the cubical area to give my daily greetings to everyone.
“We’ll probably be leaving for lunch after our meeting with Dr. Jensen. If you guys want to wait or go ahead of us, feel free to,” I inform Lance. Since he was one of BDR’s first employees, he’s earned his status as third in charge, and has become an amazing asset to our company. Lance is known for his insight on possible revamp properties. He’s only forty years old, but stopped aging at thirty. Lance is bald by choice and has beach-bronzed skin, but not the rubbery-looking, over-tanned skin—the smooth sexy kind. He’s an experienced surfer and enjoys traveling with his wife, Megan. They have three children who live outside of Florida.
“We’ll just wait for you guys to finish your meeting.” Lance beams. He’s such a cheerful man; the daily sunshine and salt water have done him good.
“Are we going to tell Vera today?” Betty chimes in.
“I’m heading to ask Violet now,” I reply as I shift my weight to face Betty.
Betty’s pleasantly plump and a jewel of a person. Although she partakes in any marathon in the state of Florida, she just loves her sweets too much to be skinny, and I admire her so much for it. She’s nothing l
ike the other Floridian cougars. She has flawless, naturally tan skin and is just an overall fun-loving gal.
Edmond and Flora are originally from Key West and of Colombian descent, but Edmond has a much darker but beautiful complexion compared to Flora. He’s a tad overweight, but not due to his eating or lack of physical activity; he has thyroid issues. Flora, I’ve coined ‘The Amazonian’. She’s 5’10” and should have pursued a career in modeling, but she claims architecture keeps her close to her roots. Her grandfather and mother are established architects in Colombia.
Lance, Betty, and I end our conversation on an upbeat tone. I offer everyone a warm smile then walk toward Violet’s office. I knock once and let myself in.
“Violet, I think today is a good day to tell Vera about closing BDR for lunch so she can come with us to lunch.” I wait for Violet’s response. She looks up from her work; her eyes are squinted and a line has formed between her brows.
“Wow… or we can just wait. Whatever you want to do is fine with me. What’s wrong? Are you all right?” I take a seat in front of Violet then wait for her to vent.
“I’m just starting to think Dr. Jensen is stringing us along. I know that he’s a busy doctor, but damn! Really?” Violet throws herself back into her chair and stares at the wall as she shakes her head.
“He’s an obstetrician. He’s a busy guy. I’m sure summer time is a busy time for births,” I offer then shrug.
Violet laughs at my failure to comfort her. She smiles then says, “I love you, Scarlet, but this man has me furious.” I haven’t seen Violet this angry since… To be honest, she was more upset when she found out about Peter’s indiscretion, but she’s almost as angry.
“Why are you so stressed over this project?” I lean in and squint at her as I wait for her response.
She closes her eyes, takes in several inhalations as her shoulders relax then says, “This will be our largest project on our own. I don’t want any mistakes or any other firm stealing this project from us.” Her body relaxes into her chair.
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