Designed for Submission (Devine Designs) (2 page)

Elizabeth felt her face heat and her pulse race.  She realized she was trembling.  Nancy reached over and placed a hand on her arm.

''Deep breath,'' she whispered.  ''He thinks he is God's gift to design, as well as women.  He is pissed you haven't given in and taken him up on his sleazy offer to worship at his smelly feet.  He's a sore loser, so let's just make sure he loses again.''

Nancy's words had the intended effect.  Elizabeth's face relaxed, and she even managed a small smile.  ''Thanks,'' she said, and Nancy nodded.  ''Oh, and thanks for that very gross visual as well,'' she added.  Nancy smiled and then looked over at Greg and simply shook her head, as if nothing he said or did mattered to either her or her partner.

''Even if you get really nervous, don't you dare try picturing him sitting there in nothing but his underwear,'' Nancy said, with mock severity.  ''God knows you would be incapable of keeping your look of utter disappointment from showing on your face.'' Elizabeth almost choked on her coffee.  The women's laughter drew looks of other competitors who envied them their obvious sense of confidence.

The room began to settle, as Elizabeth saw Mr. Foster escorting the clients into the conference room.  She felt herself begin to calm, as Mr. Dietrich saw her and nodded with a smile.  Elizabeth returned the acknowledgement with her own smile.  During the initial client interviews, she had become very fond of the middle-aged couple.  They were as far from old and prudish as most young couples she knew.  She had been extremely impressed by the deep respect and love the two had for each other.  Mrs. Dietrich was a sweet woman, who wasn't hesitant to discuss her ideas with the team, but always conferred with her husband before allowing any changes in the plans to proceed.  Elizabeth took several deep breaths as the meeting got underway.  She forgot about Greg and his ugliness, as she forced herself to focus on the presentation.  She listened attentively when other teams presented the final drawings, samples and ideas for the areas in which they had been assigned.  When it was time for their presentation, she was briefly surprised to see a man sitting in a chair against the wall.  He looked vaguely familiar, but she didn't dwell on it as she and Nancy presented their design.  When they were done, they both felt like it had gone well.  Elizabeth relaxed and listened to the rest of the teams, secretly choosing the ones she would like to work with.  Regardless of today's outcome, she truly wanted the Dietrichs to have the best design possible.

Garrett thanked the presenters, after which Mr. Dietrich added his and his wife's thanks as well.  He helped his wife from her chair, and placing his hand on her lower back, guided her towards the door.  Elizabeth was extremely pleased when the couple paused at her chair.

''An exceptional presentation, ladies,'' Benjamin Dietrich said, with a slight nod of his head.  The women thanked him as professionally as they could, trying to hide the desire to simply jump up and down with happiness.  The couple left, and everyone visibly relaxed.  Most of these small, independent firms were accustomed to competing, and most all of them did so respectfully.  Everyone began to gather up the samples of fabrics, paint chips, wallpaper, flooring, tiles, etc., that almost covered the entire surface of the conference table.  The competition had been tough, but it was over.  Now they would all wait to hear the clients' final decision.

''Great job, Nancy, Elizabeth,'' Ryan said, with a grin.  Elizabeth looked up from where she was gathering the rest of their things.  While she couldn't stand Greg, she had no such problem with either Ryan or Julie, who, unfortunately, worked with him.  Greg's expression said he thought his teammate was an idiot.

Elizabeth was about to thank Ryan when she was interrupted.  ''Give it up, Ryan,'' Greg said, as he and Julie joined him.  ''I've told you, if they get the job, it is because they do more for the client in the bedroom than just design it.'' Julie looked as disgusted as Elizabeth felt.  Elizabeth had no idea how to respond; she was furious but speechless that someone, anyone, would act so inappropriately in a professional environment.

''I suggest the best defense is an unexpected offense,'' Nancy said softly.  Elizabeth looked up to see her friend extremely close.  ''Let's just keep him guessing,'' Nancy suggested in a whisper only Elizabeth could hear.  Nancy furthered the illusion by raking her blood-red nails gently down Elizabeth's arm where it lay on the table, before reaching out to slowly pick up a piece of fabric Elizabeth had been preparing to put away.  Elizabeth never understood how her friend seemed to just not give a damn what anyone might think; Nancy had a confidence that was truly inspiring.  Deciding to follow her lead, Elizabeth placed her hand over her friend's.

''I just can't wait to see this draped over that huge, beautiful, and extremely comfortable-looking bed,'' Elizabeth said, making sure she only looked at her friend as she stroked the fabric sample between her fingers.

Nancy had to bite her cheek in order not to burst out laughing.  "It will be gorgeous,'' Nancy finally managed to say, reaching out to gently pull the swatch from between Elizabeth's fingers.  The room was silent for a heartbeat, until they both heard Greg slamming his briefcase lid closed.  Elizabeth dared not look across the table but kept her eyes on Nancy instead.  Nancy's smile didn't waver when Greg snapped the locks on his case closed and stormed from the room.  Ryan and Julie were shaking their heads, their smiles showing their approval.

''When you are ready to expand, ladies, give me a call,'' Ryan said, as he and Julie followed Greg.

''You, my friend, are one very naughty, very wicked girl,'' Elizabeth whispered.

''Ah, but that is what makes life worth living,'' Nancy said and then smiled.  ''Perhaps I will confess my sins tonight,'' she continued, with a mock frown.  Elizabeth shook her head, her laugh soft and musical, filling the space around them.

''A lot of good that would do,'' she said, as she continued to gather the materials on the conference table.  ''I don't believe you are the sort that finds confession good for your soul.''

''Maybe not good for my soul,'' Nancy agreed, straightening and waiting until Elizabeth stood as well, folders in her arms, her satchel over her shoulder.  Nancy linked her arm into her friend's and continued.  ''But definitely good for my ass.'' Elizabeth knew she should have been shocked, but simply shook her head and giggled.  The two left the conference room, neither aware of the man who still occupied the chair against the wall, his lips curved into a smile.

Later that evening, the two women were seated on lounges on the back patio of the home they had recently finished renovating.  Jason listened as they told him about the presentation.  He was grilling the steaks as the potatoes finished baking in the updated kitchen.  He knew he should protest when Elizabeth told him what Nancy had said about Greg and his underwear.

''Babe,'' he said, as he turned from the grill and put his hands on his hips.  ''You have got to get over this obsession with visualizing other men.  In just a few weeks, you will have only one man and, young lady, if you know what's good for you, I will be the only man you ever fantasize seeing in his underwear again.'' Nancy stood and slowly sauntered over to him.  She reached out and put her arms around his neck.

''Oh, my,'' she said, huskily, ''what female could ever think about looking at any other man when they have a big, strong, handsome and incredibly sexy Dom in their own backyard?'' Jason looked down at her, a smile on his lips but a look in his eyes that said he wasn't quite buying this act.

Nancy let one arm slip from his neck, and trailed her fingers down his chest.  ''Who needs underwear, when my man wears such a sexy apron?'' Nancy asked, and then burst out laughing, looking at the depiction of a hugely muscular bodybuilder's chest and abs that decorated the apron's entire front.  Her laughter quickly turned into a squeal as Jason easily turned her around and slapped the spatula he was holding against the seat of her jeans.

''Owwww!'' she shrieked, as he popped her again.  Elizabeth smiled as the two played, Nancy laughing and squealing with every pop against her butt.  ''Liz … help me!'' Nancy said, and then yelped again.

Elizabeth shook her head.  ''No way, girlfriend,'' she said, as she took a sip of her wine.  ''I know better than to ever get between a Dom and his Sub.'' Jason turned his fiancé again, this time drawing her into his arms and kissing her.  Nancy stopped giggling and went up on her toes, once more wrapping her arms around his neck.  Elizabeth smiled.  It was wonderful to see two people, whom she loved more than anything, love each other so completely.  Together, they had all come a long way and she couldn't imagine life without these two people.

Chapter 2

Two weeks later, Elizabeth was barely able to keep from screaming when she reached down to end the call.  She looked at Nancy, and then both women were up from their chairs, arms wrapped around each other, as they did their happy-dance around the office.

''Oh my God,'' Nancy said when they were finally standing still.  ''I can't believe it … I mean, he did say we got the job, right?''

Elizabeth giggled and hugged her friend tightly.  ''Yes, partner, we did it.  We definitely got the job.  I am so excited!''

They glanced around their small office space, the walls covered with drawings, the shelving containing boxes of samples, their two desks facing each other.  They had taken a chance in not seeking employment with any large firm, both wanting the complete freedom to work as they desired.  They had worked hard, dealt with clients that were abrasive and demanding, as well as others that were cooperative and gracious.  They had started with nothing, but each never hesitated to encourage the other when she began to doubt.  They had been steadily building up their reputation.  While they could have afforded moving to a bigger office, sharing an old converted home with other small businesses was both challenging and fun.  The lower Westheimer location assured they had access to a variety of small eateries, independently owned bakeries offering sinful desserts to enjoy with a wide selection of coffees, quaint boutiques and an atmosphere where artistic vibes just seemed to flow through the air.

''I've got to call Jason,'' Nancy said excitedly, as she grabbed her purse.  ''I'm going for celebration cupcakes and coffee.  Back in a bit,'' she said, as she breezed out the door.  Elizabeth had to smile.  Nancy was always on the move, always seeming to have the energy of a whirlwind and always enjoying the world.  When alone, Elizabeth replayed the phone call from moments ago.  They had been anxiously awaiting it all day, having been informed that the final decision had been made, and the winning firms would be informed today.

''Congratulations, ladies,'' Garrett had said immediately, after they had answered the phone and put it on speaker.  Neither woman reacted for a moment, though when they turned to look at each other, they both broke out into huge smiles.

''Really?'' Nancy asked, ''we got the job?'' Garrett grinned into the phone.

''Yes, really.  Your presentation was flawless and the Dietrichs were extremely impressed.'' He paused for a moment.  ''I'd like to share that they were not only impressed with your design, they both have been highly impressed by you as individuals.  Of all the teams, you made them feel like an integral part of the process.  I feel I can share this now, since the decision is final.  Benjamin and Helen are very close friends of mine.  I didn't reveal it before, because I didn't want my relationship to have any influence whatsoever on any work presented.  I can also reveal that my hopes were on your firm as well.  As a man who has been in this field for quite some time, I find you both to be professional, intelligent, and demonstrate a desire to truly understand your client in order to fulfill their need.  This is a wonderful opportunity for you both.  Be prepared to get a lot less sleep, because, ladies, I see great things in your future.  Great job.''

Elizabeth felt as if she had won the lottery.  She was slightly embarrassed at the high praise but also very gratified to hear his words.  ''Thank you so much,'' she said.  ''This is incredible.  We are so excited to work with the Dietrichs; they are a fantastic couple.'' Nancy added her thanks—sincerity and pleasure was evident in her voice.

''They are,'' Garrett said.  ''I will continue to facilitate cooperation between the final teams.  I expect everyone to work well together and have this project done in a timely manner.  The first team meeting will be here on Monday at 2:00.'' He smiled into the phone as he sat behind his desk.  ''Until then, go celebrate and have a great weekend.  You'll be far too busy later.'' When the phone call was disconnected, Garrett picked up another file and dialed.  This call would be far less pleasurable.  By the time he replaced the receiver, his jaw actually ached from where he had kept it clenched in order not to lose control.  He picked up the folder on the top of his desk and drew a thick red line through the tab.  As the words 'Spectacular Spaces' was obliterated by the red ink, Garrett knew he would never again consider the firm owned by Greg Spenser.  Learning what had been said in the presentation meeting had immediately sealed the man's fate.  Tossing the folder aside, Garrett hoped that Todd and Julie had enough sense to flee the sinking ship that was Spectacular Spaces.

Unaware of the anger spewing from Greg's office, Elizabeth continued to enjoy the great news she had just received.  She knew this was more than another project for her.  This would bring her just that much closer to realizing her own dream.  She had lived very miserly, saving every penny she could, in order to one day be able to build the project she had been working on since graduate school.  As Nancy returned with hot coffee and sinful cupcakes, Elizabeth had tears in her eyes.

''Those better be from happiness, partner,'' Nancy said, as she placed a huge cupcake in front of Elizabeth.  ''There is nothing to be sad about.  We earned this.''

Elizabeth wiped away her tears and smiled.  ''I'm just feeling a bit overwhelmed,'' she admitted.  ''It means so much to me.''