Adrian.
I lost the bid. First one in over four months.
The man shook my hand, said all the usual crap.
"It was a tough decision, Mr Blackwood. But we went with a more stable option." Stable my ass. He meant safer. He meant 'not you'. Not me.
I'd smiled. Nodded.
"I'm sure you made way you thought was the right choice." I said to him, and we both nodded, smiling.
But the second I stepped out of that conference room, my hands were shaking.
The land was perfect. A coastal area, quiet, and close enough to the main road to build something useful, but remote enough to feel somewhat private.
I'd already drawn up sample designs for a retreat centre. The idea had been buzzing in my chest for weeks. And now? It was gone. Just like that.
I got in the car, slammed the door, and sat s
