The Architect of Life

Chapter 4

Oli

When we arrive at the office, before I shut off the car, she says what are you going to tell people? Who am I to you? She looks so nervous. I'm going to tell them you're a friend and someone important to me. She lifts her head and blinks. So, you're not going to say friends little sister? No, I don't think of you that way. The only thing that's even close is we met because of your brother. You're not that to me, you're more. Besides your personality is older. I grab her hand, you don't have to worry. We've hung out over the years, just not really like this. You are my friend and have been for a while. We are just, I don't know different. I am getting to know the grown version of you. Do I look my age? I don't want anyone treating me like a kid. No you look older and no one needs to know your age. Ok. Oli she says, thank you. I don't tell her this but they will know she's important to me. No one is allowed to call me Oli. Except her, her family and mine, everyone else calls me Oliver or Mr. Summers. I chuckle at the fact. I just realized if we did have a future she would be June Summers. June stops whats funny? I'll tell you I promise but not now, not here. Ok. We walk in I guide her with my hand on her back. I hear good morning Mr. Summers, as I walk to the elevator as soon as we get in. She breathes a sigh of relief I pull her into a hug and she tenses for a second then melts into me and hugs me back. It will be ok, I say. The door opens and people are waiting. She goes to pull away but I don't let her. This is my company and if I want a hug they can suck it. Yeah, not mature I know but I don't care. I reposition her next to me, my arm around her. I don't like how the guys are looking at her. We reach my floor and I am met with a frantic Eric saying there's a problem with a current project then he notices June. Eric says, I'm sorry. It's ok Eric she has clearance for everything I do. Ok. Well, please lets hurry. The client will be hear in two hours. We get in there quickly. June, I'm sorry that we are jumping in the fire. No problem Oli lets see whats wrong. We get in there and find out the design won't work. The survey showed an issue with part of the land, but we still need to have the same specs. We also need the same amount of room. We all try working it out from different angles. We are frustrated, but also happy the client asked to push back the meeting untill after lunch. Everyone is working and June says excuse me Oli. I stop yes sweetheart, she scrunches her nose and says don't be aggravated with me. I raise a brow. I'm not she says we will talk about that later. If I may? June points to the scale on the table, pulls her sketch pad out. This will work I believe based on what you all have said. I just need confirmation. I added details accordingly. The clients need to use recycled materials? Yes. I've added some places you might be able to obtain them quicker. We all look over it and it's absolutely perfect, and the look is esthetically pleasing. I look at her in awe. I kiss her cheek thank you for saving our butts. She smiles widely and has a blush from the kiss I gave her. June smirks and says I live to serve Mr. Summers. The guys all laugh were did you find her? She's amazing please tell us you're hiring her. Well eventually I will, but she's got some things she's got to do first. When we finish all the details we have to present it to the client. I bring June with me. Holding her hand as some sort of ownership over her. When the client saw her he went to kiss her hand, and she said I appreciate the sentiment. However, just because I'm a woman doesn't mean I need it. I will gladly shake your hand though. He smiles I like her. Me too I say and smile at him. She does the presentation and the clients love it. They signed the contract with us. I ordered lunch for the whole office. I took her out to lunch. She asked about the business side. We talked some more just getting to know eachother. We had a great time. She fit in with the whole team. They were charmed by her asking when I was bringing her on. After all that we visited job sights and then went to dinner. The hostess was overly friendly to me and the waitress was as well. We had put our order in and I could tell something was bothering June? Are you uncomfortable? Yes! Why? Never mind. Ok, ok we can get it to go. I flag the waitress down and say we like it to go. I also ordered dessert. She brings the check the food and takes the money. I leave a generous tip, and take Junes hand and head off to my apartment. We get in I set everything up. Hey, why don't we get ready for bed that way we can have a pj dinner. Ok! Give me a minute, she says. We get ready it takes her longer to take her makeup off and stuff. When she comes back she's sad and I don't understand what's going on. June what's wrong? Nothing lets eat. After we eat, I'm cleaning up June left and didn't come back. I go looking for her. When I hear retching in the bathroom. I open the door barging in. Are you sick?