Chapter 4 The Better Partner

Sophie was about to sit on the sofa when the doorbell rang. She glanced at the clock. It was nine. She was sure it was Kyle. She trekked to the door, opened it to her fiancé smiling at her. He held up a movie.

"Sorry I'm late. I picked this up out of the kiosk at the grocery store. " Kyle leaned his tall frame and placed a quick kiss on her lips. He walked further into the living room. He turned to face her. "Miss Van Horn told me the good news. You landed the Deville project. I knew you could do it."

Sophie walked toward him, placed her arms around his waist, and smiled in his face. "I did it for you. You just have to go in and wow him with your designing skills. " She gave him a deep passionate kiss that made her own toes curl.

"You took good notes, I'm sure. "Kyle placed his forehead on hers, tightening the grip on her small waist.

"Of course."

"Mr. Deville loved them."

"He liked everything I suggested,"she boasted.

He planted a quick kiss on her lips. "That's my girl."

She took him by the hand, leading him to the sofa. She sat next to him.

Kyle's face beamed. "Landing the Deville project will look good on my resume. I have to look good for the boss." He turned to face Sophie.

"I wouldn't worry about Miss Van Horn,"Sophie assured him. "She knows that you're a talented designer. You have bought a lot of business to the group. We both have. She knows how good you are."

"Good enough to become a partner," Kyle said.

Sophie blinked. She had no idea Kyle was interested in becoming a partner. She was supportive of him, but he wasn't qualified. She worked her butt off for an opportunity-Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design in George Washington University in DC. She was working on her master's. Upon graduation, she completed three years of on-the-job training with Van Horn Designs. She had experience in both commercial and residential projects. There was no physical space that she couldn't create into a work of art. Kyle studied design in Ontario, Canada, where he earned a two-year-degree. He only worked with residents. He refused to work on commercial projects and had no interests in learning that field of designing.

"You and Miss Van Horn talk a lot. You seem awfully close. "Kyle continued.

"I don't know about awfully close, but we're on friendly terms," Sophie said. "Why do you ask?"

"Has she given any hint of who she's leaning toward to become partner?"

Sophie turned toward him. "Kyle, I didn't know you were interested in making partner."

Kyle appeared nervous. He shrugged. "I may have a shot at it."

Sophie did not want to hurt his feeling, but there was no way he had a shot at becoming a partner. "Kyle, you know I'm hoping to make partner."

"I know," he said in a nonchalant tone. "There's nothing wrong with a little healthy competition."

"Kyle, no offense, but you've only been with the company, what, a little over four years."

"That's doesn't mean anything," Kyle said. "It's about who's most qualified, don't you think?" He rose from the sofa. "I also picked up some Orville Redenbacher popcorn," he said, changing the subject. He walked into the kitchen.

"Don't change the subject, Kyle," Sophie said hot on his trail. "Why didn't you tell me that you were interested in the partnership?"

"I didn't want it to interfere with our relationship. "He began opening the cabinet doors. "Where is that popcorn popper?" he mumbled aloud.

"Bottom cabinet, Right hand side," Sophie said. "I still had the right to know."

Kyle pulled the machine from the bottom cabinet. "Alright, you know. I might not have the education that you have. I could only afford to go to school for two years, but I worked extra years as a trainee to make up for it."

"In all of that time, you had a chance to earn your bachelor's degree and you still won't do commercial projects," Sophie said. "Wassup with that?"

"You don't have to do commercial projects," Kyle said. "It's a preference. One that I prefer not to go into. My interest is homes."

"A partner should have experience in all aspects of interior designs," Sophie argued. "Don't you agree?"

"No. I don't agree," Kyle said.

Sophie frowned. "What?"

"It's obvious that we have different opinions on this," Kyle said. "I understand what you're saying. " He began cleaning the popcorn maker. "Yes, I need more experience on commercial design, but it shouldn't disqualify me from the running. I know about commercial projects, but I haven't worked on any."

"I think it's important," Sophie said. "I'm willing to bet that Miss Van Horn will take that into consideration into whoever she picks."

"Maybe," Kyle said. "The most important thing is," he walked toward Sophie, "I want us to agree that if she picks one of us, the other is okay with it." He gestured with his hands. "No hard feelings."

Sophie had to think a moment. She had no idea that she'd be faced with such a dilemma. If Kyle was chosen, would she be able to work under him? Would she even stay at Van Horn Designs?

"I don't know," Sophie said.

"You don't know? " Kyle said. "Let's be adults about this. This is business. It's not personal."

"Are you serious right now? " Sophie argued. "You waltz in here and tell me that you want to be considered for a job that I have worked my whole life for."

"So have I," Kyle said. "But let's not get ahead of ourselves. There is still another person being considered. She may not give the job to either of us."

"You're talking about Melanie Hoffman," Sophie answered. "I haven't given her much thought. I still have been there longer and brought in more money."

Kyle walked back to the popcorn popper. He plugged it in the socket. "You just know it's going to be you."

"I have a damn good shot at it," Sophie said. "I believe it's going to be me. " She strolled back into the living room.

"Let's face it," Kyle called from the kitchen. "If one of us is chosen, it will be good for both our futures."

"Sure," Sophie mumbled. She picked the movie up off the sofa. "Jumanji?"

"We never got a chance to see it while it was in theaters," Kyle replied. "We're both Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart fans. I figured we'd cuddle on the sofa and watch it. Baby, grab that blanket we like to snuggle with."

Sophie walked to the hall closet and retrieved the blue blanket. She looked to see Bella headed her way, dressed in a backless, black lace, mini dress, and matching pumps.

Kyle whistled. "Don't you look sexy. That dress says, I'm hurting someone tonight."

"That's the idea, future brother-in-law," Bella said. She ran a hand down the front of the dress.

"You be careful, future-sister-in-law," Kyle scolded. "You don't want it to say the wrong things."

"I'll be careful," Bella said. I hate to dash, but I have friends waiting."

Kyle gave her a peck on the cheek. "We'll catch up later."

With a wave of the hand, Bella was out the door.

"The popcorn is popping, we are alone, we have the snuggle blanket, and a good movie to watch," Kyle said.

"Let's get the evening started."

***

"I managed to get you two seats on the flight to Dulles," Agent Aisha Manners said to Cal the next morning from the bottom of the stairs. "Your plane leaves tomorrow morning at 8:30 a.m."

Making his way down the stairs, Cal was still in his silk robe. He ran a hand over his low haircut and yawned. The late-night tryst with Sierra kept him up until late in the morning. He did not drop off to sleep until after four. "Hello to you too, Aisha," he said in a groggy tone.

"You look awful," Aisha said, looking him up and down. "Did you get any sleep?"

Cal gave her a mischievous look. "No."

"I don't even want to know the details," Aisha said. "Where is she now? Recovering?"

"She left about an hour ago," Cal said. "Thanks for the tickets. I know it was last minute." He strolled to the table set up out on the balcony. The morning sunlight hit him in the face. He covered his eyes. " I need a pair of shades to eat breakfast."

"The tickets are open," Aisha continued. "You didn't say how long you will be gone."

"I don't know for sure," Cal said, easing his long body in the chair. He poured himself a cup of coffee. Aisha dropped into the seat across from him. She lowered her eyes. Cal always knew when his agent had something on her mind. "Probably a couple of weeks. You have something on your mind?"

Aisha leaned back in the chair. "You know I don't like to get into your personal life."

Cal added cream to the steaming black liquid. "But you do."

"When have I ever?"

Cal chuckled. "Nadia."

She pointed a well-manicured finger at Cal. "Okay, that model was crazy." Aisha chuckled.

"Lindsey Monday," Cal continued in a calm tone.

Aisha burst out laughing. "Are you serious? She was a stalker. I did, you a favor. The woman was following you all over the place after you broke it off with her. She was showing up on movie sets and your house."

"I will give you that one. " Cal blew on the hot liquid and took a sip.

"I'm your agent. It's job to look after you," Aisha said. "I've been doing it for seven years. You are like a son to me. I don't want to see you make the wrong decision."

"Sierra is the right decision," he said. "She was there when I needed someone."

"You feel like you owe her something. I get it," she said.

"That isn't it," he answered. "It's more than that."

"Sounds like gratitude to me," she said.

"It's different with Sierra," Cal explained. "We're good for each other. Not to mention she brings out the best in me. I think she's the one."

Aisha blinked. "The one?"

"I asked her to go away with me," he said. "I'm going to make things official."

Aisha's face dropped. "Where are you going? What do you mean official?"

"I asked Sierra to go away with me to Virginia. While I'm there, I'm going to propose. " Cal smiled. "I already bought the ring."

Her mouth gaped. "You bought a ring? When? Why didn't you tell me?"

"Because I know how you feel about her?"

"Has she given you an ultimatum?"

"It's nothing like that," Cal replied. "I want to propose."

He strolled into the house and over to the wall safe, punched in the code, reached in, and removed a small black box. He walked back outside to the balcony and opened it to show off the unique heart-shaped, solitaire diamond four carat ring.

Aisha whistled. "Oh my God, it's beautiful." She removed the box from Cal's hand. "Giving Sierra a ring like this definitely means you are ready to take the next step in your relationship."

"But?"

"Are you sure about this? " Aisha asked. "About her?"

"I am," Cal replied. "Sierra suggested that we just run off to Vegas."

Aisha's eyes stretched. "Elope?"

"Calm down, Aisha," he said. "I'm not going to elope."

Aisha placed a hand to her chest. "Better not. So, you really love her?"

Cal grinned from ear-to-ear. "She's the one." He happily tossed the box in the air. "I'm sure."

"You're going to propose in Virginia?"

Cal gave her a look. "That's the plan. Now, where are we on the role of King David? " He asked, suddenly changing the subject.

"Don't change the subject," Aisha argued.

"I think I should," he said. "Now, where are we on the role of King David?"

Aisha gave him a look. "The director has not decided yet. He's narrowed it down to you and Stoner Johns."

Cal tilted his head to one side. He let out a deep sigh. "Stoner Johns? Come on. He has only been in one blockbuster movie. I have been in," he began to count on one hand, "What? Four? Five?"

"Rob Coats is a fanatic about image. Stoner Johns fits the bill. He's a clean cut, all-American boy. Not to mention the man is handsome and talented."

"So am I," Cal said. "Whose side are you on?"

"That's a stupid question. I'm on your side. I was just stating why this is a tough decision for the director," Aisha said. "So, you stay out of the headlines."

Cal gestured with two fingers. "Do I have a slight lead?"

Aisha grinned and grabbed a slice of toast.

"I take it that your silence means 'yes," he said.

"I will put more pressure on director Coats," she answered. "I'm going to get you that role."

"That's what I'm talking about, and if I don't get it," Cal teased, "I'll just have to fire you."

"You're staying at your mother's estate in Virginia? " Aisha asked, ignoring the threat. "Will you see your father?"

Cal shoved a fork of eggs in his mouth. "I will be at the estate. No, I won't see him. " He spread strawberry jam on a slice of toast. "Is he still on Bayside Hospital?"

"You know he is," Aisha pointed out. "You're going to be in the area. I think it's a good idea to smooth things over with him."

"One visit isn't going to smooth things over between us," Cal said. "Too much water under the bridge."

"It doesn't have to be that way," she argued. "You guys-"

"Enough," Cal said, cutting her off. "I don't want to talk about Oscar Erkshire. If you don't want me to kick you out of here. What's with you today? First Sierra and now my father."

"I want the best for you, that's all."

" I think I know what is best for me," Cal argued.

"If that was true, you wouldn't have hired me. I will do what you say, for now," Aisha replied before walking back inside.