Chapter 13
“Ms. Rockmoor?”
Elisa hiccupped slightly in surprise and broke from her reverie. As she turned around, she faced a distinguished gentleman.
“Mr. Girron.” She said, assuming that it must be him.
She rose to shake his hand as she realized just how tall he was. She had been told he was over forty years of age, but his face seemed ageless and she could not help but smile back at him as he waved her to sit once again. He took a seat opposite her in the settee. The sunlight through the high windows cut looming shadows across the room and, for a moment, Elisa could have sworn the wind seemed to sigh as if to welcome its master back home.
“Please,” Girron said, leaning back comfortably, “tell me a bit about yourself. I like to know who I hire to work on something as important as my home.”
Elisa was taken aback. No one had even hinted at how personal Girron would be. In fact, by most accounts, just the opposite. She had expected to come in, review the plans, and be gone with a curt dismissal or a chance of a lifetime to build upon the perfect library. Now, he was across from her and all her preconceptions were completely laid to waste. She did not know what that say, so she began at the beginning.
“Well.” Elisa said, straightening her skirt and closing her eyes for a brief second, taking in a deep breath. “I was born in a small suburb right outside the city. My parents didn’t have much, but they were able to give me all that I ever wanted, including a college education in art design. I have a younger brother. He is still attending college back east. He was given the smart gene. Goes to Harvard. I was the artistic one. My parents, thank god, never stopped me from going for my dream. And, here I am. My first chance to prove myself.”
“I wanted to thank you again for this opportunity, Mr. Girron.” Elisa’s gratitude shown brightly in her eyes and she could see that her frank nature had won his approval. He nodded his head in acknowledgement of the opportunity she thought she was being given.
“Don’t thank me yet, Ms. Rockmoor.” Girron said, his face now a mask of seriousness. She knew that this was a face he reserved for business and immediately straightened herself and leaned forward to listen. “This will be a challenge. I want several things done to this room; all of which must be done without effecting the current foundation and historical roots of the shape and sculpture of the structure. Are you up to the challenge?”
Elisa did not hesitate. “You will not be disappointed, Mr. Girron.”
“Good.” He slowly rose and extended his hand once more. She shook it heartily. “Leave your plans here and I will look them over and email you any changes or suggestions and we will revise as we go along. Plan to have the final, finalized copy by the time the construction crews arrive.”
“When will that be?” Elisa could not believe it. Had her plans been enough to convince him to hire crews before they were even inspected fully? Or, did he have alternatives in the wings, ready to cook should she fail? She was not willing to find out and vowed to work twice as long and hard until the day of reckoning.
“In a week.” He led her out of the library and as the doors closed behind them, she felt a sense of loss. Having been so close to one of her fantasy places to live in as a child, she had a hard time parting with it. “If you’ll excuse me, I have an engagement with my sons. Jervaise will show you out.”
The British butler that had led her in, had appeared on cue as if he had been waiting in some dark corner all this time. She thanked Girron one more time and followed Jervaise out and to her car. As she left, she realized that all of it was really coming true. Her life had been leading to this. God, she hoped she did not screw it up!