Chapter 1
Sunshine and birds cheeping. Enjoying my little moments of relaxing and working from home.
With my nose stuck in my work, it seems like all the rest does not exist. I mean it. It does not.
Today is not an exception. The great designs I complete in AutoCAD are the great jewels that I polish off every month. Specified to the tastes of people in need of splendid house designs.
Each time I get a break from work - I have a craving for good tea.
After watching tea ceremonies, the thought of enjoying tea more sort of came around. Began by finding and ordering good quality chrysanthemum tea from china. It struck me greatly after the first try. Must admit - it was love at first taste.
Once I got up, I walked to the kitchen and put the kettle on. Right then - phone ringing stopped me in my preparation of tea tracks. It was ringing out of study like an alarm.
“Oh fer fecks sake...” - I let out, as I walk to get it.
One swipe of a finger and I hear the voice of our architecture design office manager.
“Ana, it took you a long time. I got the updates.” - Damien lets that out as a greeting.
“Mhm. So what is it?” - I say, as I make my way back into the kitchen.
“We’ve got a new customer. She requests the eccentric kind of architect from our group. Which is why I’m calling you.” - Damien, with a sigh and a tone of voice that shows how much of a pain to ego it gives him to call me, reveals the reason.
“Did you schedule the meeting then?” - I roll my eyes, as I feel the pressure from him being so.
“Aha. She’s on her way to you.” - He said tiredly.
Moment of silence.
“Eh? E-eh?!” - I realise that I’m soon getting a random guest in the house.
“She’ll arrive by 14:00.” - He continues. - “Good luck.”
Phone call cuts off.
I’m still in a bit of a surprise. Frustration slowly boiling in me.
He just dares throw it at me, when I’m in my pyjamas, at home and genuinely looking like a mess. Fabulous. Great. No worries. I’ll get back at you for such a situation.
I check my phone - there’s around 40 minutes before this someone arrives.
After a rough fast shower, then fetching the right clothes and once again putting the kettle on - the ring of outer gate rattles my silence.
I check who might that be - the car just outside the gate. Fine looking Audi. The lady inside, just pulled her hand out to press the bell.
I poke the remote for the gate to open.
Once a car is parked in the driveway, the person comes over to the front door.
By that time, I try once again to calm down, as I don’t like strangers at home, and be as polite and professional as possible.
I open the door and the lady greets me.
“Hi, Damien said that I can discuss my home plan with you.” - She says, as she walks in, softly pushing me aside.
Trying not to be rash and push back, I greet this odd stranger back.
“Ah, yes, he did mention that you need a good architect for your project.” - I replied.
“Name’s Xia.” - She lets out as she’s about to go further into the house. I grab her by the hand.
She looks back at me, as she yanks her hand out of mine.
“I don’t like people touching me.” - She says with disgust.
“And I don’t like people walking into my home with their shoes on. So unless you wish to proceed - please show some respect to this house. Shoes off. Now. Pretty please.” - I squeeze out a smile.
She looks surprised.
“Nhuh.” - She takes her fancy designer shoes off.
I walk into the guest room, leading her along.
She sure seems like a stuck up lady from a high level of income. Her clothes are all designer made. From the long sleeve shirt, to pants and accessories - impeccable, expensive taste.
But I have been dealing with such cases many times over. Just need to remind them ever so often that in the place that doesn’t belong to them - they’re the guest. If they own the place - they’re the owners. Respect. I do value respect.
Xia takes a seat on the sofa. She keeps looking around, admiring the house she got into.
Meanwhile I get the tea and take it to the coffee table beside her.
“Tea?” - I offer.
She nods in reply.
I poured her the tea I was about to have by myself some little time ago. Eh, and so my time by myself at home is shaken. How dreadful. But making money is also a need. Work is work, after all.
“So, you were saying that you need a house designed?” - I start up a conversation.
She gives another gesture of displeasure. I hold back my need to tell her off.
“I want my house to be perfect. But I want a really boho type of feel, yet for it to be high fashion, top notch and just absolutely dazzling.” - Xia takes up a cup, has a sniff, then puts the cup down.
What a picky thing.
“So,” - I let out a sigh. - “Could we discuss the details of where you plan to make it, how many floors, rooms, what square footage I work with.”
“Shouldn’t you already know it all?!” - Xia exclaims in displeasure. She eyes me up and down like a piece of crap.
Dear lord, I do hope that you know I am patient, but this one is a hellsent.
“Sweety, I had not received any information from you prior to the meeting. To be honest, I had a call barely 40 minutes ago. I had no plans on meeting anyone today, so you came around unwanted. If you wish to work with me, you better stuff that attitude up the hole where the sun does not shine. I don’t tolerate bullsh*t. If you wanna go and be a problem child - you’re free to do so. But as the best in the goddamn country - you better show some respect, or I’ll make sure no architect alive takes any orders from you.” - I drink tea, with the coldest look in my eyes, as I check her reaction.
She’s surprised. So much so, that her mouth came agape.
Then she smiled and laughed out loud.
“Ha! I knew that there’d be a good one there!” - She slaps her tight, as she laughs, then she calms a little and takes the tea cup.
“Sorry dear, just had a need to test you.” - Xia takes a sip. - “You see, many of the people don’t even show their own character - I kind of don’t like people without a spine. So let me introduce myself properly. My name is Xia. I’m the head of the cosmetics brand “HeySun″. I apologise for being so rough and annoying.”
I’m honestly surprised now. The heck just happened?
