Free Sunday (Timeless Series #7) by E. L. Todd

large ornate windows make it look inviting, but also prestigious. But the trimming around the windows and doors don’t work well. I think we should make them something else, perhaps gray.”
    Hawke nodded. “I agree.”
    “And I think we should remove the sign over the door,” Kyle said. “It’s too big and desperate.”
    “Then how are they supposed to know what kind of business it is?”  Hawke asked.
    “You can put a sign, but make it small—elegant,” Kyle said. “It says you’re big enough that you don’t need a sign.”
    Hawke nodded in agreement. “True. Let’s make the changes.”
    It surprised me Hawke relied so much on Kyle’s expertise. But then again, Kyle had been running a business on his own for a while.
    “Can we see the rest?” Hawke asked.
    “Sure.” I turned the page and showed him the sketch of the lobby. I didn’t show blueprints to customers because numbers and measurements wouldn’t mean anything to them.
    Hawke and Kyle both examined it.
    Hawke’s phone began to ring. “Sorry about that.” He dug it out of his pocket.
    “It’s not a big deal,” I said.
    He eyed the screen then took the call. “Hey, Muffin. I’m in a meeting with the architect.” His eyes still scanned the image. “Are you sure? I thought that was tomorrow?” He rubbed his temple and sighed. “Of course. My mistake. I’m on my way. Love you.” He hung up and stuffed the phone into his pocket. “I’m sorry. I have to go. Kyle, you have this?”
    “Don’t worry about it,” Kyle said automatically.
    “Great.” Hawke gave me an apologetic look. “I’m sorry. I forgot she and I had a meeting with our real estate agent.”
    “Is your daughter okay?” I blurted.
    “She’s fine,” he said. “She’s a fighter.” He walked out and disappeared.
    Now Hawke had left twice in a row. Was that a coincidence? Or was I being paranoid? I eyed Kyle suspiciously, wondering if I was being played without even realizing it. If this was a grand scheme it didn’t seem that way. Kyle hadn’t mentioned our relationship once. And it was clear he resented me and no longer wanted me back.
    Kyle studied the page then turned it. “I like the inside. It’s got a lot of open space.”
    “I think that’s essential for a business like his. It’s not about getting down to work. It’s about giving his customers an experience of wealth.” As an architect, I knew a lot about design. They went hand-in-hand in my line of business.
    “And I like the floor plan for the offices. It’s none of that cubicle stuff.”
    “Well, the cubicles will be on the second story. This is just an elaborate lobby because Hawke wanted it.”
    Kyle kept studying it with a trained eye. “The tile?”
    “Hawke can choose that when they begin building. We don’t need to pick that out right this second.”
    He rubbed his bottom lip as he continued to look at the drawing. He flipped to the last page, where the third story was mapped out. He took ten minutes to look at everything, to scrutinize it with stunning detail. “I think it looks good with the exception of the top floor.”
    “What’s wrong with it?” I blurted, knowing I never messed up.
    “I don’t think the main office should be spaced out this way. Also, the bathroom is clear on the other side.” He pointed his fingers along the hallway. “I think a break room should go here, alongside the bathroom. No one is going to be up there except Hawke and his workers.”
    “I think it’s smart to have more than one bathroom…”
    “That’s not what I mean,” he said with a laugh. “I just think this could be done better, frankly.”
    I took the blueprint back and examined it. “Okay. I’ll make the changes.” I realized just how personally I was taking this. None of my clients were happy with the first draft, but knowing Kyle didn’t like it wounded me.
    “Thank you.” He spoke with the same tension, like he didn’t like this conversation anymore than I did. “I