Fat Cat Liar

I do as he says, following him to the lit area.

Peering around, I notice fresh drywall, unfinished cabinetry, and unstained flooring. “What are we doing here?”

“I wanted to show you what I’ve been working on.”

“This is your site?”

“It was. I handed off the project plans today. A new construction manager is in charge tomorrow. The team I’ve been working with is moving on.”

“You’re done?” I can’t hide my surprise.

“My part is done. I was coming down to a time crunch. Now, the general crew comes in and takes over.”

There’s something in his tone I can’t quite put my finger on. It almost sounds like melancholy, but his bright eyes contradict the emotion. One thing is for sure; there’s a story here.

“Tell me about this place,” I whisper, grasping his hand encouragingly.

He whisks his free hand around the room, twisting us is a semi-circle. “Where we are standing used to be the only bathroom in a nine-hundred square foot apartment. This floor was made up of similar apartments. Now, it is one large space, and when done, it will be my largest accomplishment to date.”

I snap my face to his in confusion. “Largest accomplishment?”

“The couple who wanted this floor approached the company I work for about doing a total demolition and remodel. The owner of

the building was willing to sell the whole floor to them, piece by piece, as occupants moved out. It took almost six years of plans, permits, city planning ordinance approvals, and too many roadblocks to name, but the final vision is finally coming together. In a few months, this same space that used to be a tiny bathroom will be an open concept grand living room, kitchen, dining room combination. There was no expense spared; the rest of the apartment will be equally as luxurious.”

My mind immediately visualizes exactly as he describes the place. “It sounds magnificent.”

“It will be. The new owners have already received inquiries from Architectural Digest, Dwell, and NY Home & Design to do layouts.”

My heart swells with pride for him, his company, and his team. “Your largest accomplishment,” I repeat, this time understanding the importance.

“So far, yes.” He arches his eyebrows. “I plan on many more.”

“Will your name be credited?”

He stiffens, his mouth forming a tense line. “No,” he answers dryly.

“Why not?” I push, knowing he should be listed as at least a contributor.

“That’s not the way my company works.”

“Well, it should—”

He places a finger against my lips to quiet me. The light may be dim, but I can see the sheen in his eyes has vanished.

“I’m okay with it, Greer. But I wanted to share it with you. That was important to me.”

I nod, willing to drop the subject. “Can you show me around?”

“If you promise me you won’t break your neck in those shoes.”

I peer down at my four-inch bronze Jimmy Choos with crystals adorning the peep toe. “I didn’t exactly know we’d be touring a construction site, but I think I can manage.”

“How do you feel about a hard hat?”

I scrunch my nose, thinking of the after effects of shoving my hair into a nasty hard hat.

He chuckles, leaning down to kiss my forehead. “Stay right here. We have lights strung throughout most rooms.”