Chapter 15: The Tour

Janet’s “ten or fifteen minute tops” visit lasted just over two hours. I heard them moving through both floors. Compliments drifted down the stairs. The tile in the kitchen. The paint colors. The way the master bedroom felt open without being cold. Sarah’s voice grew steadier the longer they stayed. By the time they came back downstairs, she was smiling more than she was blushing.

Janet stopped in the entryway and pulled Sarah into a hug. “You’re a treasure,” she said. “If we had known you came as part of the package when the Company hired Nick, we would have made our husbands bring you both out here years ago.”

Everyone laughed. Sarah’s face went red again, but she was laughing too.

“Thank you,” she said. “That means a lot.”

Janet kept her hands on Sarah’s shoulders. “Simon mentioned that the Board has been talking about remodeling the executive suites at headquarters. I don’t see why they should hire some outside firm that will just make everything look like every other office in the Valley and overcharge for it when we already have you. You have a completely different eye.”

Sarah blinked. “I ... I’m not sure what you’re asking.”

“I’m not on the board, and I don’t work for the Company,” Janet said. She smiled and winked. “But I do have some influence. I think I’ll mention to Simon that they should ask you to come in and oversee it. If you’re interested, of course.”

Sarah looked at me, then back at Janet. “I don’t know all the details. But I would be happy to help however I can.”

“Perfect,” Janet said. “You’d get to spend some time with your husband while you’re on site. Lunch dates and such. And we have childcare for employees. You could bring the kids and drop them off for a few hours while you work.”

Sarah’s smile was huge. She kept thanking Janet, then the other women, then Roxie. I stood there and watched her. She looked lighter than she had in years. Proud. Excited. I felt the same pride I had felt the day the trucks arrived. Only stronger.