Astrid slumped down in her chair and sighed, picking up the photograph and trying to ignore how sad it made her feel. She and Clay looked better than amazing together. They looked like they belonged together. Why did he have to be so deeply opposed to that idea? Did his hurt from his ex-wife really make him that unwilling to ever pursue love? She understood wanting to protect Delia, but surely he realized that all romance involved risk. There was no such thing as a relationship where you didn’t ultimately put your heart on the line. She wondered if she’d ever get the chance to tell him that much, or if he would even listen. His stubborn streak was a mile wide and just as deep.
Astrid got to work, deciding to stay in her office and take care of things like paperwork, research, and answering emails. On any other Monday morning, she would have gone in search of Clay so they could regroup on the Seaport project and set the agenda for the week ahead. That would have to happen eventually, but for now, she was going to put it off as long as possible.
A little after noon, she was about to head out to grab a salad for lunch when her cell phone rang with an unfamiliar number on the caller ID.
“Hello?” she answered.
“Ms. Sterling? This is Sandy.”
Astrid sat up straighter in her seat and fumbled around the desk for a pen. She wanted to take notes so she could report back to Tara and Miranda. “Oh, hi, Sandy. How are you?”
“I’m good. Really good. You said that morning we ran into each other at the bakery that I could call you.”
“Right. Of course. Are you looking for a job? I haven’t had a chance to make a formal inquiry into what might be available, but I can certainly do that and get back to you. I would suggest a meeting with Mr. Singleton so you can discuss your departure. I do think the air needs to be cleared about that.”
“I actually don’t need a job. I got a new one and it’s great. I’m working with the city planner’s office. That’s why I’m calling.”
Astrid had not expected this, and she had to wonder why Sandy would choose to let Astrid know about it. Maybe she was just being paranoid. “Oh. I see.”
“I feel bad about the way I left you guys high and dry last time. So I wanted to let you know that if you need anything at all from me, please feel free to ask. I’ll be here to answer any questions or provide details about any aspect of the process as we move through the second bidding phase of the project.”
“Fantastic.” This truly was great news. Astrid’s other contact at the city was terrible. She rarely returned Astrid’s phone calls and if she did, it was always days later. This could be a real boon for Astrid. “Can I get your direct line?”
“Actually, just use my cell. I called you, so you can grab the number from that. Our phone system here is a nightmare, and that way, you can reach me any time you need me. Even on weekends.” Sandy hesitated for a moment. “I did want to let you know that there’s been a change to the date for the next pitches. It’ll be Friday, November 13, rather than the sixth.”
Astrid scribbled more notes. “Wow. So we have an extra week?”
“Yes. One person on the committee had to take some time off with a sick relative. We thought we should give everyone some extra time. There will be a longer wait after this round until we announce the firm that will actually get the project. It won’t happen now until after Christmas.”
That would be a long wait. The original schedule had it slated to be announced before the holidays. Apparently, Astrid would be staying in San Diego until at least January. Then she could decide if Sterling was a place where she had a real future or if it might be better to return home to Norway. “I see. Well, thank you so much for the update. I really appreciate it.”
“My pleasure, Mrs. Sterling. I do have one more bit of information though, and I’m afraid it isn’t good news. I know that Sterling had inquired about naming the park that will be on site after Johnathon Sterling, but I’m afraid that just won’t be possible. The city will be retaining naming rights.”
That made perfect sense to Astrid. Things like stadiums and museums and concert halls all had some sort of corporate affiliation now. There was simply too much money to be made. “I understand. Better to know now rather than later. Thank you for letting me know.”
“No problem. I’m going to get going, but I guess I’ll talk to you soon.”
“Bye.” Astrid hung up and knew that she was going to have to relay this information to Clay. Best to do it now and get it over with. She strode down the hall to his office, poking her head inside. He was at his drafting table, with his back to the door, headphones on. He often listened to music when he was working. Jazz, mostly. He said it helped him concentrate and create at the same time.
Not wanting to surprise him, she knocked firmly on his door, but apparently the music was too loud. With no other option, she tapped him on the shoulder, then hopped back. Sure enough, he jumped. He grabbed the headphones and pulled them from his head, plopping them on the table. “Astrid. You surprised me.”
“I’m sorry. I knocked, but you didn’t hear me.”
He drew in a deep breath through his nose, but avoided eye contact. Apparently things were going to be awkward for a while. “Can I help you with something?”
“I heard from Sandy. Tara’s old assistant? You’ll never guess where she’s working. The city planner’s office.”
“Good for her.” He walked over
