Microsoft Word - MeantForEachOther.doc

by Allison

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  D.H. Starr

  Meant For Each Other

  “Of course.” Janet showed Boris into her office. “I’ll be back in a moment, Mr.

  Stanton.” Janet closed the door and walked over to Craig’s desk. “So, did you hear everything or do I need to repeat what he said?”

  Craig chuckled, his excitement building within him. This was exactly the kind of project he loved. “I can’t believe you just left him in there. To answer your question, yes, I heard him. Sounds like a good job for me.”

  “I agree.” Janet peered at his blank screen and cocked her head. “I thought you had made progress on this project. You’re supposed to be working on the Earth and Sea logo right?”

  Craig huffed and minimized the screen. “I deleted everything. None of it is any good. I should have pushed the issue with the client to hand the job off. I’m not suited for this kind of artwork.”

  Janet shook her head. “Give the job to Kevin like I told you to the other day. He’s intrigued by this project. Why are you hammering yourself with a job you clearly hate?

  The five of us got together because we each bring our own particular artistic vision to the mix.”

  She was right, but he still couldn’t let go of the idea that handing the job over would feel like quitting. “I want to try.. If I can visualize the concept I’m sure the actual work of designing the logo will come easily.”

  “I’ll never understand boys and your egos. You don’t ask for directions, compare your dick sizes, swig beer, and watch football. You always have to be right even though you are wrong ninety percent of the time.” Janet stood up, placing her hands on her hips.

  Craig pouted with theatrical hurt. “I never swig beers. I always chug them.”

  “Oh for fuck’s sake.” Janet smacked Craig on the back of his head and ruffled his hair. “Go into my office and introduce yourself to Boris. You’ll be the artist assigned to this client. I’ll give you two a few minutes to talk before I come back in. You are much better at buttering up clients. Once you’ve landed him, I can handle the logistics.”

  Craig smiled, but still wasn’t happy about giving up the bed and breakfast job. But Janet was right, this job was perfect for him. He needed to cheer himself up. Meeting with a new client while in a bad mood would not serve him or the company well.

  Giving Janet shit always cheered him up. “Hey, if you’re already going to be in the kitchen, grab me a coffee.”

  “Certainly, sir. Would you like anything else?” Janet shot him an exaggerated expression of servitude.

  “Yeah. Make it snappy.”

  She smiled and turned on her heels. “I’ll be right in with your coffee, smartass.”

  Craig winked at her and headed to Janet’s office. Boris stood and turned when Craig entered. “Hello Mr. Stanton. I was speaking with Janet and she told me we may 24

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  be working together on your project. My name is Craig Harper. It’s nice to meet you.”

  Craig extended his hand.

  Boris smiled, returning Craig’s handshake firmly and with confidence. “The name’s Boris. Mr. Stanton was my overbearing father. I always look around whenever I hear someone use my last name wondering whether he’s standing somewhere in the room.”

  “Well, I’m pleased to meet you Boris. I noticed you looking at some of my drawings when you came in. I assume you want an artist with a modern slant to his work?” Craig had heard the entire conversation, but good business was to let the client talk.

  “Yes. I’m a contractor and also do some of my own construction. However, I want to shift my focus towards remodeling home and condo interiors. Although I will still build homes, I would like the homes I build to be in selective, natural areas and for the house designs to be sharp and crisp, but to blend in with the natural surroundings.”

  Boris became animated as he spoke and Craig decided he was going to enjoy working with him. Not only did the man have a vision of what he wanted, but he was impassioned as well.

  “I have to say I’m impressed, Boris. Our job is much easier when the client can be as specific as possible about what they want. Do you mind if I ask a few questions?”

  Boris seemed eager to engage in a discussion of his work. “Of course. Ask away.”

  “You say the homes you build should have a modern tone, but you want them to blend in with natural surroundings. How do you envision making modern homes blend into natural settings? The two aren’t usually considered compatible.”

  Boris nodded. “Yes. I had the same initial concern. Very few architects have been able to successfully achieve the look I am going for.” He began walking around the office. As he did, Craig envisioned the work of his inspiration, Frank Lloyd Wright. This job seemed like an opportunity to attempt to achieve what this great visionary had managed. The challenge alone caused his heart rate to increase.

  Boris continued talking. “I like to work with natural materials, building with resources like unfinished wood, bricks, and various types of stone to give a natural quality to a home. The materials cut the sharpness from the angular patterns and give homes warmth, enhancing their immersion within a natural setting.” He turned to face Craig. “Have you ever heard of Frank Lloyd Wright?”

  Craig practically jumped out of his chair. “I was just thinking that what you are describing is exactly like his work. To have the chance to try to create the kinds of images he so brilliantly created; I can’t tell you how much that excites me.”

  “You seem like a young man who embraces challenges.” Boris assessed him with an approving stare. “I see a lot of myself in you. Way back when I was your age, I was eager to prove myself. I wanted to take on projects which would force me to stretch. I like you.”

  The unexpected compliment and the reference to the common architect they both admired caused Craig to sit up a bit straighter in his chair. This wasn’t just a good account, Boris was an interesting man. Someone Craig would enjoy working with. He 25

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  could see the things they could accomplish together and the thought of his work coming to life in the image of one of ‘the greats’ was beyond exciting.

  “This sounds like a perfect project for me.” Craig had to fight to remain seated. As much as he wanted to pace the room alongside Boris, the initial stages of wooing clients who had a lot of money to spend was to maintain a certain level of professionalism. “I can conceptualize how to use the angles and sharp lines of modern design, but dull the effect by staggering the placement of stones or choosing natural wood with varying grain patterns.”

  “Excellent thinking. I can tell you and I will be able to work together beautifully.

  Craig was sure he’d landed the job, but wanted to make sure he understood the scope of the project. May I ask another question?”

  “Certainly.”

  “You said you’re shifting your focus to internal remodeling. What exactly do you have in mind?”

  “Ah, the new direction of my work. Yes. I’m excited. I want to target the Manhattan professional, particularly those who live in midtown. The city can become cold and harsh. Don’t get me wrong, I‘ve lived here all my life and New York is the best city in the world, but I’ve witnessed people swallowed whole by the impersonal atmosphere. I think people need a nook in this big place to call home.” Boris was practically bouncing as he spoke. “Most of the condos in the city are designed exactly the same. Granite countertops, white tile bathrooms, clean square rooms, large bay windows. Boring!

  What I want is to introduce warmth, kitchens with oak cabinets, tables carved from redwood, bathrooms adorned with colorful tiles and niche for holding candles. I want to place lights so they reflect off ceilings and walls. By drawing the eye off center in a room, it helps to add a sense of increased space.”

  Craig followed the rapid series of images easily. Boris was right. Most condos were cold and u
tilized common materials to create a sterile atmosphere. “I like where you’re going with this. You have a unique and edgy perspective—unconventional. I think there’s a real market for your work.”

  Boris beamed. “I am so glad you mentioned the market. What I want to discuss with you, if you’ll take the job, is the campaign I want to launch.”

  “Oh, I definitely want the job.”

  Boris beamed. “Wonderful. I want to run a multi-tiered campaign, starting with several posters which show both the exterior of homes as well as the interior designs I can offer for city condominiums. I also want to purchase space in several of the bigger magazines for home decoration and redesign, targeting the male professional as well as the female homemaker to double the business I can generate.”

  Craig sat quietly and considered Boris’s plan. “What you’re describing is a huge job. The work of creating the posters and the magazine spread will cost a lot of money.

  You’ll have to shovel out a ton of money to purchase advertising. Are you sure you want to start so big?”

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  Boris reached out and patted Craig on the knee. “Money is the least of my concerns.

  Although, I do appreciate your honesty. Most business people begin to salivate when they’re offered a job of this size. I’ve visited three other design firms and chose not to utilize their services because they were trying to push more and more on me. I’m impressed by your conservatism and candor.”

  Craig cringed. Janet would probably want to chop his balls off when she found out he had tried to talk the client down from spending too much money. She always said, if they think big, don’t box them in. Which is why they had all decided she should manage the company. She had a talent for generating business and increasing revenue. “We’re a small business, but we take our work seriously. When we commit to a client, we commit completely. We won’t stop until you’re totally satisfied with our work.”

  Boris shifted in his seat so he faced Craig. “I like this firm and I like you. I’d be honored to do business with you.”

  Just then Janet walked in. “I’m sorry to keep you waiting. Believe me, Mr. Stanton, we are not in the practice of making our clients wait. Potential clients are as important to us as existing clients. Here is your water.”

  Boris smiled, taking the water. “Thank you, but no apologies are necessary. Craig and I have been having a wonderful conversation and I am impressed with the business you run here.” He glanced at Craig then back to Janet. “In fact, one of the biggest selling points for your firm is how Craig voiced concerns about the fiscal challenges I might face when I told him how big I want to go with this campaign.”

  Janet shot Craig a dangerous glare, immediately replacing her displeasure with a beaming smile. “Thank you so much, Mr. Stanton.”

  Craig knew he was in trouble, but didn’t care. Janet always forgave him. His work generated significant amounts of word-of-mouth business for them. She wouldn’t rip into him with the client in the room, so he decided to push his luck. “Hon, he prefers to be called Boris.”

  Janet shot him another glare, subdued, but clearly agitated. She turned to Boris and cupped his hand with both of hers. “I’m so sorry Mr., er, Boris. I meant no offense.”

  Boris let out a boisterous laugh. “You people certainly keep each other on your toes don’t you? What a fun working atmosphere. I would be thrilled to do business with you, a lot of business. This is going to be a huge campaign and I want to start right away.”

  Janet shifted into her sweet-as-pie demeanor and sat down. “I am so glad, Boris.

  Let’s discuss the scope and timeframe of what you’re expecting.” Turning to Craig she said, “I think you should clear your schedule of other projects for the time being. Why don’t you talk to Kevin and pass off your current project to him. I believe this project will take up most of your time.” Although her voice dripped with sweetness, her sugar was going to be extremely salty when Boris left.

  “Absolutely. Boris, it was such a pleasure to meet you. I look forward to the work we will be doing together.” He left Janet to negotiate the terms of the contract, stopped 27

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  by his office to grab his cigarettes and his coat, and headed out into the warmth of early spring. He lit up and headed down the street to Express Café, his favorite coffee joint and a terrific place to watch the pretty boys walking by. As he turned the corner on the street where the coffee shop was located, he bumped into the corner of the building, crushing the cigarette and scattering embers over the front of his shirt. Frantically wiping the burning ashes from his front before they burned holes, Craig shook his head.

  I need to quit smoking.

  Once inside Express Café, he thought about Robert, hoping this new campaign, and the potential for drumming up recognition for their company, might prove to him that he wasn’t complacent in his job. Robert constantly told Craig to leave his position and join one of the bigger design firms, but Craig had started Spectacular Designs. Maybe now Robert would take his commitment to his company more seriously.

  * * * * *

  The Bulls and Bears was crowded when Robert walked in around six-thirty. Although the name of the bar suggested it catered to a particular segment of the gay population, it actually served the white collar professionals who worked on Wall Street and in the financial district. Robert went up to the bar and nodded to the bartender who placed his Grey Goose on the rocks with a lemon rind in front of him. Robert visited this bar at least three times a week, especially on days when he had done particularly well. He had successfully increased the portfolio of one of his major clients by three percent on this particular day, an unheard of feat, and felt like a god. Tonight was a time to give himself a reward.

  The vodka slipped down his throat with a cool burn as he scanned the room to find the lucky young man who would be his prize for the evening. A cute little blond sitting on a barstool by the wall would do. He walked over to Blondie who was drinking something orange and fruity, leaned against the wall, and waited for the twink to face him.

  “How’s it going? I haven’t seen you around here before.”

  Blondie glanced up at Robert, immediately interested. “I started working on Wall Street a few months ago. This place is fabulous.”

  Robert appraised the young piece in front of him; smooth, silky skin, no freckles or blemishes to be seen. He had a faint tan, but not enough to distract from the youth’s fair complexion. Narrow shoulders led down to narrow hips. Robert imagined his hipbones would make perfect handles as he plowed into him. The kid’s sweet, plump, red lips would probably drive him mad with pleasure wrapped around his cock. The thought caused the phallus in question to shift and grow in his suit pants. “What’s your name?”

  “Billy, er, I mean William.” William blushed and lowered his eyes as he took a sip from his fruity drink.

  “Well, Billy, er, I mean William, you here with anyone?” Robert was pretty sure he wasn’t, but even if he was, the challenge would make this conquest more fun.

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  “No, I’m here by myself.”

  Damn. “You said you started working here. Where do you work?”

  “At Fidelity. I’m working my way towards becoming a portfolio manager, but right now I’m just an assistant to one of the junior partners on my floor.” Blondie took another sip from his drink. “What do you do?”

  “I run my own floor at Goldman Sachs.” The sudden intake of air and the raised eyebrows let Robert know he had captured the kid’s interest.

  “Wow. Awesome. I applied to Goldman, but didn’t even get called for an interview.” Billy flashed his eyes at Robert, peering at him through long eyelashes.

  Robert’s cock twitched in his pants again. “It’s all about who you know.” Robert saw the angle to make this conquest fun. He wa
s going to play the I-have-something-you-want card. “I’m always scouting for new talent. Can I buy you another drink?”

  Billy smiled, asking for an Orange-Stoli Madras. Fucking fruit drinks.

  Three drinks and a lot of boring conversation later, Robert led Billy out of the bar.

  They hopped in a cab and stood inside Billy’s apartment fifteen minutes later.

  Robert closed the door and pushed Billy against the wall, kissing him roughly. Billy opened to him, allowing Robert to drive his tongue deep into his mouth.

  He placed his hand on Billy’s head, pushing him down to his knees. “Suck my cock.” The order was guttural and harsh.

  Billy obediently fumbled with Robert’s belt, unfastening and unzipping his pants.

  When he had worked Robert’s cock out, he hungrily took the whole length into his mouth all at once. Robert sighed, letting out a moan of pleasure. Good little cocksucker.

  Billy ran his tongue in circles around Robert’s cock head each time he withdrew, the nerves along Robert’s shaft became increasingly stimulated.

  Before he got too worked up, Robert grabbed Billy under his shoulders and hoisted him back to his feet. Get undressed and lube yourself up. I’m gonna fuck you good and hard.”

  Billy silently walked toward the bedroom, Robert following, and undressed, not saying a word. “Get the lube.”

  Billy obeyed, leaning across his bed into his nightstand. “Do you want—“

  “I didn’t tell you to speak.” Billy clamped his mouth shut as Robert grabbed the bottle of lube from him and squirted some into his palm. He ran his hand along the crease of Billy’s ass, slowly pushing one finger into his hole, working him open with steady in and out motions. After a minute, he added a second, then a third.

  Robert slid off the bed and walked over to the night table where Billy had gotten the lube. “Are the condoms in the nightstand as well?”