Still Image

by Allie Parker

  ‘I didn’t even know what I was saying. I obviously offended Meg. That is not how I like to do business. You know the score though; it would be great to widen the Cassidy Designs scope.’

  ‘True, but let’s talk about it some more, before you go over there all apologetic and offer her your bloody kidney. Either way we want Meg to keep working with us, so don’t scare her off.’ Simon decided to ease off Byron for the moment; he was obviously already beating himself up. ‘She’s smart and easy going, though she seems guarded sometimes. We haven’t seen anything earth-shattering from her since the pitch she did for us awhile back, but maybe we just haven’t given her the right job yet.’ Simon thought there was definitely something holding Meg back, but didn’t know what. ‘For now let’s compare notes and see what solid leads we need to chase up from last night.’ He sat down and logged on.

  But Byron was in a world of his own. The more he thought about it, the more he was at a loss. How would he turn this around to suit everyone involved? He hadn’t told Simon about the articles and documents he’d found online. He didn’t mean to insinuate to Meg that they had any reason to doubt her integrity. Though he made it obvious he’d Googled her. He certainly didn’t intend to offend her. Or Simon. Cassidy Designs had a lot of potential work coming up and they would need Meg’s help to deliver polished, stylish results. Simon was right though, Meg was definitely holding out on them. She’d played it safe with Bella’s latest project. He needed to figure out a way to unleash her creativity again.

  More importantly right now, he thought, did he have to choose between work and date with Meg? Or could he really have both? He wondered, only briefly, which would he choose if he had to.

  During the afternoon as Byron and Simon discussed the productive conversations and sales pitches they successfully delivered the night before, it became obvious they were going to become very busy, even if only half the leads followed through over the course of the next twelve months. Then Byron checked his email and found one from a contact a client had brought to the networking function. James Madden was an entrepreneur, philanthropist and one of the major developers in the local area. In his email, he detailed the new hostel that he was developing for families in need. Byron was familiar with the project from the news articles he’d seen. James Madden also outlined his ideas for general marketing and web refresh as well as his intention to fit-out the new premises with local art.

  ‘Listen to this,’ Byron said to Simon. ‘Your inspirational show of local talent and exhaustive passion has inspired me to change focus on my PR campaign and refocus on the heart and soul of the project. The community itself. I need poignant web, print and social media as well as tactile elements like those on display at the gallery last night.’

  By that stage Simon was reading over Byron’s shoulder. ‘Shit, By, if he is asking what I think he’s asking - this is huge.’

  ‘I know. He wants to meet the crew. He thinks we’re already one team; you, me, Avery and Meg.’

  ‘Probably Grace too, as she was schmoosing him something fierce,’ Simon added.

  ‘We need to get everyone together for a meeting asap. We need a game plan. Portfolios, ideas, research, the works.’ Byron could feel raw energy running through him. This was exactly the type of new business model he had envisaged for Cassidy Designs future. He’d have to talk to Meg sooner than anticipated, and hoped that she’d forgive his ramblings and commit to this job, if not commit to Cassidy Designs.

  Meg drove to the Cassidy Designs studio feeling ridiculous after acting so unprofessional. A silly misunderstanding, she’d say. She would apologise for her outburst which, she now realised, was caused by a paranoia that people were not only gossiping about her, but taking advantage of her too, and perhaps a few too many wines – for her and Byron. Once she stopped fuming long enough to think things through, she concluded Byron was only guilty of patronising her like she was frail and helpless. This only served to make Meg stand taller. Because despite the events of the recent past, she was a gifted artist and a strong independent woman. This altercation with Byron helped to jolt Meg out of a fog she had let settle over her career. Today she would restore her professional demeanour and ask Byron if he had the courtesy to do the same.

  Meg valued Avery’s opinion and strongly focused intuition. Her friend didn’t seem to think there was any gossiping or conversations the night before about the whole Patrick thing and she certainly didn’t get a patronizing feel from Grace. Avery felt that Byron’s offer was a genuine business arrangement, just delivered half-arsed.

  Meg went over the rehearsed speech in her head. She’d misunderstood Byron’s intent and shouldn’t have walked out without hearing him through. She hoped they could continue their working relationship.

  It was late in the afternoon when she knocked on the door of the studio. She almost turned away after a minute when she couldn’t hear shoes on the floorboards.

  Byron, still thinking about the James Madden pitch, jerked the studio door open and his stomach hitched. His bare feet tingled and his face was still set in a concentration frown from staring at the computer screen all day. Meg, as beautiful as ever, was staring at him like a deer in headlights. Not really knowing what his body was doing, he stepped forward.

  Byron stared at her with what Meg thought was a mixture of irritation and lust. Looking into those dark eyes she could see the raw intensity that simmered behind them. And as Byron stepped forward and his hands gripped her shoulders, that intensity rippled over her skin, waking something deep inside her. Byron waited a beat, waiting for her to protest, before lowering his mouth to hers. He lightly touched his lips to hers. Testing. Teasing. The touch of his lips sent a sweet shiver down Meg’s arms. That wouldn’t do at all, she thought. Her hands reached up and gripped at his chest, bunching his shirt into her fists brining him closer. She took a shallow breath before crushing his lips with hers.

  After a few moments locked in the movie-like clasp in the doorway, Byron stepped back, not breaking the embrace as he eased Meg inside the studio. Not wanting to break the spell, Meg kicked the door closed and pulled Byron towards her.

  Byron could feel himself losing control. She kissed him like her life depended on it. He pulled his mouth away from the hot need of hers. Their eyes meeting briefly as he gauged Meg’s response. Her eyes were huge and after catching the scent of her skin, Byron lowered his head and pressed his lips to her soft neck. Sucking ever so lightly. As he peeled her jacket down to her elbows, she moaned with sheer delight and the vibration sent a spike of tension down Byron’s stomach. He devoured her neck, slowly sliding the strap of Meg’s top over her shoulder as he went.

  When Byron came up for air, running his hands softly down Meg’s back, she felt as though she couldn’t be without his mouth on hers any longer. Where had that feeling come from? Who cared? Her hands ran through and gripped his hair, pulling him back towards her.

  When they finally broke apart, Byron looked into Meg’s face and smiled lazily. He loosened his grip on her back and she instinctively tightened hers. That told him all that he needed to know. He didn’t have to devastate her here against the door. The spell wouldn’t be broken if they took a breath.

  Meg could tell that Byron was thinking too much. Too much to simply sink into the moment. The moment that still pulsed between them, the air thick with lust and heat.

  She smiled back at him. Not the polite or friendly smile she usually gave. But a cheeky grin, with something indescribable behind it. He’d never seen it before but he liked it. Byron buried his head in her neck and held her close. When he pulled back he said, ‘Sorry.’ Though she wasn’t sure if he was sorry for ravishing her or sorry he was pulling away. It didn’t matter.

  ‘Let’s take a breath. Just the one. We’re not going to over analyse this, are we Meg?’

  ‘No, we’re not, Byron.’ She smiled again, wondering how to get him to the couch where she could stop him thinking all together.

  They both heard a car doo
r slam outside the studio and automatically started straightening their clothes and hair. They sat on the couch just as Simon breezed through the door and started talking a mile a minute.

  ‘You’ll never guess who showed up at that meeting. Grace’s ex! He tried to muscle his way in but geez that girl can handle herself. Hi Meg, how are you?’ He paused but not long enough for her to answer. ‘He really is a dickhead but got the hint pretty bloody quick.’ Simon sat in his desk chair and looked at the guilty couple in front of him. ‘Anyway, Meg, I’m not sure what Byron has told you about this Madden job, but we’ll need your expertise on it. It’s got to be bold, stylish and full of life. You think you can handle that?’ Simon waited for a reply this time, piercing Meg’s eyes with a clear focus she hadn’t seen in him before.

  At that moment, Meg felt like she could handle anything in the world. ‘You bet,’ she said, matching Simon’s enthusiasm, though she didn’t have a clue what he was talking about.

  ‘Good to hear. We’ll debrief you properly tomorrow if that’s ok, Byron and I need to head off to a meeting now, let’s do coffee and breakfast at eight at that funky little cafe of yours.’

  Meg stood up and looked from Simon to Byron. ‘No worries, I’ll be there!’

  If Byron thought the smile he got five minutes ago was something, it paled in comparison to the beam of energy radiating off Meg now. Simon had somehow brought out a bit of the old Meg, passionate for a new project.

  ‘By, you’d better put your shoes on and change your shirt before we go. You look like you’ve been WWE wrestling since I’ve been gone.’ Pleased with the guilty look on his brother’s face, Simon got up and moved into the kitchen.

  Byron had remained silent since Simon’s exuberant entrance into the studio. He admired Simon’s ability to read a situation and take action so decisively. While Byron was thinking of easing Meg into the idea of the Madden job, Simon had gauged the energy in the room and jumped right to the point. Byron wasn’t sure what he should say now - he didn’t want Meg to lose that smile.

  Walking to the door, Byron absently brushed a strand of hair from her face and Meg gently tilted her head closer to the warmth of his hand. Feeling his stomach flutter, he held it there for a moment, looking at her rosy cheeks and lips.

  ‘Next time,’ Was all Meg whispered before she opened the door and slipped out.

  Ten minutes later as Byron and Simon walked to the car, Simon said, ‘Well, well mate, I didn’t know you had it in you.’ Leaving the conversation open for his brother to elaborate.

  ‘I don’t know what you’re talking about.’ Byron tried to keep his expression blank.

  ‘It’s written all over your cheerful face, bro.’ Simon closed the car door.

  ‘Ok, so Meg and I may have shared a kiss. But I’m not giving you any details, so don’t think for a second you can pry them out of me. I’m not over analysing what happened, and neither should you.’ But Byron was already assessing the situation. How would Meg be the next time he saw her? Would she retreat and say that it was a mistake? Would she want to go back to the way they used to be? Before that smile. His chest hurt at the thought. He hoped the glimpse he’d seen of the old Meg was as strong as he thought it was. Strong enough to hold ground and reassert itself.

  ‘Okay, okay. When you came up for air, did you discuss the new project?’ Simon put the car into reverse.

  ‘We didn’t actually talk about work, for once.’

  Chapter Twelve

  ‘I didn’t actually get to say what I had planned.’

  Avery watched the light in Meg’s eyes as her friend blushed.

  ‘I totally shouldn’t be telling you this,’ she giggled.

  She actually giggled!

  ‘I love it, all of it. It’s so great to see you smile.’ Avery clapped her hands together.

  ‘It was just so unexpected. Where did all that need come from?’

  ‘It’s been building for weeks; you just didn’t want to bring it out to play. Until now.’ Avery chuckled. ‘It’s so nice to see you blush and giggle.’ Avery was truly delighted for Meg. It had been too long since she had seen the energy in Meg which had led them to becoming such good friends in the first place.

  ‘But clearly I can’t just go with it. You know, with the investigation and everything.’ Meg stopped to consider the ramifications.

  Avery could see Meg’s light starting to dim. ‘Oh no you don’t,’ she said firmly. ‘You just enjoy this for what it is. And that is whatever you want it to be. It doesn’t have to be a big deal; it can be a fun deal. Take your time with it, enjoy it. You deserve some happiness and laughter; it’s good for the soul.’

  Meg thought over Avery’s words while editing some landscape shots at her desk that night. Avery was right; Meg was just going to have some fun for a while. Nothing too deep, no commitment, just a flirt and giggle for as long as it lasted.

  When Meg and Avery arrived at the cafe the following morning, Simon helped Avery to unload her portfolio and note pads as Meg fussed with her coat. When she turned from pegging it up on the rack beside the door, Byron was walking towards her. Instantly Meg felt at ease, a little nervous but relaxed at the same time. This time it’s going to be different, Meg hoped. Byron had become a friend, and now, well, she’d see. She smiled and on impulse rose on her toes to meet his mouth with hers, a quick kiss hello.

  But a kiss never the less. Instantly the butterflies that had taken up residence in Byron’s stomach dispersed and relief flooded in. After smiling at each other for a moment, he put his hand lightly on Meg’s lower back and led her to the couch facing Simon and Avery. As they got settled, Avery and Simon exchanged a subtle, knowing grin.

  Byron proceeded to fill Meg and Avery in on the email and subsequent phone conversation with James Madden. They were on their second round of coffee when Meg asked, ‘So where to begin?’ Trying not to feel too overwhelmed by it all.

  ‘We have a site inspection booked for early next week,’ Simon answered.

  ‘The building is all but complete, the plasterers are applying the finishing touches and the painters are following them as they progress.’ Byron added.

  ‘We’ll get to see the walls marked out for murals. Avery, if you’re interested in the job, we’re hoping you’ll be happy to work on the bare walls rather than canvas.’

  ‘That would be brilliant.’ Avery was thrilled with the prospect and was already mentally rearranging her schedule to fit in this tremendous opportunity.

  ‘We’ll get a list of all the furniture, fittings and fixtures so we can match photography and other artwork accordingly.’ Simon directed at Meg.

  ‘We’ve already done some research into James’ previous work, so we think we know roughly what he’s after. But we need to put together a tight pitch, hence the portfolio collective, to secure the job,’ Byron continued.

  ‘I won’t start on the web proposal until I know more from James next week.’ Simon sipped his coffee and watched Meg closely; she didn’t seem to be freaking out too much.

  ‘I’ve started working on possible community links, as that’s the key reason for the rebrand at such short notice,’ Byron added.

  ‘Which reminds me, have we pissed anyone off with the sudden change in direction,’ Meg asked. ‘Surely someone was already commissioned to do this job before James came to the gallery the other night.’

  ‘We’re unsure about the details, but yes, I’m confident we’ve put someone’s nose out of joint. But they obviously weren’t doing a good enough job to have James open to new ideas. Grace has her feelers out to pick up on any chatter and minimise the damage.’

  ‘That’s generally where Grace comes into things’, Simon said. ‘She’s always acted as our unofficial PR expert. The amount of big names she knows, and networks with, is invaluable.’

  ‘Not to mention that big sister protectiveness that she’s always had.’ Byron put down his coffee mug. ‘If we’re all in, I think we should go over what James would have been expos
ed to the other night. Something or a combination of things obviously grabbed his interest. Avery did you bring the photos of the artwork on display?’

  ‘Sure did.’ Avery dug into her portfolio. ‘These are photos I took after you rang. Most of the paintings were still there waiting for collection.’ She fanned the photos out on the table in front of them. ‘I also found out that James made some significant purchases and commissions on the night. He ordered a number of Dave’s coffee and side tables, I photographed them too.’

  ‘This is great, thanks Avery.’ Simon flashed one of his high voltage smiles. ‘Talk us through the theme of the exhibition.’

  The group sat and discussed Avery’s vivid land and sea scapes. Then Meg pulled out her laptop and brought up photos she thought would complement the style and subject matter of Avery’s paintings. By the time they ordered lunch, they had a solid start to a project portfolio ready for their meeting with James. Byron and Simon made a lot of notes on the theme, key messages and community linkages.

  They talked about what it meant to work on a venture that had such a meaningful outcome. The accommodation specifically for families of hospital patients was something they all respected and were honoured to be a part of. They all agreed that vitality and positivity were key elements to this assignment. They assumed this building would be an escape for families and loved ones from dull, depressing hospitals and treatment centres. Byron had read online that the facility would also have areas for the patients themselves to come and relax when on special day release from the hospitals.

  Over the following months, life would be the focus of their effort. Breathing life into the building and encouraging life through positive images, subtle design elements, and vibrant murals.

  Chapter Thirteen

  The following week, the team visited James Madden’s latest building site and multi-million dollar project. The first thing Meg noticed was the light filtering in from generous skylights and windows. Byron noticed the clean lines and subtle architecture. Simon scoped out the electrical and AV cabling and outlets. While Avery observed the way the whole site worked to the beat of one drum. Professional, clean and efficient. The foreman must just about live onsite for this level of organisation, Avery thought.