Allen’s comment threw Riana momentarily off guard, though she knew it shouldn’t have upset her at all. He was right: Andre’s striking design, which had addressed important environmental, residential and economic factors had made it a winner, making Arbor Oaks stand out from the plethora of average projects that the other architects and planners had completed. However, all of Andre’s talent didn’t erase the fact that it was going to be very difficult for her to approach him, and she didn’t dare reveal her concerns to George Allen.
“His firm is very small. In fact, he may be a one-man shop. And other than the senior citizens’ facility, he hasn’t done much to prove his talent,” Riana quickly tossed back, a worry frown creeping over her brow.
George Allen nodded his understanding, but countered her concern with a statement that made Riana’s stomach tighten. “I still think he’s the one. What draws me most to Preaux is that he took risks with unusual materials and he got the job done in record time.”
I once took a risk on him, too, and got involved in record time! But I let him down hard and I doubt he’s forgotten, Riana silently recalled, wishing she could remain impartial.
“Reminds me of myself when I started out,” Allen continued. “All I needed was the right break. Someone to connect with my vision. I see no reason why I shouldn’t at least give him first shot.” He arched a brow at Riana, who smiled demurely and inclined her head. “Set up an interview. I want to know more about Andre Preaux. If he doesn’t work out, we’ll move on to someone else.”
“That’s a good approach,” she agreed. “Let’s hope Preaux is interested in meeting with me. From the look of his Web site, I gather he’s a pretty busy man. I haven’t spoken to any of the candidates yet, but I’ll contact him first, have a friendly chat and explore his future plans. Then I’ll know how to move ahead.”
Allen turned his perceptive gaze on Riana, shaking her out of her miserable dilemma. “If he works out, this project may go down on the books as my riskiest one ever. My first time using Executive Suites as my search firm, and now I’m actually thinking of hiring a novice architect to help design my complex. Some people might think I’m crazy, but this is what keeps me excited and engaged in doing business: the discovery and promotion of new talent. Riana, here’s what I want you to do. Schedule a personal interview with Andre Preaux as soon as possible, don’t just talk to him on the phone. Go to see him. I’d like you to spend time at his office, see where he works. Check out his surroundings. If possible, feel out colleagues about his work ethics, his management style, his temperament. And for this project, I’ll have to have a criminal background check on him, too. You know what I’ll need.”
“Yes, I do,” Riana replied, girding herself for this difficult recruitment task. If she had to go to Houston and face Andre, she’d go, and she’d recruit him for the job and earn a nice fee from George Allen, too. And while she was at it she might as well make the trip do double duty and take care of some business while there. “I’d been planning on going to Houston anyway,” she told Allen, sounding as casual as she could manage. “I want to check out the Executive Suites franchise there. It’s not doing well, the owner wants to sell, and I’m considering buying it.”
“Good idea. I heard you talking about your expansion plans when you were on Community Business Focus. Houston’s a good market for recruitment. As I’ve always said, the only way to be successful in business is to grow, grow, grow. Staying small never leads to anything but remaining exactly where you are.”
“I agree,” Riana replied, her mind already spinning with ideas about how to approach Andre. She’d have to plan her tactics carefully, remain totally about business with no treks down memory lane, no conversation about regrets, no emotion. She would plunge into the task fully prepared to get the job done in record time and then, she hoped, she’d never see or speak to Andre Preaux again.
“I’ll get back to you as soon as I’ve interviewed Preaux and give you an update,” she told Allen, ready to get started.
“I trust your company to do its job,” Allen agreed with a nod. “And I look forward to your take on how you think Preaux will fit in with my plans.”
Riana swallowed, her mouth nearly too dry to speak, her stomach sinking fast. “I know you want the best for the Tierra Trace project, and that’s what you’ll have.”
“Tell you what, if Preaux turns out to be the right person for the job, and you can get him in place within a very short time frame, the Allen Group will pay Executive Suites a fifty-percent increase in our contracted fee.”
Stunned, Riana blinked. “Fifty percent? How generous,” she commented, knowing what Allen meant. If she did not come through within his time frame, he would have no problem taking his business elsewhere. This was a test. He had backed her into a corner and she could not let him down. The Allen Group account was hers. All she had to do was remain detached during the recruitment process and not allow herself to get personally involved with her former lover.
Felicia turned to her computer, punched up her e-mail and began reading through the latest security updates, trying to figure out which ones directly applied to her area of the airport when her phone rang. She answered without taking her eyes off the screen.
“President’s Lounge. Felicia Woods speaking.”
“Hey, Felicia, it’s Riana.”
Now, she shifted her attention away from the pages of dense text that were beginning to blur anyway and swiveled back in her chair. “Riana. Well, I needed this break. Good to hear from you, cuz. How’s it going?”
“Very well. Can’t complain at all. Things are definitely moving in the right direction.”
“That means business must be booming,” Felicia responded, nodding as she listened to Riana’s quick update on the activity in her office. “You sure sound chipper,” Felicia commented, a touch of envy in her voice. “Wish I could say I felt the way you sound.”
“Pretty hectic?” Riana commented.
“Girl, this place is a madhouse. The members aren’t so bad. I do get a crazy one now and then, but mostly it’s just this place. Long hours, no respect, touchy folks who always have something to say. But what am I gonna do? Can’t quit. I have too many years invested in this job to up and walk away.” A pause. “Anyway, what’s up in San Antonio?”
“I just signed with a very important client and I have an assignment that’s going to bring me to Houston.”
“Fabulous. It’ll be great to have you around. And you’ll finally get to meet Malcom, too.”
“You two are still dating? I can’t believe it.”
“Yep, and we’re getting along fine.”
“This must be a record for you, Felicia. Guess you got him hooked, girl. How long has it been now?”
“Eight months. The reason I think this one has lasted so long, and why we get along so well, is because he’s never around,” Felicia laughed. “Dating a pilot is fantastic. He’s away long enough for me to really miss him, so every time we get together, it’s like the first time. Strange, but it works for us.”
“Can’t wait to meet him,” Riana replied. “However, I’m gonna be so caught up in work I doubt I’ll be hanging out with you guys very much.”
“Oh, I’ll make sure