Chapter Text
It seems like a while ago since she tossed and turned that much in bed. She hadn't been this nervous in a very long time so she checks the time: 4 a.m. And it feels like she didn't sleep at all. Yet she knows she did. For a little while at least. It wasn't very good and she's not sure if she's going back to sleep but getting up at 4 does seem a bit drastic with the day that lies ahead of her.
Turns out she doesn't have to worry about that. Next thing she knew her alarm goes off. Her heart jumps at the shrill tone - seems like she did fall asleep after all. She gets herself out of bed and under the shower. The warm water calms her nerves and as she steps out she feels confident enough to actually do this today.
She quickly dresses herself. And thinks twice about pushing the button on her fancy coffee machine she got herself years ago after her first big project. But she's not sure right now if her body can actually handle the caffeine. So she opted for a cup of English breakfast and an almond croissant she got herself last night. Because nothings says "you're going to have a great day" better than an almond croissant from the little café just around the corner.
Jo nearly loses herself in a train of thoughts. Things haven't been great for awhile and the only thing she's passionate about is her job. So she collects herself, puts on her burgundy jacket of her pant suit. She always felt powerful and confident in red. And today is the day she needs it. It's the first day she will be at the construction site of the new library she has designed and this last draft with the investor cost her a lot of nerves in the end.
Jo grabs her car keys, looks in the mirror, smiles and heads out of the door.
---
The construction site was already busy. Workers rush from one end to the other. Talking, comparing notes. She feels a bit lost. As she always does at a first day on the site. Some of the worker she recognized from other projects. She greets them friendly with a smile and nod.
"Jo? You alright?" Lomax asks as he walks towards her. Chris Lomax is her partner in crime. They worked with each other the last 8 years and did the last few projects together.
Jo's pretty much closed off at work. She likes the team they get along pretty well. But she was always more the loner and Chris was the only one who doesn't seem to mind too much. He even got her to go out for drinks a few times with the team.
"Yeah I'm fine. A little bit nervous. You know how it is", she answered. Chris smiles and her and nods.
He knew exactly what she means. Because he spent last night drinking maybe two beers more than he should have because he was tense about today too.
"So let's do this! Are you ready to meet the head of construction? Heard she is a handful" he says with s smirk and Jo can't really place it but she nods at him as they walk together to the other side of the site.
"Hey. Miss Fleming," he shouts at a woman, "Thought I might introduce you to the brain of this fabulous design" he adds with a wink. Even if the woman can't see him Jo recognizes the flirty tone in his voice and she knows exactly where this is going. Lomax always flirts when he has the chance. He tried it with her first when they met but she shut him down explaining it wouldn't be the best idea to work and go out with each other. And that of course wasn't the real reason she didn't want to get out with him. But she also didn't need to out herself at her first day. And then the chance never came up again to actually say something about it. Not that she needs too. It's better if some things stay private. She has to listen to Lomax's love life more than she cares. Even if it amuses her most of the time. So she's not really surprised that he would try it with Miss Fleming too.
And just as she ended her thought Miss Fleming turned around. And Jo nearly tripped over her own feet.
The smile of the younger woman in front of her reached her piercing blue eyes and it was the most beautiful thing Jo has seen in her life.
"Hiya. I'm Kate Fleming. Nice to meet you," she said and holds her hand out, waiting for Jo to grab it. Jo must've stared at her for what seems minutes because the woman in front of her started to chuckle and Chris bumps her shoulder "Jo?"
"Yeah. What? " she answers puzzled "sorry. My manners. Must've forgotten them" she adds quickly to deflect the embarrassment she just inflicted on herself.
"I'm Jo Davidson. Nice to meet you Kate...I mean Miss Fleming,” she finally says while shaking Kate’s hand. She felt her accent was thicker than she intended too. And God knows she's flustered. Thank god she is wearing that turtleneck under her jacket. Otherwise Chris would never let her live that one down. Because she feels the red all over her neck. And her ears are burning which were luckily covered by her hair. God why does her body have react that way?
The smile on Kate, she calls her Kate now in her mind, grew. She didn't think that was possible. Kate looked down for a minute and then directly into her eyes. "Nice to meet you too Jo. Jo Davidson. Should I call you Miss Davidson?", she replies lightly - while looking at Jo’s hands. Checking if there is a ring on her hand. 'Well isn't she attentive?' Jo thinks. "Miss Davidson is just fine," and she can't believe THAT is her response to it. She smacks herself mentally and slightly rolls her eyes at herself 'Way to go Jo. That is the first Impression you wanted to make.’
"Well then Miss Davidson. I'm looking forward working with you. I love your Design and it's gonna be a pleasure getting my hands on it" Kate casually replies. And Jo can feel the heat rising in her body again.
'well I would love to have these fine hands somewhere and it has nothing to to with this project' she thinks.
Fuck.