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D.H. Starr

Meant For Each Other

of himself, which translated into Andrew thought Jeremy wasn’t living up to his expectations.

What bothered him more than Andrew’s lack of understanding, was his own passivity. He had always fought for what he wanted, believing that voicing his views was part of what kept his relationship with Andrew strong. In recent years, he had lost the energy to argue. There was no satisfaction in it since the same problems cropped up over and over.

A picture of his life growing up flashed in his mind. On the rare occasions when he had argued with Craig, their fights had been fierce, bitter. Part of it had been that they were teenagers, but Jeremy knew there was much more to it than simple teenage irrationality. He and Craig loved each other and cared; cared enough to make sure that their feelings weren’t just heard, but accounted for. The fact he had given that part of himself up just to avoid conflict and disappointment weighed on him. It was a trait he had valued in himself and caving in felt like chipping away at a defining aspect of who he was as a person.

There was nothing wrong with wanting to live in a better part of Manhattan or having more to show for his increased earnings. The problem was Jeremy’s needs hadn’t changed. He loved where they lived and didn’t want to move. Add to that the fact he could barely afford their place now, even under rent stabilization, and Jeremy’s discomfort was multiplied. He didn’t want to be taken care of. Even though Andrew had said over and over that he didn’t mind spending the money on the two of them, that he didn’t view the money as just his, Jeremy didn’t share his views.

One thing was becoming increasingly clear. Andrew was itching to move. This issue was going to come to a head sooner than he had thought. He was going to have to make some big decisions, and deep down, neither option he made would make him happier. How could he win if he had to choose between caving in and allowing Andrew to take care of him or leaving a good man who loved him?

Jeremy pushed his frustration aside, asking questions about Andrew’s new job and enjoying his meal. Andrew had put in a lot of effort to make the evening romantic. He wasn’t going to ruin things by allowing his pride and his inkling the two of them were drifting apart to get in the way. Those were issues for another day.

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Craig stared at several logos on his computer screen. Each logo he attempted for the bed and breakfast seemed further from the mark of what he had been asked to do. One by one, he clicked on the images and deleted them. This was the wrong job for him. He didn’t specialize in abstract design and natural subject matter. He was a modern artist, creating sharp lines and angles to give the sense of an image. He should pass this job off to Kevin who was particularly talented with the representation of natural objects. If his clients insisted Craig be the artist, he could place his name on the art but give Kevin the money. He and his colleagues passed jobs around often enough when they got stuck.

Craig’s determination kicked in and he refused to give up on this assignment. He still had a week to get the design completed for the client’s review. Craig got to work, hoping this time inspiration might hit.

His attention was diverted by the sudden sound of cars rushing by as the door to Spectacular Designs opened. The man who entered looked to be in his mid-forties, had a sizable gut hanging over his belt, and curly black hair which receded to the middle of his scalp. He inspected the samples of the firm’s work through gold-rimmed glasses, stopping by the series of designs Craig had done with increased interest.

Janet walked over to the visitor. “Hello, Mr. Stanton?”

He nodded. “Yes, Boris Stanton.”

Janet smiled and offered a handshake. “I have you down for a one o’clock appointment. You’re prompt.”

Boris wrapped his stubby fingers around Janet’s delicate hand. The contrast in their size and grace was amusing. “Yes. I was admiring these designs here.” He pointed to Craig’s work. Craig’s heart quickened with Boris Stanton’s next words. “They seem to capture the exact tone I want for the campaign I’m about to launch.” He indicated the picture he had designed of Jeremy’s summer home on Cape Cod. Each June when school ended, Jeremy’s parents had taken them to the Cape. Their home was located on a lake and the view from the water always stuck in his mind.

“The exterior of this house,” Boris went on, “creates clear angular shapes that grab your attention, yet the home is nestled, almost as if it had grown from the spot, right in the middle of natural surroundings. This is precisely what I’m seeking—modern pleasures couched in the comfort and warmth of nature.”

Despite the man’s awkward appearance, Craig was impressed with the clarity of Boris’s description of what he wanted. Janet nodded. “Yes, Craig does excellent work in this particular area. Can I get you a cup of coffee or water? We can head into my office to discuss your plans further and see if our company may be in a position to help you.”

Boris turned away from the designs and faced Janet. “Water would be lovely.

Would it be possible for the artist to join us? I’d like to meet him and discuss my ideas with him directly.”

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“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 utilized 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.”