It all started with my promotion at work. I had been working as a freelance consultant for an architecture firm in a major city. Our large international airport launched a major expansion and gave us the bid, so I was hired full-time for the project.
During my first meeting, the CEO announced my permanent position and outlined the project. My team of architects would be working with an engineer in the company who I’d never met. I looked around the room, wondering who it would be. One guy caught my eye. He was sitting at the end of the table and looked to be around my age, maybe in his early 30s with dark hair, a little bit of scruff, and bright, curious eyes behind studious tortoise-shell glasses. I secretly hoped he would be my engineer.
After the meeting, a few people stayed in the conference room to finish the snacks and beer that were provided. I know you’re supposed to drink conservatively at work, but this was a celebration! I was getting another beer when I heard a playful voice behind me say, “Ah, so you’re a fan of stouts? I had such high hopes for this project, but now I don’t think it’s going to work out!”