The Holly Project Read Online Free

think I can do this, Jase.” I rubbed my forehead, perhaps in an attempt to force out my negative thoughts. “I’m fine one second and then feel like I’m going to hyperventilate the next. I met a guy here this morning when I was getting coffee and he said I looked sad. I nearly cried in front of him.”
    Jason grimaced slightly but didn’t interrupt.
    “I almost bit Eva’s head off back in the office and if anyone says anything that triggers a memory, I’ll blow it. I know I will.” A lump was forming in the back of my throat as I continued. “You know how hard this day is for me. It’s just better if I’m away from people.”
    Jason pulled his chair across and put his arm around me. “You’re going to be fine.” He squeezed my shoulder reassuringly. “You’re going to be more than fine. You go in there and show Mr Davenport why you are the greatest thing to hit the Australian architecture world since the legendary Anna Wilson.”
    I flinched at her name.
    Jason must have felt my body tense. He pulled me around to face him and held both my arms. “You go in there and show Eva ‘Bitch’ McCormack why she will always be runner up. But more importantly, you go in there and focus on the good memories of your mum.”
    I swallowed the lump in my throat, but my eyes still blurred as Jason continued.
    “From what you’ve told me, she was strong and smart – just like you. Do this for yourself and for her. Tonight, we’ll get really drunk.”
    “Thank you. I seem to be saying that to you a lot today.”
    “Just own this, Holly. Don’t let today’s date ruin it for you. Tonight we’ll celebrate.”
    We returned to the office in comfortable silence. I needed to get a hold of myself. Jason was right, I needed to own this. But first, I needed to freshen up, so I made a quick trip to the bathroom. Touching up my makeup in the mirror, I made a conscious effort to ignore the sadness my eyes refused to hide. My hair was being very well-behaved so I made a quick decision to pull the elastic band out, allowing it to fall loose down my back. I could hear Audrey’s voice in my head, reminding me to take advantage of my natural assets. I reapplied my pink lip gloss, pinched my cheeks for a bit of extra colour, stood up straight and pushed my shoulders back.
    I was ready to face off.

Chapter Five
    Mr Slater appeared at the conference room door accompanied by the three Davenport representatives. One by one they filed into the room. As Slater began the introductions, I couldn’t believe my eyes.
    “Ryan Davenport, Michelle Cartwright and Piers Holloway, I’d like you to meet two members of the Slater Jenkins team. This is Eva McCormack and Holly Ashton.”
    What? No, no, no, no! This is not happening!
    Ryan from the cafe was none other than CEO Mr Ryan Davenport, and he was standing right in front of me. I sucked in a loud breath as he shook my hand for a few seconds too long, piercing me with those eyes. I was stuttering when I managed to croak out my greetings. My eyes darted around the room, trying to work out if anyone had noticed my unprofessional demeanour. My brain was having a hard time catching up. When I dragged my eyes back to his, Ryan seemed calm and collected. He was a professional and I was a silly girl, overreacting.
    Once everyone else was seated, Mr Slater walked to the head of the table.
    “Welcome,” he began. “Firstly, thank you for choosing Slater Jenkins for this exciting project. I think you’ll be really impressed with Holly and Eva’s individual visions for your building.”
    Before Mr Slater could continue, Ryan interrupted him. “Ladies, before you present your designs, I’d like a brief idea of your background and a sense of your architectural style.”
    This was the last thing I needed. Talking about my past would take my brain places I needed to avoid today.
    Own it, Holly. Breathe in, breathe out.
    Eva stood immediately, clearly thrilled by the opportunity to talk about