The Governor's Mansion

On a brisk autumn morning, the office of Schranke and Coates Architects, the most in-demand residential design firm in the Cincinnati Tri-State, was alight with activity. Two of their junior architects, Max and Hank, were sitting at their computers in the open-concept space.

"Max, I can't wait until the weekend," Hank commented.

"It's only Tuesday!" Max reminded him. "We're barely into the week. Why are you focused on the weekend already, bro?"

"It's a short week, remember? Thanksgiving is this Thursday, and then Colin and I are heading up to Columbus on Saturday."

"Oh, that's cool. What's in Columbus?"

Hank looked up from his computer, shocked. "C'mon, Max...you don't know?"

"What?"

"The Big Game."

"The...what?"

"You know. Ohio State and Michigan, the biggest college football rivalry ever?"

"Oh, shit. I don't even know how I forgot. I mean, I even got my degree from Ohio State. That's what I get for showing up way too early this morning."

"You need to stop sweating the small stuff. Look, I have an extra ticket to the game. I'm sure you need the break. Do you wanna join us?"

"Thanks, but I'm not trying to be the third wheel."

"It's fine. I'm sure Colin won't mind."

"Truly, truly, Hank, I appreciate it, but Theo's got a gala to attend over the weekend, you know, schmoozing and all. I have to be there to support him."

"Oh, that's right, Theo is getting ready to run for mayor."

"Yeah. This would be such a huge step for his career if he gets elected. But it'll also take up so much of his time. I want to be there for him, but I'm working so hard to gain prestige here. I'm afraid we'll never see each other. I suppose we'll figure out how to make things work."

"That's a lot, bro, but I'm sure it'll all work out. Just stop working so hard."

"But I..."

"Guess what, boys?" the senior architect, Jerrilyn, interjected. She stood behind them with a padded black folder.

The men looked up at her.

"We've been commissioned to draft the design for the new governor's mansion."

"Oh, that's great news!" Max responded.

"Yes, and of course, they want the best eyes on this project. So, I've discussed it with the other seniors, and it was important to make sure we gave it to the most talented junior architect at the firm."

Max and Hank nodded.

"So, it's yours."