3

Butterfly and the CEO

Chapter three

Ellie’s point of view

The rest of the week runs smoothly, and before I know it, it's Friday morning James and I have made good progress on our design for the new generation project, and I've got to admit that I'm pretty pleased with the plans. James has been really great to work with; his understanding of the building's structural work is impressive, and I can't wait to reveal our designs to the rest of the team at this morning's planning meeting.

I make my way down to the meeting room and take my seat at the table; everyone is already there except for Rachel. It's now ten minutes past ten, and Mr Harris does not look happy as he checks his watch once again.

“Well, seeing as Rachel is still not here, we might as well make a start whilst we wait for her.”

He says with a frown before he carries on talking.

“Good morning everyone, I hope that you are all well. Jake, how are your plans coming along.”

Jake stands as he places his designs on the table for everyone to see.

“Everything is on plan, Boss, and our designs are finished; we are now just waiting for the plans to be approved so we can get the contractors in.”

The door flies open as a breathless Rachel strides into the room.

“So sorry I'm late, important telephone call.”

She says.

Mr Harris frowns as he says.

“Miss Carney, how nice of you to join us; please take a seat.”

He turns to look at me and then to Rachel as he says,

“Ellie, I hope you've settled in this week, and everyone has been looking after you.”

Rachel looks at the floor as Mr Harris carries on.

“James and Ellie? How are your designs coming along?”

I place our designs on the table as James says.

“Amazingly well, Ellie has a real flair, and I’ve really enjoyed working alongside her this week; we've brought the plans for you to see.” 

Zac pulls the plans towards him as he studies them; he says,

“Wow, this is impressive.” 

“Mr Harris, can I run something by you?”

I ask as he turns his head to look at me, nodding his head for me to continue, as I force myself not to blush or embarrass myself. It's been a long time since I've stood up in a room full of people. I take a deep breath before I say.

“Well, sir, I was hoping to get the kids involved from the surrounding community as this building is for them. I wanted bright and vibrant colours and was hoping to get the schools in the area to bring in some of the kids' artwork for the corridor walls, and then in the main community room, I was hoping we could get the kids to make a large mural on the wall. Maybe a mosaic with lots of bright colours. Im sorry I'm getting carried away.”

I say with a blush as I feel everyone's eyes on me. Rachel mutters under her breath as she laughs sarcastically.

“Yeah, just a tad.”

Mr Harris cuts her off as he says.

“Actually Ellie, I love the idea of getting the kids involved, it will bring in some good publicity, and I love your enthusiasm.”

“Oh, you do,” I reply, feeling the heat creep up my face as I realise he's watching me intently. I can't help the blush as I smile back. My face flustered as I caught his eyes on me. I notice the look on Rachel's face, and she's fuming. Zac smiles, still looking at me as he says to Erin.

“Miss Hartley, I trust we can leave you to contact the schools, let them know of Ellie’s idea.”

Erin replies with a grin as she watches us.

“Yes, sir, sounds like a fabulous idea. Ellie, I will make a start right away.”

“Thank you, Erin,” I whisper.

He stands up and gathers his belongings before he leaves the room. I make my way back to my office with Erin by my side. Today has been a good day. It's been a long time since I've been this happy and this carefree. I can't help the smile on my face; I'm feeling quite excited to start working with the local children.

Erin turns to look at me as she says.

“You did good today Ellie, Mr Harris was impressed; if only that man looked at me the way he looks at you…….Damn, that man is too good looking for his own good.”

She says with a giggle, as I say.

“WHATTTTT……..”

She laughs some more as she says.

“That man has seriously got the hots for you, Ellie.”

I look at the floor as I mutter.

“Never going to happen; I'm staying single for life. I'm never going to let a man do that to me again.” 

Fuck………… I hope she didn't hear that. She stops walking, grabbing my hand as she says.

“What?”

I mutter a reply.

“Nothing, just forget I said anything, okay.”

I didn't mean to raise my voice, Erin has become such a good friend to me, but I don't want to involve her in any of my drama. She looks at me, knowing that I will not talk about it anymore; she squeezes my hand before she says.

“Okay…...but if you ever want to talk Ellie, I'm here for you're becoming like a sister to me.”

I nod my head, trying to control my tears as she pulls me in for a hug. It's been a long time since I had friends, and Erin has such a bubbly personality; you can't help but like her.

I feel myself relax against her hug, but I'm not ready to talk about my past just yet, and I don't know if I ever will be.

“Thank you, Erin,” I whisper, 

“Come on, let's go to the cafe for some lunch.”

She says as we head into my office to collect my belongings before making our way across the road to the cafe. Connor looks up at us when we walk in. He smiles as he says.

“Hey, here's my favourite lady and my pain in the ass, little sis.”

Erin giggles as she replies.

“Yeah, love you too, bro.”

I laugh as they interact with each other, noticing just how alike they are as I say,

“Oh, so your brother and sister?”

They both nod their heads as Connor asks.

“So what are you ladies having? Let me guess Ellie Latte and Erin hot chocolate with marshmallows?”

Erin giggles as she studies us both.

“You know me so well, Connor, but how do you know what Ellies is then?”

Connor grins as he replies.

“She's my morning coffee lady. Oh, that sounds so wrong. Im sorry, Ellie.”

I Laugh before I say.

“I like coffee before work, and Connors place is the best in town.”

 “Thank you. The lady is too kind.”

Connor laughs as he says it. You can definitely see the resemblance between the siblings not only in looks either as they both have the same happy go lucky nature. We order our drinks along with a sandwich and a piece of his heavenly chocolate cake. Today has been such a good day; why the hell not. Erin looks at me as we sit at one of the tables.

“So, any plans for the weekend, Ellie?”

I sigh as I reply

“No, not really; I'm looking for a place to live. I need to get out of that shitty hotel as soon as possible.”

She raises her eyebrows as she says.

“Really?”

“Yep”, I reply as she studies my face intently before she grins as she says.

“Come and live with Connor and me; we have a spare room sitting empty. It's not a palace, but it's comfy, and handy for work; I get to lie in bed a little longer as I only have to cross the road and I'm in work…….please say yes, it would be so much fun.”

She shouts Connor over to our table.

“Hey Con, are you still looking for a tenant for the empty room?”

He raises his eyebrows as he replies.

“Mmmmmm yeah, why?”

Her face lights up as she says.

“Well, Ellie needs a place to stay, and we have an empty room soooooo………”

He laughs as he says.

“Sounds good to me, as long as she knows you abandon me every weekend for your boyfriend.”

She slaps his head before she replies.

“Yeah, and you bring a different girl home every night and make toooooo much noise.”

I laugh

“Haha, you can tell you, two are siblings. It sounds great, and if you'll have me, I promise to clean up after myself, and I make a mean bacon and eggs.”

Connor chuckles, rubbing the back of his head as he says.

“Perfect, because Erin burns toast and can't boil an egg.”

Erin giggles.

“I do not, and it's just the toaster doesn't like me.”

I whisper, “Thank you, guys.”

Wow, things are finally falling into place; I have a job that I love and somewhere to live, which means I can move out of the shitty hotel.

Later in the day, I make my way back to the hotel. I have a shower and pack my bag before I settle down for the night with a book.

Finally, things are looking up; I'm feeling free and ready to mend these broken wings of mine.