Chapter 2

Frankly, I didn’t know how fast or slow I drove my car before I arrived home. It was like my mind kept flying somewhere else and I couldn’t concentrate on the road. Thank goodness I did not get into an accident.

Usually, I drop by a store to buy some dinner because I’m not fond of cooking, but I found myself at my small dining table with no single food to eat in front of me.

Since I got no energy to go out and find something to gobble on, I opted to just make some noodles, as it was the only food available in my kitchen. I could get some delivery, but I felt like I have no appetite at all. 

After swallowing my last bite, I paced to my bathroom and started my night routine.  While I was washing my face, I couldn’t help but think of ways to avoid the meeting that will happen in the morning. My mind was so restless that I wanted to go to bed early and for slumber to take me rapidly.

I laid on my back and kept on closing my eyes, but it was hard to sleep. My mind was in turmoil and I couldn’t deny the fact that it was because of him. Denver Ford’s name seemed a huge disturbance in my brain and I couldn’t stop nor control thinking about him. “Am I ready to face him?” I felt so bothered.

I didn’t know what time sleep knocked me down the previous night because of my chaotic system, but I woke up in the morning with a headache. “Ah! I hate mornings like this,” I muttered with gritted teeth before releasing a long and heavy breath.

I rolled out of my bed, sat down for a few seconds, and took a deep breath six consecutive times. I always do that whenever I’m uneasy to calm myself.

Frankly, I couldn’t believe that after four long years, Denver and I’s paths would cross again. If I had a choice, I would refrain from meeting him, but I guess fate is playing with my heart. It sucks!

As I was looking for proper clothes to wear for the meeting, which Ms. Vera reminded me of the previous day, I picked out my navy blue suit from my cabinet. I bought it from a store nearby and I liked it because it perfectly fits my figure.

As I wanted to be presentable, I pulled out my curling iron and styled the lower part of my hair. It was bouncing smoothly, and I loved the outcome. As I was looking in the mirror, I realized I look pale. I put on a little makeup and in no time I was done with it. I only used to doll up my eyebrows and apply a little cream as well as my favorite red lip tint.

As my suit needed a high heel, I put on my five inches black shoes. Usually, I wear two or three inches of shoes, but the higher ones looked better in my wardrobe. Because of that, it added to my height, and I felt great about it. Somehow, it summed up my confidence.

Since I couldn’t stop the clock from ticking, and Miss Vera strictly informed me to go in early, I left the house with a heart filled with agitation. I prayed that my day will go smoothly, though I knew in my heart and mind that it won’t be easy.

It was quarter to 9 when I arrived at the office. Right away, I went to the meeting room to put on the necessary stuff, like the documents needed by Miss Vera as well as the bottles of water. We did not know yet how many people from Denver’s team would come, so I set aside spares on the side table.

“Ciara, I need you to take down notes later,” Miss Vera said the moment she stepped into the meeting room. My back was facing her and when I turned around, surprise plastered on her straight face. Well, she looks like that all the time and I’d never seen her smile at me.

“We shouldn’t miss even a little detail from what Mr. Ford would say because he’s our potential and massive client,” she added with an eagerness in her tone, which I nodded immediately. I’m aware the company needed to compensate for its losses from the previous year.

“By the way, nice suit,” she complimented. I got flabbergasted as it was the first time I heard something flattery from her.

“Thanks, Miss Vera. You look great in yours,” I returned the favor in a normal tone. Honestly, it felt awkward as I’m not used to this kind of conversation with her. I had to admit I felt a bit of a goosebump.

She attached her machine to the projector and ran down some slides of her presentation. “Ciara, I need you to learn about presenting products to clients,” she told me naturally while her eyes were on her screen. It puzzled me why she was elevating my job assignment.

“Presenting?” I blurted curiously with narrowed eyes.

“Yes. I want to promote you as my Junior Sales representative” Astonished, I stilled and couldn’t believe what I heard. “Is she kidding me?” the question popped into my mind. 

“Miss Vera, are you sure?” I was in disbelief because I’d only been in the company for half a year and she already wanted me to be her junior sales representative. 

I was unsure if I’m ready to level up my career because working in the Smiths Glass Wall company is my very first job. I’m not that experienced and confident yet. To be honest, I did not expect it at all. It was hard to guess what was running through her mind.

“You are an excellent observer and efficient in your designated task. I’m certain you can do it. Don’t worry, I’ll give you a few courses of training,” she sounded firm and positive about her decision.

I was quite reluctant, and evidently, she noticed it. “Don’t worry, I’ll hire someone to replace your current position so that we could have an assistant to share,” she expounded.

I bet she was sturdy with her plan and for me, it was a good sign that she praised my efforts in the company. What I worried about the most was that I’m not a salesperson because I studied history. The line of job is not my forte and I’m afraid I’d fail, but she convinced me I could learn the process. Since I didn’t want to sound incompetent in front of her, I nodded slowly. 

I sat down beside Miss Vera with a note and pen prepared in front of me. After a few seconds, our SoundStation conference phone in the middle of our meeting table rang, and that made me nervous instantly. With trembling fingers, I tapped the answer button on a loudspeaker and our receptionist swiftly informed me that Mr. Ford and his team has arrived. 

“Send them in!” Miss Vera interjected hastily. As soon as the call ended, I closed my eyes and took a deep breath to collect my emotional calmness. Contrary to the calmness that I wanted, I felt the urge to go to the bathroom as my stomach was churning. I didn’t know if I wanted to puke or just collapse. “I shouldn’t get affected by him,” I murmured internally.

In our previous meetings, I welcomed and guided our visitors to the meeting room, but knowing that it was Denver this time, I got no prowess. Thank goodness, Miss Vera did not mind me on that, as she got so focused on her presentation. Besides, Iris, our front attendant, could manage.

When I heard someone push our wooden door open, I knew there was no way of backing out. I had to face him, not because it was my choice, but because of my job. Whew! What a small world.

Miss Vera stood up and so did I. I followed her from behind regardless of my erratic chest-thumping and my uncontrollable quivering fingers. Head down, my emotions were indescribable.

“Good morning, Mr. Ford,” Miss Vera greeted enthusiastically like she took a dozen of energy drinks and the effect was fantastic. Insane, but unlike her, I was internally suffering from perturbation and only wanted to run out of the place. If only I could evaporate in a breath.

“Morning, Miss Vera,” Damn! I couldn’t forget his husky voice that haunted me every night in the past years.