Calm Thoughts; Friendly Gatherings.

The ride to work is nerve wracking.

I can't believe it's been a month already, it's safe to say I'm extremely nervous to hand in my project; I mean, I did excessive research on the Internet, I made several trips to the library, I used Odette's original pictures of the landscapes and her opinions on each setting, I even looked at reviews of hotels and places to stay. I've done everything I was asked to do and more. I showed the layout to some other travel company experts and they said that it was professional and easily understandable for the reader.

Although, despite all the effort and work I've put into it, I'm still nervous as hell. The CEO's have every right to decline my work and reduce me back to a measly employee that delivers coffee and takes business calls, however if they approve of it and offer me a high end job, I could get an incredible pay rise and I would be doing something I know and enjoy. Personally, I'm hoping for the latter.

I carried Odette to my spare room last night, she didn't wake up and I didn't really want to disturb her. The project had to be handed in before 9am this morning so I left her a note on the island in the kitchen early this morning, knowing that she would go in there to look for me and make herself some breakfast. Actually, I hope I stocked the fridge with food; I think I might have eggs and I'm pretty sure I have some bread, and cheese, maybe I have some cereal too...

My mind scurries thinking about the endless possibilities that Odette may have for her breakfast - it's clear that I'm not thinking straight today; my mind is worrying about work and my heart is worrying about Odette's morning food habits, I need to get control of my thoughts and not get myself worked up. It hasn't seemed to help me very much so far.

My hands begin to sweat on my steering wheel as the large familiar building comes into sight. I haven't seen my boss for a good couple of weeks when I brought Odette round, she seemed fairly pleased with my progress then, right? Surely she'll be happy with it, she did say she liked the layout and that there was some good information. Stay positive Harry, you don't even find out if you get the promotion today. You're simply handing it in.

I try to calm my thoughts and take deep breaths as I park up in my usual parking spot, I shouldn't take too long - I'm handing in the finished project and then leaving. Well that's the plan anyway...

I sent an email copy of the booklet to a printing firm a couple of days ago and picked it up yesterday morning before Odette arrived, in my opinion it looks really great and professional - I just hope the board of governors think so too. My car locks easily with a click of a button and I smile at my fellow co-workers as I walk through the reception and into the lift, the building a bold white and shiny silver - the entire atmosphere of the place radiating professionalism and intimidation. The building is extremely opulent considering it's in the middle of Devon.

Every step I take I notice something new, the floor made of vanilla coloured marble with stainless steel beams, becoming a strong and sturdy main feature; glass walls separate sections within each floor and act as clear banisters when ascending a set of stairs, I notice not a single speckle of dust in sight, the cleaners most likely obsessive about the cleanliness.

The lift itself is pure glass, and I observe each floor as I gradually rise above them. The third floor coming into view, expressing some of the clear and beautiful Devonshire landscapes. I exit the lift and smile at my fellow interns, all of them sending mumbles of congratulations on my opportunity since the last time I saw them; that's the lovely thing about them, they're not bitter, and show me constant support.

"Hey Harry." Rachel purrs as I pass her, my eyes focused straight on Margaret's office. I glance to her noticing an almost lustful smirk and I internally scoff; that wasn't her expression the last time I saw her, she was there when I visited with Odette and her features were a lot less inviting towards the French beauty. She was clearly jealous, I know that, and Odette didn't even notice considering how nervous she was, but I still don't like how she gave such a cold and unforgiving reaction to Odette, especially when she didn't know her.

"Hey Rachel." I answer simply with a smile, I'm not one to hold grudges, I can't stay mad at anyone for too long. It's just not in my character.

"Congrats on your booklet, it looks great."

"Thanks love," I answer mindlessly before realising my small slip up, I hope she didn't notice.

She did. I can tell by the way her face has flushed and her eyes have darkened; I ignore it, my feet never stopping as I continue to walk towards Margaret's door. I knock.

"Come in."

The glass door opens with ease, light condensation marks left on the cold material due to my perspiring hands, she watches me silently as I awkwardly monouver around the door and sit in the seat opposite her. The glasses she usually wears hanging on the edge of her nose as she looks over them at me, an inquisitive expression on my face; like a lion to its prey, I feel like she can sense my fear.

Her lifeless blue eyes watch my movements like a hawk and the overpowering lipstick smudged across her lips is accentuated due to her expectant pout, casually waiting for me to compose my nervousness. "You're only handing it in Harry." She explains simply, her attempt at soothing my actions somewhat pathetic but I'm grateful anyway, Margaret isn't really one that finds it easy to express genuine emotions, so any form of consoling is better than the harsh exterior she provides everyone in the office with, or building for that matter.

"I know, I just really want this promotion. It means a lot to me." I explain calming myself, work for the next couple of weeks will resume back to normal; collecting paperwork, photocopying and doing the usual coffee run, it's the last thing I want but it pays my bills so it'll have to do for now.

"I know Harry," she sighs and takes the finished booklet from my hands, my grip somewhat strong as my mind checks for any last scrutinies, I find none. "It looks excellent, but obviously I'm bias. I know how hard you work and how professional you are. Personally I think you would be good in a manager role but it's up to the companies CEO's and board of directors so it's out of my hands. I'd help if I could." She genuinely sympathises and it seems like I'm finally starting to accept everything as it is, if it's successful then brilliant and if not then I'll just have to make do.

"Thanks Margaret. I appreciate it, fingers crossed it all goes well." She simply raises her crossed fingers, no more words are exchanged; she gives me what looks like a proud nod as I leave the office, my palms less sweaty than before.

It feels like a giant weight has been lifted off my shoulders. My smile seems to have lifted dramatically and I feel lighter, my movements almost gliding across the floor instead of the contrasting thump I felt whilst walking in only minutes ago. This promotion means the world to me, I really hope I get it.

•••

My apartment door opens with ease when I return home; walking through the small hallway I find Liam, Louis, Niall and Odette all sat sprawled across my couches comfortably - of course Odette looking a little less comfortable than the lads, but still in a safe and familiar environment to her.

Their heads turn to me as I walk in and Odette's eyebrows raise in question, "it went fine. I just hate waiting." My answer satisfied her as she offers me an accepting nod in return, shuffling on the sofa to provide a space for me. "Thanks."

'You didn't tell me it was your birthday next week.'

I'd completely forgotten about that actually. I know you're probably thinking, how can you forget about your own birthday? But I haven't really had time to worry about anything else except work these last couple of days, and the rest of the time my mind is focused else where on a certain blue eyed, and brunette beauty across the hall from me. I don't particularly like drawing attention to my birthday, it means having to celebrate just to make people happy, I used to have to do it all the time back home. My last three birthdays have been pretty low key and calm, just me and the lads having a typical night in, except we buy a cake because it's a special occasion.

"I forgot. It's been the last thing on my mind." I explain to Odette truthfully, her eyes staring intently at my lips as she concentrates.

'Well what are we going to do? We have to celebrate.' Her enthusiasm is adorable and I have a feeling she's not going to approve of my lack of desire towards birthday parties.

"I don't want to do anything Odette." My shoulders shrug simply and I'm afraid of her response, usually people roll their eyes and attempt to change my mind on the matter, which never works; however with Odette, I care too much about what she thinks.

'Okay then.' Her hand movements take me off guard as she signs. Only moments ago she seemed somewhat scarce that she had little time to plan, and with the flick of a switch she's now fine about it. Sometimes she can be so challenging to understand.

"Okay then." I repeat suspiciously. What was all that about?

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