Just as planned

“Oh no! Ms. Olina, I’m so sorry! My deepest apologies!”

*Flora tears up and looks at the 3 different groups of guests*

“Ms. Olina, I sent email requests to all 3 companies in response to your needs but I did not think they would all be able to book the exact same time as one another! I know you wanted to keep it a secret between the 3 companies until you chose one, I’m so sorry I messed this up! It must have been the email I sent out!”

Mr. Deckman stands, flushed and embarrassed

“Ms. Olina, I did not peg you to be someone who would choose AFTER meeting with all 3 of us, from my understanding you did say my name as you walked through the doors so I believe this will be my time and your other two guests can sit and wait outside”

“Ridiculous. I came here to hear Ms. Olinas proposal so that our companies can work together. I will not leave and wait for you to be finished trying to persuade her to do company with your business when she has a fully capable female business partner willing to stand beside her!” Responds Mrs. Valerie

“I agree! I will not stand by and wait. I have waited a long time to meet Ms. Olina, and my company besides Denroux is a match made in heaven!” Mr. Lucas adds.

“Oh no.. What shall we do Ms. Olina?” Flora says quietly.

Then let’s just begin the meeting, shall we?

Flora guides me to my seat, connects her tablet to the projector and starts it up. As it loads she passes out the hard copies to each attending member in the meeting room. The 3 different companies look puzzled at each other.

Here is my presentation for you.

11:30 am

*Applauses*

All 3 contracts have been signed with our companies terms and agreements un-altered and deemed fair by all parties.

I’d like to thank you all for your time and on behalf of Denroux Incorporated, we look forward to doing business with you!

*standing ovation applause*

I bow in appreciation and we all exit the meeting room.

11:45 am

Flora and I head back to my office to file the paperwork that was just completed.

Flora, once you scan these into the system and email me a copy, file them. Then come into my office before lunch.

“Yes, Ms. Olina”

12:20 pm

Flora enters my office and we stare.

I stand and applaud while Flora jumps and screams for joy.

“You did it Ms. Olina! You’re amazing! You just saved Denroux 2 years time by signing all 3 contracts for those companies in ONE DAY! Not only did you manage to get 14 new products to bear our company’s logo but you solved the companies marketing department issues and added a whole company for sales!! Shall I pop the champagne for a little drinky drink, just a small little victory shot”

*Flora pulls out a wine glass*

No no! That won’t be necessary, Flora. We did great work today! Go ahead and enjoy your lunch, I will forward the contracts to Mr. Nick and head out to lunch as well.

“Oh Ms. Olina, Mr. Denroux still has you calling him by his first name. Did you know he’s not married? My gosh if that hunk of man..”

“That will be all Ms. Flora” says a husky voice, behind her.

Flora, too stunned to speak. Bows her head at me and quietly leaves my office without making eye contact with the owner of the husky voice.

12:30 pm

“My apologies for taking too much of your time, Ms. Olina! I’ll be off to lunch now”

She shouts as the doors close.

Mr. Nick! Welcome in! Please have a seat. I was just about to email you the results of my meeting and head out to lunch, would you care to join me?

“No need to email me your results then, you can tell me over lunch.”

His driver heads to the usual restaurant we dine at when discussing business and I show Mr. Nick the successfully signed contracts from all 3 companies and mention my business proposal from my interview and how everything is falling into place for not only me but the company as well.

Mr. Nick smiles and applauds while congratulating me on all my success thus far.

“You are truly one of a kind, Ms. Olina. Only you could have pulled off what you did today, truly remarkable. My goodness you pulled off something that would have taken an average man 2-3 years to complete”

Thank you Mr. Nick. I always appreciate your kind and genuine words. It is amazing to be here and be in my position at this age.

“This definitely calls for a victory drink!”

You’re right. I deserve it!

We arrive at the restaurant and Mr. Nick opens the doors for me

“SURPRISE!!!!!”

My heart jumps in shock! I look around and see my office workers filling up the place

Flora runs up to me with tears of joy in her eyes and grabs my hands.

“I’m sorry Ms. Olina! I couldn’t tell you because I really wanted us to bring a smile on your face today! You not only closed a triple contract on this fine, Tuesday but we all wanted to be here for you and let you know that you are an inspiration for us all! We work our boots off because we never want to let you down! And it’s not just any Tuesday Mr. Denroux gave the company the rest of the day off to celebrate your 25th birthday and your 5th year as our Vice President!

*CHEERING*

*GLASS CLINKING*

Is that today? The joyful cheers die out in my mind, all I hear is my heart beating.

I check the date on my phone.. A tear runs down my face, I wipe it away quickly.

I look up at the waiting crowd. I hope I didn’t ruin the cheerful mood.

Thank you all for this wonderful surprise and for your hard work. I appreciate every single one of you and your precious time. Keep working hard and don’t forget to live your life with no regrets!

*CHEERS*

I grab a glass and gulp it down.

*CHEERS*

*GLASS CLINKS*

I turn to Mr. Nick and thank him again for today and I head to the washroom.

Flora follows.

I get into a stall and sit. The tears are pouring down my face too fast. How could I forget today?! My own birthday? Why is my personal life so miserable and dark that I can’t even see the light I become when they’re not around! Why do I not value myself more.. What is wrong with me?!

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

I scream aloud and internally.

“Ms. Olina!? What’s wrong!? What happened!? What’s going on??!”

I gather myself, wipe my tears and open the door to Flora flying inwards to grab me.

“Ms. Olina, I know you keep your personal life super private but I think of you as my big sister so please let me know if you ever need anything, please don’t be so angry”

I pat her head while hugging her back.

I’m sorry I worried you, it’s not that big of a deal. I just forgot.. it was my birthday today that’s all. Don’t worry, I’m okay. Let’s go back to the party.

I wash my hands and fix my makeup and head back out.

As soon as we walk out, Mr. Nick waves us down to the only open table in the place.

We sit down and Mr. Nick offers Flora and I a drink.

“Don’t worry about anything today, this is the least Denroux incorporated could do for you. Ms. Olina please let me know if there’s anything you need or want. Regardless of what you request, it will be well deserved and no questions asked. So just try to enjoy your day today”

Yes sir, I will. Thank you.

We drank, we ate, we laughed. Flora and I got up to sing karaoke and everyone had an amazing time.

I sat in silence for a moment and sent a lengthy email to Floras work computer from my cell phone. Then I sent a text message to my father and brother.

*RING*RING*RING*

*missed call*

*RING*RING*RING*

*missed call*

*RING*RING*RING*

*missed call*

I tossed my phone in the trash. There's no use for it now that they have that number.