Chapter 4 Competent Trainee

• **KATE**
• "Hi, Kate, sorry, did you get hurt?" he asked, staring at me.
• I smile sheepishly. "No, Henry, you can relax, I was the absent-minded one here." I press the elevator button, and it starts going up. I stay quiet in my corner, and with that, we don't exchange any more words until we reach the floor where both of us need to be.
• He then leaves in a hurry, seemingly somewhat embarrassed. I smirk as I see the message that arrives on my phone. Lauren is sending messages at this time of the afternoon?! I find it strange and immediately call her, and she picks up on the second ring. "Lauren, what happened? You usually don't send messages?" I hear her sigh on the other end of the line, and I'm starting to get impatient.
• "Kate, you won't believe what just happened. I was called to direct a fashion show in Paris!" She squeals with joy, and I smile, at the same time her happiness infects me.
• Lauren has been my best friend since I was 6 years old. We never separated, and we even went to the same college, although in completely different courses. Her dream since childhood was to be a famous fashion designer. I can even say that many times she used me as a model for her creations. I'm very proud of the woman she has become, completely independent and cheerful. "Lau, that's great! I'm so happy for you. And when can I finally see your creations on the runway?"
• "I hope soon, but now I need to rush to start preparing everything, and I have to board to Paris as soon as possible. I've already rented an apartment to spend this fashion season there. When everything is almost ready, I'll let you know, and you hurry to Paris. Oh, I'm so nervous, Kate."
• I notice her nervous tone as she stays silent for a while. I know Lauren is anxious, but she can't let it affect her. I also know that it's her dream to conquer the catwalks with her creations.
• "Lau, calm down, everything will be fine. I know how much you can achieve your goals. Love you, friend, and have a safe trip. Keep me updated. And don't forget to let me know when you're ready to receive me."
• "Thank you, friend. I love you too. Bye!" I hang up the phone and look at it, smiling like a fool, as I walk to my office. At a glance, I see Henry focused on some project. When he sees me, he waves. I walk over to him and discreetly look him up and down. He has a nice smell of a perfume I know, and he dresses equally well. I don't know much about his background, but I know he is in the last year of the Architecture college, and, from what my brother said, he is very efficient and dedicated to what he does.
• "Hi, Henry. Did a new project come in?" I look at him, waiting for an answer that takes a while due to his expression.
• "Yes, I think it can be very interesting but complex. From what I understood, the company bought a place to be demolished and then rebuilt. But the old engineering and architecture company that was in charge of the project made several mistakes to get the construction permit. They obstructed many points of the property before the demolition, risking being embargoed and fined for letting a lot of running water fall in front of other companies, even affecting the parking lots."
• I'm surprised by his quick assessment of the project. He received this email just a few minutes ago, and my brother wasn't kidding when he wanted to hire him. "Let's see what we can reassess in this project, capable of making changes and creating a great natural and conservative aspect, as it is one of the largest administrative companies in Toronto. Now that you mention it, how did you see all this in such a short time?" I look at him, raising an eyebrow, but not in an intimidating way, but with curiosity. He releases a half-smile, and I pretend that it doesn't affect me at all.
• "It's simple. When a company can't put together an excellent project, it makes simple mistakes to solve, but it makes these mistakes because it doesn't believe in its own services. Here, in a construction like this, not so many drawings are needed, just file a demolition request, draw up the project, and get its approval to start the demolition and, later, the construction of the new company."
• "Wow." I clap lightly for him. "I liked your quick and accurate analysis. We see when a person likes what they do when they can see the small mistakes. Well, then I'll let you handle this. If anything, you can come to my office. I need to attend a meeting, and I need you present for follow-up." I smile and head towards my office. When I'm about to enter, I see my secretary running after me like crazy, with her hair all messed up.
• "Whoa, whoa, calm down, Camile. Why are you running like that?"
• "Ma'am, sorry, it's just that you have an urgent call about the meeting that was supposed to start in 15 minutes." I take the phone from her hand, answering it seriously. I enter my office, listening attentively to the call. The meeting cannot take place because the owner of the company has just suffered a serious helicopter accident. I'm in shock and try to calm the secretary, telling her it's okay, that I understand, and not to worry, that everything will be fine. I hang up the call and sit in my chair with cold and trembling hands.
• I hear someone arrive at the door very slowly. "Kate, are you okay? You're trembling." I wipe away a tear that was starting to fall, take a deep breath trying to calm myself.
• "Our meeting was canceled. The client just had a helicopter accident. It shocked me." I don't see him approaching me, only noticing when he holds my hand, caressing it. I think, given how much the news affected me, I feel a certain comfort in his gesture.
• "Calm down, he must have already been rescued. We'll know news soon; after all, bad news travels super fast. Do you want a glass of water to calm down?" Without waiting for my answer, he quickly grabs a glass of water and hands it to me. I take it, shaking a bit, and drink.
• "Thank you, Henry. You don't need to worry; it was just a shock. I immediately think of my parents, who are always traveling in the family helicopter." He takes the glass from my hand and lightly caresses it. I try to disguise the shiver it gives me.
• "I understand; it's really something to be concerned about. But they are fine; don't think of the worst, Kate."
• "I know; the thing is, my parents travel a lot, and this accident worries me. But I know nothing will happen."
• "Well, I agree with you, Kate. I came here to tell you that I scheduled a visit to that construction that was embargoed. So, we can have more conclusions before accepting the project." Henry moves away from my desk and walks towards the door.
• "Okay, Henry. Thanks for the words. And then, just inform Camile when the visit will be, so she can schedule it in my agenda. I'll go with you." He nods and leaves my office. I sigh heavily and try to calm down, refocusing on my tasks.
• After this news, I spend the entire day in the office updating some projects, scheduling visits to construction sites. I don't even notice that it's getting dark. I only realize when Camile comes to my office.
• "Kate, I'm leaving. Do you need anything?" I look around and sigh.
• "Wow, Camile, I was so distracted at work that I didn't even notice. You can go, have a great rest, and good night. Did you send my schedule by email? Henry mentioned he would schedule a visit."
• "Yes, I sent everything to your email. I believe I managed to fit you in for a visit to the location Monday morning." I quickly open my email and check the information she mentioned. Indeed, there is a scheduled visit for the specified date. But what catches my attention is tomorrow's commitment, which is a visit to the location where Taylor's company is located, and it's actually close to here. This means I'll see him again. I smirk and return my attention to Camile, who awaits my dismissal.
• "Alright, and this commitment tomorrow was scheduled by my brother, right? I should have guessed. Thank you for today, Camile. You can go home." She smiles and wishes me a good night.
• I lean back in my chair and close my eyes. In my mind, visions of Taylor and Henry come up. I must be going crazy to feel so attracted to both of them. Would it be wrong to want a little bit of each? I roll my eyes at my own thoughts and pack up to leave. The day was long and very productive. It's time to rest.