From strangers to forever

Chapter 2

It's Tuesday morning, with bright sunrises and warm weather. Paul is having coffee and staring out the window, as usual. A few moments later, he heads downstairs and out to work.

Upon arriving at work, he meets his friend and MD, Michael, waiting outside his office. Michael tells Paul that he has already put out a notice for the vacant position and they are receiving calls for the job. People are also waiting downstairs to be interviewed.

Paul exhales and says, "It's going to be a long day, isn't it?" Michael responds, "Yeah, you bet."

Michael and Paul sit down to decide on what kind of person they want for the job and the skills the applicant must possess. They send out information on qualifications to all interested persons to save time during the interviews.

After some deliberation, they decide to start interviewing the applicants who are already waiting. Although Paul doesn't necessarily need to attend, he is someone who likes his job and only wants the best candidate to help move the company forward.

As they begin to interview the applicants, Paul isn't satisfied with the ones he meets so far. Michael suggests they take a risk with the ones who are at least better and can probably give their best. Paul is reluctant, feeling he will meet the right candidate and not take chances with those he feels are unqualified. Michael agrees to his decision, and they proceed to continue.

It's almost 3 pm, and still, no one has convinced Paul. They are already tired but still have a few more people to interview. After finishing the interview, they are told that no one is waiting anymore, and that was the last candidate.

Paul turns to Michael and asks him to find a more suitable candidate for the position.

He emphasizes the urgency of the matter, explaining that their current contract hinges on securing someone with a specific specialty.

Michael agrees to help and steps away to make a call to an old acquaintance who might be able to provide a solution. After a brief conversation, his friend assures him that he knows someone who perfectly matches their requirements.

Michael asks how soon the person can come, but it turns out the person is two hours away and can't make it today. Michael asks his friend to inform the person to arrive first thing tomorrow morning, as it's a matter of urgency. Michael thanks his friend and ends the call.

He then informs Paul about it and assures him that he trusts his friend and is sure the candidate will suit their profile. It's already getting late, and Michael suggests they head out to eat, as they are already tired and hungry.

Paul takes him to his local restaurant, where he enjoys their coffee and fresh-baked bread. Michael really enjoys the meal and jokingly tells Paul, "How dare you keep this place away from me?" Paul tells Michael, "I know you to be one who enjoys expensive meals." They both laugh, and Michael responds, "True."

After a while, they decide to head home and part ways outside the restaurant.

Paul drove for a while before reaching home. Out away from the buzzling and noise, he was thinking amidst this of how futile his efforts to unlock his new program has become.

As Paul gets home, he meets Mrs. Laura waiting for him, as usual, with a warm smile on her face. "Welcome, young master. Hope you had a great day," she says. "A tiring one, I'm afraid," he responds, as she takes his jacket from the car, and they go in together and head upstairs.

"Your warm bath is ready, Master Paul," she says, and he responds, "What will I do without you, Laura? Thank you." She smiles as she heads downstairs to prepare dinner for him.

He comes downstairs after almost an hour and sits at the dining table. "You can't get enough of a hot bath, can you?" Mrs. Laura says, as she serves him dinner, and he responds, smiling, "Not if you make it this perfect all the time."

He asks her to sit and have dinner with him, but she says, "Oh, I'm full already, but I will sit with you nonetheless." She asks about work, and he tells her how they couldn't find a suitable candidate, and time is not on their side. Mrs. Laura, as always, encourages him to be patient, and her words seem to always make him feel better and relaxed.

After having his dinner, he thanks her for a delicious meal and heads upstairs to do some work before going to bed. She says to him, "Don't stay up late, young master. You need to have a good rest," as he walks up the stairs, and he responds, "I will do my best."

She tidies up the dining room, cleans up the dishes, and heads to bed herself. Paul calls Michael to remind him about the candidate, and Michael says he already spoke to her, and she will be available in the morning as promised. Paul says, "It's her?"

Michael responds, "I know what you're thinking, but let's just wait and see tomorrow." Paul agrees, and they wish each other a good night.

Paul had been craving some solitude to focus on his program, trying to decipher the correct approach. This had become his routine for quite some time. He sent a message to Michael, requesting him to handle the meeting alone.

Meanwhile, Michael had arranged to meet with Ms. Chloe Adams instead. She arrived punctually, dressed immaculately, and made a fantastic impression. Michael was taken aback by her exceptional talent and skill.

"It was delightful chatting with you, Ms. Adams," he said. "I'll be in touch soon.

Thank you, and have a great day," Chloe responded.

As Paul worked on his program, he felt a sense of comfort in his routine. Little did he know that Michael's meeting with Ms. Adams would bring a fresh perspective to their search for the perfect candidate.