Chapter Four
972 Words
Festus looked from the computer screen when he heard a gentle knock on his door. He looked up more out of instinct than expecting a stranger, as he had no meeting scheduled for this time he knew that Audrey was the only one permitted into his office without prior notice. No other member of his staff has that liberty.
'I'm busy Audrey,' he said, looking at the computer screen once more. 'I know, I just wanted to know if you've given what we discussed some thought' she said. Oh, the friend, Warren Buffet hadn't gotten back to him so he had decided to see what Audrey's friend has to offer. Especially, as Audrey has been on his case all week.
'Tell her to come with her proposal tomorrow morning, fix her into my schedule and let me know the time' he did not need to look at his assistant to know she was doing a victory dance. 'I still have to see a proposal and a business plan.'
Hannah could not believe it, she was going to have to give Mary's Chow Place over to the bank. All efforts to raise money were not forthcoming. She had written letters and sent emails but nobody had responded favorably.
Also, it turned out that the friend whom her father took the loan for was very sick. She couldn't bring herself to tell him about the loan, she has her father's soft heart alright. It's this heart that has always made her fall in love with the wrong men.
Closing the last box, she felt the tears beginning to drop again. She thought she was all cried out but she wasn't.
Her phone ringing brought her back to the present. Checking the ID she saw that it was Audrey. Clearing her throat, she answered the phone.
'I'm about to give you the best news you'll ever hear' Audrey sounded excited. 'Hello to you too, Audrey' Audrey has always been a drama queen. Hearing her best friend's voice put her in a bit of good mood.
'My boss said you should bring your proposal for the restaurant tomorrow morning,' she squealed. Hannah couldn't control herself. She felt tears of joy drop on her cheeks. 'You do have a business proposal, right?' she asked after they both calmed down. When Hannah had assured her best friend that she did have a business proposal -one she prepared to give her father- 'So, how does 8 am sound to you ?' she finished. Hannah couldn't contain her excitement as she jumped up and down where she was. 'I love you, Audrey,' she shouted back into the phone.'8 am is perfect, I'll be there.'
At exactly 7:30 am, Hannah stood outside the huge building housing the headquarters of Tribbiani Holdings. She had googled the company all through the night and could see that they had a finger in every pie. They had companies all over the country but for some reason he prefers to stay at the headquarters.
From real estate to even social media, the CEO, Festus Tribbiani: is an established playboy who has a bimbo gracing his arms every night,an Adonis. Some gossip column spoke about some engagement but she didn't believe that kind of man could be serious enough with any woman. He is the kind of man she should avoid getting romantically involved with not that she has any chance with him or any man for that matter she thought wryly.
Steeling herself, she opened the glass door and scanned;the hall was huge and arts hung up on the wall. Really expensive arts from the look of it, the kind that she has only seen in documentaries. Smiling at the receptionist whose name tag read Kimberly, she said 'Good morning Miss.' The receptionist gave her a full smile in return. 'Good morning ma'am, my name is Kimberly ;welcome to Tribbiani Holdings, how may we be of help to you today?'
'I would like to see Mr Tribbiani.' Kimberly gave her an incredulous look 'Mr Tribbiani doesn't interview potential employees,' she replied 'the HR does that.'
'That's ok, he's expecting me' I replied. 'Please take a seat, she gestured towards the chairs in the reception area.' I'll be with you in a moment.' Hannah sat down at the allocated seat flicking imaginary dust from her charcoal suit jacket and her favorite cream shirt, her naturally blond hair packed in a long sleek ponytail and her business plan and proposal in her Noa saffiano tote bag.
Remembering how one of her college professors said that shoes are the first thing anyone notices, and it speaks volumes. I looked at my Black Bennett Tuscany Leather High Stiletto Pumps which I bought on one of those rare occasions when I splurged on fashion items.
Satisfied with my dress:a charcoal-coloured pants and suit, I looked at the receptionist inquiringly, wondering what was still causing the hold-up. It was at that moment she beckoned me over, 'Mr. Tribbiani is expecting you' she said 'Please walk over to the elevator and go to the top floor, have a nice day'.
When the elevator pinged, the doors opened. She was catapulted into the waiting arms of Audrey. 'You look so good and grown up, all dressed up' she enthused, she did a little girly twirl and we giggled like little girl's you'll get this.' She was thrilled to see her 'Thank you, Audrey, you look good too' I replied truthfully admiring her blue L'atelier Buttoned Blazer & Pants and her red curls pinned up,she's always been beautiful anytime but the office setting suits her.
'I know right, come with me this way,' she said as she guided me towards a door that had a CEO plaque. Audrey opened the door after knocking and preceded her into the room. 'Hannah Whitaker is here for you.
- Writer
