Make a good impression
1470 Words
Adjusting the vibrant emerald hue of my meticulously tailored suit, I found my gaze traversing every nook and cranny of the upscale restaurant. I was on the brink of meeting Fabrico Valenquez PA any moment now. She was rumored to be both a celebrated fashion designer and a dedicated confidante to Zunino - Fabrico's middle name, revealing the extent of their relationship. Establishing rapport with her was essential if I intended to make a favorable impression on Fabrico Zunino.
"May I take your order, miss?" A waiter clad in stylish green khakis appeared at my side, bearing a notepad and a welcoming smile, awaiting my selection.
"Not yet. I'm waiting for someone," I replied brusquely, prompting the waiter to withdraw. My eyes darted toward my phone, silently willing it to ring, as I yearned for a conversation with Kay or Corby. A sense of nervousness began to creep in.
Finally, the restaurant door creaked open, revealing a statuesque brunette with cascading curls. She could easily be mistaken for a model, but I knew she was Fabrico's PA, as Corby had described. She oozed designer luxury from her Gucci sandals to her unmistakable designer smile.
As she approached my table, I stood up to extend my hand in greeting. Her discerning eyes roamed over me, and I couldn't help but notice that my green suit paled in comparison to even her earrings.
"Karen Garby," she stated firmly, firmly shaking my hand before releasing it.
"Selena Brookes," I smiled in return. "Thank you for coming."
We both took our seats, and I observed as Karen surveyed the restaurant with an appreciative gaze.
"I understand you're here on behalf of your company, yes?" she inquired, to which I nodded. "Well, I'm here as a representative of Fabrico Zunino. I'm his PA, and I'll be attending to your needs until you meet Fabrico himself on Friday."
Friday - it felt like an eternity away. I had hoped to meet him sooner. Placing my hand on the table, I maintained eye contact with Karen.
"Why such a long wait?"
"He's an incredibly busy man. The day he declares himself work-free, it's a sure sign he's ill. And that has never happened," Karen explained, offering a reassuring smile. I reciprocated the smile, even though I wasn't entirely certain why. The waiter from earlier returned, and we placed our orders.
"Or perhaps you just don't know when he's unwell," I suggested before the waiter interrupted our conversation.
Karen raised an eyebrow in agreement. "True. But I also know Fabrico almost as well as I know the palm of my hand."
We locked eyes for an extended moment, each of us silently challenging the other to look away. I reminded myself that making a positive impression was crucial; Karen was my conduit to earning Fabrico's favor.
I reached into my bag and retrieved a green book, placing it on the table. Karen's gaze finally shifted from me to the book, and she appeared pensive as she opened it. The book contained an abundance of information about our company, including product details and images, and I believed it would be a valuable resource for her.
"I assume you've already conducted research on our company, but if you have any questions, I'm here to assist. This book will be a great resource for you," I offered.
"How many sales does your company make in a month?" Karen surprised me with the question. I hesitated to reveal the exhaustive late-night calls I had endured to secure those sales.
"Um...a substantial number."
"That's not a precise answer," Karen insisted. The waiter returned with our orders, and I cringed when I saw octopus soup on Karen's plate.
"I can assure you that we make a significant number of sales, but I don't manage the accounting department, so I don't have the exact figures. However, if you'd like, I can find out for you," I proposed.
Karen arched an eyebrow and took a slurp from her octopus-laden spoon, amidst my surprise at her choice of meal in a beachside restaurant.
"There's no need for that. All such details will be discussed with Fabricio when you meet him on Friday."
I couldn't help but wonder why Karen was here if I was meant to pitch the product to her boss. It seemed like an unnecessary and cumbersome protocol.
...
"No success yet," I lamented into the phone. Corby responded with an odd whine, and I couldn't help but chuckle, though it didn't suit him.
I stood on the balcony in a lacy black robe, an unusual addition to my wardrobe. Kay had gifted it to me on my birthday, and I found it surprisingly comfortable. I gazed out at the beachside, teetering on the decorative railing. One misstep, and I'd tumble.
"What's taking so long? I was hoping you'd be on your way back to Seattle by now," Corby groaned.
"Is it that easy?" I mused as I rested my elbow on the railing, looking toward the beach. "I get the feeling that Fabrico's PA doesn't like me."
"That's not what I want to hear, Selene."
It wasn't my fault Karen seemed so challenging to please. The way she had scrutinized my suit when she entered the restaurant had been intimidating.
"Be strong. You're tough. Just hang on until Friday."
I considered asking Corby how Michelle had reacted when she discovered I had taken on an assignment she was supposed to handle. However, my attention was diverted by movement on the balcony next door, just a few meters away from mine.
"Selene?" Corby called.
"Yes, yes, I got a bit distracted," I replied, returning my focus to the neighboring balcony, where a man had finally come into view. He had his back to me, and it appeared he was attempting to capture a photograph or establish some form of connection with the stars. His hands were raised in the air.
"I'll call you back," Corby said, sounding somewhat irritated. "And remember, more work, fewer distractions," he added before hanging up. I chuckled, which apparently caught the man's attention. As he turned to look at me, I lost my balance on the railing and tumbled to the sandy beach below. Ouch!
I struggled to regain my footing, feeling a sharp ache in my lower back. What was Fabricio Zunino doing here? I was sure it was him I had seen on the neighboring balcony, and he had been staring at me. Embarrassment coursed through me.
"Are you okay, miss?" a voice inquired.
"Just a sore back," I replied as I attempted to get up. Fabricio offered a reassuring smile, and I felt slightly less awkward. He appeared different from the heartless and business-focused persona portrayed by the media. Yet, his eyes held a distant and cool demeanor.
"Are you sure you don't need a medic?" he inquired.
"No, I'm fine," I replied, waving him away. "I'll just head back to my room," I said, my cheeks flushed with embarrassment. What must he think of me? Why did I stand on that decorative railing? I had been eager to make a good impression, but I had only succeeded in making a fool of myself.
The insistent ringing of my phone on the balcony drew me back to reality, and I rushed to answer it, despite the persistent discomfort in my lower back. Kay's name illuminated the screen.
"Hey, babe!" she greeted with an excited tone when I picked up.
"You're so loud. What's up?" I inquired, leaving the balcony and returning to the armchair in my room.
"You haven't called me since you arrived, so I decided to call you."
"Okay, what's going on?" I asked, intrigued.
"It seems our research wasn't complete."
I assumed Kay was referring to the research she had conducted while I was still in Seattle, specifically regarding Fabricio Zunino.
"I met him. He's here in Chesterfield Palm Beach," I sighed, rubbing my temples.
"He can't be there, Selene. I saw on i********: that he just attended a masquerade ball at Palms Hotel in Las Vegas," Kay informed me.
I couldn't believe my ears. I had just seen him outside the restaurant, and I had been preparing to introduce him to our company. And did she mention the Palms Hotel in Las Vegas? It was known to be the most opulent and expensive hotel in the world, costing a staggering $100,000 per night.
"Kay, I just spoke to Fabricio a moment ago. I even fell off a balcony, and..."
"Oh my gosh! Are you alright?" Kay interrupted, her voice laden with concern.
I couldn't help but roll my eyes, even though she couldn't see me. It was my best attitudinal expression under the circumstances.
"I'm fine, Kay. So, what are you trying to tell me?"
"It appears Fabricio Zunino Valenquez has a twin."
- Writer
