The Daughter In the Corner

Family Gathering

Meanwhile, at a factory in a remote part of the town, Jenny and her team made their way into the building to discuss the collaboration between Farley Group and Sinclair Enterprises. They were greeted warmly by a group of executives. Jenny had a polite smile on her face until her eyes fell on a prominent figure that stood out like a sore thumb.

“This is Mr. Derrick Sinclair, he has been assigned as the lead on this project.”

Jenny ground her molars, her frigid smile betraying her inner turmoil. She extended a hand and gritted out, “Hello, Mr. Sinclair.”

Derrick smiled seductively as he shook her hand. “Hello Ms. Farley, we meet again.”

Jenny pulled her free quickly and cleared her throat. “We’re doing a factory tour today. I’m sure someone of your standing wouldn’t have the time to show us around.”

Derrick chuckled. “Of course not. I have to show our sincerity on this joint project. Come this way, I’ll lead the tour myself.”

As Derrick walked, he introduced the equipment and their capabilities and even gave them a live demo.

Jenny didn’t think much of Derrick’s casanova ways but she was impressed with his competence. It wasn’t too surprising though since he was groomed as the Sinclair heir; he was in no way inferior to her despite being a few years younger.

‘Perhaps he is more than just a pretty face.’

She curled her lips.

‘Whatever. So long as we get the project done it doesn’t matter if I have to shake this man’s hand a few more times. It’s not like I’ll see him all the time.’

Famous last words...

Day by day, Derrick wheedled his way into her life. One day, he would happen to run into her on the street; another she would find him attending the same supplier meeting. She didn’t even see Nathan this much. After a few encounters, she came to find him a regular fixture in her life.

Jenny rubbed her temple wearily. Today, Derrick was at her workplace to bring samples.

“Don’t you have too much time on your hands, Mr. Sinclair?”

Derrick chuckled. “I only spend time on what I think is important.”

Jenny huffed and took out a part to examine the workmanship. “Hm, not bad. What’s the degree of error?”

“Well within specs, as promised.”

Jenny nodded and handed the box to her team member. “Please bring this down to engineering and have them run compatibility tests.”

Turning back to Derrick she smiled. “Thank you for bringing them all this way, Mr. Sinclair…”

Before she could say goodbye, Derrick interjected, “If you’re so grateful, why don’t you treat me to lunch?”

Jenny nibbled on the bottom of her lip. She needed a good working relationship with the Sinclairs so it wouldn’t be appropriate to be too curt.

“Alright, there’s a nice French bistro across the street. Let’s grab a bite to eat.”

Jenny smirked; she figured someone who grew up with a gold spoon, like Derrick, would reject the humble destination but to her surprise, Derrick jumped on the offer.

“That sounds great. It piqued my interest when I saw it coming in today. Let’s go.”

Jenny raised a brow and sighed deeply but still followed Derrick out of the office.

***

When Amara made it home she was worn to the bone. The Production team’s moniker of “Living Hell” was not a joke. While Tallia was meticulous in training her, the sheer amount of work was staggering. It had been two weeks since she started and she was finally getting into the meat of things.

Amara kicked off her shoes at the front door and then trudged in wearily.

“I’m home…”

Amanda popped out of the living room and found her daughter, a mere husk of what she was this morning, hurried over with a plate of cookies.

“Oh, darling! Come! Have some sugar, it will give you a boost of energy. You look like you’re about to pass out.”

Amara smiled weakly. “Thanks, but I think I’ll turn in for the night. I don’t have an appetite.”

Dustin peered over his newspapers and called out. “How’s work treating you so far?”

Amara sighed and replied, “It was good, Dad. Thanks for asking.”

“Savoy made his famous minced pie and there’s some caprese salad. You have to eat or you won’t have energy for work tomorrow.”

Amanda patted Amara’s back lightly. “He’s right, dear. Go wash up and I’ll bring dinner up to your room. Eat something and go to bed. You’ve worked hard today.”

With another heavy sigh, Amara nodded and started up the stairs.

“Oh. I forgot to mention… the Sinclairs are in town so we’re hosting dinner this weekend. You remember the Sinclair boys right?” Dustin called after her.

Amara jolted to attention. “What? When? Where?”

“Dinner with the Sinclairs, Saturday evening, our house,” Dustin replied nonchalantly.

“Okay! Thanks for letting me know!” Amara raced up the stairs with newfound energy.

‘He’s coming! Do I have a nice evening dress? Do I have time Saturday morning to go to the Salon!? Never mind, I’ll make time.’

Deep in thought she jumped into the shower and turned on the water.

A shriek pierced the air, shocking the inhabitants.

***

After a long week of toil, the weekend was finally in sight. Amara glanced over the cubicle walls and saw that most people were packing up to head home. Clearing her throat she called out to Tallia on the other side.

“Hey, Tallia? Is there anything else I can help you with?”

Tallia checked the time and shook her head. “No. It’s time to take off. Have a great weekend!”

Amara smiled gratefully and chirped, “Thanks! You too!” Without another word, she saved her work and shut down her computer. Grabbing her bag she practically skipped out, excited for the weekend get-together.

***

Amanda and Dustin were leaving the office together when Dustin’s phone started to ring. Dustin looked down and smiled softly at the name on the caller ID before he swiped to accept the call.

“Hi, Jenny.”

“Dad!” Jenny’s piercing voice came through loud and clear. “Are you coming over to visit on Saturday? It’s been so long since we hung out together.”

“I won’t be able to make it on Saturday. I have a business meeting in the morning and then we’re hosting a small party at the estate in the evening.”

“Daaaad,” Jenny drawled.

Dustin smiled softly, imagining Jenny pouting. “How about this– why don’t you come over in the evening and join us?”

Dustin glanced over at Amanda who merely nodded once in approval. Dustin smiled gratefully at his wife.

There was a short pause before Jenny responded, “Yeah, why not; I have nothing planned. Is there a dress code?”

“Just an evening party with an old friend of mine and his family. Nothing too serious. An evening cocktail dress would be appropriate. Check with Peter if he could come too.”

“Will do. See you Saturday!”

“See you.”

Dustin hung up the phone and smiled at Amanda again. “Thank you, darling.”

Amanda shook her head and sighed. “They are your children too. It’s only right that you spend some time with them as well.”

Dustin leaned over and kissed his wife softly on the forehead before buckling in and starting up the engine of his Aston Martin. His eyes twinkled with joy as he imagined the upcoming family gathering.