Something Gained

Chapter 3

I pulled the duvet tighter over my head as the incessant beeping pulled me from my restful slumber. No. Too early. I flung my arm out the bed cursing as I caught the side of my hand on my bedside table. Note to self: start putting your phone under the pillow and away from hard surfaces. Finally my wandering fingers found their target and they connected with the cool screen on my phone. I grabbed it quickly and hit the button the turn off my alarm. I dropped my phone lazily on the pillow next to my head and rubbed away the sleep from my eyes. It had taken me ages to fall asleep but apparently, once my eyes had fallen shut, I had been completely knocked out. Once again I grabbed my phone, my eyes widening upon noticing the time. It was 7am and my meeting was to begin at 8am sharp. s**t! I scrambled out of bed seemingly becoming more tangled in my sheets as I did so. Why does this stuff always happen to me I thought, as I ran into the bathroom to start getting ready.

Christ! I really must’ve been in a deep sleep I thought as I regarded my disheveled appearance in the mirror. My mousey brown hair resembled that of exploded tumble weeds tangled together after a sandstorm. My blue eyes while bright and alert had tell tale bags under them. My face in general looked tired and my skin tinged pink on one side where I had been lying. I quickly turned on the cold water, splashing my face a few times before patting myself dry. Next, my hair. Needing a miracle and a flat iron I simply didn’t have time for I opted for a bun, pulling strands of hair out to frame my face. I wasn’t perfect but I would do. Hopefully. Hastily I brushed my teeth and ran back to the bedroom to get dressed. Seen as the tone of the meeting was rather formal I opted for a grey pencil skirt and white blouse leaving the top two buttons undone to expose my collar bones but keeping my breasts firmly covered. I popped on some mascara and a coat of clear lipgloss, grabbed my bag with my files and ran out of the door praying I’d make it on time.

The taxi to the gallery was a nightmare. A nightmare played on slow motion. I took out my files and started banging my head against them thinking maybe it would knock me out and cut out half the wait time. It didn’t.

When I finally got to the gallery it was 8:05am and I prayed to whoever would listen that Kerry wouldn’t murder me where I stood when I reached her office. As I approached her all round glass office I saw her talking to a man. He looked tall, important. His back was turned to me so all I could see was the back of his head and his suit which had obviously been tailor made. It fit him perfectly as if he had been born wearing the thing. I chuckled as I thought to myself that all people born into wealth were probably also born into mini suits.

I was still smiling as I reached the door and knocked. Kerry looked at the clock then back to me raising an eyebrow. “Cassandra” she said obviously annoyed as she eyed me.

“Kerry, good morning, so sorry I’m late I was just so captivated by all the pieces we have to show I lost track of time” I lied. Nice save I told myself. “Hmph I see” was all she said on the matter. I was sure this was for the benefit of the man stood to her right. Right now I was thankful for his silent and totally oblivious save. I took a step forward before nodding and shaking his hand. “Mr shaw it’s a pleasure to meet you” I tell him honestly.

“Actually Mr shaw was unable to attend this morning luckily for you. He’s not much for tardiness” he warns as his gaze flick towards the clock. I feel my face redden all the way to the tips of my ears both at my mistake and my lateness. I decide right then and there that I do not like this mystery man.

“Oh” I say flatly “better late than never” I smile, referencing that his boss hadn’t even made the effort to show. His eyes widen slowly before returning to there boring uninterested state. “Arguably. However Mr shaw had other matters to attend to this morning. He will be present tonight and on time no less” he looks me up and down once more and I feel the increasing urge to stamp down on his foot. Tonight we’re having a small show to demonstrate some of our newer artists work. Nothing big, just some champagne, twinkly lights, that sort of thing. If anything that is the event I’d expect someone of his standing to skip not an important investment meeting. Never the less, him attending our little soiree meant that I would still have the opportunity to meet him. Something I had actually been looking forward too. During the rest of the meeting I learned that the infuriating man in front of me was actually Derek Fanning, a right hand to Mr shaw. It was clear he had no appreciation for the work we were laying out for him and I wondered if his boss would be the same. Nothing more than an investment where money was to be made. The thought irked me but I smiled as I packed my presentation back into my bag and thanked him for his time. “I’m sure we’ll meet again Miss Bellamy” He nodded as he casually tossed his copies into his brief case and waltzed out the door. I silently hoped he wouldn’t be at our show later. When I turned to look at Kerry she looked less than amused and I remembered that without Mr grumpy as my buffer she was able to give me both barrels. I decided it was best to let her and lick my wounds later.

I could always salvage my self esteem later at the show.