chapter 39

The following day just an hour after Eve arrived at work, Mr big boss personally knocked on her door. She welcomed him in but sat there her mouth gaped wondering if she is dreaming. This is his first time into her office since she joined them. All he does is pick his phone and dial to summon her. What has she done to deserve the presence of the King himself? He cleared his throat which startled her. “Oh hello Sir, please have a seat” she smiled. He pulled a chair and sat down. “Uhm, to what do I owe this honor sir? Asked Evette perplexed. 

“I personally came to apologize and thank you” said the big boss with a humble expression. Eve didn’t know whether she was dreaming or not. She pinched herself and slapped her cheeks to perhaps wake herself up from this dream. ‘The big boss is apologizing? Have I died and gone to heaven?’ she thought to herself. “Excuse me? Sir? What are you apologizing for?” asked Eve confusedly.

“I apologize for degrading you as a woman. I thought women weren’t capable of higher positions. I was wrong. You have far exceeded my expectations” said the boss with a totally different tone and facial expression from his usual icecold expression. Eve ran out of words. “And you are thanking me for exceeding your expectations?” asked Eve. 

“Yes, for that and for the great work you are putting in this project. I appreciate you taking this position and grooming such a great team. They do admire you a lot. And I can tell that you have brought out the best in them. Noone has been able to do that ever since the establishment of this company. To that I do believe your words that designers do their best in a conducive environment. I am grateful that you also brought Mr Viaz to help us without any reimbursement. It showed me how great you are when working with others. To me it means you are an invaluable asset to this company. I’m grateful to you” the boss went on and on and Eve could not believe what her ears were hearing. 

So this man has this softness to him? “Wow! Who are you and what have you done with the big boss?” Eve said with eyes as wide as saucers. The boss chuckled. “I guess it’s all thanks to you Evette, now I have a different perspective on working with people?” the big boss said further amazing Eve. She looked at him like he was totally a born again person. She continued doubting if she isn’t dreaming and kept pinching her arm and jumping to the sting! The boss chuckled and asked “why do you keep pinching yourself, you’ll get bruised”

“ Well, it’s because I maybe be dreaming so I’m waking myself up. You are welcome big boss. And I hope I’ll see more of this patient, calm and collected attitude from you. Otherwise I will not believe this whole conversation was not a dream. “I hope so myself, and please call me Baron not the big boss” joked the  boss as he stood up to leave. A louder gasp came from Eve's throat. “Even the names?” asked Eve. “Yeah, I guess I have listened to my teacher, bye Evette” said the boss as he opened the door and left. 

Evette’s head was spinning. She was on cloud nine. She can’t believe the boss has a soft spot and that he actually took her advice and changed his attitude. However she was happy to have had an influence on him. This can only mean great working conditions in future.

Evette went for lunch and sat on an empty table to order her food at the restaurant opposite the PHILUS TOWER. It’s an Italian restaurant and they make great dishes. She wanted to eat pasta stirfry. While waiting for her food, a certain gentleman approached her. “Hello there Eve, long time” the stranger said.

Eve was confused and looked behind her thinking he might be talking to another Eve but saw no one behind her. She squinted at him and asked, “do I know you?” “Yep, very well” the gentleman replied. “Uhm, I think you might be confusing me with someone else Mr, not meaning to be rude but I don’t know you” said Eve truly in the dark. 

“I see that living in Canada made you forget about all your classmates huh?” the stranger continued. “Well let me reintroduce myself. I’m Bernard Tuff, your former classmate and crush from Ridge High” he said with an outstretched hand. She squealed and stood up to shake his hand and hug him. “No way!” she said. “Yes way!” he responded. “Are you kidding me? Ben thee Ben? You have grown so big and changed, with all that beard, wow” she delightedly invited him to sit. They had lunch together and just as they were laughing and catching up, Eve saw someone eyeing them from across the restaurant. She didn’t see him enter the restaurant because she was busy catching up with her high school classmate. ‘Wait a minute, that look on her boss towards her, what was that look, was that jealousy or am I hallucinating?’ Eve questioned herself as she couldn’t ignore what she thought she saw. Lunch was over and they left together with Bernard holding her hand. She stole another glance at the big boss but his eyes were fixed on Bernard's hand holding hers. 

She went back to her office after exchanging numbers with Bernard and promised to have dinner with him one of the days. She did her job still reflecting on lunch time at the restaurant. I think I am reading too much into things. This man isn’t capable of liking anyone let alone getting jealous over them. She shook her head and dismissed it.