Chapter 18: Awkward Interactions & Misunderstandings

Board meeting is definitely the right name for this. Bored.

It felt like there were invisible jail bars present. These bars held me captive along with fifteen others, knowing that leaving meant an invite to a bleak winter of unemployment. This room has reached an all-time level of boredom 30 minutes ago. Charlotte along with other people are reporting about the event a few months ago. They are discussing their findings and emphasizing certain points that we need to repeat again for this next event. It was really interesting at first, considering that I was the one who led the event. However, it really started to drag and become repetitive. Being able to find meaning in this report would be as difficult as discovering sufficient nutrition in soda. It has gotten that bad. Meanwhile, I have gotten 5 urgent calls to return. Every one of them was from sponsors and speakers for the upcoming event.

Across the boardroom table, I could see the agony in Matthew’s eyes. My lips twitched as I tried to suppress the smile that was threatening to form. It was comforting to know that someone else was feeling the same way. We exchanged small and tired nods, acknowledging each other's suffering. Every time I made eye contact with him, it was a reflection of my own urgent need for freedom.

Please let us go.

My body suddenly perked up as a burst of energy surged through me when I realized that Charlotte was finally concluding. I grabbed my coffee cup and my phone, excited to leave. “Oh, and another thing…” She trailed off. I didn’t bother to listen to what she had to say because I know most of these already. I’ve studied all of these beforehand in preparation for the next event that I needed to handle.

“What are your thoughts about it, Ms. Bailey?” Charlotte’s voice interrupted my thoughts. My eyes widened in panic as I rigidly turned to look at her.

“Can you please repeat that? I’m sorry, I wasn’t able to hear the question.” I said sheepishly as I flashed her an apologetic smile. She pursed her lips into a thin line as she gestured to the powerpoint. “Do you think that this would be enough?” I quickly scanned the powerpoint, vaguely remembering this from the documents I’ve read. It’s regarding the budget. I bit my lower lip as I decided to take the risk.

“Yes, I think it would be sufficient enough.” I tried to say this with confidence but the expression on my face probably said otherwise. Charlotte nodded at me then looked at everyone else.

“Expecting this kind of budget for this big of an event is not sufficient enough actually.” Charlotte announced coldly as I felt my heart sink to the pit of my stomach.

Sandra, you’re an idiot.

“If you listened well to my reports, VIP guests are requesting special treatment and thus, this budget, according to my calculations, is not enough. However, it would be nice to reach a total that is lower than this.” Charlotte glanced at me and I nodded timidly, acknowledging what she said. I bit my lower lip as I felt my cheeks flush with embarrassment.

She said a few other things before she finally dismissed all of us. I let out a deep sigh of relief that the meeting is over but the pit in my stomach still never left. I feel so embarrassed for what happened a while ago and I have no one to blame but myself because I didn’t listen the whole time or read the reports well enough. It’s crazy that just when I thought I knew it enough, Charlotte managed to prove me wrong immediately after.

I ran a hand through my hair in frustration as I dragged my feet across the floor towards my desk. My eyes were locked on the floor as I was too embarrassed to look at the other people who attended the meeting a while ago. I’m really such an idiot.

I felt someone bump my shoulder lightly, making me turn to look at that person. My eyes grew wide when I realized that it was Arthur. There were several papers in his hand as well, making me realize that he probably wasn’t looking at where he was going as well.

“Hello, sir.” I greeted, bowing my head politely. He nodded in response before he continued walking to his room. Ever since we had our talk at the cafe, things have been a bit awkward between us. He clearly feels bad about the relationship we’re having, knowing that he's my boss and I am just his employee. I understand that he's trying to respect my boundaries by distancing himself from me.

I breathed out an exasperated sigh. We haven’t been able to talk much as well because we’re both busy with this event. Handling this event and applying for a new job has taken most of my time and I feel bad, knowing that he probably thinks I’m distancing myself from him as well. I decided to take a mental note to talk to him later and hopefully clear up any misunderstandings.

As I settled down on my desk, I set aside thoughts about Arthur and focused on the upcoming gala. I started by going through the files again as I don’t want a repeat of what just happened in the meeting room earlier. I carefully scanned all of the documents and took note of the important details. I swore to myself that what happened a while ago will be the last.

After I finished working on the gala reports, I decided to take a short break and text Arthur, hoping to clear up our misunderstanding.

To: Arthur

Hi! Are you free after work? Let’s grab some coffee and talk. I miss you!

After sending the text message, I glanced a peek at his office. I saw him smile as he read his phone and turned to my direction. We held each other’s gaze. His smile turned into regret after a brief moment then he tore away his gaze to type something on his phone. A few seconds after my phone notified me that I received a message, it was from him. As I read his message, I began to understand why he had such a sad look on his face.

From: Arthur

I’m sorry, I can’t. I still have a lot of work piled up. I miss you too! I’ll make it up to you after the gala.

Closing my phone, I took a peek again at his office but it seemed like he went back to work again as I saw him typing away on his computer. Is he trying to ignore me? What should I do? Should I text him again?

Feeling quite dejected, I just fixed my desk instead to prepare to head home. After arranging everything, my phone pinged to signify another message I received. Maybe he changed his mind, I thought to myself.

From: LLL, Corp.

Greetings, Ms. Bailey! This is Olivia from LLL, Corp. informing you that we have received the email you sent yesterday. We would like to discuss a possible job offer for you tomorrow at 10 A.M. We look forward to seeing you in our office tomorrow.

My mouth fell open in shock as I read each word in the text. I wanted to jump in glee but I held it in since I’m still at work. This is it! My dream is finally within reach. I got out of work in such high spirits.

I can’t wait for tomorrow.