I sat down on my chair and took a glass of water. I calmed myself and started thinking. I really could not afford to screw this up and I could not disappoint Benjamin. Raina was in labor, and I was worried about her well-being too.
I mustered all my courage and told myself I could do this. I quickly texted Benjamin that I was starting the proposal work and asked him to take care of Raina while also keeping me updated.
I hoped their little boy was delivered safely. Yes, they were having a boy.
I quickly took the files Benjamin had left and rushed to the library with my laptop in my other hand. I took out all the relevant books that could help me chalk out this detailed proposal and got to work.
***
It was already eight pm, and the library was now empty. The distant noises from the office were no
more audible, looked like everybody left already. Suddenly I heard footsteps, and I raised my head to see who it was. I saw Britney smiling with a small brown paper bag in her hand.
"Hi, there, girl. You are so lost in your work; do you see what time it is?" Britney soft voice fell on my ears as she sat across me.
"Hi, Britney. I know its late, but I still have a lot of work to cover, I think it's going to be an all-nighter for me today."
"Yes, I can see. You have been working non-stop for six hours straight. I came in an hour ago too, but you were too busy to notice me."
She smiled and continued as she pulled her chair and sat next to me.
"I guessed this might be something urgent, so I took the liberty to get dinner packed for you. Come, take a break, let's eat together in the breakout area, and you can then continue with your work later".
I was touched by her sweet gesture, and indeed I was starving. I took all my stuff from the library, including my notes, the files and the proposal documents, placed it safely in my workstation and headed for my dinner break with Britney.
"Wow. So, you have your first client meeting tomorrow?" Britney had a grin on her face.
"First unofficial client meeting," I stuttered nervously.
"Yes, whatever it is, it is a big deal, such exceptions have never been made for a Junior staff before. Not in my six years with this organization. Benjamin is taking a risk here, but that only shows his trust in your capabilities".
"Yes, I am very nervous. What if something goes wrong? Richmond's CEO is not easy to please too. I am dead worried inside."
"Don't worry, Emma. Have confidence in yourself. Jacob Richmond is a scary one, no doubt, but I am sure you will pull it off." She said in an assuring tone.
"Jacob Richmond. How do you know about him? Have you got acquainted with him before? Is there anything that I should keep in mind?" My curiosity was hitting the roof now.
"Acquainted with him? Are you kidding me? He is untouchable. Before S&M pitched to be his company's legal partners, I had scheduled eight different meetings with his secretary, all getting pushed mercilessly as he was too busy." She took another bite and gulped it before continuing.
"That guy is a ghost, he surfaces only when he wants to, his time is extremely precious, and he only gives high profile appearances on extreme need basis."
"Yes, I heard a lot about him from Benjamin earlier today".
"You know, I have a friend in one of his divisions, rumor has it that ever since his father died, he has taken it too hard on himself and he works more than eighteen hours a day."
"Wow. That's a lot."
"Yes, it is. And by the way, he is a hottie too. Girls in his office drool all over him. You will surely be in for a good show". Britney winked as she described him.
"Oh," I muttered.
"Don't stress; just relax. It's not that you have a one on one meeting with him. You are going to represent S&M in a board full of people. He might not even notice your presence. I am sure you will be fine."
"Yes, you are right, I guess." I agreed.
"Just keep your head high, and your proposal work on point." She concluded with a convincing smile.
She was right, I am just supposed to take minutes of the meeting notes and report back to Benjamin. If I could cover all the necessary clauses in the proposal, I will be just fine, and once Benjamin is back, he can take it forward from there.
I will be thorough with my paperwork and am sure Mr. CEO will not even notice me sitting there.
That suddenly reminded me of Raina, I quickly left another text to Benjamin asking about Raina's health and how were she and the baby doing.
I got an instant reply.
"Still in labor, the baby is big, and this may take some time. Raina is holding up fine".
I prayed for their well-being after sending a quick reply. "Take care, Benjamin, let me know when the baby comes."
Britney and I chatted for a bit longer, it was a good refreshing break, and I think I needed it before I dived back into work.
She was now telling me about her hometown back in Vancouver. Britney was from Canada, and she was engaged too.1
Her fiancé Max lived in NYC as well and worked in a big IT company here. They were childhood sweethearts and were looking forward to getting married early next year.
I heard her silently wondering if ever I will be able to feel wedding jitters like her,
