Faith is a Secret Not a Promise

Chapter 10 - The Beginning of Something Unclear

Oliver

"You said what?!" Is the current question that is being screamed with pure exasperation into my face by my dear friend Louis.

Though unpleasant, his shock is quite understandable given the circumstances. Meanwhile, Connor makes it a point to show me how ridiculous my choices are by laughing in my face.

A screamer and a laugher; I shouldn't have expected any less when it comes to telling my friends about my most recent cock up.

I drop my face into the palms of my hands and muffle a groan as the plummeting feeling of reality sets in. "Argh! I know, I know... I mean, I don't know!" I scoff in dubious irritation. "I have no idea why I agreed to work with that prick. I've practically signed up for overtime in hell by spending a lot more time with him!"

Connor's laughter subsides as he realises the intensity of my anguish. "Look calm down, mate. Maybe it isn't actually all bad."

Louis and I stare at him incredulously before the former question Connor's utterly mental suggestion. "Care to explain, Connor?"

To answer, he simply shrugs his shoulders and sits forward from the sofa he's currently seated on in our flat. "I'm only suggesting that while Michael Bardo is a rude and selfish prick, he's also argueably one of the most successful CEOs of the modern day and he's just offered to mentor you", he entails, pointing at me "You could definitely learn a tonne from him and to be honest, he's probably right in what he said about most CEOs out there being a similar arsehole to him, so... you may as well have taken him up on the offer." He reclines back into the sofa, clearly pleased with his speech.

I'll never unerstand Connor's out of the blue geniusness.

At this Louis turns to me, "Connor has a point honestly." He admits this softly, making it obvious that he's also astonished by our friend's unnaturally wise words. At which, I only nod hesitantly.

Louis moves to take a seat next to Connor, leaving me standing in front of them in the middle of our living room.

Louis continues talking, "I mean, think of it as an offer that purely benefits you. You'd gain so much advice and experience that you're basically guarenteed a number one job offer after Uni. And come on Oliver, we all know you're up for it, you're the most capable out of everyone on our course."

They both smile at me encouragingly, though I remain uncertain. Truthfully, I understand completely that my friends are right, but... but I refuse to give my time and efforts away to a man that is so arrogant, so self-centered and so...so-"

"Michael obviously thinks you can do it too."

Louis' words make my body still without warning. He couldn't truly mean that, right? It's Michael, he seems like the type of guy who never has faith in anyone. Then suddenly, I remind myself that I don't actually know Michael Bardo besides a few meetings and a quick online search. Did I judge him too quickly, or am I just so insistent on hating him? And why?

"Maybe" I say, concealed by my heavy breath that I'm unsure they heard me. I speak again, slightly louder this time, "Yeah, maybe. I guess I would be up for it and it's a great opportunity for my future. A rare one actually." I smile slightly and for the first time I consider feeling grateful for the offer.

Connor smiles brightly, "Yeah of course, mate. You'd be great".

Louis quickly interjects, "But please promise us one thing, Olly."

"Okay. What is it?"

"Please only take advice on business and not fall for picking up some horrible personality traits from Michael!"