Just One Kiss

Chapter 3

"I think that's all for today." Juliana closed her notebook and laptop as the rest of the boardroom followed suit. They had been working with the FlorenTech team, consisting of Nicolas, Carla, and the four additional people China had met at the dinner who she learnt were the heads of marketing, finance, and legal. They had been in the boardroom from eight that morning, and had worked well past end of day.

"I think we can pick this up tomorrow" Carla agreed. "Thankfully, at the pace we're working with, we can finalize the contract and be ready to go in Madrid by next week."

The team began to say its goodbyes for the day and head home, Duke giving China a final hug goodbye as he left as well.

"Ms Ali, would you mind staying back for a moment?" Carla asked as the rest of the room continued to file out.

"How can I help you?" she smiled to Carla and Nicholas, who were still sitting opposite her.

"I can see how passionate you are about this project and I'm impressed as to how much you've done so far" Carla said as she ran her pen down the side of her reopened notebook, skimming though her writing. " I definitely see the potential in you."

"Thank you so much, it means a lot coming from you" China beamed as she looked between the two siblings. "This magazine means everything to me and launching alongside your company is truly an honor."

"I want to understand more about how you work" Carla continued closing her notebook, nodding her head in thanks. " So we want to add a clause to the contract."

"I guess we can negotiate. What's the clause" China asked now opening her notebook, ready to take notes.

"Considering that your project is based upon sports and adventure, we want you to work alongside an expert in the field. I have an old friend of mine, Martin. He can help give you access to the world you're looking for. He'll be available for all three locations of the project: Indy 500, a MotoGP race, and a Formula One race. Juliana has signed off on all of it, you will begin with us at our headquarters in Madrid."

"Wait, I'm moving to Madrid" China interrupted.

"For the duration of the project, yes" Carla confirmed with a smile. "You accommodation has already been covered for, so all you have to do is pack your bags."

"This an incredible opportunity" China exclaimed as  she rose from her seat, the siblings taking turns to shake her hand.

"You have a vision and we want to be able to see it through" Nicolas smiled as they both sat down, leaving China standing.

"Our team leaves at the end of this week, and we would like to start the project as soon as we hit the tarmac, since the Indy 500 is coming up fast. How soon can you be in Indiana?"

"I can be there the week of" China assured.

"Wonderful. I should be there around the same time" Nicolas smiled.

"Excuse me" China looked at the both of them confused.

"This project is a start to where our company wants to move towards in the next couple of years, so I think I should be in the front and center, understanding what exactly I'm putting my money into" Nicholas replied, leaning back in his chair.

"So we're doing the project together" China clarified.

"Correct" Clara nodded, " You both have a history in editorials, and considering that you two are the biggest pieces of this project, it seems only right."

"Plus this is not exactly my first time working in this kind of field" Recalling her conversations with Nicolas at the dinner and his passion for Motorsport, China slowly nodded her head as it all started to make sense.

A knock at the door was heard, signaling that Mr. Florentino needed to leave. He had to fly back to Spain ahead of time to get the project started before Carla and the team got back.

"Well then I look forward to seeing you in Indiana, sir" China shook his hand as both he and Carla stood to leave.

"See you in Indiana" he replied, reciprocating the handshake.