The Business Trip

CHAPTER 2 - Monday Rush

I woke early on Sunday morning; the Sun was only just beginning to show itself, it peaked over the tall buildings. The view from my room was strange and not what I was used to, yes, it was still a city and there was the usual kind of things but, Detroit was different.

I walked away from the window and shut the curtains again, I looked at the clock on my bedside table, and the red LED read 7.30. I sat back down on the silky sheets, today I had decided to go out and explore Detroit. I wanted to get to know the area the best I could and maybe do a little research prior to tomorrow. I changed from my night wear into some dark coloured jeans, a simple shirt and a hoody. This seemed to be a common outfit of choice worn by the locals and I wanted to try and fit in, I didn't want to draw too much attention to myself.

I slipped out of my room, slid my key card into my small backpack. Shoot! I hadn't had breakfast yet, I passed the rather fancy dining area of the hotel. Luckily there were a few slices of toast already set out on a rather expensive looking marble table top. It would have to satisfy my appetite for now. The air was still cool even now at around 8, why was I out so early? Maybe this wasn't such a good idea. I should've done more research into where I was going, anyway if worst came to worse I could always call up a cab to come take me back. That thought seemed to rest my mind and so I walked on, it was only as you started to move well away from the hotel that you began to really see Detroit.

It appeared I'd lost track of time again. It was now 11am. I had wondered into what looked to be a residential area of the city, it was as I'd imagined. There were simple looking houses with a small patch of grass out the front; some with battered chain link fences surrounding the perimeter. Some of them had a small driveway and garage; most of these driveways were taken up by quite old model cars. I sighed, this must be one of the poorer areas, I didn't personally know anyone who'd grown up like this, I mean New York had these places but Detroit, you could feel a sadness radiating from the place but also a sense of pride.

I then began my long walk back, I passed old derelict buildings, some had become victim to arson attacks it appeared and others were tattooed with artistic graffiti work, it would not surprise me if there was some sort of hidden gang message there! The sun was almost at its highest when I reached the hotel, I hadn't gawked so much on my way back as people were starting to become a more frequent sight and I was just getting very hungry. To my luck the hotel served lunch on Sundays, I took the lift back up to my room, hurriedly changing into something a little more formal; a simple skirt, a white blouse and some earrings that apparently 'brought out my eyes'.

By the time it was mid-afternoon I was exhausted. With nothing else much to do I picked up the envelope Mr Carter had given me and re-read through what seemed to be endless health and safety. I picked up my sleek Mac Book and started to research further into the city. From what I had gathered some sort of meeting was arranged for tomorrow where new marketing ideas were to be discussed including ideas for a new advertising campaign. One of my favourites had to be the Superbowl one, starring Eminem; I admit, I'm quite a fan. I jotted a few rough notes down, I've gotta take a shower before tomorrow and sort out what I'm wearing.

I twisted the knob on the luxurious shower and watched as the air began to fill with steam. I stripped off and hopped in letting the water cascade around me. I was glad I'd had today to adjust, tomorrow would be stressful, I still had no idea how to get home. Public transport wasn't my top option plus there would be very few buses running and even then I'd still have a bit of a walk back to the hotel and there was no way I was going to tackle the streets at night. Calling for a taxi every night would also grow to become quite costly. After showering I ordered room service, I was too weary to get changed into day clothes just to go and eat food in the dining hall.

Picking an outfit for the next day was going to be an interesting time. I didn't know what on earth to wear, probably just my usual of a pencil skirt, blouse and a jacket. I soon decided on a black skirt, a pleasant green blouse and a black jacket. My hair could be dealt with in the morning, I slid my notes and other things I thought would be useful into my bag. Finally I felt prepared and ready to go.

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My alarm buzzed and I woke quite violently, torn from my dream by irritating buzzing. I rubbed my eyes and began to change into my clothes. I applied light make up and tousled with my hair until I got it into a neat, yet professional style. Around 20 minutes later I was heading out of the hotel and into my cab. Breakfast had involved grabbing various items of food onto my plate and eating hurriedly. Now in the cab I could finally relax.

The journey seemed to fly by and before I knew it I was outside of Chrysler HQ. I walked through the doors and into what was a main reception area, I spotted Mr Carter who came and greeted me and introduced me to his team. "Ah, Miss Greystone! We're very excited to have you here in Detroit, this morning, as you'll already know, we will be having a briefing and then assigned to a particular job," Mr Carter spoke quite excitedly.

His colleagues all grinned at me, well everyone seemed nice enough. I didn't have time to look round the rest of the building as we were escorted into a large meeting room. A long table lined the middle, it was like stretched oval with a space in the centre to walk up and down. This room seemed to want to provide the upmost comfort as when I sank down into one of the black leather chairs I couldn't help but let out a slight sigh of relief. The room was almost fully naturally lit, huge windows took up an entire wall. I had seated myself towards the end of the long desks, I was hoping this would allow me to get to see everyone and the kind of traits they carried and who to avoid as well. Blinds were pulled down the huge windows and a man was stood at the front of the room, where a projector and screen had been set up.

"Before I begin I would like to introduce everyone to Miss Greystone, who is here from New York, I hope everyone makes her feel at home!" the man said, only then I realised he was the main boss, he looked so different in real life than from the photo in the booklet.

He then went into a lengthy lecture about sales, the new Chrysler and the company. I sat and paid the best attention I could, he then went onto talking about marketing. By the time he was drawing his speaking to a close it was almost 10.30. I sighed, he will be done soon Athena, and you'll be able to prove yourself as being a valuable part of the team soon.

"And we have a very special guest here today; he will be taking part in our advertising as he knows the city very well indeed. Ladies and Gentlemen Mr Marshall Mathers!", Mr Tripp smiled proudly.

And through the door strolled a rather casual Eminem, clearly not fazed, he always seemed to look so relaxed! He wore his usual of Nike Airs, a pair of black jeans, a plain t-shirt, a grey hoody and a Kangol hat. He was one of those people that he looks amazing in photos, but then seeing him in the flesh, he looked even more wonderful, I know how much he adores the city, so his suggestions would be incredible.

The rapper then began to talk about how he felt the city should be represented by the new car, he had everyone's attention in the room, there was just a way he spoke, he seemed to assert authority, but without being a total control freak. I smiled and jotted a few ideas down as they came to me. The next hour or so flew by and everyone was given some sort of role. I was given the 'field work' job. It was my job to research and feedback ideas from what I could find out. One of the base ideas for a TV commercial was to drive the Chrysler through different areas of the city, so I had to find the best places for that.

I was dismissed shortly after lunch break to find the best areas, I had been chosen as I was 'seeing the city through fresh eyes' according to the very sweet Mr Carter, so I would think of certain scenes in other ways. I gathered my belongings and prepared to head back to my hotel to change into something a little more casual, it was then as I was walking out of the door that someone caught my eye. It was Mr Mathers; by all accounts I'd heard he was a very allusive man. He slipped inside a black Mercedes and left. He seemed to just disappear again.

I pulled out my phone as I waited at the bus stop, I felt somewhat awkward standing there, but as usual I tried to show no emotion and a short while later a rather worn out looking bus turned up. I boarded and sat at one of the seats and gazed out of the window as we trundled past some of the more luxury buildings and office blocks. I had a short walk back to the hotel, then I could maybe relax a little before doing some work. The bus journey wasn't as bad as I had anticipated, however this was early on in the day, Lord knows what it would be like later on. With that I walked the magnificent staircase back up to my room to try and organise myself...