Mia sat at her desk, tapping her pen against the edge of her notebook as she scanned through the email one more time. Her heart pounded—not with the anxiety of the unknown, but with the thrill of a new challenge. She loved that change in her. What being with the right people does to you!
Subject: Design Lead Assignment: SpringTech Collaboration Event
From: Charlie Lester
To: Amelia Verlice
Hey,
I'm assigning you as the design lead for the upcoming SpringTech collaboration event. It's a big one, and I know you'll bring the creativity and attention to detail we need. Let's schedule a meeting to discuss this further tomorrow.
- Charlie Lester
Mia's eyes flickered to her calendar, mentally piecing together what this meant. The SpringTech event was one of the company's marquee projects—an opportunity to showcase innovation while collaborating with one of the biggest players in the industry.
She glanced over at Rhea, who was sitting across the desk, deeply engrossed in her own work. "Hey, did you see the email from Charlie?"
Rhea looked up, her eyes widening when she caught the excitement in Mia's tone. "The SpringTech event? No way, he gave it to you?"
Mia nodded, a mix of pride and nerves coursing through her. "Yeah. Design lead."
Rhea grinned, a rare, genuine smile lighting up her face. "Congrats, Mia. You deserve it. This is going to be amazing for you. Tough, but amazing."
Mia smiled, feeling the weight of the moment settle on her. She wasn't just a part of the team anymore—she was leading it.
The rest of the day flew by in a blur of meetings and brainstorming sessions.
The collaboration event took place two weeks later in a sleek, modern venue downtown, its glass walls reflecting the early spring sunlight. Mia arrived early, clipboard in hand, her nerves replaced with a sense of calm focus.
The space was coming together perfectly. Large digital displays showcased prototypes and interactive demonstrations, and an entire section was devoted to a live user experience workshop—a feature Mia had championed. She moved through the venue, checking every detail.
"Looks incredible, Mia." Charlie's voice came from behind her, and she turned to see him walking toward her.
"Thanks, Charlie," Mia said, tucking her clipboard under her arm.
"You've outdone yourself. SpringTech's team is already impressed, and the event hasn't even started yet."
His words were a balm to her lingering self-doubt.
As the guests started trickling in, Mia shifted into host mode, welcoming them and guiding them to the various sections of the venue. It was hectic but exhilarating.
Hours passed in a flurry of conversations, presentations, and feedback sessions. She barely noticed the time until she finally took a moment to step back and grab a drink from the refreshments table.
That's when she saw him.
Standing across the room, James was mid-conversation with a group of people, his expression animated, his laughter carrying faintly over the hum of voices.
He wore a crisp white button-down shirt, the sleeves rolled up just below his elbows, excluding an effortlessly relaxed charm. Paired with light beige trousers and a sleek watch adorning his wrist, his look was a study in understated sophistication. Hands casually tucked into his pockets, the quiet confidence in his posture making it hard to look away.
YOU ARE READING
You, Me and a Shoe Lace
Romantizm"He tied a shoe lace, and she tied him to her thoughts." A stranger, a simple act of kindness-a man helping a woman with her shoe. But for Mia, it was something more. The moment was brief, fleeting. He helped, then vanished, as quickly as he'd appea...
