My Birthday Promise (Editing)

My first morning in US of A

Rutt

This was not how I planned my first morning in US. I was standing helpless on the sidewalk looking desperately at the driver who was trying to fix the car. Apparently my car broke down on the way to the office of The MR corp. Our company Easy solutions was partnering with The MR Corporation to find a client base in US and thus to expand its business. I called Eva Morgan who was our local representative. "Where are you Rutt?" was the first thing Eva said on the phone in her thick American accent. I told her my car broke down to which she assured me she is sending another car over to get me.

First day and I am late for the meeting. All I could do was laugh it off.

A handsome looking guy saw me laughing from his vehicle. "Hey, why are you laughing if my car broke down?" he asked out of curiosity.

One glance at him and I could tell he was Indian by origin. He was immaculately dressed in a black suit and looked like a high-salaried professional working for one of the top notch corporate. He pulled over and got out of his car looking at me in anticipation of a reply.

I know these men; they see a girl, helpless and alone, and they feel they can hit on her just because she shares the same skin color.

My usual answer would have been -There are two options: Be upset or be happy. I chose to be happy and laugh. But what I actually said- "Why can't you mind your own business?"

He looked stunned by my blunt, almost emotionless statement but he preferred to ignore it. "Is this your first time in US? May be that's the reason why you don't trust me."

Did he just read my mind?

"Can I drop you somewhere?" he asked and waited for my response but I turned deaf ear to him.

"Are you sure you don't want my help?" he politely asked.

I felt sorry about what I said to him. I thought of apologizing to him but then I thought it was rather too late for it.

He sighed and shook his head which meant he had given up. "Alright." He finally shrugged and left.

******

A tensed looking Eva was waiting for me outside the entrance of the rising tower. After the hurried introduction on the move, she ushered me inside the building. "Follow me...we are already late." She said. The MR corp office was on the 18th floor. We got inside the lift and she pressed the 18 digit on the pad before turning to me. "I hope you are prepared for the meeting. The director of the The MR corp is very punctual and we don't have any time for discussion before the meeting starts." I nodded and said, "Yes. I think I am prepared." I gave out a confident smile and Eva smiled for the first time.

First thing one will notice about Eva as her long legs. She was tall, at least 6 feet if not less, and her high pencil heels made her look even taller. I had to jerk my head up to look her into the eyes as I was only 5'6. May be I need heels just like her. I updated my mental shopping list before returning my focus on Eva. She was wearing a short blue dress with a black jacket on the top which give her an elegant corporate look. Her blonde locks looked too lush and shiny to be real.

I checked myself in the mirrored wall of the lift. I wasn't looking bad either. I felt confident in my new pine green pencil dress. It was short sleeved and about knee length. You are beautiful, I said to my reflection. I was ready to conquer the world.

******

I had a meeting with Neil Hobbs. As per Eva Neil had a reputation of being a tough guy who didn't suffer fools gladly. I would be wrong if I say I was not nervous at all. The moment I stood near the door of meeting room a wave of nervousness hit me.