Sparks

Chapter 9... Joy and Sorrow?

Finally...I know... but here is a little something for the weekend.

Lian had been nervous all week. Although she was excited to see her best friend she knew that revealing her relationship with Derick would be a huge deal. She was not sure how Tania would react or Lucas for that matter.

Her desk phone rang and she picked it up.

'Hello.' She answered.

'Lian, Mr. Deveaux has arrived.' Her secretary informed her.

'Sure, send him in.'

Henri Deveaux was a charmer. He was a typical French man, average height with a suave appearance. Lian loved the French accent and Henri could deliver his with chills. She stood up as owner of her company entered her office. He was smartly attired in a pinstriped brown suit with white shirt and neck scarf.

'Welcome Henri.' She said stretching out her hand to greet her guest.

He held her hand and kissed it. 'Looking spectacular as always Lian.'

He twirled her around to showcase her navy blue bodycon dress with beige tie around the waist from all angles. She had paired it with nude stiletto heels.

Lian did a small curtsy after the welcoming drama.

'Let's have a sit, will you bring us some refreshments Marissa?' she asked her assistant. Marissa exited the office quietly.

'So Henri,' she looked at the flamboyant man sitting next to her with his legs crossed. 'Why are you really here? You call last night was very vague.'

Henri did not miss a beat. 'Since you like it blunt, I will be upfront with you Lian. I want you to head a new office we are setting up in Toronto. Wait,' He held up his hand as she opened her mouth to speak. 'I know you like it here in New York but we need your skills and expertise for this franchise as it is a different concept.'

Lian did not know how to respond. She was flattered but this was not only major. It was great!

'I've been here for about a year, I've hardly done everything I hope to do.' Lian said feeling her heart start to beat wildly.

Marissa entered with a tray and set it up on the coffee table in front of them.

'Thank you Marissa,' Henri said sipping his specially imported Japanese Sencha green tea. 'This brew is a masterpiece.'

'Thank you sir.' Marissa said blushing before she left.

'So Lian when should I book your flight.' Henri had not given her time to breathe.

'I don't know. I mean to set up a new office, that is massive, why me?' Lian asked flustered at the prospect of being a founder. Moulding a business from the ground up had always been her dream. If she took this opportunity she would be making her mark in the industry in a more concrete way. It was a huge responsibility but she was so happy she had been given that chance.

Henri put down his tea and leaned forward, 'I am not only giving you this project because I think you deserve it, the turnaround you have made to this New York office in such a short time has not gone unnoticed and the board of directors are pleased.  Your ideas and concepts are fresh and current. The reading public has increased by 25%. You even have the over 35 reading more. In fact the Board wants you to share more in the company and we want you to become a director.'

Lian almost dropped. 'A director?' She was floored. That was her ultimate dream to own her own company and this was just the beginning. This means this new franchise could be hers.