Beyond Boundaries

05 | calm before the storm

05 | calm before the storm

It almost felt like centuries just sitting in a room and scribbling dully while trying to keep up with the two most powerful men in the prosthetic industry. It was conspicuous that not enough women were on the higher decision-making pedestals, hence, singling me out as the rather odd one. Whether it was in an office setting or anywhere else, I often found myself as the only female - and it didn't make my job as one any easier.

As I glanced at my wristwatch which read nine o'clock in the evening, I decided it would be best to just pull myself together and survive through the next hour or so.

This was quite an important meeting; the global guidelines had been set in place for consumer safety and the major companies were required to make changes and dispute any rules they did not agree with. Of course, in conversation between my father and Mr. Houston, nothing but pure hostility reeked from their voices. But as serious as the conversation was, I couldn't find any less than entertaining when the two CEOs attempted to be civil with one another.

Key word, attempted.

"...Indeed," Mr. Houston spoke, "it's nothing but guidelines that will restrict us to our creativity. But I hope we have come to an agreement about consumer safety, Mr. Kensington."

My father nodded, "I must agree with you on those terms. However, the prosthetic guidelines do not outline appropriate price ranges... Much of it has also been overstepped by... uh, both of our product prices."

Mr. Houston smirked, "It might be hard for your industry to keep up innovation and sales considering the high production costs."

There was no hint of expression from my father's face. "We have an impeccable R&D team, Mr. Houston. Don't be fooled."

Before I could react to the situation with a nod, I let out a small yawn, causing the two to turn towards me. As awkward as it felt, I sheepishly smiled.

My father cleared his throat, "Uh, why don't you head home? I'm not in the office tomorrow so you and Rhonda will be running the floor - it's an early start."

"Oh, dad, I'm not-" I was quick to sit up properly once again to seem alert. The last thing I wanted to seem was incapable in front of Mr. Houston. I was already taken as a joke from the beginning.

"I'll call the driver." My dad pushed, his expressions pressing me to obey his words in front of Mr. Houston.

"Cole can drive you home, you don't need to bother calling your driver." Mr. Kensington suggested which threw me off - I couldn't tell whether he was being polite or just offering a fashionable formality.

With those words, Cole entered the room. He was still wearing his office attire and it seemed like he had a long day from work. His tie loosely hung around his neck and his eyes gave away nothing but pure exhaustion. I couldn't help but feel bad for Cole; I had plenty of those days this week and all I wanted to do was jump into bed.

"Cole," Mr. Houston ordered, "It's very late and Ms. Kensington would like to get home. Please escort her home."

I quickly interjected, "Thank you for the offer, but I think I'll take a cab home. It's not far from here anyway..." And this time, I didn't miss the look my father shot me.

Mr. Kensington chuckled, "Cole is more than happy to take you home."

I'm sure he is. I thought to myself.

I nodded, rising from the comfortable and luxurious sofa we were seated on and headed for the door as Cole took the lead. Mr. Houston didn't give him much of a choice which didn't fail to humor me.