RC.

Ch1...... f

Without further ado, he leaves the room.

I feel like I can breathe again and that the temperature in the room has become bearable.

I let out a little sigh of relief.

Mark take notes, puts his documents away then switches the projector off in silence.

T:"Mr. Leviels... I... I'm terribly sorry... I didn't mean to be discourteous..."

T:"I didn't know who he was and I didn't think our company organised charity balls..."

Mark's face relaxes progressively. He gently sighs before looking at me.

Mark:"It's nothing..."

He has that self-control thing about him in all circumstances. A professional must have. But I can feel he's containing himself.

Mark:"Mr. Carter doesn't normally supervise this kind of thing. But his assistant er... Well... she resigned earlier this week for... personal reasons."

Something tells me that this personal assistant was actually invited to leave... or that she couldn't put up with Mr. Carter's demands any longer. His authority and his velocity can't be all that easy to bear...

Mark:"Meanwhile, before finding a replacement, Carter has asked me to take care of this type of things."

T:"Really? But do you have time for it? You already seem so busy!"

Mark:"One never says "no" to
Mr. Carter, young lady."

He pushes his glasses back up his nose and grabs the files.

Mark:"But, I'm obviously not the right person for choosing the menus that'll hit home ..."

T:"I'm really sorry... I really should have kept quiet..."

Mark:"No, you were right. I did it quickly, taking inspiration from other menus... I knew it wasn't perfect."

Mark:"I just hope he'll find a new assistant quickly!"

Mark is so kind and invested in his work that I feel really bad for putting him in that awkward position...

Suddenly, I have a brainwave.

T:"Listen, I'd like to make it up to you! I can make a suggestion for the whole menu if you like."

Mark:"Really? You'd do that?"

T:"It's the least I can do..."

He smiles at me, visibly moved by my proposal.

Mark:"Well... It would be very appreciated I could get on with my work. The problem is that it all needs to be completed by tomorrow..."

Tomorrow?!

T:"It's not a problem. I'll send you everything before tomorrow!"

Mark looks at me kindly.

Mark:"I am very grateful and I will remember your gesture."

He hands me the file putting his other hand on my shoulder and smiles at me.

I'm sensitive to his charms. He is really kind.

I nod at him before turning around and leaving the room.

                          ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇

As I reach my office, Matt looks up and stares at me, smiling.

I just ignore him. I know very well he's gonna crack another one of his jokes. So better not make it easy for him!

Matt:"Little red riding hood got lost in the woods?"