RC.

Ch1 ....... g

As I get home, I put the heavy file on my kitchen bar, feeling pensive.

T:"Ok, it's not gonna be easy!"

To make myself feel better, I pour my self a drink;

 Some white wine!

I get a Jurançon bottle out and pour a glass.

I'm a keen lover of French wines, in case I hadn't show it enough today...

I glance over to Ditchy's cage. It is curled up in  a ball. It probably played all day in the new labyrinth I just bought it.

I sigh. Tonight, I've no time for my blog!

I browse through the file whilst sipping my drink. Wow! Nothing's right! It's gonna take me all night!

As my eyes fall on the word scallops I think back to my exchange with Mr. Carter.

I think I even blush. That man has something fascinating about him... He has that little extra something that exceptional people have.

And what's more, he's totally sexy...

But his appeal is beyond that. It's something that emanates from him...

 I drop down onto my stool.

Stop that right now, Tayla! Girls like you don't interest guys like him!

And I think it was probably the first and last time I'll see him.

I giggle in thinking that I probably gave him a funny impression! I was no doubt the joke in his day!

In any case, I think I entertained him!

Poor Mark and his ruined presentation! I'm lucky he didn't hold it against me!

The more I look at the menu, the less I know how to go about it! In the interminable list of caterers suggested, I don't know which to choose.

T:"Let's see Tayla... What would the great Carter do in your place?"

I pout and act pensive a little like Robin's "The thinker", only less classy.

T:"I don't know... He'd probably just ask one of his employees to do it for him."

I laugh to myself taking another sip.

(Start with the side dishes.)

Right... I'll start by thinking about what side dishes and wines to propose to go with the dishes already chosen!

I take my computer and start taking notes, It's gonna be a long night!

The good news is that the substantial budget makes a lot of choices possible. I can propose something really good!

             
                        ◇  ◇  ◇  ◇  ◇

Last night, I finished the putting together of the menu very late. I sent my work to Mark by e-mail around 3 am.

This morning I get to work exhausted... I sit at my desk and check my mailbox.

Mark sent me a message around
3h30 am! I guess he didn't sleep much either. Although I think that in his case, it's not an exception.

From Mark Leviels to Tayla White: Good evening  Miss White, Thank you for your invaluable help. The charity ball is taking place very soon and you are invited of course. Wishing you a good week. M.L

Wow! Mark has invited me to the charity ball?! It's the first time something like that happens to me!

I'm so excited! I'm gonna have to find a pretty evening dress! And I already know who to ask for advice!!

I calm myself down. Anybody would think that I was a teenager getting ready for my prom ball... It's just an invitation to a social event...

I wonder who goes to that sort of event, apart from rich heirs or important businessmen.

I can see it from here :

The perfect chance to meet anybody who's anybody in New-York! Who knows, maybe Beyonce or Leonardo DiCaprio will be there!

Before getting to work on the last project Gabriel entrusted me with, I decided to research a little on Carter Corp's humanitarian aid.

Indeed, several results are found in the search engine.

The firm appears to be very active in Africa in the installation of water sanitation systems. It also finances schools, clinics, as well as several charity organisations on site.

I quickly find many articles mentioning the Carter company.

The New York Times says that "New York's golden boy is engaging into charity." Whereas the New York post titles :"The planet's sexiest businessman has it all."

There are many photos of Mr. Carter posing with young Africans in front of schools and hospitals.

I must say that on the photos, though he still has that disarming charm about him there's also something a little more... humane.

But, in the end, is he being sincere?
Could it be a way of making a good impression, of flattering his image and his reputation?

I find it difficult to believe that men, born in an unrestrained capitalistic environment, really feel concerned by poverty in the developing world...

My research takes me to much more specialised articles in Finance and Economics and I quickly loose interest.

Carter is, without a doubt, at the cutting edge of his profession and arouses admiration of many of his peers.

My curiosity pushes me to type what most of the women in this city who have met him must have typed before me...

Nervously I typed : Ryan Carter single.

Lot's of rather evocative results come up : "Ryan Carter single(again)", "Ryan Carter is single again".

I look at google images. For past girlfriends.

I can't believe the number of pictures that appears on the screen!

Sentimentally speaking he's difficult to define! There are a lot of photos showing him in the company of many absolutely stunning women!

Top models, in vogue actresses... My ego takes a blow and I hate how it makes me feel like.

What did I expect?

Did I really think that one of the richest most handsome men on this planet was gonna go out with a girl like me?

Feeling a little disappointed, I sigh looking at pictures of him with a beautiful, young, redheaded girl dressed in Chanel.

As I curse almost out loud, a voice whistles behind me.

(Oh damn... Here comes the shrew...)