Lost in You (#Book 2)

Chapter 14

When I wake up the next morning. I need some time to get a grip on things. Did yesterday really exist or did I dream it? I pinch myself to make sure that my promotion, and all the rest, are real. Ouch… Okay, maybe I shouldn’t have pinched that hard but now I know I’m not dreaming.

And now I have no choice but to make a go of it. Austin’s got his eye on me. Out of the question that I be late for my first day. I jump out of the bed and get ready quickly, putting on the clothes I chose yesterday night, before going to the office.

As I go in, after avoiding all the paparazzi waiting in front of the entrance, I start to doubt again. In fact, I find it hard to realize that I’ve been promoted to manage a branch. I haven’t even got the time to congratulate myself, I have to get to work right away.

After stepping on my floor, I realize, in the middle of this huge floor dedicated to my future team, I feel tiny. Since Austin’s announcement, I feel the weight of responsibilities weighing on my shoulders. I don’t really know where to start… All this is so new to me!

I feel a little lost, a lonely captain at the head of a huge ship. Concentrate, calm down and do things in the right order, my subconscious tells me. And I knew there’s only one person who can help me stay on course and keep the ship afloat, ‘Mark’!

And at the correct moment I see a recognizable silhouette on its way to my office… Mark Levis pushes his glasses up admiringly as he looks around attentively. What class! Mark excludes that elegance that is the prerogative of great men. I feel very small, sitting behind my desk.

“Hello, Miss Davis.” He greets me politely.

“Hello Mark, do sit down, and forgive me for asking you to come all the way over here…”

“That’s the least I could do.”

“Maybe you could call me by my first name now, I call you Mark, after all…” I felt that now we can leave these formalities behind.

“I’ll try, Miss Rachel.” He smiles at his inability to adapt immediately to our new relationship. So cute… He doesn’t have Austin’s charisma, but his mischievous smile and his first-class airs give him a unique personality. “As you’ve asked, I’ve prepared the list of the first decisions you’ll have to make in the coming days. It was beneficial to me when I arrived here.”

He only has one sheet in hand, this should be quick. “I’m all ears.” I said.

“I sent you the document by email, I couldn’t print everything. There are many advantages at starting from scratch, nothing existing, no comparison, no continuity constraint.”

“But I’m also picking up some cases that were previously assigned to other services, including Congo.” My retort surprises me, either it’s the stress or putting on that new suit.

“Exact.” He tuts slightly. “But apart from that, you’re going to have to build everything.”

“And so I’m going to have to make a lot of decisions?” I asked.

“I’d rather say that you’ll have to make choices. And some right now.”

“I have a meeting later to get the teams set up.” I try to show supreme confidence, even if it may be bit over the top.

“Human resources is one thing, but there’s the whole material, technical and practical aspect that shouldn’t be underestimated.”

“Of course Mark, I understand.” But if you could be more precise that would be great! “What are you thinking of, for instance?”

“You’ll have to choose furniture the lighting, your employees’ office chairs and those of the conference room. But also network connections, phones, your security team. And then order pens, printers, envelope, choose the color of folders and also all the supplies. And you still have to see to the layout of the rooms, the workstations, the break room.”

“Wait, slow down Mark! Forgive me, it’s just that it seems really huge, I’m not prepared for it.” He looks exhausted, almost an anxious as me. This directing job must be exhausting, even if we are used to it. I have to be up to it. It’s out of the question that my doubts and anxieties reach Austin’s ears. I’m the manager I have to get started and make decisions. “One moment, please, Mark, I think I’m going to have to write all this down.”

I take out the notebook that I slipped into my bag, and I look for a pen. I’m sure I put one in when preparing my stuff, but it must have fallen to the bottom. A little stressed, I dig into the folds of my bag. It’ll be a good thing when I have office equipment worthy of the name!

Fortunately, Mark doesn’t let me empty everything out, he quickly hands me a pen, with a smile. I take it and tank him. It’s these small details that make it clear that Mark is an adorable colleague, in all circumstances. “Don’t worry, it’s always a bit difficult at the beginning, there’s a lot of information to remember, but you quickly get used to it, you’ll see.”

He’s probably right. “Er… I want something clear, warm and sober. Given the cases, we’ll be dealing with, it is out of the question that the premises be flashy.”

“Strongly agreed. You and your employees have to have good working conditions, respecting both the ethics of the company and your needs.” He said. That’s obvious then! I’m surprising myself, and I love it.

“For employees, I want the best in terms of ergonomics and supplies… but inexpensive of course, comfort should take precedence over luxurious but useless extras. And I don’t want doors on the offices, so everything is transparent.”

“That’s a very good idea.”

“As for the rest, I’ll leave the choice to… er….” I don’t know where my sentence is going… I don’t want to lose face, I feel I’ve made a mistake because I spoke too fast and Mark notices it right away.

Fortunately, Mark’s kindness saves me, he immediately jumped in, so I didn’t get lost. “You’ll be able to ask your future collaborators to choose their equipment, and they’ll then consult you so you can validate their choices. You will need to have an eye on everything. You are now THE manager.”

“Very well, but I’ll make sure I’m not too bossy. Hopefully… I just want the values Mr. William upholds. Thank you very much, thank you for your help.”

“Think nothing of it, I’m happy to help. You’ll quickly get used to it, and you have Mr. William’s trust, that’s the main thing.” His apparent serenity and experience make him an unparalleled support.

“Mark, you’re a valuable colleague, and never hesitate to tell me what you think, no matter what, for the sake of William Enterprises, of course.”

“Don’t worry, our services are partners, so we’ll be seeing each other regularly.” Mark gives me a charming smile, as I walk him to the entrance of the open plan office. I know how lucky I am to have him on my side.