What a Pain

Chapter Eleven

I checked my watch. Quarter to four. The meeting started at four. I rearranged the mass of papers under my arms, in an attempt to stop it from falling out of my arms.

Two minutes later I checked my watch again. I was getting anxious. My foot started to tap a random rhythm; it happens when I get nervous or agitated.

Ten to four and Awan came waltzing down the corridor, calmly and collectedly. A much smaller stack of papers was tucked under his arms.

As he neared my perch outside the door he said:

“José! You’re on time. Glad to see you took note of my warning.”

I raised an eyebrow and looked pointedly at my watch. Thanks to him we now had less than five minutes to set the presentation up. Pftt, looks like he didn’t need to warn me about making him look bad, he can do that all on his own.

He reached the door and pushed it open. The large conference room smelt faintly of coffee, a refreshments table had been set up at the far end. A Large thermos of coffee, judging by the smell was set on the table along with several cups. The smell made my mouth water.

Awan started setting his things up. Arranging sheets of paper in order, logging onto the computer and setting up the power point.

“You have your memory stick on you?”

He asked. I shoved my folder on the table and rummaged through it producing a small black stick that was my life. If I lost that my career would be down the drain. I hesitantly handed it over to him. I would be keeping my eye on it.

He plugged the stick into the laptop and pulled up my part of the presentation.

He looked slightly surprised by the amount of work that was in it. Hah, I’m so ready for this.

I pulled out a small model of what the overall design would look like and placed it next to my pile of papers. Now all I needed was the clients.

At four O’clock precisely Mr Jared walked in with two men. One I guessed to be in his late sixties, his grey hair plastered back with some form of gel. His skin sagging around his eye sockets and his posture was slightly bent over. He was wearing a grey suit, which sucked the colour from his skin.

The other man was fairly young. He was tall, his black hair slicked back in a similar fashion to the older guy. He was wearing the same style suit but in black. Family members’ maybe? They looked alike, their bone structure was similar.

Mr Jared walked over to us. He looked like he normally did, Armani suit, not a crease in sight. His black hair in place, a warm smile on his face. He was in ‘client mode’, as I liked to call it.

“Mr Arbarca, Mr Warner. Meet Simon Key,” we each shook hands with the grey haired man and exchanged “Nice to meet yous.”

Mr Jared then turned towards the younger of the two.

“…and Reno Key, they are the clients that requested this project.”
I resisted the urge to say:

“No, really?”

I didn’t think it would be appropriate with Mr Jared already wanting to fire me.

Mr Jared clapped his hands together sharply and smiled.

“So gentlemen, shall we get this started?”

Which was code for ‘Hurry it up’.

The clients made themselves as comfy in the seats opposite the large white board which had the company logo projected on it.

Awan went through his presentation, outlining the look of the ward and the construction. All the time through his presentation, I regarded the clients. The older man didn’t look very impressed, whereas the younger guy was taking it all in and looking really eager. Hmm…the old geezer looks like he’s gonna throw a spanner in the works.

Awan finished and Mr Jared looked impressed. He stood up and shook Awan’s hand.

“I knew there was a reason you came so well recommended.”

I scowled. Awan sat down opposite me, looking smug.

“Mr Arbarca, care to show us the interior design?”

Mr Jared said as he sat back down. Oh yeah, bring it on.

I slowly stood up and made my way to the lap top and keyed in my login details.

I had created a virtual tour of the finished ward, having photocopied a few extra sheets with Awan’s main design on. I was responsible for the interior design and as it was for a children’s ward I had created it using warm colours and popular cartoon characters.

As I went through the presentation, explaining about the design, I chanced a look at the old man. He looked impressed.

Yeah, beat that Awan.

“And that concludes my presentation.” I finished.

Mr Jared looked shocked. It took him a couple of minutes to snap out of it.

“Well, Mr Arbarca, that was very thorough. Thank you.”

After discussing some of the designs with the clients and making some minor changes, we showed them out.
They each shook our hands.

When the old guy…Simon was it? Came up to me he clasped my hand and shook it enthusiastically.

“I’m really pleased with your designs. If we ever need anything else, I will be sure to ask for you.”

I smiled.

“Thank you sir, I would be more than happy to help.”

He nodded and made his way out, followed by Awan. He had already packed his things up and as it was the end of the day, was making his way home.

I smiled. I had so shown them!

I went over to the table and started to collect my papers together.

“Mr Arbarca, I have to say that was one of your best presentations.”
I jumped. Shit, was he still in the room?

“T-Thank you sir.”

I finished gathering my work together and turned to leave but Mr Jared’s voice stopped me in my tracks.

“Mr Arbarca, are you having any troubles at work?”

I froze. What to say to that?

“Uh…no sir, everything’s just fine.”

He raised a perfectly shaped eyebrow. I think he must pluck them.

“Really? You’ve been very quiet today, not your usual self.”

Now it was my turn to raise my eyebrow. Since when did he pay attention to what I was like at work? Maybe now I should confront him about what Awan said.

I sighed.

“Well, Sir, there’s one thing that has been bothering me.”

“Go on.”

Here goes nothing.

“Why do you want to fire me?”

Mr Jared’s eyebrows rose, a genuine look of shock appeared on his god like face.

“What on Earth are you on about Mr Arbarca?”

It was my turn to be shocked. Surely he would remember about wanting to fire me.

“I heard that you wanted to fire me.”

He folded his arms over his muscular chest; his powder blue shirt outlined his well toned upper body.

“That’s absurd. Where did you hear such nonsense? Mr Arbarca, you are one of my top designers. The only difference in job you would have is if I could promote you. As soon as a higher position becomes available it’s yours.”

I looked him in the eyes for the first time since we began the conversation. His blue eyes were slightly darker than usual…was it anger?

“Really? I just…I was told that you wanted to get rid of me because you now had Mr Warner.”

His facial expression darkened.

“And who exactly told you this Mr Arbarca?”

I gulped.

“Uh…no one exactly,” I said avoiding his piercing stare.

“Mr Arbarca. I would like to know who is spreading false rumours amongst my work force. They will be dealt with accordingly.”

“It was anyone and everyone. Y’know passing talk, you hear it in the corridors. Unless you wanna fire your whole work force I really don’t think it’s worth pursuing sir.”

He looked at me dubiously.

Just leave it alone, I don’t want any more trouble.

“Well, if you ever have any trouble please come and speak to me anytime.”

With that said he walked past me and clapped me on the shoulder in a manly display. He smelt good…woah, hold it.

Where’d that come from?


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Reviews-

KD- You suddenly get soft hearted for my characters? I think you're ten times worse to yours. Thanks for reviewing!

Jen- You can borrow him for a while haha!

Cobraqueen- I was getting there with it! Thanks for the review!

Aduial- Here's another chapter for youuuu! I'm glad you like it so much! There will be more of Tony and Andy...I love them! Danke =)

Gaia- I'm intending to flesh out my characters, it's just gonna be a thing throughout the chapters. I mean you got a bit of Awan's background and then a bit of Tony's life. I'm gonna be sprinkling bits through the chapters, so hopefully it'll get better! Thank you for your review!