"Hi Mrs Viet. This is Selena with-- "
"Not interested" click
"Hi Mr Wantz, this is Selena with Panda tea product. We make--"
"Fuck off bitch!" Click!!
"Hi Mr Sanford. This is Selena with Panda tea product. We make a green tea validated for your health that is guaranteed to help you maintain good health and ensures long lasting--"
"I told you guys to take my name off your list. You just woke me up. Shit!" Click.
"Well good day sir" I said as the man hung up on me. This was hell. It was eight am in the morning and I've made hundreds of calls around the globe. I've ticked off women in Tacoma, irritated men in Vancouver and woken sleeping women with beautiful dreams in NY.
I stared round the boiler room at the amount of telemarketers screaming into their phones trying to sell the Panda product. At least Mr Sanford gave me a chance to introduce the product.
The door to the boiler room opened and Kay Gordy, the boiler room diva who also happen to be my friend, came in with a popcorn in hand. Her little son Junior held a popsicle in one hand too.
"Back from your little lunch break, I see" I turned my chair to face her table that stood next to mine.
"Lunch break ain't even enough. When's your shift ending for today?" Kay asked me with a drop of her popcorn.
"In a minute. I just ticked off the last victim of our terrible torture" I grinned making Kay nod with pride. Taking the night shift is not the easiest thing to do but at least the calls her less.
"Them Pandamites better get used to us" She whooped her hands in the air. Her little boy asked for water and she pointed him to the dispenser that stood a far distance away. He trotted away happily to get a drink like a lost camel in the Sahara.
"I better tell Corby I'm about leaving" I said standing up. I shoved most of the things I need and take home, into my work bag before giving Kay a kiss on her cheek.
"Dinner is on me tonight." Kay said. I hurried out of the boiler room after shutting my computer down. The next person on the morning shift can easily turn it on. I took the windy steps to my boss's office. The VP of Panda Health Tea. Over the years, we've grown friendly and he's taken a liking to me.
The sight of his wooden door came to view and I sighed in relief that he was even in. So I rapped twice on the door and it pushed opened. I stalked in with a confident walk.
"Miss Brookes" Corby Cox said. He pointed to the chair right in front of him so I sat down. I just came in to say I was off but if he wants me to seat, he has something to say. Corby is a nice boss in his late forties and a fish loving guy who has become my friend under the years I've worked with him, starting with when I was an intern.
"Hope I ain't disturbing you" I said moving my thick rimmed glasses above my nose.
"You know I always make time for you." He dropped his pen down and leaned against his leather chair. "You were headed home yet?"
"Yeah. I'm off for today but I don't get back until eight tonight"
"Wrong twice" Corby said and I eyed him from above my glasses.
"I'm sending you to Florida on a business assignment" Corby prompted and I was all ears now.
"Florida? I've never done business assignments outside of Seattle. And by the way, I thought Michelle does all the assignments. My job is to ring people" I said to him even though he already knows that. Corby shook his head and then got to his feet while I just remained seated. I've had a long night.
"The company chose Michelle but I'm choosing you right now"
I stared at Corby and he wasn't backing down. I don't know what made him feel he could actually trust me enough to handle an assignment and to an important investor I'm sure.
"What assignment is it anyway" I crossed my arms.
Corby smirked and came to stand behind his desk. He tapped away with his fingers until he decided to talk.
"This is a very important assignment Selena. We've been in touch with many investors over the years and the company shares is growing large but this guy....he's the real deal" Corby slammed his hands together as if making a point.
"So why can't Michelle just do it" I shrugged.
"Again with Michelle?" Corby shut his eyes for some seconds, counting, before snapping them opened again. "All that woman cares about is fashion and what dress to buy next. No doubt, if I send her to our newest investor, she'll just misbehave around"
So what makes him feel I won't care about fashion. I looked down at my brown, odd blazer suit and pants that is flay at the end. My shoe was flat cause I can't stand heels sometimes. And my red wig is a nightmare looking all messed up and in a loose bun. My rimmed glasses too was a fall. Indeed I had no fashion sense and I never desired one.
"You know what happened the last time Michelle went to Dubai to meet with an investor" Corby spoke out again and I took my eyes off my hideous suit.
"I know"
"Good. And we don't want that to happen again. Michelle was sent on an Important assignment but she ended up sleeping with the CEO. " Corby shook his head as if ridding off an evil spirit. "The company paid a lot of money to wipe off that scandal"
"Why is Michelle still working here then. A damage like that should've gone through extreme measures"
Corby hit his knuckles against his palm. "You damn know why, alright. Her uncle is the fucking President of Panda Health Tea"
I didn't know that fact up until now but now I know why she feels she can come into the boiler room and make nasty comments about how desperate and stupid we all look. Me personally, have had an argument with her and I'm sure she's ticked me on her blacklist.
I stared at Corby. "I'll do it"
"That's my girl. I knew you'll be up for the challenge" Corby finally took his seat. "Now our newest investor is Fabric Zunino Valenquez. He's an Italian man with a lot of wealth and also one of the richest men right now in Miami. He has a nationwide production company"
"What's the name of his company?" I asked.
"RR enterprise. Stands for Ross Rowling. That's the name of his damn empire. Ross. The man produces many things. Cars, various equipments and even guns." Corby smirked at the last part. "Rumor had it that his dad was an Italian mobster but we don't know how true that is"
I moved around in my seat. "Why would he be interested in tea when he makes guns and weapons as such" I shrugged and Corby eyed me carefully as if scrutinising I wasn't fit for the task. But I am. I really am. I want to prove to Michelle that I am better than her. I want to prove to the world that I'm not just a silly telemarketer.
"The man puts his hands in all kinds of business that would profit him a very good deal. Just last year, he went into Estate management. The man is a fucking realtor. " Corby said with such enthusiasm.
"So he wants to invest in a healthy tea company"
"Exactly and that is why PHT is the best for him. We have to secure this opportunity now"
I nodded and arranged my bag on my shoulder.
"So when do I leave for Florida?"
"Tomorrow morning" Corby placed a paper in front of me. "In there are your flight details, your lodging details and the appointments and meetings scheduled. If there is any change of plans, I'll contact you but while you're there, I'm sure you can handle yourself well"
I snapped the paper right up and stuffed it in my bag before getting up.
"Thanks Corby"
"Don't mention now go and rest so you don't miss your flight tomorrow morning" He literally shooed me out of his office. I walked down the stairs with with a new determination. Going to Florida could be a life changing experience for me but at the same time, I want to hope for a little peace.
It was a good thing my apartment wasn't too far from the company. I could easily walk home but sometimes, it can be tiring as hell.I lifted my feet up when I came across a puddle so I don't splash into it. My mind was focused somewhere else. Maybe it's about going to Florida but maybe it's not. My life hasn't always been stable. It was always a two way branched road. Maybe it's because I never had a normal childhood.I had an alcoholic mother who did nothing but seat around all day sending me to get her drinks when I was seventeen. My dad himself was not a saint. He was a drug dealer until he passed away when I was sixteen.I was lonely and stray with no way to restart my life in a peaceful way and that was when I met Blake. I was Twenty one and we dated for three years before he too had to go ahead and betray me. He cheated on me with a college friend and when I called it over, he started drinking and following me
I got to hand it to Corby for booking me a first class ticket. I thought I had to worry about cramping myself up in commercial and finding it hard to sleep. I hardly sleep in a crowded place. Not that I have the guts to be picky. If I had been booked for commercial, I would've gone, still.I placed my bag in the compartment above me before sliding into the chair next to the window. The plane was not yet about to leave so I sent a quick text to Corby saying I just got on board the plane and then sent a message to Kay telling her to wish me luck.The flight attendant passed by my seat and I smiled up at her. She gave me an uncomfortable nod of her head before scurrying off. I glared around me before opening the compartment in front of me. In it was a eye wear for sleeping and ear plugs.I was just about to get into the mood of snuggly do-do when a young man sat next to me. By God!, I'm happy I wasn't yet sleeping or I would'
Straightening out my green suit, my eyes darted from one corner of the restaurant to the other. I'm supposed to be seeing Fabrico Zunino's PA any minute now. I hear she's a fashion designer as well as a loyal assistant to Zunino. They're quit fondly and if I can get along with her, Fabrico Zunino won't be a problem."Would you like anything miss?"I looked up to my side where a waiter dressed in green khakis stood. He had a note in his hand and a smile on his face, awaiting me to order up."Not yet. I'm waiting for someone" I said sharply. He turned on his heels and retreated from whence he came. I glared at my phone, somehow praying that it rings because I really need to talk to Kay right now. Or even Corby. I'm feeling just a bit anxious.The door to the restaurant finally slid open again and a tall brunette with long curls stepped in. I would've mistaken her for a model but I know she's got to be
"What!"I was up on my feet now, pacing round the room. How come I didn't know that? Does the world know that? How did Kay find out when I just checked him out some hours ago."Fabrico Zunino has a twin, girl. His name is Emiliano. And it's probably him you saw just now" Kay piped.I'm dumb right now. I don't even know what to say. "Does the Pap know? Is it a well know news?" I asked Kay."I'm pretty sure. Yeah. Why?""How come I didn't know that?""Your an introvert Selene. You don't give two fucks about celebrities and you're lactose intolerant""Why did you have to say that last part? It doesn't fit in this discussion" I rolled my eyes."I know. I just wanted you to know that I know you so well" Kay said and I'm sure she's giving her triumphant smile right now or checking herself in the mirror as she smirks."What
"What?"He took two steps back, from me and then turned toward the door that just opened, breaking our little intense moment. Karen walked in with an uncomfortable stare on her face. Surely, she's seen the eye Lock I and her boss were having just now."I got you coffee" Karen said, handing me the cup. I took it gracefully, sending a thank you, her way."Is there anything scheduled today again?" Fabrico asked his PA."Tons. You have that meeting with the real estate management from Singapore. Also, You have a meeting with those ball hosters..." As she spoke, I concentrated on finishing the coffee in my hand."Also, you have a press announcement to make by this afternoon...""Cancel them all" Fabrico said and I nearly chocked on my coffee. Karen shook her head in disagreement."I can't. You have to be seen in those meetings and the press...The press...
I woved my hands through my hair as I shut the door to my suite behind me. Safe in the confines of my room again, where no one can stare into my soul, or ask me questions I don't want to answer. I placed my purse on the armchair and took my flats off.The bathroom called me as I made my way for a hot bath but there was a knock on my door. Groaning inwardly, I walked back to the door. I didn't call for a hotel attendant.I opened the door to see Fabrico standing there. To be sure I saw well, I took off my glasses, rubbed my eyes and wore it back again. Surely this was Fabrico and not Emiliano. I've come to recognise the difference between them"What are you doing here?" I asked."You left your coat" He raised my black coat up and I took it from him after muttering a thank you."Do you um...want to come in?"He nodded and I gave him way so he could slip into the room. His ey
The moment I stepped out of the elevator, confettis flew all over my face. What the hell? I brushed off the colorful ropes from my face to find my colleagues staring at me with smiles on their faces. Kay even held a banner that said Congratulations Selena Brookes."What is this about?" I chukled. Kay took my hand, pulling me in for a hug."You did it girl!""Did what?" Is this about Florida?Corby appeared from behind a desk with a grin on his face and an open arm. He pulled me in for a hug which was very unprofessional but I've done a lot of unprofessional things in the last weekend. Like allowing our most important investor, yet, to pleasure me."We got a call from Miami. The contract was signed and now we start business with RR enterprise. " he said and I smiled trying to look surprised. Of course I knew Fabrico would sign it."That's great news" I chim
"What party?"Kay toppled over some books on my desk, I stared at her hoping for an explanation prior to what she just said."Corby is holding a party. Heard from one of the director of the boards that it's celebrating our collaboration with RR enterprise"I sucked in a breath. How come I didn't know of this. And if there is really going to be a celebration party, Fabrico might be there. That's if he doesn't send Karen to come in-stead of him.Kay waved her hands in front of me several times. "Earth to Selene""Well then, that's good" I flipped my laptop on getting down to work. I have up to hundred emails. Most from buyers of our product.Kay took the seat in front of my desk. "Whoah, hold up. That sounds like you're not going for the party""What's the need?""You were the one who struck the deal and you know Corby would love for you to