Then all stopped. Again. All was paralyzed. There was an intimate atmosphere. It had a soft semi-darkness, failing light, cosy arm-chairs with cushions. Vic felt sitting in one of the arm-chairs. There was a glass table but not transparent. Napkins, cutlery, salts and casters were carefully served the table.
Relax music sounded, warmed and filled with romantic pictures. There was a female tone. Sugary one. It was so pleasant to listen to it and understand nothing. The song was in French. It was for the better.
In front of her a young man was sitting. No, it was a man. A solid, self-confident one.
He wore a jacket with cuffs, smooth face, straight parting on his head. He seemed to be an ideal and mannered. He had neither imperfection nor defect.
Victoria cocked her head, having frowned, studied the cared-for look man.
‘Victoria’ he stood up and extended his hand. ‘I’m pleased to meet you. I’m Gregory.’
The girl stood up, too and took his hand and smiled having known what to say.
‘Pleasure is mine.’
They both sat to the table. Gregory studied the girl sitting in front of him, she studied his professionally and carefully done nails.
‘I’d like to discuss current situation about the re-design of our main package.’ The man gave the fat paper case to the girl. ‘But let’s begin with our lunch. Lady’s first.’
Gregory gave the menu to the girl also, intently following her with his eyes.
‘Ok.’
Vic was laconic. All the atmosphere confused her a bit. After quick glance at the menu Vic ordered just sea-buckthorn tea.
‘Mr Dogmanov,’ the girl closed the menu and looked at the man’s eyes. ‘I’ve already projected a new design of this product. I was going to send it for your approval. So, as you started talking about it, let me show you some sketches and templates.’
Vic took out her laptop, moved closer to Gregory and opened the laptop.
‘Well let’s see,’ she began, after she had opened the first presentation slide.
Vic spoke a lot, clearly, trying to convey a persuasive message her interlocutor. Unexpectedly she felt his leg touch hers under the table.
That was an accident, she thought. Vic shot a surprised look at Gregory and stopped speaking for a moment.
‘I’m sorry,’ the man smiled. ‘Go on your presentation. It’s very interesting.’
‘…This slide consists of a new form, more advanced that, my opinion, matches the product better than the previous one.’
Gregory watched the presentation of the new project carefully. His lunch was getting cold but they both dipped into the bright display.
‘Wow!’ the man exhaled, having fixed his tie, as Victoria had finished her presentation. ‘I’m really glad that our HR employed you. This project has to be on my table by tomorrow afternoon. I approved it fully and give the go-ahead for realization of each slides.’
The girl couldn’t help smiling, listening to flattered and winy boasting in her way. Words dint fail Gregory when he heaped the girl’s efforts with expressing thanks and enthusiastic shouting. Only the next touch of his leg to hers made Victoria come back to reality.
‘I’m sorry,’ Vic thought she was to blame. ‘I should move back.’
The girl rose quickly when she felt his strong fingers squeezing her wrist.
‘Victoria, please,’ Gregory rose, languishingly looked at her eyes.
Victoria couldn’t believe neither her eyes nor her ears. What was it? The country manager asked her to stay near him… It couldn’t be.
