Estelle.
Romancing against the tide of time.
Was what it said on the paper, with a rhombus consisting of lines that were curved inwards in replacement of 't'.
Wait a minute. Nathan Atlas Crosby?
Estelle?
I felt my jaw drop.
Though it was a young company, it was well beyond its reputation of prestige. In fact, ever since I got immersed into jewelry designing, it has been my dream to work there one day. But, after countless of failed attempts to secure a placing before graduation, I decided to move on with my life.
But still, here we are...to deliver lost documents.
Story of my life.
The thought of that placed me into a temporal depression as I could not decide whether it was a better decision to bang my head against the wall or bury myself into the floor.
As I headed straight into the main lobby, I was greeted by an environment that seemed too posh to be viewed as a commercial building; carrying a scent of extravagance that seemed to speak in a language of the elites.
"Welcome to Estelle, how may I help you?" A neatly attired receptionist greeted me from behind the desk, drawing my attention to her brightly worn lipstick that was too deplorable for me.
Must be a pain to conquer the mission of makeup every morning.
"Hello, I need to see Nathan Atlas Crosby."
"Do you have an appointment?"
"No," I continued, "But it will only take a jiffy. It's just a few papers that needs to be swapped," revealing the stack of sheets that were neatly placed in a folder with the company's name visibly displayed.
"I see," she nodded politely before reaching for the phone, "please give me a moment while I verify his vacancy."
"Sure!"
"How may I address you?" Her fingers fumbled through the buttons while pushing the device against her ear.
"Ava Winters." With just a nod, she then began to entertain the person on the other side of the call.
"Is Mr. Crosby available?" She asked, pausing momentarily, "well, there is a lady here, Miss Winters, who is requesting an exchange of documents."
Meanwhile, I was entertained by the groups of office workers strolling into the lobby after lunch hours, with huge smiles and occasional frowns that were evidently plastered on their faces as they babbled on about the latest office gossips.
Lucky people.
"Mmhmm...I see...Alright, thank you so much. Goodbye." Hanging up the phone, the receptionist withdrew a tag from the drawer and handed it over to me. "Please wear this visitor pass at all times. You are to tap it at the gantry to access the elevators."
"Thanks a bunch!" I proceeded to turn away before it hit me, "Erm..." the receptionist that had already returned to her work looked back at me with a smile etched on her face.
"Which floor am I supposed to exit?"
"Oh! It's the highest floor. Or you can just tap the card and the lift will automatically take you to your destination." She gleamed. I gave a nod before heading for the elevators.
As the numbers ascended, ushering me higher and higher through the building, a sense of anticipation stirred within, an eagerness that piqued my interest in what the CEO of Estelle would be.
Afterall, it was no secret that Crosby hates having his private life exposed to the media. Any coverage of his personal relationships and photographs were close to none. However, there were some people who claimed that he was an extremely intelligent and gorgeous hunk. Of course, those were all just claims. No one except his employees, who were all made to sign a non-disclosure contract about his appearance, knows what he looks like.
Ding!
"Good afternoon, you must be Ms. Winters." A gentleman who was waiting by the elevator doors, extended his arm the moment I stepped out. The confidence that he exuded gave me the impression that he might be Crosby.
"Just call me Ava," before placing my hand in his for a firm shake. "It's nice to meet you, Mr. Crosby?"
The man raised his brows before breaking into a soft chuckle. "You are mistaken. My name is Timothy Dunlan, Mr. Crosby's secretary." His smile still hanging on his lips while I, on the other hand, giggled awkwardly.
Great instincts.
"Ha ha, you sure look more like a boss than a secretary," I added, hoping that flattery would be the savior for my embarrassment.
"Thank you for your praise. Now, let's not keep those papers waiting, shall we?"
I proceeded to follow him into an area decorated with a lustrous and expensive-looking table centered in the middle, a black leather sofa placed against the wall, and an opposite pair of leather chairs with a long coffee table situated in the middle. The polished marble tiles between the color spectrum of white and beige bestowed a minimalistic vibe to the entire floor.
"Please wait a moment." I nodded, setting myself down on the sofa while Timothy knocked against the translucent glass doors before letting himself into the other side.
Soft muffles could be heard as I patiently waited, with two silhouettes that could be seen through the frosted panes, one seated and the other standing. I guess it was clear which one was Crosby.
With their conversation still ongoing, I observed the place to see a few rooms that seemed to be empty. Just then, shuffling noises could be heard before the door swung wide open, prompting me to set myself in propriety as Timothy exited the room with a file in his hand.
"I apologize for the wait, Ava. Here are your papers." Timothy informed as he passed me the file in exchange for mine before taking a seat. I heaved a sigh of relief after flipping through the sheets to confirm that all my drawings were intact.
"Well, thank you for this," I grinned, waving the file in the air before standing up.
"Hold on a minute, Ava." Timothy called out.
"Yes?"
"Apart from returning those important documents, Mr. Crosby has taken a liking to those drawings of yours. Therefore, in view of not just expressing his gratitude to you, he affirms that you would be able to hone and grow your potential here as a jewelry designer."
What?
"I'm sorry, you lost me at gratitude." I chortled. Don't get me wrong, I was entirely sober-minded on what Timothy was trying to say, but I just needed the reaffirmation before my head tries to turn non-existent scenarios into reality.
"Would you like to join Estelle, Ava?" The fog that had finally cleared up in my mind was now replaced with absolute shock as I could not believe what I had just heard.
"Huh?"
"Huh?" Timothy responded with a what-is-she-not-getting face.
"I mean yes!" I quickly blurted, "I would love to have that opportunity."
"Great!" Timothy gleamed with delight as he went to his table to grab a stack of documents before giving them to me. "Please take this home to read and sign. If all is well, I shall see you on Monday."
"Thank you so much!" I stood up to shake his hand before realization struck.
"Would it be alright if I say a word of thanks to Mr. Crosby?"
"I apologize, but Mr. Crosby is not big on fraternizing with others. But I'll be sure to convey your appreciation."
"Ah...alright." I headed into the elevator, feeling a little disappointed that I could not get to see the appearance of the famous Crosby.
"See you soon, Ava." Timothy said before giving a warm smile.
"You too." As soon as the doors closed, I leaped for joy, shuffling and strutting about the confines of the lift.
"Who's the best?"
"Me!"
"Who's the best?"
"Me!"
"Who's the best?"
"M-" The victory dance came to a halt when I noticed a lady standing outside of the now opened elevator doors, staring wide-eyed at me as I flexed my non-existent arm muscles. Being such a thin-skinned person, it didn't take long for my cheeks to heat up with embarrassment while I stepped aside.
Ugh, kill me.
"Y-you can go first." The lady laughed nervously before the elevator closed.
"I am an idiot..." Flinging myself into the wall, I banged against it with my clenched fists.
A lucky idiot.
A smirk, drew on my lips as I could not deny the echo from my mind.