4 Chapter four

The silence in the room did unnerve her but Alison held her ground to the finish. Glancing at the expressionless faces of Ms. Rebecca and Leonardo, she could not comprehend their thoughts about the presentation she just carried out.

The presentation was simply the overall idea she came up with of how the new diner should look like.

Earlier she asked Mr. Adriano to give his suggestions or his thoughts about how his new diner project should look like but he declined.

He said he was eager to see what she came up with. Ms. Rebecca, therefore, pushed her forward to carry out a little presentation to summarize the ideas for the restaurant.

Yesterday she went to the site and instantaneously fell in love with the scene and the calm environment. Ideas kept throwing themselves at her.

Looking at the land environment, she could feel the need for the diner to have a simple but elegant structure extending a bit into the river.

Envisioning the outlook, the dining area should be outdoor to view the beautiful city light and the blurry reflection on the river.

The area extended to the waterside should also be safe-proof for children.

Another idea she summarised was for the diner to be bamboo-themed.

The building should be built out of bamboo, she felt it could create that connection with the river. But her hold wasn't too strong on the idea yet, it still looked a bit blurry in her head.

The last idea she presented was to have a luxury-themed diner. The insides should be top-notched and have various VIP lounges, one or two lodges, and a VVIP built-in restaurant in the river, with floaty anchored boats that houses the customers and their tables, it should create that romantic setting.

Speaking with her project assistant Ryan the other day a middle-aged man who was known for his bold personality and a receding hairline which he covers with a cap. He works mainly at the branch office but alternates between the HQ and the branch office occasionally when he is needed.

He was responsible for outlining the land area, he also needs to create the plan and outline their possible risks.

He assured her that the land was safe and it followed all the rules and policies set in place.

With the permit, they could resume work anytime.

After listing all her points she waited for their reactions and soon believed she was not going to have one.

Were her ideas that awful? No one has said anything so far.

"I like the third idea. I am going for it," Leonardo announced his gray eyes lingered a bit on her.

"Okay, but you are free to give your ideas and suggestions," Rebecca said wanting a response but got none.

"My ideas are not really on a stronghold yet and I am still working on the designs, Are you sure about your decision sir?" Alison asked a bit nervous.

"I am more than sure." his cool reply sent chills down her spine.

"Since that's finalized, Alison your work starts next week," Rebecca announced.

Next week!

That was too soon. Sometimes Rebecca forgot she was a single mom who has a toddler that should be under supervision.

"You are assigned to be the project manager and project architect..." Leonardo leaned towards Rebecca's side and whispered to her ears.

"He also wants you to be the supervisor." Rebecca relayed his message, "No I can't be a supervisor it is too demanding and you know I have other things on my plate."

"Can I speak to you privately?" Rebecca requested.

She knew she breached the rule of do not refuse a client's wants or suggestions but she had no choice she would be adding to Gran Karen's burdens by letting Samantha live with her until the whole project was completed.

Being a project manager is easy it just requires you to visit the site once or twice every two weeks.

Contrasting the idea of a supervisor, the job is time demanding, she has to watch every process take its place, each detail followed to the letter. Naturally, the supervisor is supposed to send back reports of how the whole building process was going to her but, since she was assigned the office of the supervisor she has to be part of the building process.

Leading her to the corner, "Alison you know you can't refuse what he wants. He is the customer and a close family friend he paid for this. He is very influential and getting the best service is just what he needs and what we need for good recommendations." Ms. Rebecca tried to talk sense into her.

"Still, I don't want to be a supervisor," Alison said feeling overwhelmed by the whole idea.

"I would double your pay, I know it is more than enough work to handle..."

"It is not about the pay, Ms. Rebecca," She interrupted her.

"It is Samantha I am worried about. initially, I was complaining about the work hours and how I struggle to care for her with my tight schedule. Now, I would not even see her for almost a week. I can't neglect my child to that extent." She complained pouring out her worries.

"Alison no one asked you to look for a job here you requested for it and we gave it to you. You gradually moved upward and you are in a stage where more responsibilities are bound to come. There should be a backup plan on how to deal with your child's needs."

"I mean you are not the first architect single mom. Learn to adapt to different conditions and expect change. You are going to be the supervisor that's final if you refuse then turn in your resignation letter first thing tomorrow at the HQ MD desk."

She gasped in surprise at how extreme and shrewd Ms. Rebecca can be. She can't lose her job, she needs it for Samantha's future and their present well-being.

"Have you made your decision yet?" Rebecca's shrill voice broke her thoughts.

"What is the duration of this contract?" she asked.

"Three months."

"What is my work schedule?"

"I will ask Ryan to prepare them and hand them over to you. I assume that is a yes, you would receive a raise in your pay during the duration of this contract."

Alison nodded feeling defeated.

Walking back to the table Leonardo watched the glum expression on Alison's face.

He was curious to find out if she accepted to be his project supervisor.

His brief meeting with her convinced him she was different, and that piqued his interest in her.

She was like a puzzle to be made whole, she keeps herself calm and was very mature. What attracted him most was her sensibility and lack of materialistic behavior.

She always worried about other things, he noticed the furrowed brows on her face and felt worried himself. The need to solve every problem of hers was pressing on him.

He could feel himself falling deeper for this woman who he hardly knows.

He was entranced by her presence and felt the need to be around her.

Shee was single, he was sure about that.

About that phone number, he got it.

He needs to make her feel the same way he feels about her, he had no clue what those feelings are but he knew how intense they could turn out to be.

He was ecstatic about the actualization of her being his project supervisor that way she gets to stay close to him.

He has not felt this way since his fiancee's death.

He doesn't believe in love at first sight but holding her in his arms at the elevator and getting drowned in those green eyes of hers was something he longed for.

He felt attracted to her.

"Alison you would meet Leo at the site. You need to brief him about the site and the outlook. Also, you would meet with the construction manager, I believe there is a lot to discuss with him."

Alison nodded in agreement, Ms. Rebecca rose and checked her watch, " I have to go now, I need to be somewhere. This meeting is over."

Collecting her purse, her shoes clicking on the tiles she stopped and turned abruptly to Alison, "How are you going to get to the site?"

"I have a driver, he went is downstairs and he took me there yesterday." She answered.

"Okay, that's..."

"Since we are going to the site, she would come with me, saves time," Leonardo said, Alison glared at him.

"I will do just fine Mr. Adriano thanks for the offer"

"No, Alison he is right." Ms. Rebecca countered

"No, no, I promise it's..."

"You like to argue, go with him. He is the customer after all and the customer is always right." Alison could not help but roll her eyes at her statement.

"I have to go," Rebecca said with a sigh but regretfully tapped her hair.

"I almost forgot to tell your PA what is her name?" She searched her memory to recollect Paige's name.

"Paige! that's her name. Tell her she would be joining you here, Ryan is not that reliable." She said thoughtfully.

Checking her time for the umpteenth time.

"But, you said you would assign the incomplete Mr. Wilson project to her." Alison reminded.

"I changed my mind. Ryan would handle it, I am taking him off this job. He is too relaxed about it and you and Paige make a terrific team. I am off now, inform her the minute you get to the HQ, tell her to call me to make it official."

"Okay, I will do that."

With that last note, she turned on her heels and left her with Leonardo.

She gave him a stern glare annoyed by his antics earlier.

Walking past him, she picked up her bag and headed to the door.

"Alison!" he called her why was she trying to avoid him.

"Hmm...er... What do you want sir.. sorry Mr. Leonardo." She mumbled her words.

"You seem to be in a rush. We are going together, remember." He said standing close to her.

Her breath hitched, he stared into her eyes, even if he tries he wasn't sure he could look away. Taking a sniff, he loves the way she smells, fresh spring flowers. Her smell carried vibrance and left him exhilarated.

"And drop the formal tone. Just call me by my name." He said cooly

"This is business. We are bound to be formal and I don't appreciate the proximity, Mr. Leonardo." Her heart was beating faster than normal.

"Leonardo not Mr. Leonardo. I promise you that I won't leave you easily if you call me Mr. title. You are still my friend for a day so drop all formalities."

She kept quiet and she stepped backward she saw his smirk and smacked herself in her head seven times.

Now he thinks she was affected by him, "You should blush more. It suits you," He admitted causing her to be thoroughly flushed.

Leaving, they walked to the door Alison saw her driver and went to meet him.

"Mr. you can take the car by to the hotel. I don't need your services now."

"Also, go for a break. You must be hungry and tired." She handed him a note from her bag.

"Okay Miss," he appreciated.

Smiling briefly at him, she turned and saw Leonardo leaning on a shining sleek car, she would admit Leonardo looked more handsome and sleek in his three-piece expensive suite his hair gelled backward, he had his sunglasses on.

She wasn't sure that that was the right attire for the site but who was she to say.

She heard some glee and she saw some ladies taking pictures of him, stop making him feel more proud. She could bet his ego grew ten folds.

He looked dreamy. She shook her head of silly thoughts

Checking out the car it looks really expensive, it looked brand-new. She was never good in cars and did not know what manufacturer's name it bears.

Walking towards him, He smiled at her briefly something about that smile made her knees weak.

He made his way to her in an attempt to open the door for her but she hurriedly got in before he could help her.

So much trying to be a gentleman.

He started his car and drove out of the building premises.

He can't wait to spend the remainder of the day with her in the guise of visiting the site.

Turning the knob to increase the volume of the melody playing in the car, he watched as she puffed in annoyance and glued her face to the window.