103 Felix (1)

While Sarah and Aiden are having their middle of the night dinner, it is early morning on East Coast.

Sophia is in the elevator, heading to her office on the 37th floor.

Next to her is a young man who initiated a conversation: "I've seen you around in the last few days. Are you new here?"

His deep voice laced with a heavy French accent got Sophia's attention. And she knew that he is talking to her, because it's just the two of them in the elevator.

Sophia glanced at the man and assessed him visually: tall, handsome, broad shoulders, neatly combed short light brown hair, and bright blue eyes.

"Yes, I arrived last week.", she responded and turned to look at the changing numbers above the elevator's door.

"I'm also new at this office; three weeks. I'm doing marketing research for my company, and I was wondering if you are willing to assist me. My name is Felix.", he introduced himself.

"Why do you think that I might be of any help?" Sophia was not in the mood for chit-chat, but she found his proposal slightly entertaining. It's been a long time since someone asked HER for assistance, as the CEO of Orion Enterprise, she is the one setting demands.

His smile revealed two dimples, one on each cheek, which made his perfect face even more attractive.

"I'm not from this area, and I'm interested in insights from locals." His eyes swept over her and he added: "You look like a woman who can help me out."

Sophia looked at his dazzling smile for a second before snapping out of it. Does he really not know who she is? She had difficulty believing in that. Why else would he approach her? The other option is that he is hitting on her, and she does NOT have time for the romance nonsense. She brushed him off. "You have the wrong person, Felix. I'm not local."

Felix was disappointed with this outcome, and he lowered his head while thinking about his next move. The woman next to him is stunning, is he going to give up without a fight? This chance of being alone with her in the elevator, does not come often.

He observed her employee badge which is turned so that he can't see her name, but he recognized the company logo. "Orion Enterprise? They occupy a number of floors on this building."

"Yes, we do."

They reached floor 37 and Sophia stepped out.

He held the door from closing. "Excuse me, miss... I didn't catch your name."

"Because I didn't tell you.", Sophia got her phone out and started looking at her schedule. She didn't spare him a glance.

He bit his lower lip and stepped out of the elevator. "Miss, why don't you give me a chance? How about a coffee?"

At that time Sophia's phone buzzed, she got a message from Mark. "You must be at work already. I can't sleep... thinking about you."

Sophia raised her head and her eyes met with Felix's. "What did you say?"

He was not sure what to expect, but he gathered his courage and repeated, "I asked you if we can have a coffee together."

Sophia glanced at the message again and then back at Felix. For some unknown reason, she felt that if she has that coffee with Felix, the sour taste in the back of her throat caused by the text message from Mark will disappear.

"OK. Give me a second." She checked her schedule and saw that she has half an hour free at eleven.

"Eleven o'clock today. Café on the fourth floor. I will give you half an hour.", Sophia responded like she is talking with her subordinate who wants a meeting with her.

His face lit up with a bright smile, he could not believe that she accepted. He nodded in confirmation and turned toward the elevator. He pushed the button and looked at Sophia.

She was still in the same spot. She entered "coffee with Felix" in her calendar for eleven that day, and then continued checking her phone.

"Miss, you didn't tell me your name.", he reminded her.

Sophia absentmindedly lifted her head and looked at him. "Sophia. I will see you again at eleven." She turned around and headed to her office.

...

At 10:45 Sophia was in a meeting. Notification showed on her laptop: "11 AM Coffee with Felix".

'Felix? Who is that?', Sophia wondered. After a few seconds she remembered the man from the elevator, and felt a headache coming.

'Why did I accept? I need to cancel this... how do I contact him?'

Sophia exhaled in defeat. She has no choice but to go and meet with Felix. It's rude to stand him up, and she does not know how to contact him to cancel.

…

At 11:05, Sophia reached the café. She spotted Felix at one table. He was busy with his phone.

Sophia walked toward him, and when she was two steps away, she cleared her throat to get his attention. He looked up and when their eyes met, he flashed a charming smile and stood up abruptly. Sophia could see that he is nervous.

"I was afraid you changed your mind, and will not come.", he voiced his thoughts.

Sophia felt guilt wash over her, that is exactly what she was thinking.

"I would not do that", she awkwardly smiled as he pulled the chair for her to sit.

Felix asked her what kind of coffee she likes and went to get it for her.

They sat in silence, and he observed her with a slight smile.

Sophia was uncomfortable. Did he call her for a coffee to stare at her? "You said that you are working on marketing?"

"Yes. My company is in Quebec, Canada. We are planning to expand to the US, and I came here to scout for opportunities. My first goal was to get a partnership with some other company that is established, but I was not successful. So now I decided to get to know people and see what their needs are. Based on that we will devise a strategy. We don't have funds left to hire a marketing team, so I took this on myself…" Felix opened up and talked about his challenges.

In the world where everyone tries to look more powerful, Sophia found his sincerity refreshing. "What is your product?"

"I have several. Our focus is mostly on the small size, wireless, security equipment…" He was proud to talk about it, but kept it to a minimum. He didn't want to spend all their time talking about his products.

Sophia on the other hand, wanted to stay on the topic. "Did you talk with someone from Orion Enterprise?"

His eyebrows shoot up in surprise at her question. "Noooo! Orion Enterprise too big to take us into consideration. We have a good record in Canada, but compared to Orion Enterprise, we are something like ants."

Sophia observed his honest expression. It seems that he really does not know who she is. "Would you like to talk with someone from Orion Enterprise?"

He looked at her suspiciously. "Do you know someone who can put me in touch with their hardware department? Or marketing? Or anyone who can get me in the door?"

"I might..." Sophia said mysteriously while checking her calendar on her phone. "When can you set up a presentation showcasing what you have?"

"I need half an hour to get my things and I am ready.", he was not sure why she is asking that, but he was happy to answer.

"Can you give me your contact information?"

"Oh!" Felix was excited that she wants to know how to contact him. With any luck, they might meet for another coffee or maybe lunch. He handed her his business card.

She looked at the card. "It was nice to meet you, Felix Martin. I need to go now so that I'm not late for my next meeting." Sophia stood up.

Felix was distressed. Where did the time go? "Oh, no! I was hoping to get to know you better and ended up talking about my work. I'm sorry I disrespected you in such way. I hope you will give me another chance to meet with you."

Sophia found him amusing and stifled a laugh.

"Don't worry. I will be in touch." She showed him his business card and walked away.

He sat there frozen, enchanted by her smile.

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