MEETING HER, FINALLY

*NICK'S POV*

"You sure you're okay now, Sir Nick?" Alfred asked while we walk down the wide corridors of the 50th floor. Three days have passed since the accident, I had the chance to relax at home - but that means.. more tasks have piled up.

Nevertheless, engrossing myself with work should help me forget about Monique. That one night... that mistake was all it took to end the rough yet fun and love filled 9 months. No text, no nothing. I was left and deserted. I had no one to talk to as well while these thoughts kept running on my mind.

Mr. Greyson did not seem to know what happened. He just phoned to tell me why I needed a temporary editor and that he is sorry for the sudden change and his unpredictable daughter. Monique apparently requested to be transferred to another branch the night before.

Publicly, we only had the professional connection. Little did they know of our little sacrifices, like how we can't date freely during those times. Now, I got these memories that will remain sweet but a painful recollection.

I have to trust that time can heal me.

Bringing myself back to the surface again, I decided to respond to Alfred's question after that long pause.

"I know my body more than you do. I'm fine." I replied in a relaxed tone.. but the truth is, I still feel a slight discomfort and moreover, my pride won't let me say that out loud.

"You're admirable Sir!" he responded happily. He's really good at buttering me up.

I observed my surroundings and it seems like there are less employees roaming and buzzing around. Perhaps, this is how Friday really is - it's always crunch time.

"Was it hall 56?" I inquired as we arrive in front of a frosted glass door located at the right side wing of this building.

"Yes it is" was Alfred's short reply.

"Do I have another appointment after? I ask.

"One more in an hour after this meeting Sir and then you can call it a day." he confirmed while scrolling up and down the note maker of his tablet.

"Good. Let's make this quick" I commented.

After adjusting my collar and tie, I took out my ID from the left side pocket of my blue coat and scanned it on the biometric machine. Alfred opened the door for me. Entering, I saw six middle aged men sitting around the large table located at the center of this bright room. There were another two gents and a lady standing at the right corner and Mr. Greyson, at the platform.

"Hello Everyone! I hope I'm not late." I say.

"Right on time Nick." Mr. Greyson replied proudly.

Alfred then handed me some documents and did the same for the rest who's now gathered around me. We exchanged pleasantries and went on with the discussion.

"Due to the high demand, we will be translating your book so it will cater a wider range of audiences, specially in Asia." Mr. Park started the conversation.

"That's right. we had a poll in Germany and France as well and 58% of the readers wanted it to be in their native language. Ms. Krütz added.

"We have checked the probability and the statistics and can determine an increase of 9% to 12% of your current sales if we do so." Mr. Atkins commented.

"I'm glad you did your extensive research. The question is, how and where are we going to get a translator of high caliber?" Mr. Greyson - the chief executive finally spoke.

"Exactly. This is a great opportunity, but I don't want the meaning of the words written there to change...let alone my story line." I stated with conviction.

"Worry not Mr. Newman. We got you covered. A contract has been prepared with 'La Traducteur' - a french company who has

2,127 different languages catered. You're signature is the last piece we're missing here."

Mr. Atkins confidently responded.

"Then what are we waiting for Nick?" Mr. Greyson asks as he leaned on the table while scanning my face.

We ironed the terms and conditions, most specially my rights and privileges.

"Let's get right into signing those papers then Gentlemen and Ms. Krütz." Feeling contented of another milestone I achieved.

"Thank you for today" I say smilingly as I show them outside the door.

"Congratulations sir! 'MY REFUGE' is really doing well." Alfred's remark while we wait for the elevator.

"Are you trying to get more than a coffee from me? I teasingly responded.

"Ofcourse not sir. Nothing of that sort" he replied.

"You're really naive. I will give you a bonus, don't worry. " I laughed in between my words.

"Then you have my thanks Sir Nick!" his eyes smiled with his lips.

We didn't notice that 40 minutes have passed already. We were just enjoying our coffee and eating the donuts.

"So, what do you know about the person I'm gonna meet?" I ask my secretary.

"Aside from being your temporary editor, Mr. Greyson said "there will be a new addition to your responsibilities". he tried his best to mimic the CEO's thick voice.

"Let's find out then." I replied.

We hurried back to my office and saw Mr. Greyson already sitting on one of the couches of my guest receiving area.

"The editor will be right here in a minute." he said before I could sit down.

"Who is this person?" I asked to feed my curiosity.

"Your secretary has actually met this person. The name is..."

"My name is Kenneth Snyder...and I'm going to be your new editor." A guy who probably has the same stature as me, opened the door at the perfect time. He's wearing a pale yellow long sleeves with a maroon vest on top of it. His coat is neatly folded in his left arm.

"Hi, I'm Nick Newman. Nice to meet you Mr. Snyder... but do you know my secretary?"

"Please call me Kenneth instead...and yes, I know Mr. Vanicci. Remember the accident?"

he replied with a low husky voice.

"So you were that guy? You're the one who paid the expenses in one sweep?" I asked in a louder voice.

"Yes that's me and I'm so sorry of what happened. This is my writer by the way. We both worked with W.O.R.D. before. She was the one driving the car and obviously, she's not the best person to put behind the wheels." Kenneth explained. I did not even notice that he brought someone else with him.

A petit lady emerged from behind. Her black, wavy and shiny hair was laid down, shoulder length. She's looking cute with her glasses too. Her green, knee length flowery dress matches well with her skin tone.

"Hi, Gentlemen. I'm Emily Scott." She shyly introduced herself, eyes on the floor. I tilt my head, trying to remember where I heard her name before. She sounds familiar too.

"I apologize, but I can't apprehend where I've seen your names before today, yet you worked from a prestigious company...may I know why?" I asked wanting to know more of these two.

"Oh, that's because we used our pen names."

he replied.

"You probably heard 'Ken Sniper'... that's what I use." he continued.

"How about you Ms. Scott?" I asked.

It took her a couple of seconds before she answered.

"I'm Jane Matthews or Jane M. in my writing career".

Blood rushed to my brain. My heart started beating loudly. Worst, I'm getting hard down there.

THE GODS DO HATE ME.