Chapter 12

Chapter 12

Jamie glanced up from his iPad, momentarily interrupted from his intense focus on sketching. The woman standing before him was slender with brown hair cascading around her shoulders. Her wide smile and friendly demeanor contrasted sharply with his absorbed concentration.

"Hi!" she greeted cheerfully, bowing slightly. "Sorry to intrude, but I couldn't help but notice you're using an iPad with a really interesting app. Are you an art student here?"

Jamie raised an eyebrow, a bit taken aback by the sudden intrusion but curious nonetheless. He gave a slight nod, signaling her to continue.

"Yes, I am. I'm Jamie. Are you an art student as well?" Jamie asked, his voice polite but guarded. He wasn't used to unexpected encounters, especially in his current state of preoccupation.

The woman's eyes lit up with interest. "I'm Isabela. I'm actually studying graphic design. I've been struggling with some older software that's just not cutting it. Your app looks incredible! Is it new?"

Jamie relaxed a bit, intrigued by her genuine curiosity. "It's something I developed recently. It's called Al Visuals. It's designed to be more user-friendly and feature-rich than the older programs. If you're into graphic design, it might be right up your alley."

Isabela's eyes widened in excitement. "That's amazing! I've been looking for something like this. The programs we have here are so limited. Do you mind if I take a look at how it works?"

"Sure," Jamie said, gesturing to the seat across from him. "Feel free to have a look. I'm still working out some kinks and trying to make it as user-friendly as possible."

As Isabela sat down and began to explore the app, Jamie observed her closely. She seemed genuinely impressed, her enthusiasm a welcome distraction from his meticulous focus. He couldn't help but feel a spark of pride at seeing someone appreciate the tool he had poured so much effort into.

"Thank you for letting me see this," Isabela said after a few moments, glancing up with a grateful smile. "This could really make a difference for students like me. If there's any way I can help or provide feedback, just let me know."

Jamie nodded, his lips curling into a slight smile. "I appreciate that. I'm always looking for feedback to improve the app. If you have any suggestions or run into any issues, don't hesitate to reach out."

As Isabela thanked him once more and left the table, Jamie returned to his sketching with a renewed sense of motivation. Her genuine interest and positive feedback were a reminder of why he was so passionate about this project. It wasn't just about creating a tool; it was about making a meaningful impact on others and ensuring that his hard work made a real difference in their lives.

Jamie looked at Kim Isabela, her earnest expression making him pause. Her nervousness was evident in the way she fidgeted with her hands, and her hopefulness was clear in her eyes. The request was unexpected, and the sincerity in her voice was genuine.

He took a moment to process her offer. "You want us to work together on an activity? And you're suggesting doing it at your boutique office?"

Isabela nodded eagerly. "Yes, exactly. I know it's last minute, but I thought it might be a good opportunity for us to collaborate. I really admire your work and I believe we could make something great together."

Jamie studied her for a moment longer, considering the implications. It wasn't like him to get involved with others so easily, but there was something about her straightforwardness that intrigued him. Plus, having a partner could be beneficial, especially if she had skills that complemented his own.

"Alright, Isabela-ssi," he said with a nod, a hint of a smile touching his lips. "I'll agree to be your partner. Just let me know when and where you'd like to meet."

Isabela's face lit up with a grateful smile. "Thank you so much, Jamie-ssi! I promise you won't regret it. I'll send you the details for when and where we can meet. I really appreciate your willingness to work with me."

Jamie watched as she gathered her things, her enthusiasm evident. As she left, he felt a mix of curiosity and cautious optimism. This collaboration could be a good opportunity, or it could be another distraction. Either way, he was willing to give it a chance.

With that, Jamie turned his attention back to his sketches, a sense of anticipation settling over him. Working with someone new might bring fresh perspectives and ideas, and he was ready to see where this unexpected partnership might lead.

Jamie took a deep breath, the gravity of his request sinking in. Trust was a double-edged sword, and he needed to be sure before he committed. He reached for his tablet, ready to input her details, but he paused, carefully assessing Isabela's reaction.

"Alright," he said, finally breaking the silence. "If you're comfortable with it, I'll proceed. Just know that this is a precautionary measure. I need to be sure of who I'm working with."

Isabela gave a small nod, her face a mixture of apprehension and resolve. "I understand. It's fine."

Jamie watched as she handed over her ID. He accepted it with a polite nod, ensuring that he handled it with the utmost respect. As she turned her attention back to her drink, Jamie's fingers deftly tapped on the tablet, initiating a secure search.

While he worked, he couldn't help but reflect on how unusual this situation was. His past life had taught him to be cautious and meticulous, but this new world came with its own set of rules and interactions. He was used to dealing with high-stakes situations, but this—testing the trustworthiness of a potential collaborator—felt both familiar and foreign.

The search didn't take long. Jamie's technology allowed him to verify credentials swiftly. As he scanned the results, he found no red flags or affiliations that would indicate any threat. Isabela's background checked out, and there were no connections to any dubious organizations.

Jamie looked up from his tablet, meeting Isabela's gaze once more. "Everything looks clear. I appreciate your understanding and patience."

Isabela let out a relieved sigh. "Thank you for being thorough. I know it's a lot to ask, but I really do appreciate it."

Jamie gave a reassuring nod. "No problem. It's important to be cautious, especially in these times. I'm looking forward to working with you."

With the formalities out of the way, Jamie and Isabela began discussing their project in earnest. Jamie felt a sense of satisfaction knowing he had taken the necessary precautions while also opening the door to potential collaboration. It was a delicate balance, but one he was determined to master as he continued to navigate this new chapter in his life.

End of chapter 12.