Forever In My Heart

Chapter 4

⭐"There is not one person walking this earth that is worth you laying awake at night feeling like you're not good enough. Remember that"⭐
___

I feel like I can breathe again and that the temperature in the room has become bearable.

I let out a little sigh of relief.

Mark takes notes, puts his documents away then switches the projector off in silence.

Lexi: "Mister Leviels... I... I'm terribly sorry... I didn't mean to be discourteous... I didn't know who he was and I didn't think our company organized charity balls..."

Mark's face relaxes progressively. He gently sighs before looking at me.

Mark: "It's nothing..."

He has that self-control thing about him in all circumstances. A professional must have. But I can feel he's containing himself.

Mark: "Mister Carter doesn't normally supervise this kind of thing. But his assistant er... Well... she resigned earlier this week for... personal reasons."

Something tells me that this personal assistant was actually invited to leave...

Mark: "Meanwhile, before finding a replacement, Carter has asked me to take care of this type of thing."

Lexi: "Really? But do you have time for it? You already seem so busy!"

Mark: "One never says "no" to mister Carter, young lady."

He pushes his glasses back up his nose and grabs the files.

Mark: "But, I'm obviously not the right person for choosing the menus that'll hit home..."

Lexi: "What you did was fine! It's just that I'm a little finicky when it comes to gastronomy and..."

Mark: "No, you were right. I did it quickly, taking inspiration from other menus... I knew it wasn't perfect. I just hope he'll find a new assistant quickly!"

Mark is so kind and invested in his work that I feel really bad for putting him in that awkward position...

Suddenly, I have a brainwave.

Lexi: "Listen, I'd like to make it up to you! I can make a suggestion for the whole menu if you like."

Mark: "Really? You'd do that?"

Lexi: "It's the least I can do..."

He smiles at me, visibly moved by my proposal.

Mark: "Well... It would be very appreciated I could get on with my work. The problem is that it all needs to be completed by tomorrow..."

Lexi: "Tomorrow?!"

Mark: "Yes..."

Lexi: "Ok... Well, I'll do it tonight then!"

Mark looks at me kindly.

Mark: "I am very grateful and I will remember your gesture."

He hands me the file putting his other hand on my shoulder and smiles at me.

I nod at him before turning around and leaving the room.

...

As I reach my office, Matt looks up and stares at me, smiling.

Lexi: "What?"

Matt: "Little red riding hood got lost in the woods?"

I stare at him frowning not sure I quite understand what he's getting at.