| Subject: GBMO...part ten |
Author:
Fairyt
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Date Posted: Thursday, December 02, 04:24:46pm
In reply to:
Fairyt
's message, "News about GMBO..." on Thursday, October 21, 10:34:47am
When Michael came home that afternoon, he went to see how Phillip was doing. Phillip was awake and breathing quietly, but still very weak and pale. Michael than kept silent about what he’d found out that day. He told Phillip that they were able to go on for a while and that Chandler was interested in their course of action for the future. Phillip was only able to nod.
After dinner, Michael and Adrian were in the salon, talking about the latest developments taking place in both their lives. That somehow, fate had once again put a falling company in his hands to salvage, but they were not too positive about that. Even though Michael had money of his own to invest, It wasn’t really that much and the risk were still too high. Another thing was that he wanted a vineyard and not a hardware company. Their contact in France had sent a message that the deal was still on, so things were very promising in that direction.
They heard Nikita coming home to go straight up to her room. The both looked at each other and Adrian left Michael to go see Nikita.
After a few minutes, the ladies joined Michael. They took a seat and he poured them something to drink. Then Adrian started to ask questions about how they were doing at work. It was a subject neutral enough to talk about and got their all interests.
They talked about the different possibilities considering the company. About Chandler’s interest in it, to even hire out some space to other companies or selling it if was necessary. While Michael was saying all this, Nikita was listening to and observing him with different mindsets, thinking about the important decisions to be made for the near future.
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The next day came and Michael was about to leave for work, but went to see Phillip first. Adrian had taken it upon her to take care for Phillip on daily base. And when Nikita would allow it, they would have some sort of conversation together.
But Nikita was restless this morning. Pacing through the salon, looking out of the window, asking herself the same questions over and over again.
What profession would be suitable for her? Did she want to marry Michael? Did she want to sacrifice her freedom for the peace of mind of her father? Would a marriage between them work?
What was Michael even thinking about her? Could she try to apply for a teaching job?
She’d had a good education, but no special trait. The time that nobles used governesses was practically over. She would have to try teaching in a public school. Did she really want to?
Suddenly she left the room to go upstairs to prepare for leaving the house. Where to go to, she didn’t know yet, but she just needed to get out of the house into the fresh air.
First she asked the driver to drop her of in the city. Than she prepared for a long walk. She thought of visiting some friends, but knew they would ask about home and the company’s problems. That was not what she wanted to talk about with the girls. Also, she was not in the mood for having fun.
Nikita had hoped that the long walk through the city would help her ease her mind some, but she ended up thinking about the same things she’d run away from at home. But one particular person came into her mind and suddenly she knew where to go. She called for a taxi (or carriage), gave the driver the address and drove away.
Michael was completely taken by surprise when he heard a knock on the door and Nikita came in. He immediately stood from the chair, rounded the desk, extending his hand to her. She put her hand in his and he did the French thing of course.
She was smiling shyly and a little uncertain. Sensing this, Michael hurried to set her at ease, very pleased that she came to visit…him? He forced himself to block that other thought and offered her tea and cakes.
She started to wander slowly through the office, looking around and asked:
“How are the employees doing? They must be worried, aren’t they?”
“Yes, they are. They know about your father.”
“What are their expectations?”
“The worst.”
“Did you give any advice?”
“Yes, that if they had better options at any time, we wouldn’t hold it against them.”
“I’m shore it’s the honest thing to do. It indicates how bad things are right now.”
“Up to now, we’ve had only two men who took on early retirement, they were ready for it. The others we made clear that all of them will get employment elsewhere, if we should close down.”
“That’s very generous of you, Michael. Actually, there is something I wanted to talk…”
A knock on the door made both turn towards the door, and Michael said: “come in”.
It was Jurgen. He’d heard she was present and had waited for her to visit him. Of course he’d thought that she’d come for him, but after some time had past, he decided to see for himself where she was.
The tension in the office increased a few degrees. Michael asked: ”What can I do for you?”
“I’m sorry for the interruption, but I heard that Miss Jones was in the building, and I wanted to express my sympathy in regard of the sorrowful circumstances she’s in.”
Not knowing what to say, Michael looked at Nikita for an answer. Taking this as a cue, Jurgen said to her: “Hello Nikita, how are you?”
“I’m fine, thank you.” She said coolly, her smile neutral and facial expression serious. Both the males were surprised at this reaction but did not show.
Jurgen wondered what had happened. Would she have talked with Roberta? Scanning her face, he considered that she hadn’t and said: “I’m sorry about your father.”
“Yes, me too”
“Is there any chance for recovery?”
“No, the doctor has been very specific about it. His time is limited.”
“So he won’t be coming to the company any time soon?”
“No, not anymore.”
“Than we need a replacement for him. Did he…”
“That’s what I came here for, Jurgen. Michael has command.”
Michael was speechless!!!
“My father and I agreed that it was in our best interest to give him full authority to act in behalf of my father.”
“I see. It’s nice to know this problem is solved, because I have some forms that need a signature. I’ll pass them along before the end of the day, Michael.”
“That would be very nice, thank you.” Michael said.
Jurgen turned back to Nikita: “Is there any chance that I can speak to you before you leave, Nikita?
“I do have a lot of things to do, Jurgen. Is it urgent?” Innocent expression on her face. Remembering his threat to her mother, she needed to play it safe.
“Oh no, it’s nothing to worry about. But maybe we could continue our last conversation some other time than.”
“I don’t know, Jurgen. The way things are right now with my father and the company, I’m not sure of my future decisions. But right now I need to discus some important things with Michael, so if you don’t mind.” As if politeness was her greatest virtue.
“Oh no, not at all. Than I’ll leave you to your duties. A nice day to you both.”
And he left.
After the door had been closed, Michael looked at Nikita, but she looked away. So he asked her:
“Are you sure about this?”
“I’m sure that it’s what my father wants. I don’t feel bad about it, if that’s what you’re thinking. I’ve come to realize many things of late, Michael. I know the company is in capable hands.”
Knowing how much it must have cost her to say this, he hurried to acknowledge her trust: “Thank you for trusting me, Nikita. I’ll do whatever I can to everyone’s best interest.”
“I’m sure you will. I do want to ask you a personal question though.”
“Yes, what is it?”
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