Mrs. Lola Cruz stepped forward with a broad smile.
"First, I want to thank the F&F team for this collaboration. I am yet to see Mr. Bruno, but I am sure he has something important that may be the reason he can't be here with us. About this collection. It is meant to embrace our culture with a combination of nature. I must confess, Mr. Ferdinard, your company has some real talent; I can testify to that. It was nice working with them.. especially Beauty Hills.
I can't believe we were able to round up the designs within hours after she joined us... please give her an applause, please."
She said and gestured at Beauty.
The models and stylists, the whole crew, clapped loudly, cheering for Beauty.
Well,Kathy was an exception,other designers had a tough t
"Thank you... for the opportunity, Mrs. Lola."
Beauty managed to reply and tried to force a smile but her thoughts kept drifting back to her break-up.
She stole a glance at her phone lying beside her Sketchpad, half-hoping for a message from Bruno, some sign he'd reconsidered. Maybe from Jessie, asking her to come over-she had talked to Bruno. But the screen remained blank. Swallowing hard, she raised her head, her hands clenching slightly under the table.
Mrs. Lola Cruz continued.
"I want this to be an adventure for all of you, not just a job. Think of the setting as part of the art. You will enjoy your stay in Puerto Rico, I promise you."
Her speech was finally over as she returned to her seat,an applause followed.
Ferdinard took over.
"Thanks again for giving us this opportunity for a collaboration, Mrs. Cruz."
Lola Cruz nodded with a smile.
"So let's keep going. Before we leave the country, we will have a fashion show here in Puerto Rico...Big news for our models,am I right? You are going to be in the biggest fashion show in Puerto Rico."
An applause and cheered concluded his statement.
"Also, a birthday."
Mrs. Lola Cruz shouted with a giggle.
"Wow, a birthday celebration? Are you the celebrant, Mrs. Cruz?"
Ferdinard asked.
She shook her head.
"The CEO. Bruno Hathaway."
Beauty's eyes snapped open at that name; for some reason, her heart started racing.
"Oh..." Ferdinard replied.
That wasn't what he had expected-the special boy is getting special treatment again.
"His birthday is this week?"
"No, this month, but his fans over here want to celebrate him, so we fixed a party tonight. The event center is already set up for it," Mrs Lola replied.
Ferdinard was trying so hard not to break character.
"Wow, surprising, I had no idea. But since you told us, I guess we are invited then?" He laughed awkwardly.
"Absolutely."
She replied.
Ferdinard cleared his throat, pulling everyone's attention back to him.
"Now, back to logistics. We'll be splitting into smaller groups to work at different locations within the woods. It's crucial everyone sticks to their team. These woods can be dangerous, and getting lost isn't an option. We've arranged for guides to help with navigation and safety."
Just then, the door creaked open, and Jessie walked into the room.
Heads turned as Jessie hurriedly tried to find an empty seat, her face flushed with embarrassment.
Ferdinard paused mid-sentence, his gaze sharp as he addressed her.
Beauty felt her heart skip, and she became suddenly anxious, wondering what her best friend, if she still was, would do at this time.
Avoid me since she is now Bruno's new girlfriend? No, Jessie won't do that to me. I am just overthinking all this, Beauty thought.
"Nice of you to join us, Manager Jessie," he said sarcastically. "Try to be on time next time. If you love your job, this is no child's play; you need to be serious."
"Sorry," Jessie muttered with an eye roll and walked toward Beauty.
She had faith that Beauty would preserve a seat for her, and she wasn't wrong about that.
As she settled into her seat, Ferdinard continued his speech.
Jessie gave Beauty a quick, apologetic glance, noticing the wet skin and redness under her friend's eyes. She knew Beauty has been crying silently.
Beauty was lost in her own thoughts, her gaze downcast as she tried to maintain her composure.
However, inside, she was panicking, wondering if she would lose her friend too, fighting the urge to ask Jessie what happened between her and Bruno. She felt a tear threaten to escape from her eyes and quickly brushed it away, praying no one noticed.
Jessie took this as an opportunity. Leaning slightly forward, she whispered, just loud enough for Beauty to hear, "Hey... are you okay?"
Beauty tensed, not wanting to meet her friend's eyes. She forced a small nod, barely moving her lips as she replied, "I'm... I'm... fine."
Ferdinard's voice cut through their conversation.
"One last thing before we wrap up. Safety is a top priority. Stay with your groups at all times. The woods can be unpredictable. We don't want anyone wandering off, alright? It's a short time schedule before we come home to prepare for the birthday party."
"Birthday? Who is celebrating? What did I miss?" Jessie whispered under her breath.
Lola stood and added, "And please, don't take any unnecessary risks. We're here to create something beautiful, but we need everyone safe. So the manager is right... be safe."
After a few more instructions, Ferdinard dismissed the team, and everyone began to gather their belongings.
Beauty and Jessie remained in the hall, still frozen in their seats. Hoping for the other to start a conversation first.