A Business Partner

Sean slowed down as we were about to enter the basement entrance of a tall building in one of the famous parks of the city. He did not tell me where we were going; he just diverted our conversation into some trivial topics. I put my head forward so that I could take a look at the whole facade-- from top to bottom. Built of tinted glass and white steel framework in a contemporary design, its mirrored glass panes reflected the lights of the lamp posts and the night view of the surroundings. It wouldn't take more than just a glance to tell that the building was a work of elegance. What caught my attention next was the bold, silver signage enclosing the beautiful landscape that glittered against the evening lights.

LAMINAE, INC.

"So, this is your building?" I asked, looking at him with awe.

Sean chuckled and threw me a quick glance. We were already descending towards the basement parking lot that required his focus. "Not only mine, but I also have business partners."

"You're so humble, Mr. Grey," I smiled, looking away. There was something in the way he smiled or chuckled that made me feel tickled.

"What I am saying is true, it's just that I am-"

"The principal shareholder," I finished it for him and he smiled.

"You are one of my business partners," he said, making me squint.

"What?"

"You heard me, right?" His tone was serious, and he was not smiling either.

"I know because I will be working for you. Your business is nothing without your subordinates."

Sean dropped the subject by giving me a nod before he turned off the engine. "Come, I'll take you up."

I didn't wait for him to open the door for me. He's not my suitor, nor a boyfriend. He just, perhaps, wanted to befriend me because he witnessed how Eric treated me. Suddenly, a thought occurred in me. Why did Sean do all this kindness to me? Was Eric's treatment on me the only reason why he made friends with me? I didn't realize I was standing outside the car, holding the door. I was lost in my thoughts as my mind searched for the reasons for his kindness.

"Red?"

I shot him an abrupt glance as I returned to my senses. "I'm sorry."

"Shall we go now?" he asked, looking at my hand that was holding the handle.

I chuckled at how silly I was while closing the door. "Sure."

Soon, Sean and I stopped in front of a door where a signage told me that it was the doctor's clinic. So, this was his plan--to show me my working space. I opened the door with a smile twisting on my lips. A row of four wooden desks, the first one having a glass paperweight that had my name on it, greeted my eyes. Behind each desk was a black, swivel chair. On its left sides, were single high shelves containing laptops in its middle compartments. In front of each desk, were also two matching wooden chairs, facing each other.

I went across the room on the right side with Sean behind me. There was a huge, multi-compartment shelf where I could place my books and other gadgets such as a glucometer, nebulizer, sphygmomanometer, pulse oximeter, and many others. I opened the door beside the shelf, and I found out that it was the door leading to the assessment room where I could check the clients privately. Adjacent to the door was also another room where there were about six beds. Those were for the workers who would feel ill during their working hours.

"This is very nice, Sean, very well-arranged," I commented as we were walking towards the door.

"I'm happy you like it. If there are some things you want me to add, please tell me. Then, I'll introduce you to the staff once you will start to work. For the things you need here, we also have a purchasing officer to do the work for you."

"I see." I was about to go out of the main entrance when he stopped me.

"On your left, Red," Sean said, pointing to the door on the left side, in between the four rows of desks. I walked towards it and opened the door.

I gasped at what I saw. It was the medical staff lounge. There was a kitchen bar, a sala set, a QLED TV set, and a personal computer. On one side, there were also two rooms--one for the nurses, and one for the doctors. Each room had three single beds, placed against the walls.

"So, this is where I'm going to stay. I like it here, Sean. It seems that you provide everything for the staff ."

"Yeah, nurses have their break. They can cook, heat foods, watch TV, whatever. Yet, during working hours, they must be on their special assignments if there are no clients."

"The boss is strict," I chuckled, closing the doors behind me. We were already heading out of the lounge.

"Because the boss also works hard, having two workplaces at the same time."

What does he mean by that? I asked myself, pulling my brows as I stared at him.

"You will be the boss here, Red. You may start hiring doctors who will occupy the three desks per shift. Choose your nurses and other staff-- those whom you think you can establish a good working environment."

"Thank you, Sean," I smiled, grateful for the special task he assigned me. It meant I was in control, and I could avoid a toxic environment.

He nodded and smiled. I suddenly realized that there were three beds for the nurses and three beds for the doctors. Since a single shift has eight hours, so, it meant that those three beds for the doctors would be assigned to the three who would be rotating for the whole 24 hours. It also meant I wouldn't be staying here, and that my task would be more on management. Anyway, I had my desk where I could work.

"What's on your mind?" Sean must have noticed that I was lost in my thoughts again.

"I am just thinking about starting the interview on my next day off."

"That's fine."

I smiled again as I turned to face him, blocking his way. I just wanted to thank him for saving me from making more lies. And the favor I got from him was too special, and probably, too much.

"Thanks again, Sean. You're saving me from making lies. And if you'll ask what I mean with that, I'll explain it on the way."

"Hungry?"

"Yes."

"I still have one room to show you but we can have our dinner there."

I gathered my brows at what he said but I didn't say anything. "What is his trick?"