A Step Forward

Although they have never worked together, the two women have socialised a few times at the company gatherings and realised that Jo's way of speaking was very direct, with no hidden meanings. So after that thought dissipated in her mind, she replied.

"This project hasn't been assigned yet to a design team, are you making a step forward?"

"You know I like your structure layouts the most, I believe you were a designer in your previous life and know where to place a radiator and a door in a given space" There has always been a silent battle between architects and designers. A designer thinks meticulously of where the objects should sit in a space and their relation with windows, doors and other structural partitions. It aims to create a fluent and harmonious movement, between the object and the user, in the same time emphasising the importance of the natural light. While for an architect the prime factors that thrive in their creations will always be innovation, the square meter count and the structural resistance. For them it didn't matter that a king size bed and two bedsides are a must for any master bedroom, as long as it meets the square meter count, its good as gold.

"Stop buttering up the wrong person, Chris will decide which design team, shall take over from me"

"I know! I know... but I want you to be happy as well. How do you think I've got the extra invitation?! Through two months of buttering up, buying coffee and snacks for Chris. My bank account is running dry"

"Shush! He is coming over!"

"Jo, you're here! Good, good... later on I will introduce you to Mr. Barrowman. Its good for him to know more members of the design team."

"Chris, have you decided which design team will take over?"

"Its still being discussed. Adele... do you have any suggestions?"

"I don't want to get involved..." Before Adele could continue her trail of thoughts, Jo piped in.

"I do! I do!... pick me!" Jo asked Chris, with sparkling eyes.

"Jo... you really are something..."

The music resounded in every corner of the ballroom. The canapés were very pleasing to the eye, making ones mouth salivate. Jo and Adele, being two big foodies, headed over to the gorgeously arranged buffet, to indulge themselves with the exquisitely displayed delicacies.

"Ah!... my goodness, they have mini burgers as well, I had them before, they are may fav!" Jo pounced on the platter with mini burgers, while Adele was hovering over the fruits area.

"Adele! Don't tell me you are on a diet?!"

"Why can't I be?!" Adele retorted. "My nutritionist has made a very detailed plan for me, its very easy to follow and the meals are all under 15 minutes preparation time. Also, I can have a 500 calories desert every day. He is closely monitoring me, so I need to send him photos of the meals I am having every day"

"Really! That sounds very... interesting..." Jo didn't want to say something rude and blurted interesting instead. She was intrigued, who in their right mind will allow someone to control every piece of bread that enters their mouth. Some people were a bit too much sometimes.