After lunch, Nyla prepared for her meeting with Human Resources Department regarding the training sequence and new format for the upcoming year. It is already October and it's better to plan ahead using the remaining quarter for the skills development of the people.
As usual, Nyla's ideas were fresh and the group accepted most of her suggestions. She also planned to outsource an independent training company that can provide intense training and certification by the end of a series of sessions. This will help boost the morale of the learners.
The meeting was efficiently wrapped up after 2 hours. After this meeting, she will only be updated on the progress but she will not be hands-on since HR is not primarily her department. Nyla looked briefly at her wristwatch and sighed. It was a fruitful meeting.
Nyla walked along the hallway back to Callum's office. Then she stopped and realized, he may not yet be done with his meeting with Jacques. To be honest, she said she "thinks" she's alright seeing him again, but she's just bluffing. She just doesn't want to worry Callum. She IS still scared of him.
So she slowly turned around and re-routed her way toward the pantry. Anyway, it's already 3 pm, not bad for a coffee break. From afar, she can see that cream cheese bread packs are neatly arranged on the table along with other pastries. She decided to brew a fresh batch of coffee in the coffeemaker first before getting two cream cheese bread and one ham and cheese croissant for herself. She sat on the corner table away from the pantry entrance.
While enjoying her second cream cheese bread, Heidi guided a man inside the pantry.
"Mr. Xavier, please have a snack and coffee or juice from our pantry. Mr. Humphrey is not yet done with his prior meeting." Heidi sweetly said.
"Oh, you are most kind. I am indeed a bit early. I will wait patiently here. Please do not worry." The man, a bit flushed, said in embarrassment.
"Ok then, I'll be back later." Heidi left.
The man, waited until Heidi is out of his line of sight before he stood up and approached the table where snacks were arranged.
Nyla's eyes never left the man's figure. She was trying to decide who this person was. When he stood and turned around, her eyes widened in both excitement and surprise.
"Hank?!" she exclaimed.
"Ms. Nyla? Oh wow! it's been years! How are you, madam?" Hank approached Nyla and sat in front of her.
"Oh, you get snacks and drinks first. Come on, I will wait here." She stood up and showed him the array of pastries and where the drinks are.
After a while, Hank finally sat down again and they started chatting.
"Why are you here? How are you? How's everyone at the old house?"
"Well mom misses you from time to time and to be honest, she only liked you as our miss of the house. Everyone is doing fine..." he continued updating for about 5 minutes.
"Also, I graduated a while now working as Building Engineer for a furniture company. I am here to see Mr. Humphrey. We'll discuss floor plans, dimensions of the wardrobe, the outline of other furniture... total makeover."
"Oh! It's you! Hahaha, I'm glad. I'm so glad. It's not my house but I'll be seeing you there too."
"Huh? What do you mean?" Hank was confused.
"Well, I'm his fiancee so if you oversee the renovation and visit the house, I will be there too. We can catch up more." She was really happy to see him again. Hank and his mother were very kind to her when she was still with James.
While looking outside the transparent glass walls, Nyla was momentarily stunned. But she relaxed quickly. She just saw Jacques on his way to the elevator. There was sadness in his eyes. His head was down low as if thinking deeply.
"Nyla? Earth to Nyla?" Hank tried to get her attention.
"Sorry, I thought I saw someone I knew." She apologized.
"Uh okay, I'll just repeat my question. Ahmm, is Ms. receptionist single?
"What? Do you mean my Heidi? Hey, she's like a sister to me. Why are you interested in her?"
"Ms. Nyla, I was never a playboy. I'm a good man, ask my mother. I just... I just ... I think, I fell for her the moment I laid my eyes on her..." Hank stammered.
"Hahaha! Here she comes to pick you up though. Let's go?" Nyla teased Hank as she saw Heidi approaching them. She's probably there to pick him up for his meeting with Callum.