Darryl had not come back since he left for the meeting, Vanessa wondered as she looked around his office. Since he was absent, she used the opportunity to snoop around his office. She checked from his desk full of piled up files to his mini library full of motivational books. There was nothing interesting to see there, it was just like a regular office.
Vanessa stepped out of her office, she didn’t know what else to do in the office. She had memorized a number of things that she hoped she would remember when she came back tomorrow. She walked to Phoebe’s table, which was at the beginning of their department.
She didn’t know if Phoebe would be good company. She didn’t want to be around people that would create problems for her with this company, but there was no harm in trying as she strolled to Phoebe’s table.
“Our newest employee” Phoebe teased Vanessa as she walked closer to her desk.” Do you need anything?” Her question came after.
“No, I’m okay for now. As you can see, I’ve not chopped off anybody’s fingers.” Vanessa’s voice laced with sarcasm as she replied to Phoebe in a joking manner.
“You did well on your first day, dear. And you will continue to do well,” Phoebe retorted. “Don’t worry too much, you can do this.”
Am I allowed to…. Stay here? Vanessa stammered as her hands moved to describe what she was saying. “I mean your space?”
“Why not. If you are not busy in your office, if Mr Peter doesn’t lock you up for him alone, you can come here. You are always welcomed here, and I could use your company.” Phoebe’s giggles filled Vanessa’s ears.
Phoebe was happy to have a new person around there. She had been alone since Darryl’s former secretary went on maternity leave. She could use Vanessa’s company.
“Why would Darryl…? I mean Mr Peter locked me up for himself? Phoebe’s statement rang in Vanessa’s head, she couldn’t help it than to ask the question.
“You would be occupied with work as his secretary.” Phoebe shrugged. “Being the CEO’s secretary is not an easy task. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not trying to discourage you.” Phoebe added.
“I understand your point. And I’m prepared for this job. Thank you for your words of affirmation.” Vanessa assured Phoebe that she understood what she meant.
“Since Mr Peter isn’t around, can I give you a tour around the place? You would love it.” Phoebe was full of excitement that she didn’t want Vanessa’s company to come to an end.
“Are you not busy? I don’t want to disturb you.” Vanessa wanted the tour, but she didn’t want to push Phoebe into doing anything.
“Duhhh! I’m done for today, and I got time for you as a first day gift. Don’t decline my offer.” Phoebe retorted.
“Fine. I would like a tour. Thank you for your offer. I really appreciate it.” Vanessa replied with a smile on her face.
Phoebe quickly packed up her things from the desk, she packed her notepad, pens, and other things Vanessa could not see because she was fast about it. She also shut down her computer system, she replaced everything like she had been done with her work, and closed for the day.
“Shall we?” Phoebe was happier than Vanessa who she was taking on the tour. Both women walked side by side as they approached the elevator. The elevator doors opened and Phoebe walked in after Vanessa. She pressed a button and the elevator doors closed.
Phoebe’s hand, warm and reassuring, enveloped Vanessa’s in a friendly grasp. The gesture brought back the memory of two schoolgirls on the playground.
The way Phoebe held Vanessa’s hand held a surprising comfort for Vanessa. Phoebe, acting as her personal tour guide, led her down the hallway. Sunlight streamed through the large windows, casting squares of brightness on the polished floor.
Their first stop was the reception area. A cheerful woman with a nametag reading “Chloe” sat behind a curved desk, a welcoming smile plastered on her face. Vanessa had met her earlier, but she was too nervous to notice the name tag.
“This is Chloe. She has the brightest smile. Chloe, this is Vanessa.” As Phoebe introduced them, Chloe’s smile widened, and she offered Vanessa a warm greeting. “Welcome to D’Peters.”
They continued their tour, moving past a bustling cluster of cubicles, the rhythmic clack of keyboards, a constant hum in the air. “This is the Sales department” Phoebe’s hands moved to describe what she was saying. “They are the lifeblood of the company. This is where deals are made and clients are won over,” Phoebe explained.
As they continued their tour, a sharp turn took them past a quieter area, lined with offices that had their doors shut. “This is where the company’s magic happened.” Phoebe whispered. “Here resided the Design team, their creativity transforming ideas into visual wonders.” Phoebe explained further.
Vanessa took a peek through the half-open door. She saw a burst of color, a mood board plastered with vibrant swatches and sketches scattered across a table. It was indeed the design team, Vanessa thought.
Their journey continued upwards in the glass elevator, offering a clear view of the company. Each floor revealed a new facet of the company. “This place is elegant,” Vanessa whispered, but Phoebe heard her.
“You haven’t seen the elegant part yet”, Phoebe replied with excitement.
From the design team, they moved to the marketing department. The Marketing department buzzed with enthusiastic discussions, the walls adorned with posters and slogans.
The floor dedicated to finance had a more subdued air, the quiet concentration of its inhabitants broken only by the occasional ring of a phone. As they were about to leave, Vanessa caught a glimpse of Darryl’s figure in one of the offices. Darryl was engrossed in the conversation he was having with a man she didn’t know.
She walked away quickly before Darryl could notice her presence. She remembered she had refused Darryl’s offer to give her a tour. She didn’t want him to see her around there.
Throughout the tour, Phoebe introduced Vanessa to a few of her colleagues. The friendly banter and warm smiles eased Vanessa’s initial tension. By the end of the tour, the tense office environment had transformed into a living, breathing space for her. The diverse energy of the various departments that kept it running, filled her with hope.