She pushed past the metal door leading to the hotel’s conference room. She stared at the artworks and pictures on the walls.
“Beautiful” She muttered.
Her attention was drawn to the piece of art at the back of the room. One with a ship sailing in the middle of nowhere with hills-like obstacles. It was a piece by L. D, whoever that was.
“So much pain drawn”. she concluded.
As the door slammed, she was brought back to the present. She turned slightly towards the group of persons heading towards her. They were led inside by one of the workers.
“…she is here, thank you…” She heard one of the men saying on the phone as he approached her.
“I’m Tunde McKlean, Chairman of Tike resorts… thank you for making it here on such a short notice…” He shook her hands and led her to the front of the room. He ignored her bewildered look as he rattled on the introduction, from his secretary, Mr Owoade to the three Russian businessmen, Mr. Ivan, Mr. Aleksandr and Mr. Maksim.
He watched Regina Williams as she carefully picked her words while translating. She was doing it effortlessly. He glanced at the bag she left at the far end of the table. Returned his gaze to her. “She seems young” he thought, but he just could not tell how young. There was something different about her. His secretary signaled that it was time for coffee break and everyone seemed relieved.
Tunde McKlean called out his secretary and spoke with him for a while. Shortly after, Mr Owoade excused himself to receive a call.
“Miss Williams” Tunde beckoned.
“Do you speak French too?”
“Yes”
“We could use your excellent translating skills and in exchange, we offer you the position of an assistant PRO… what do you think?”
“Tell me when to resume” She said excitedly as he handed her his business card. Just then the door opened, two waitresses and the owner of the hotel walked in. They were closely followed by a bit disoriented but stylishly dressed woman. Regina shivered.
“I’m very sorry I came late, I got the wrong time. I’m Sterling Adebola-Gabriel. I’m the translator” She quickly introduced herself. Suddenly everyone became aware of what was going on. The waitresses and the men stared at Regina in disbelief. The owner of the hotel moved towards Regina.
“I have changed my mind, it will be a great pleasure to have you work here, darling” He said.
“Tike resorts would love to use my excellent translating skills, dad. Now I have to get back to work, coffee break is almost over, right Mr. McKlean?” Regina said as she turned towards Mr. McKlean.
“You are not the translator, seriously?” Mr. McKlean asked ignoring her question. A frown creased his brows.
“That’s quite early” She snapped.
“How old are you?” Disregarding the sarcasm.
“I’m sixteen” She said. “Before you ask, my mum is Russian” she added with every sense of pride.
“Let’s resume” He smiled.
ADENIKE ADEKOYA 