Episode 5

Bruna:

Ugh, how annoying!

I was so excited, happy as could be to be presenting my first project, and all he says is: "It was enough."

What does 'enough' mean? Is that good or bad?

And then he criticized me for needing to improve my vocabulary... Seriously, did I use some slang? I don't even remember. My mind went completely blank.

Breathe, Bruna.

It was just the first stage. The project was approved by the CEO, but the clients are still missing. It's no use if Colatto approves it and the clients don't like it. I won't be a successful architect if I don't win over the public.

I threw myself into the chair and ordered a coffee. There were still two hours until the next meeting, and I needed to calm down.

"Excuse me, Miss Bruna, here's your coffee."

"Come in. You are...?" I asked, raising my eyes curiously.

"Fernanda. I'm Mr. Colatto's secretary... But I end up helping everyone, haha."

"But that overloads you!"

"He hasn't noticed that yet. But life isn't a fairy tale and I have bills to pay. Can't complain too much, right? There are so many unemployed people out there."

"True... It was a pleasure to meet you. But I won't bother you anymore. Thanks for the coffee."

Fernanda left the room, and for the first time since I entered that company, I felt a little lightness in the environment. What good humor, what good energy. I just found it strange that she wasn't here yesterday. Maybe Colatto has two secretaries? Anyway, that's not my problem.

Dora, yesterday's secretary, was too unfriendly — of the same ilk as Leandra. I have this sixth sense: when I don't like someone, I'm rarely wrong. On the other hand, when I do, it's a sure friendship. And it was like that with Fernanda. In a few words, she overflowed with kindness.

I was lost in these thoughts when she returned to the room, warning that everyone was already heading to the meeting room. I took a deep breath and ran to the bathroom to see if I needed to touch up my makeup. If I'm going to impress, let it be with style.

When I entered the meeting room, almost everyone was already there. Only Mr. Colatto was missing. I didn't understand why Leandra was there. And worse: she gave me a look that, if she could, would hang me with her eyes.

Focus, Bruna. The clients.

Roberto

Leandra

I repeated mentally like a mantra as I sat down.

The door opened, and Daniel Colatto entered through it. He had that presence that fills any environment — and a perfume... Oh, that perfume could make any woman lose it.

"Good afternoon everyone. I would like to thank Mr. Fagundes and Mr. Campos for being here. I know you are evaluating projects for the expansion of the company. I want to introduce my partners, Roberto and Leandra" — yes, Leandra was a partner. Surprise. — "And also our newest hire: the architect Bruna."

I got a scare. He had never mentioned Leandra as a partner. I greeted the clients, trying to hide the knot in my stomach.

"As we have several projects in progress, we need to divide responsibilities," he continued. "Your request was given to the architect Bruna. Despite starting today, I believe you will be surprised with her project. We can sit down. She will begin the presentation."

Surprised?

My jaw almost dropped. Until a few hours ago, the project was just "enough". Now it's surprising? Is he bipolar?

"Thank you for the words, Mr. Colatto."

"Well, gentlemen, I have carefully studied your request and treated the project as if it were personal. I took care of every detail..."

The presentation flowed naturally. They listened to me attentively, and that gave me more confidence with each slide. When I finished, I took a deep breath.

"That's it. I hope you like it."

Silence. Everyone was serious, just as Colatto had been earlier. I was apprehensive, waiting for any reaction, until one of the clients stood up, looking directly at him.

"Apparently, Daniel, you continue to discover talents. We have visited several construction companies, but no one captured our request with so much soul. The project was beyond what we imagined. We have a partnership to form."

Then he turned to me:

"Congratulations, Miss Bruna. Your project was excellent. And we will only close this partnership if you are the architect responsible for the works."

I almost fell in my seat. I confess I trembled slightly. I just confirmed with my head, trying to keep my composure, but inside...

My heart was doing somersaults.

All I wanted was to run out of there screaming with joy.

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