Chapter 8 The Construction Site

I had to wake up very early the next morning since it was the first day of the construction. I needed to give the right impression.

First impressions matter.

It wasn't just to Shawn but also the entire board of directors. This was like a way of buying their favors and being in their good books. A promotion awaits me in our company when I successfully carry out this project.

Alice was still sleeping and so, I moved swiftly and silently as I made myself a whole-grain toast with avocado spread. I brewed a cup of coffee too as I slept late last night, working and had few hours of sleep.

After consuming my brief breakfast, I dropped a note for Alice to inform her that I left for work already. Girl's heavily pregnant and needs as much rest as she could get.

I drove my car out of the garage and then, out of the house. Danileigh's 'The Plan' was a little above the average volume as I vibed and sang along. Music and singing even if I got the words all wrong helps keep my spirit alive.

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I arrived at the construction site a few minutes later. Alice's house was just a few blocks away from there – lucky me. It was all dust and labor even though it was just the first day.

The landscape was an aggregation of ten acres of land which the Gadget Galaxy Inc. was able to secure in such an urban area by buying off people's houses and compensating them well for it.

The workers setting things in motion were like a bustling hive, scurrying about and setting machines and materials in place.

As I pulled up in front of the gate, "Good morning!" I gingerly addressed the guards in front of it.

"Good morning, Ma'am." A tall one approached me with questioning eyes. "May I know your purpose for being here?"

With a professional smile, "Oh, a sec." I beamed and reached out for my ID card. "Here." I presented it to the guard who took it promptly.

"Oh, I'm sorry, ma'am. Please, do proceed in." He pleaded after reading the contents of the card and then waved at his colleagues for the gate to be opened for me.

I drove in and alighted, welcomed first by a waft of dust. I was used to it anyway. I reached out for a face mask and then proceeded forward, my heels sinking into the sand.

"Good morning!" I greeted the workers tending to the bulldozer.

"Good morning, to you Ms. Fairchild. You came out quite early today." Said, Max Bennett.

I have worked with him in the past and a couple of others I was seeing now like the Cruz up ahead who was maneuvering the cranes with his mates.

"Yes, this is a big day for all of us." I grinned, clapping my hands together formally.

The workers chortled and Seamus chided in, his Irish accent flying around. "Well, Ms. Fairchild, we've never been more ready. As you can see, Mr. Ramirez has ensured that everything is in place. The machines are all up and functioning!"

Well, Jacob sure was reliable. "Where is he? Jacob?" I asked them, wondering why I hadn't seen him ahead.

Jacob Ramirez was our company's site supervisor. We've used him many times and I personally work well with him. We also have a cordial relationship. He was more like a father to me.

"Mr. Ramirez is overseeing the deliveries at the far end of the site. We can't afford to not have all materials come on schedule. He's busy with that." Max Bennett replied, pointing towards the distant corner where several trucks were being unloaded.

I nodded, acknowledging Max's information, and waved them goodbye then proceeded further into the construction site.

I already knew what to expect and that was why I picked a nude-colored suit and had my hair styled in a professional updo with its short length rolled into a small bun.

I looked this way mostly; formal and just – me.

I wished I could dress up more since the goal was to seduce Shawn but the activities on the site just didn't call for extravagant dressing. Plus, that wasn't my style.

I liked to be as comfortable as I could be. I barely had any skirts and dresses in my wardrobe. It was all more of pants and shirts with suits.

However, I did apply fair makeup on my face and did my lipstick justice. Whenever he arrived, I would have my personality make up for the lack of stylish dressing.

No matter what, I must have Shawn under my fingers.

The air here was filled with a blend of machinery humming, workers exchanging instructions, and the faint clicking of metal against metal. As I walked to locate Jacob, I would occasionally stop to discuss specific details with workers or offer guidance where needed.

Finally, "Did you even get my text at all?!" Jacob's voice tinged with concern.

Oh, he was at it again. I rolled my eyes, recalling seeing his text message early this morning while I was trying to send Gabe and Brielle a good morning and wish me well text in the group chat.

'Take your time and have a restful sleep. I've already seen the breakdown you sent and will make sure to incorporate it and set things in motion. There is no need for you to come early to the site!'

Jacob more than anyone knew I would never follow that instruction. I preferred to see things for myself than be told.

"Your text was seen and well ignored, Jacob," I replied with a snort, giving him a brief embrace.

Jacob had a worn-out hard hat askew his head and dusty work boots to complement his construction uniform.

He had a pen and a log book in his hand. "Well, it was worth the try. Anyway, you should go have your seat over there." He pointed at the chairs arranged under a shade away from the activities of the site. "I just received a call that the CEO is on his way."

I thought I would be indifferent to the mention of Shawn but I was wrong. My heart jumped and I hiccuped at Jacob's words.

"Are you okay?" Jacob inquired with a furrowed brow.

I nodded and waved it off dismissively. "Oh, I'm fine. While we wait for him, why don't you come fill me up on the development of things?" I rhetorically questioned Jacob, already walking to the shade.

Anything to keep my mind off thinking about Shawn until he arrives; I added in my mind.