Chapter 2
Alice Mendes
I’m sitting at my desk when Catarina shows up, poking me and bursting with energy as always.
“Girl, are you on a diet or something? Trying to look even hotter for the new boss?” she says with that mischievous look she always has, winking and laughing.
This friend of mine is a lost cause. But I love her.
Cata was gorgeous—long brown hair, brown eyes, fair smooth skin, a bit taller than me.
She had the perfect body, all curves in all the right places.
“Don’t be silly, I just got distracted by the new supplier’s contract. It has to be perfect,” I reply, rolling my eyes. She loves to tease me.
“Of course, Miss Perfect,” Cata says, bursting into laughter.
I roll my eyes again. Catarina is quite a character.
I met her at the company when she was working as a receptionist—a position she still holds today.
I was soon promoted to the executive office, a job I truly love.
Since I lived far from the hotel, I had to leave home really early.
One day, Cata asked if she could share my apartment.
I said yes without thinking twice, and we’ve been great roommates ever since.
We’re alike in a lot of ways, except when it comes to relationships.
She’s a serial dater, never misses an opportunity—I’ve lost count of how many boyfriends or flings she’s had.
I, on the other hand, am still a virgin and have barely even been kissed.
Of course she loves to give me a hard time about it, but I’ve always been firm in my decision: I want to wait.
I want to be sure I’m ready and with the right person.
Cata nicknamed me “Miss Perfect”—the one who never does anything wrong—and maybe she’s right.
That’s how the nuns at the orphanage raised me, and it shaped who I am today.
She snaps her fingers in front of my face, and I realize I was lost in thought, as usual. I shut down the computer, grab my purse, and we head out for lunch together.
“Come on, the girls are waiting for us downstairs,” Catarina hurries me along, bossy as always but with a heart of gold.
“You guys could’ve gone ahead. I would’ve caught up.”
“As if I’d leave you behind. You’re my bestie,” she says dramatically, pressing her hand to her heart.
“But I was busy, girl.”
“You always are, aren’t you? Nothing new there.” She rolls her eyes, and we laugh together.
At the restaurant, we sit at our usual table, and the teasing starts right away.
“Alice, tell us—when does the hottie get here?” Mariana from HR asks, clearly curious.
“Calm down. He’s going to be the new president, so cool it. He gets here next Monday—that’s all I know,” I reply, not really paying attention. This kind of comment annoys me, especially since I heard he’s engaged.
“He’s engaged—think she’s coming with him?” Mariana presses. “I heard they went abroad to study together, got engaged, and are planning to get married when they come back.”
I sigh. Is this entire lunch going to be about my future boss?!
“Mr. Edgar asked me to accompany him to all his appointments, including lunches and dinners. He’ll be handling contracts for now,” I explain, taking a sip of my orange juice.
“So you’ll be with him everywhere. If you need an assistant, call me!” Catarina says with a wink. Everyone bursts out laughing.
“I’d never call you, Cata. You wouldn’t give the boss a moment’s peace.”
“Wow, thanks a lot! Badmouthing me in front of everyone.” She makes a pouty face, drawing more laughter.
We eat quickly since I need to get back to review the contract and then sit in on the board meeting.
Back at the office, I finish the contract and send it to Mr. Edgar.
Then I set up the room for the meeting. The main agenda item is choosing the vice president.
After a lot of debate, they settle on Mr. Alberto Almeida, an experienced employee with years at the company and deep knowledge of operations.
He’ll be essential in supporting the new president.
The workday finally ends. Exhausted, I rush home.
I go to my room, kick off my shoes, toss my clothes in the basket by the door, and head straight for the shower.
The hot water relaxes my muscles and washes away the weight of the day.
Feeling refreshed, I throw on some comfy pajamas and head to the kitchen, where I find Cata.
“You’re home late,” she says, stirring something on the stove.
“The meeting ran longer than usual. After a lot of back and forth, they decided the vice president will be Mr. Alberto Almeida,” I explain, settling onto a stool at the small kitchen island.
“He seems like a good choice—and gorgeous,” she says, opening a bottle of wine. She’s not wrong. Mr. Alberto is a very handsome, charming man—six-one, with light brown hair that’s almost blond and blue eyes. The typical soap opera heartthrob.
Monday is wine night at our place—a little tradition we started.
“Yeah, he knows the company well and can travel to the other hotels.”
“Especially since Mr. Oliver has been gone for over ten years and hasn’t even come back to visit his parents,” she adds, pouring two glasses.
“Exactly. That’s why Mr. Edgar wanted someone he trusts to back him up on everything.” I take a sip of wine and change the subject. “You should apply for the secretary position. The test isn’t hard, and I can help you study.”
“You think I could do it?” She looks at me, a hint of doubt in her eyes.
“Of course you can. You know the hotel better than most people who've been there for years.”
She smiles excitedly, already dreaming of being the new assistant.
“Tomorrow I'm heading straight to HR to submit my application. Just imagine, the two of us working together alongside all the company hotties.” She sighs, laughing.
“Stop it, girl! Let's eat dinner.”
Our favorite dish is ready: pasta with red meat and wine sauce. We sit at the table, toast, and begin our Monday ritual. Lots of laughter, delicious food, and just one glass for me—any more than that and I wake up with a headache. I'm such a lightweight!
And so another day ends. Tomorrow will be even busier.
As it has been lately. We're expecting our new president.