Chapter 4
Alice Mendes
I arrive early at the company and start organizing everything.
Today we have a meeting with Mr. Alberto, now officially our vice president.
I need to go over some points with him, deliver the contract for review and signature, and sort out the details about his office and the secretary who’ll be assigned to him.
I’ve already asked HR to start the selection process, with tests and interviews, and I’m hoping everything goes smoothly.
This morning, Catarina submitted her letter of interest for the position. I really hope she gets it. It would be wonderful to work alongside her every day.
While I’m arranging the folders, Mr. Edgar arrives.
I rush to prepare his coffee the way he likes it—hot, no sugar—and balance the tray in one hand while holding the tablet in the other.
I head to his office, and with a juggling act that only daily practice could teach me, I manage to knock on the door and enter without dropping anything.
I almost laugh to myself: maybe I’d make a good waitress.
“Girl, one of these days all of that is going to come crashing down,” he says, quickly getting up to help me with the tray.
“I’m used to it, sir. This has become my daily routine.” I smile, arranging everything on the desk.
He watches me with that kind look of his.
“I’m glad you were so persistent about the courses and positions, Alice. I know I have an efficient secretary here, one who will help my son with everything he needs. You know this company as well as I do.”
“Oh, sir, I’m just doing my job the best way I can. I love what I do, so I give it my all to learn everything,” I respond, smiling.
He takes a sip of coffee, satisfied.
“You learn quickly. Despite being so young, you’re very hardworking. Have you thought about going to college?”
“Yes, I’m thinking about business administration. I’m saving up to start as soon as I can.”
“Then don’t worry about that. I’ll pay for your education,” he says seriously, setting the cup aside.
For a moment, I think I must have heard him wrong. The tablet slips from my hands and falls to the floor. I quickly bend down, check that it’s intact, and stand up, still stunned.
“You said that… you’re going to pay for my college?” I ask, incredulous.
“That’s right, Alice. We need professionals like you: dedicated, passionate about what they do. It would be my pleasure to give you this opportunity. When you finish, who knows, you might even help us at one of the hotels.”
My heart races—this was my dream. I’ve never had anything handed to me. I’ve always fought alone.
“But, sir, I can’t accept. What will people think of me?” I ask, embarrassed.
He smiles, understanding.
“No one needs to know. I’ll take care of the enrollment myself and let you know the details. And that’s that. Now, please, call Alberto so we can start the meeting. And as for you, I hope that once again, you won’t disappoint me.”
Still a bit dazed by the offer, I thank him and leave to get Mr. Alberto. Soon we’re all gathered, going over the details of his new position. The morning passes quickly.
At lunchtime, I accompany Mr. Edgar to a meeting at the hotel itself, which makes things much easier. I carry the folder with the new supplier’s contract. The reserved table is in a private area facing the pools, impeccably arranged.
Soon our guests arrive: Mr. Homero Pacheco, owner of Supremo Corte, and beside him a tall, elegant young man with a striking smile. Homero introduces us:
“This is my son Gabriel, our intermediary, and the one who will soon take my place as president.” Mr. Homero gives him a light pat on the shoulder.
The young man approaches, takes my hand, and in a gentlemanly gesture, kisses it.
I feel my cheeks flush. Gabriel is very handsome—his charm lies in his green eyes, like two bright marbles.
He’s taller than me, of course, since I feel like a shorty at 5’3”.
He must be about 5’11”, with dark brown hair, fair skin tanned by the sun, and a strong, muscular build.
He greets Mr. Edgar as well, and we begin the meeting.
I explain each point of the contract, hand over a copy for review, and we agree to schedule another meeting to discuss the clauses. Lunch is served, and the conversation shifts to lighter topics.
“Miss Alice, so young and already conducting a meeting with such confidence and skill…” Homero jokes. “Sometimes I even think the president wasn’t necessary.”
We all laugh, including Mr. Edgar.
“The president is always indispensable, Mr. Homero. I just present the pros and cons, and when it comes to working together, there are far more pros,” I respond pleasantly.
The businessman praises the hotel, talks about the view, and mentions bringing his family soon. Mr. Edgar uses the chance to ask about his children.
“I have three. Gabriel is the oldest and only son. The girls went in different directions.”
Gabriel then gives me a curious look.
“Management can be complicated for women. That’s why your skill surprised me, Alice.”
“Women are capable of anything, Mr. Gabriel. Including running a hotel chain,” I counter firmly, though I keep my tone cordial.
Mr. Edgar intervenes, proudly:
“Alice will be starting her business administration degree soon. She’s already completed five internal courses, and within months she was assisting me directly.”
I feel warmth spread through my chest. Recognition from someone so respected is worth more than any compliment.
“With credentials like that, I might just try to steal her for my team,” Homero jokes. I notice Mr. Edgar glancing at him, confident that I would never leave. And truly, I owe him so much.
Shortly after, I excuse myself.
“Gentlemen, if you’ll excuse me. I have other commitments.”
I stand up and walk toward the exit, but a voice behind me stops me.
“Miss Alice, wait!” Gabriel calls out. “Could you show me the resort?”
Out of politeness, I agree. I flag down a passing employee and ask for a cart, which he brings quickly. We climb into the electric vehicle and set off on our tour.
We pass by the pools near where we started, and in the distance, a pool with a swim-up bar.
We continue on, and up ahead I show Gabriel our beach—yes, the resort has a private beach with heated water.
We see the cabanas, tucked away in a more secluded area for guests who don’t like staying in hotels.
Lounge chairs line up under umbrellas, people swimming in the pool, others lounging comfortably with drinks in hand.
Children running around and having fun. I loved this place.
During the ride, he tries to make conversation:
“So, do you like working here?”
“Very much. It’s my first job, and I want to keep growing.”
“I noticed your boss appreciates you quite a bit,” he comments, watching me with keen attention and a hint of curiosity.
I feel a bit uncomfortable, but I respond:
“Mr. Edgar took me in when I arrived. I just try to give my best in return.”
He smiles and changes the subject.
“How old are you?”
I pause and arch my eyebrows.
“Is that a question to ask a lady?” I say seriously, just to tease.
Gabriel gets flustered and awkwardly shoves his hands in his pockets.
“Forgive me, I didn’t mean to be rude.”
I can’t hold back a quiet laugh.
“I’m joking. I’m twenty, turning twenty-one in two months.”
“Incredible. You’re so young—the same age as my youngest sister. I’m amazed by your dedication. And I apologize for that unfortunate comment at the table.”
“Don’t worry about it. I know what I’m capable of and where I want to go.”
I stop the cart at one of my favorite spots, where you can see the entire resort from above.
“My God, the view from here is beautiful,” Gabriel says admiringly.
“From here you can see almost all of it,” I begin, pointing as I describe each location.
“Over there is the sauna—it’s a bit of a distance, but you can see it better from up here.
On that side, we have the restaurants and bars where we have live music every weekend.
The pools with the water slides, and behind them the children’s area.
You can’t see everything in just one day, but from here, we get a panoramic view. ”
“You really can see a lot from up here,” he says with a genuine smile.
“Yes. Can we go now? I’m already late for my next appointment.”
He nods. We get back into the cart and I head to the restaurant in the hotel, where we started.
We end the tour and he says goodbye with a firm handshake, his eyes lingering on me a bit longer than necessary.
“The pleasure was mine, Mr. Gabriel,” I respond, keeping things formal.
Back at my tasks, I take a deep breath. He’s handsome, even charming… but no, Alice! You have a long road ahead. Relationships don’t fit into your life right now.
The week flies by. Between meetings, contracts, and training sessions, I barely notice time passing. I managed to organize the entire schedule for Oliver to take over, scheduled the necessary renewals, and trained Catarina, who—to my delight—landed the position of vice president’s secretary.
I finish Friday exhausted but satisfied. Tomorrow, finally, I’ll be able to sleep in.