by Lucy Coleman
16
Birthday Blues
‘You look happy this morning. How was your weekend?’
Carolina and I exit the ferry terminal and increase our pace, knowing that this is going to be the start of a busy and crucial week. The sooner we get to our desks the sooner we can make a start.
‘Good, thank you. Relaxing. How about you? Did you see Antero?’
She tosses her head to clear the strands of hair that the breeze whisks across her face, so she can look at me. I do the same and we exchange a quick smile as I pull at a stray hair that is sticking to my lipstick. Often the sea breeze is welcome, today it’s simply annoying.
‘We have two choices and I’m leaving the decision with him,’ she replies, heaving a little sigh while trying to sound positive.
As we hurry away from the busy exodus of people heading off to work, we begin the walk along the wide, waterside promenade. It’s impossible not to let my eyes drift to the left, mesmerised by the way the breeze whips up the surface of the river as I stare across at the opposite bank and Almalda.
‘That’s a step in the right direction, though, isn’t it?’ I don’t like to ask her outright what she means, because even though we are good friends now, I figure she’ll tell me if she wants to.
‘Perhaps. One is a waiting game and the other could cause problems.’
‘For whom?’
‘Antero has the most to lose.’
‘Ah. Because he isn’t an employee, but a contractor.’
She nods her head, glancing at me nervously. ‘Yes, but while his duties are extended, he is a representative of the gallery. I know it is not a problem for you, Seren, but the directors would view it differently.’
‘And the two options?’
‘We can wait until his temporary contract is over and Antero is, once again, a freelancer, called upon when required. Or he informs Senhor Ferreira, as directed by the terms of the company’s code of practice. But Antero is worried that it would jeopardise any chance of being considered as a permanent employee in the future.’
‘I’m sorry it’s so complicated, Carolina. But you did get to spend some time alone together?’
‘We did,’ she smiles at me, unable to hide her happiness. ‘And I have a message from Miguel. He said to remind you that he’s a good tour guide. He isn’t going to give up, Seren. Would it hurt to meet up with him? Miguel is good company, he always makes me laugh and you shouldn’t spend every weekend hidden away in your workshop.’
Not telling her the truth is getting awkward, now.
‘I have a friend I see occasionally,’ I reply, trying my best to keep my tone low-key.
Her gaze now is one of surprise. ‘You are dating? That’s good. Why did you not say? Antero will break the news to Miguel, but he will be sad.’
‘I’d rather it wasn’t common knowledge, Carolina. Perhaps it’s best to imply that I don’t have time to see anyone as my full attention is on work. I, too, am in a difficult situation.’
Her eyes spring open wide as she stares at me, her jaw dropping a little. ‘Oh, Seren. That is not easy. I understand.’
As we walk through the doors to the gallery and say good morning to the woman on the reception desk, I have no idea if Carolina can guess who I’m talking about. But judging from her reaction my stomach is starting to churn, because when she said ‘I understand’, the tone of her voice told me my problem is much bigger than hers.
We head off in opposite directions and as I walk my phone pings.
Good morning and happy birthday. I wish it could be the weekend all over again. Expect an email shortly about your present. I was wondering if you were free on Saturday and up for a little sightseeing. We could blend in with the tourists, what do you think?
I’ve just unsettled myself talking to Carolina and yet here I am, unable to resist temptation.
I think you are up to mischief and we need to be careful. But I’ll wear flat shoes.
I add a smiley face and a thumbs-up, before popping the phone back into my bag. It’s time to get Reid Henderson out of my head, as I have a video meeting with the hair and make-up people who will be turning our novice models into the real thing. As a fashion show is all new to me, it’s important to get a feel for the size of the team we are going to require and how many trailers will need to be accommodated. Space is at a premium around the periphery of the site and this is the next hurdle to jump.
‘Seren, thank you for making time for me at such short notice, but this is important. I’m sorry to interrupt your morning and I hope your meeting went well?’ Filipe indicates for me to take the seat opposite him.
‘Very well, indeed. I can now give Carolina the information she requires to complete the parking plans for the evening photo shoot. It will be tight, and the models will be required to walk a little further than we had hoped, but their enthusiasm is such that I don’t think it will be a problem.’
‘Good. Would you like a cup of coffee before we begin?’
My nerves begin to jangle. Unscheduled meetings are usually brief. ‘I’m fine, really.’
‘And anxious to get back to your desk. We will get straight into it, then. As you are aware, I have been in discussion with Tomas, Beatriz and Bernadette to see about formalising a longer-term partnership. Initially, the intention was merely to extend the floor area of the gift shop temporarily during our major summer exhibition. Selling small prints, postcards and items from current exhibitors was a token, something visitors expect. However, expanding the area to accommodate the marvellous collaboration featuring Reid’s designs has opened-up an exciting opportunity. Everyone is keen to expand the range and the gallery, naturally, is more than happy to become a partner in this initiative.’
I can tell he is pleased with the way things are developing.
‘It’s a great business opportunity, Filipe, and I’m delighted for all parties involved.’
‘And I’m sure you will be pleased to hear that Beatriz has offered to take over the work you’ve been doing to set up the toiletries range. It will be one thing less for you to concern yourself with and she already has links with the company.’ He looks at me expectantly.
‘Oh, um,’ I pause, momentarily lost for words. ‘Thank you.’
I’m stunned. It’s not my business to question the decision, but a part of me can’t help wondering if Reid and Tomas are aware of what’s happening. I try my best to shake off the uneasy feeling I seem to get every time Beatriz’s name is mentioned now. Perhaps I’m wrong and Filipe wouldn’t rely solely on her direction. Anyway, it does lessen my workload and I’m not even sure Reid is that interested in merchandising, full-stop. But I think Tomas sees it as a great opportunity and, obviously, Beatriz and Filipe do, too.
‘And Senhora Veloso will be stepping in on a full-time basis until everything is up and running at this end. It will mean some structural alterations and we intend for the work to be done at night, with minimum disruption. She will also handle the contract negotiations, as that is her background. The gallery will commit to a three-year deal to be the main outlet. If it is successful, then we will be considering options to sell online through the gallery’s website, further strengthening our links.’
The opportunities are clear and it’s no wonder he’s excited about the project, though I can feel a but coming.
‘However, Senhora Veloso will require some help. Your time is fully committed until the middle of June, after your return from holiday. Then you will be focusing on the setting up of the exhibitions planned for the autumn, which will also involve Carolina on the advertising side. However, we have been impressed by Antero. What do you consider to be his main strengths?’
‘He is very IT literate, a problem-solver, too. But his organisational skills are exceptional. He currently has sole charge of everything to do with the setting up of the catwalk, which involves liaising with Rafael’s assistant, the sound and lighting people. I handed him the task and he reports back once a week to update me on p
rogress. That is tailing off now, so he’s been helping Carolina by keeping the Gantt charts up to date to ensure nothing falls behind.’
‘Impressive. Once the new and improved shop is set up, we will be looking to take someone on to control the ordering, on-site storage and stock movement. I would value your opinion as to whether you think Antero is capable of handling that.’
My moment of nervousness subsides as this is exactly what Antero was hoping for, the chance of gaining permanent employment for a securer future. ‘I think he would do an excellent job and be an asset to the gallery. If it would help for Antero to be freed up for a part of the week to assist Senhora Veloso in the short-term, I’m sure we can accommodate that.’
‘That is most generous of you, Seren. And thank you for your evaluation. However, I do have one small concern. I think it would be best if Antero and Carolina did not work so closely together. This proposed change would help to facilitate that, of course. If you could ensure that in future their duties are kept separate, it would resolve any potential issues going forward.’
‘Issues?’ My response is instinctive, but I can see he’s uncomfortable, even a little embarrassed, about raising this with me.
‘Beatriz asked me to ensure there is no conflict of interest internally as we take the new initiative forward. It is commercially sensitive, naturally, and she stressed how important it is that our employees understand that, as I know you are also aware.’
Filipe is avoiding all eye contact and that is not his style. Is this really about Antero and Carolina, or has Beatriz confided in him about how close Reid and I are becoming?
I swallow, awkwardly, trying my best to remain composed and, seemingly, unruffled. Now is the time to speak honestly out of respect for myself, as well as my team, as no one has done anything wrong. ‘I can assure you that we all take our professional responsibilities very seriously indeed. If I had any concerns, whatsoever, I would have addressed the issue immediately. From this point forward, there really is no need for any overlap between Carolina and Antero, until the week of the fashion shoot. It would be unfair of me to give them the impression that they are not free to socialise outside of work, though.’
Filipe is clearly surprised by my forceful response, but quickly recovers his composure. ‘Of course, we are not here to restrict anyone’s freedom, and as long as it does not affect our professional standing, I am content. I will reassure Beatriz that she has no need for concern.’
As he looks directly at me for a few moments, what I see is a fleeting look of relief before he resumes talking.
‘Senhora Veloso will be delighted, as she holds Antero in high regard and this is a great solution all round. She’s very excited to take this on, and it’s going to help her enormously to have an assistant who is familiar with the day-to-day workings of the gallery.’
As I go to leave, I know that wasn’t an easy topic for Filipe to raise and it definitely wasn’t easy for me to hear. But I’m not really sure where it leaves me, other than to be cautious about what I say to Reid about work, whenever we’re together.
As I pass Antero’s office, I can see he’s alone and as I tap lightly on the door, he raises his head, jumping to his feet as I step inside.
‘Olá, Seren. How can I help?’
‘In strictest confidence, Senhor Ferreira is going to ask you to assist Senhora Veloso on a task she’s going to be taking forward. She will need support and your name has been suggested. How do you feel about that?’
His shoulders immediately go back, and I can see by his body language that he’s interested. ‘How will it affect the work I’m doing now?’
‘As long as you can continue in your role as interpreter for our meetings and are happy to take the lead for any operational and technical issues on the day of the fashion shoot, we’ll manage. It will mean a split in our team with immediate effect. I’m going to suggest to Senhora Veloso that you continue to work two days a week for me, but the hours can be flexible, as and when required. Do you think that will work?’
‘If you are happy, then I am happy. I appreciate that, Seren.’
‘It could lead to a job offer, but it’s not for me to discuss that with you. When you get the call, I want you to go in prepared, because this is a great opportunity, Antero. Senhora Veloso will require you to pull together a timetable and liaise with contractors who will be working on site outside of normal hours of business.’
He takes a moment, his eyes scanning his desk while he evaluates the orderly piles of paperwork. ‘I don’t foresee any problems with that.’
‘Good. If you can prepare a formal handover of anything you have outstanding, you should be ready to make an immediate start when you get the call. You’ve more than earnt a chance to raise your profile even further, Antero.’
‘Thank you, Seren. That means a lot to hear you say that.’
‘Right, I’m off to get some fresh air and grab a sandwich. See you later and well done.’
Today I brought a little cool bag from home, the contents of which were not made by me, but by lovely Maria. She had no idea it’s my birthday today, but this is such a treat and I’m grateful to her. Her version of pastéis de bacalhau is among the fluffiest and tastiest I have sampled. Small pieces of salt cod, potato, onion and garlic, with a few herbs thrown in, are as tasty cold as they are fresh from the fryer. I added a little tub of mayonnaise as a treat and a carton of mango Compal Clássico, my favourite Portuguese soft drink.
Heading outside, the sun has disappeared for a few moments behind fluffy white clouds that drift aimlessly across the sky. I saunter along to my favourite seating area on the promenade. One of the benches is empty and I settle myself down, as my stomach rumbles in eager anticipation. After the morning I’ve had, a little fresh air is most welcome.
Stretching out my legs, I pop the lids and dip one of the bullet-shaped cod fritters into the silky-smooth mayonnaise. It’s a veritable taste explosion inside my mouth and, before I know it, they are all gone. It’s time for some people-watching, a pursuit I find curiously relaxing. There is always a steady stream of tourists and at lunchtime, workers, eager to stretch their legs.
I never tire of staring out across the river to the opposite bank, my eyes becoming more familiar with the landmarks. Or simply to watch the ferries going back and forth between the terminals. And yachts heading out from their moorings at the marina further along the riverbank, their sails billowing. Today there are two large cruise liners on the river, but it’s so vast a span that they look like mere toys slowly making their way from right to left.
‘Seren! How are you?’
The sun has reappeared, and I squint as I look up.
‘Miguel.’ I can’t hide my surprise as I sit upright, gathering together the items on the bench next to me.
‘I hope I’m not disturbing you?’
‘No, of course not. I’ve finished my lunch and it’s almost time to head back to work. It’s a lovely spot, one of my favourite places to sit and relax.’
He slides into the space, which is a little tight now as there’s one man sitting about two feet away eating a sandwich and another young man the other side of him. Miguel half-turns in his seat, holding up a little box in front of me and smiling. ‘I hear you are a fan. Can I tempt you?’
It’s a box of pastéis de nata from the little shop in Belém.
‘Don’t be cross, I asked Antero what would impress you. I was thinking flowers, but this was his suggestion.’ He looks at me, hopefully, then shrugs his shoulders as he flips open the end of the box.
I can see he means well, so I accept and hold out my hand as he tilts the cardboard opening towards me. ‘Thank you, Miguel, that’s kind of you.’ And awkward.
‘I’m glad I caught you. I wondered if you fancied going for a drink sometime. It would be fun.’
I don’t spend every lunch break relaxing out here and the thought that fleetingly enters my mind is how often has Miguel wandered along here looking for me? I shrug
it off, knowing he’s a close friend of Antero’s.
We sit for a few moments eating and laughing as flaky shards of pastry fall down onto our laps. It doesn’t take long for the box to be empty and we both end up stuffing the remainder of the last partly eaten tarts into our mouths.
‘Delicious, no?’ he asks, beaming at me.
‘Delicious,’ I agree.
A few seconds elapse and he eases himself back, stretching his long legs out in front of him as he relaxes.
‘It’s just a drink,’ he says, inclining his head to look at me.
‘I’m sorry, Miguel. But it would be wrong of me not to be honest with you. My job is demanding and being new here I have a lot still to prove.’
He purses his lips. ‘But you have a little spare time?’
‘And a hobby I enjoy doing, which is my passion. There isn’t room in my life for much else at the moment.’
His eyes search my face and I can see he’s hurt.
‘That’s sad for me,’ he replies.
‘Bad timing, I’m afraid. I’d… um, better make a move. Are you meeting up with Antero?’
‘No. Not today.’
‘Well, enjoy the views. And thank you for the kind thought. Sorry it had to be a no.’
‘Maybe another day the timing will be better,’ he calls out as I walk off.
My legs can’t carry me away fast enough. What else could I say? My first job when I arrive back at the office is to have a quick word with Antero. Miguel is a great guy and I don’t want to hurt him, so maybe Antero will come to my aid by letting his friend know that he’s wasting his time.
When my phone pings, it makes me jump and I glance down to see it’s a text from Mum.
