Bacardi Beginings

" Imagination is the beginning of creation. You imagine what you desire; you will what you imagine; and at last you create what you will."

-George Bernard Shaw-

Well, well ... another day, another story. Mine started first thing this morning. Feeling rather chuffed as I breezed past security of the hugely imposing building I now work at, smiling at the once stern guards who used to suspiciously look me up and down. Now that I have my brand new ID badge that identified me as an insider, they smiled rather respectfully instead.

I still feel like a kid playing grown up. I wonder when I'm going to shake off the shackles off my youth and embrace the fact I'm a grown woman approaching her thirties on an amazing career path. I walk onward to the elevator, thinking to myself I should act like I look. I caught sight of myself in the mirror - wearing a posh suit, my hair was coiffered immaculately despite the bitterly cold wind (especially when its supposed to be bloody summer!), pearls and heels -

And almost walk right into the glass door as I caught side of who it was waiting on the other side of it. Waiting for the elevator. The exact same elevator that I would take. Despite the fact I didn't bump my head .. . he looked up, twinkling eyes met my slightly stunned ones. I felt my surprise give way to gleeful delight ... and then the phone rang.

His phone. Instead of saying hello, as he obviously was going to, he turned away from me, and that was the end of that. I know he's leaving the country for a bit - such is the nature of our work, but I really don't know how long for. I think he's only got another week or so left ... so this could be it!

I got into the elevator solo, still marvelling at the fact that I keep bumping into Dimples. How meant to be was this! Thousands of employees in a huge international organisation, and we two keep meeting. Maybe this chapter isn't closed after all.

Adrian joined me for lunch again - looks like its going to be a usual thing now. We bonded some more - we both like football, and he, like most guys, seemed completely stunned that my knowledge went deeper than the length of David Beckham shorts. I think I may have found a friend to go watch the games with. Liverpool is playing in Rotterdam on August 5th. I have to go meet my Crouchy! And I don't fancy my chances with the Dutch football fans on my own. Adrian said it was madness for me to go alone ... and definitely, he'd come to keep me company.

I assure you, I tried to hide the look of triumph from my face!

I saw Grigio, as how I've nicknamed the other French one. I truly apologise for the horrible description (Quasimodo sibling). But you know how some guys just have that certain je ne se quoi ? And no matter how they looked, you're just drawn to them? (I can positively see CJ banging her head on the nearest hard surface. She knows whats coming. She knows me well.) Grigio has a shock of shaggy blonde hair, and a rumpled messy look. Real rough and tumble cowboy lawyer look. The kind that tucks his white school shirt into a pair of jeans and puts on a tie and calls it work attire. Adrian is just so much more my type. Sleek and sophisticated with his trendy suits, tight shirts and such a sweet, lovely nature.

Grigio nodded at me coolly from a distance as our eyes met. He was scouring the room for a familiar face, and when he saw me, he started in my direction. I was seated with Adrian, who so obviously is just going to end up a mate now (and if anyone ever saw a picture of either, I'll never hear the end of it!). I indicated to the empty seat infront of me. But Grigio got sidetracked (by a bunch of girls, of course! I'm not the only one who thinks he's an attractive), and shurgged at me as he sat at their table instead.

I nodded, thinking that was that.

But it was not! For all his confidence, the way he later joined us was incredibly endearing. I know he didn't need the coffee. But as he came to get it, after lunch no less. The coffee machine was conveniently situated near my table ... he hesitantly approached us, and almost arrogantly demanded if he could sit down before me.

Most of the people around me today spoke French - really funny, because yesterday I was with Spanish speakers. Adrian speaks both fluently, and I understand both, so I didn't really have a problem. French goes down much better though. I still found it sweet when Grigio, after catching himself realising that everyone else was speaking except me, asked me gruffly, "You understand or not?"

A bit patronising, and abrupt, but he is French, is he not! And why would a little Asian girl all the way from Malaysia speak French, really. Besides, I think it stemmed from an honest concern, and it was his way of being polite. Once he said that, everyone swapped to English. I just love the way he's so strong and sure of himself.

I know, I know - Je sais! There's one absolute sweetheart, who looks good, and is lovely and good with me. Spoils me even. Then there's the one who treats me with a dismissive, almost rude attitude. And who's not even cute for goodness sake!

So which one am I thinking of? You guys know me enough to know I'd never choose the one thats right for me. I'm more attracted to Grigio, God only knows why!

Later this evening, Adrian came up to my desk to say goodbye. To my surprise, he shyly left a piece of notebook paper with his phone number on it. He gestured nervously, muttering, "So we can keep in touch, no?". What a sweetie! He lives by the beach, where a few hotspots are, and we've arranged to meet up tomorrow. It's not a date, the other girls are coming too.

We all are in the first stages of getting to know one another. We've come from all over the world,with completely different backgrounds, but a very similar interest and desire to do good. We all could have glittering careers that earned the big bucks, but we were slogging away for not very much in financial remuneration, but huge gain in personal satisfaction. We were cut from the same cloth, but this cloth has been to many different ports in the world.

I don't know either of the boys from Adam. They could both have girlfriends, or be gay or married even. I don't take any of this too seriously at this point in time. It's just wonderful to enjoy this whole experience ... C'est etonnant! It definitely is one in a million, and I'm one very lucky chica.