LOVE THE EXPATRIATE

11. First Meeting

Sarah had just delivered a new customer who had consulted her to the front of the outlet. Judging from her appearance, Sarah suspects that the middle-aged woman is someone who has a good job and has power in her work environment. He needs maximum performance to support his wibawanya but does not have enough time. He felt fit with their product and promised to come back when there was free time.

According to the manager, the typical customer like that should be maintained. Because if once he feels comfortable with the product he uses, then he does not hesitate to spend any amount of money. And Zafora does target working women who are successful in their careers but still do not want to lose their character as a woman.

Just as Sarah was about to turn to her desk, the girl saw a man stop in front of the outlet. He was wearing a black suit and a light blue shirt with no tie. In his hand was a suitcase. Rayban glasses perched on his pointed nose. With such an appearance, at first glance he is like a James Bond character. The secret agent from England who always appear cool and dapper, but immediately turned agile and fierce when the danger came.

Sarah was unusual in her presence. It's not because that guy is like a European guy or like a secret agent. But because all this time who visited this place was always a woman. Or if a man must be with his female partner.

“Good morning, Sir. Welcome to Zafora Fashion and Skincare. What can I do for you?” sarah cupped her hands together shortly after the man entered.

“Thank you. I have made an appointment with Mr. Purnomo”, said the man smiled when he looked at him. Both of his dark brown eyeballs felt shady when his rayban glasses were removed.

Sarah surprised. It turned out that this man spoke fluent Indonesian, he thought to himself. And his surprise grew when Purnomo, his manager came out of his room and greeted the man.

“Welcome to Zafora Medan, Mr. Edward.” greet Purnomo greeting the man.

Turns out this is the guy, the new grandmanager Purnomo meant the other day? thought Sarah. But really, the girl didn't expect it to be that young. He thinks he's six heads or at least middle-aged like Mrs. Elena. Purnomo immediately took the man to his room. He and Sarah had a look before he finally disappeared behind the door.

Because of Edward's visit today, an hour before the shift, a meeting was held in the manager's room. Therefore, Hesti, Sarah's colleague who should have just been on duty for another hour has come in a hurry. Understandably, young mothers with two children at this hour are usually still busy with the business of picking up their children from school

Hesti is the most senior of the women here. He has been with Zafora for over five years. Compared to Sarah, the woman is more expert in fashion. If Sarah is in charge of analyzing skincare products that are suitable for customer skin, then the woman is in charge of determining clothing that suits her personality and character. Sometimes the profession and position of the customer also affects the selection of clothing to be worn.

But because employees are divided into two teams and they are both as team leaders, Sarah and Hesti inevitably have to understand the two different segments. It was from that woman that Sarah learned a lot about fashion psychology.

“Meeting has not started yet ‘kan?” the woman asked breathlessly to Sarah who was in the dressing room.

“This is beyond my schedule. At 13:30, Alif just came out of school. Though at half-time three he had to be delivered again tutoring. Let the papa go between. Did not have time to wait for the child to eat, take a shower..”.

“Iya Mbak, haven't started yet.” Sarah cut out her friend's sentence like it won't stop.

“Thank God. Uh, said our new boss the guy is handsome huh?”

“Astaghfirullah! Istigfar. Remember Mas Hadi who is at home.” said the girl while tidying up her slightly shifted hood when berwudhu earlier in front of the mirror.

“Remember, Sarah. But just getting to know the new boss, can you?” she laughed as she stood in front of the mirror to check her makeup.

“She was young huh?” the question is still curious.

“Do not know ah! Noh! Just be careful yourself.” said Sarah while turning to the manager's room.

Yes, the man is handsome and still young, Sarah's inner. The girl had studied Edward's profile on Zafora Indonesia's official website. He is not more than thirty years old. Five years older than him. He did not know why Purnomo ordered it to him. Maybe the manager wanted to find out the man's favorite or birthday date.

The two of them stopped talking when their manager told them the meeting was about to start. All the female workers enter the Purnomo room leaving one person who stays at the outlet. In addition to Purnomo and Edward, there were Sarah, Hesti, and three other women who participated in the sudden meeting.

“All colleagues, introduce, he is Mr. Edward Anderson, grandmanager for the new Zafora Indonesia, replacing Mrs. Elena Robert's. Before in Indonesia, he served as grandmanager for Zafora Vietnam.” Purnomo told the meeting participants.

“Mr Edward, this is our work team.” he explained to introduce meeting participants to Edward.

Sarah and a member of her team stood nodding respectfully to Edward. The man looked at Sarah who was sitting back.

“While the second team is led by Hesti. This team is in charge from the first team out until 21 pm.” said Purnomo towards Nesti who also stood with two of his team.

"With me, this outlet has seven full-time employees. Every two weeks they are subjected to shift rotation and every month they get one day off.”

After giving a long explanation, Purnomo finally gave his superior the opportunity to speak. Not much was said about Edward. In essence, as a new person, he needs the support of all employees.

“We are all a big family. The achievements of this outlet are also achievements for Zafora Indonesia. Conversely, the slightest internal problems if not immediately resolved, will disrupt work performance that affects our brand image.” said Edward ended his speech.

Before the meeting was dissolved, Edward greeted all the women in the room. As she was about to greet Sarah, the girl cupped her hands to her chest apologizing. Edward felt a little strange about that attitude. He thought the girl wanted to distance herself. But before she thought any further, Sarah and the other female employees had already left the manager's room.

Sarah was getting ready to go home because her work time was up, when a voice startled her.

“Good afternoon, Sarah.” greet Edward who has come out of the manager's room.

“Good afternoon, Mr. Edward. Does anyone need anything?” ask the girl respectfully.

“Yes possible. Because you are one of the team leaders here, there is something I want to know from you.” he said in a firm tone.

“Sorry, Sir. But my working hours have ended since thirty minutes ago.” he said while looking at his watch. His teammates have come home from earlier.

Edward grimacing. He felt like he was unprofessional because of what he said. Or maybe like a fool? He realized that professionalism and time were highly respected in Zafora. But for some reason, his little heart felt he wanted to know his employee.

“Oh yes? Sorry I don't remember.” he said while pretending to look at his watch as well.

“Because you are free of duty, how about we chat in the cafe, while drinking coffee maybe?” bring later.

But when he saw that there was doubt in Sarah's eyes, the man immediately confirmed his invitation.

“We don't have to talk about work issues. We are now under the same umbrella , so there is no harm if we know each other.”

Mutual knowledge. But Edward himself was not sure of his statement.

“Sorry Sir, but you are a man and I am a woman. I'm reluctant if we have to go together.” Sarah said.

Edward scrunched his forehead.

“But if you need me for your work, tomorrow morning we will meet again here. Again, forgive me, sir. Good afternoon.” said Sarah pleaded farewell to the man.

Edward could only stare at the girl's departure. This is not the first time that she has been rejected by a woman. He didn't feel disappointed. There must be a reason why the girl refused my invitation, he thought.

Edward was getting ready to leave the outlet to return to the hotel, when Purnomo invited him to eat at a place not far from the plaza where their outlet was located. A night culinary area on the famous Kesawan street in this city.