Picking the Right Companion

A business trip to Rwanda. An unexpected attraction. And a decision that would change two women's lives.

Chapter One — A Call from Home

"Darling, I'm in Rwanda. What exactly do you expect me to do about it from here?"

At thirty-eight, Catherine Nakamura had become exceptionally good at handling difficult negotiations. Unfortunately, conversations with her husband rarely followed the same rules.

Standing barefoot in her luxurious Kigali hotel suite, wrapped in two towels, she listened patiently as he explained why her latest business trip was inconvenient.

"Yes, I know the dinner is Saturday. And yes, I'll be home by then."

She closed her eyes.

"No, I haven't forgotten our anniversary."

Another pause.

"Of course I love you."

The words came automatically. That bothered her more than the conversation itself.

After ending the call, Catherine looked at herself in the bathroom mirror.

Successful executive. Expensive hotel. Beautiful marriage, at least according to the photographs displayed around their house.

And yet something was missing.

She had no idea that she was about to find it.

Chapter Two — The Woman in the Olive Suit

The following afternoon, Catherine stood before a small gathering of ambitious young Rwandan professionals.

Her company was exploring business opportunities in East Africa, and Catherine had insisted on meeting local women personally rather than relying entirely on consultants.

"I don't want rehearsed presentations," she told them. "I want to know what you think this country needs, what opportunities you see, and what you would do if someone actually listened."

That produced several surprised smiles.

One young woman, dressed in an olive suit with a beautifully patterned sash over her shoulder, raised her hand.

"May I speak frankly?"

Catherine smiled. "I'd be disappointed if you didn't."

"My name is Aline Uwase. And I think foreign companies spend too much time telling us what they want to build and not enough time asking what we want to achieve."

The room became quiet.

Catherine studied her.

"That's an interesting criticism, Miss Uwase."

"It's also an opportunity, Mrs. Nakamura."

Catherine laughed.

"Now you're speaking my language."

For the remainder of the meeting, she found herself returning repeatedly to Aline.

The young woman was intelligent, articulate, ambitious—and completely unafraid to disagree.

Catherine liked that.

Perhaps a little too much.

Chapter Three — More Than Business

"You're even more intimidating in person than you were in the meeting."

Catherine raised an eyebrow.

"Am I?"

Aline laughed nervously.

"Yes. But not in a bad way."

They were sitting together in the hotel bar, where Catherine had invited Aline to continue their earlier discussion.

"How old are you, Aline?"

"Twenty-six."

"And what do you want to be doing ten years from now?"

"Something important."

"That's rather vague."

Aline grinned.

"Something important enough that I won't have to ask permission to do it."

Catherine laughed.

"Now that's an answer."

Their conversation moved easily from business to family, education, travel, and eventually relationships.

"Are you married?" Aline asked.

"Yes."

"Happily?"

Catherine looked into her glass.

"That's a rather personal question."

"I'm sorry."

"No." Catherine smiled faintly. "It's a very good question."

Aline hesitated.

"May I ask another?"

"You're becoming dangerous."

"Have you ever wanted something you knew would complicate your life?"

Catherine looked directly into the young woman's eyes.

"More often than you might imagine."

Neither spoke for a moment.

Something had changed.

Chapter Four — The Invitation

At nine thirty that evening, Catherine heard a knock at her door.

She had changed into a champagne-colored robe and was enjoying the first genuinely relaxing evening of her trip.

When she opened the door, Aline stood outside wearing denim shorts, a simple cream top, and flat shoes.

"Oh!"

Catherine couldn't hide her surprise.

Aline looked suddenly embarrassed.

"I'm sorry. You said I could contact you if I remembered anything else about the project."

"I did."

"And I remembered something."

Catherine leaned against the doorframe.

"Something that couldn't wait until tomorrow?"

Aline's smile slowly returned.

"Not really."

Catherine laughed.

"At least you're honest."

She stepped aside.

"Come in, Aline."

The young woman hesitated.

"Are you sure?"

"Quite sure."

Inside, Aline looked around the beautiful suite.

"I've never been in a room like this."

"Then perhaps you should make yourself comfortable."

Aline turned toward her.

"Mrs. Nakamura..."

"Catherine. Please."

"Catherine, I didn't come here because of the project."

"I know."

"Does that bother you?"

Catherine closed the door.

"No," she answered softly. "What bothers me is how much I've been hoping you'd come."

Chapter Five — The Morning Decision

Sunlight streamed through the curtains.

Catherine sat at the edge of the bed, fastening the strap of an elegant black heel.

Behind her, Aline rested her chin in her hands, watching with an enormous smile.

"You're going to be late," Aline observed.

"That's because someone kept me talking until two in the morning."

"Talking?"

Catherine turned and gave her a look.

Aline burst into laughter.

"All right. Among other things."

Catherine smiled, then grew thoughtful.

"Aline, I've been thinking."

"That sounds dangerous."

"It probably is."

She turned to face the young woman.

"I want you to come and work for me. As my private secretary and personal assistant. You'll help coordinate my business activities here and accompany me on future trips."

Aline's eyes widened.

"You're offering me a job?"

"Yes. A very good one."

Aline smiled, but then her expression changed.

"And what about us?"

Catherine was silent for a moment.

"That's exactly what we need to discuss."

She reached for Aline's hand.

"I'm not going to insult your intelligence by pretending last night didn't happen. Or that I don't want it to happen again."

Aline squeezed her hand.

"Good. Because neither am I."

"But I'm married, Aline."

"I know."

"And my life is complicated."

"I assumed as much."

Catherine laughed softly.

"You're remarkably calm about this."

"Because I know what I want."

"And what is that?"

Aline looked directly into her eyes.

"I want the opportunity to work with you. I want to learn from you. I want to travel with you." She paused. "And I want to be with you. Not just in conference rooms."

Catherine felt herself smiling.

"So we're discussing two arrangements?"

Aline shook her head.

"No. We're discussing one arrangement with two very important parts."

Catherine raised an eyebrow.

"Business and pleasure?"

"Business and us," Aline corrected.

"And you understand that I can't promise you a conventional relationship?"

"I'm not asking for one."

"Or that I can suddenly abandon my marriage?"

"I'm not asking for that either. But I do expect honesty. I won't be someone's secret who gets forgotten the moment the plane takes off."

Catherine considered her words.

"That's fair."

"And I want you to understand something else," Aline continued. "I'm not interested in being your decorative little assistant. I want real responsibility. I want to become someone you can't run your business without."

Catherine laughed.

"Ambitious, aren't we?"

"Very."

"And the personal side?"

Aline smiled mischievously.

"I'd like to become someone you don't want to be without."

Catherine leaned forward and kissed her.

"You're negotiating rather well, Miss Uwase."

"I learned from the best."

Catherine glanced at the clock.

"Then I suppose we have a deal."

"Not quite."

"Oh?"

Aline held out her hand.

"I haven't heard the salary yet."

Catherine burst into laughter.

"Darling, I think you're going to be very expensive."

Aline grinned.

"Only if you want the very best."

Chapter Six — Picking the Right Companion

The following afternoon, Catherine stood before a gathering of distinguished Rwandan businesswomen.

Beside her was Aline, looking absolutely stunning in a tailored burgundy suit, short pencil skirt, and towering high heels.

She had spent nearly an hour deciding what to wear.

Catherine had enjoyed every minute of watching her.

"Are you nervous?" Catherine whispered.

"A little."

"Don't be. You earned this."

Aline glanced at her.

"All of it?"

Catherine smiled knowingly.

"Every bit."

Turning toward the assembled executives, Catherine placed an affectionate arm around Aline's waist.

"Ladies, before we begin, I'd like to introduce someone very special."

Several women smiled.

"During my visit, I've had the pleasure of meeting some remarkable young professionals. But one woman impressed me with her intelligence, ambition, confidence, and refreshing determination to tell me exactly what she thinks."

Aline blushed.

"Miss Aline Uwase has accepted my offer to become my private secretary and personal assistant. She'll be working directly with me, accompanying me on business trips, and playing an important role in our future activities in Rwanda."

The room erupted in applause.

Aline beamed.

Catherine drew her just a little closer.

Later, when the meeting had ended, they stood together by the windows overlooking Kigali.

"Well?" Catherine asked.

Aline looked down at her elegant heels.

"I think I made quite an impression."

"That you did."

"And I have a beautiful new wardrobe, a wonderful new position, and a rather demanding new boss."

"Demanding?"

"Very."

Catherine laughed.

"Anything else?"

Aline stepped closer.

"Yes. I also have a beautiful woman who wants me beside her. In business and in private."

Catherine smiled.

"Provided you can keep up."

Aline slipped her arm around Catherine's waist.

"Oh, I intend to do much more than keep up."

"Is that a promise?"

"It's part of our agreement."

Catherine kissed her cheek.

"Then I believe I've picked exactly the right companion."

Aline smiled.

"And I believe I've found exactly the right woman to impress."

THE END

Two ambitious women. One unexpected attraction. A partnership that neither intended to keep strictly professional.