Chapter 48

It was Gordon Franco. He was a young man in his early 20s who just graduated from college and was assigned by our team leader, Leo Morel, to work under me. His skin was fair and smooth. He had handsome features that exuded warmth and gentle charm. "Who's this?" he asked as he glanced at Darren behind me. I quickly interrupted just as Darren was about to say something outrageous, "He's a friend." "Oh, hello. I'm Gordon." Gordon nodded and extended a friendly hand toward Darren. Darren shook his hand and said in a cold tone, "Hello, Gordon." The dynamic shifted with Gordon's appearance. Darren and I went from walking one behind the other to Gordon and me chatting upfront while Darren quietly trailed behind us. Gordon had been asking me work-related questions along the way. I was happy to share the knowledge I had gained over the years when facing this bright, outgoing, and handsome young man who knew all the right things to say. He glanced at his watch when we reached the interse