Miss Josefina: Nobody's Princess

"Kale, don't put yourself down like that. If you were useless, what would that say about my judgment? I trust my eye for talent, and you've got your strengths."

If that weren't the case, Josefina wouldn't have brought him onboard the moment he graduated.

Kale's eyes gradually lit up with a hint of a smile.

"Go get 'em, tiger," Josefina said with a chuckle.

Kale's spirits lifted considerably, and he set off to tackle the day's work.

Before long, there was a knock at the door, and Alex poked his head in. "Ms. Josefina, did you need me?"

Josefina unfolded the details of an upcoming competition. "I'm thinking of taking you with me."

Alex was gobsmacked, a mix of shock and delight washing over him. He had known about the event and yearned to go, but confidence eluded him. His previous designs had flaws, which Josefina had skillfully pointed out. Any success in selling his creations owed a lot to Josefina's guidance.

"Ms. Josefina, are you seriously considering taking me? Aren't you worried I'll botch it up and not snag first place?"

Josefina's demeanor was the picture of calm as she replied, "I'm sending you there not to be number one, but to participate, to broaden your horizons."

Winning first place isn't for everyone, nor is it something you can achieve every time. What matters is taking part and gaining experience that's truly crucial.

Alex was struck dumb, then, overcome with emotion, he practically wanted to bow in gratitude. "Ms. Josefina, you've been too kind to me."

"Right now, of all our folks, you are the most outstanding one. Holly's designs don't hold a candle to yours. If we're putting forth a designer, you're my pick." Josefina wanted to make it clear that her decisions were for the company's well-being, not out of personal bias. "I'm planning to hire another designer to learn the ropes. Our company is going places, and we'll need more hands on deck. Might as well start grooming them now."

Alex nodded vigorously, fully on board with Josefina's forward-thinking approach. "Ms. Josefina, you're a real visionary of a boss." Alex said, jabbing the air with his finger, barely containing his excitement. "Ms. Josefina, how about my sister and I take you out for dinner tonight? You've helped us so much and given me an opportunity."

"I've got plans tonight, rain check?"

Alex wouldn't dream of imposing. Josefina's schedule was paramount. "Alrighty then, Ms. Josefina, we'll pencil it in for another time." He left, unable to hide the grin plastered across his face.

Holly noticed something was up and sidled over, her eyes narrow with suspicion, "Alex, what's with the grin? Hit the jackpot? Get a promotion?"

Without spilling the beans, Alex replied with a gleeful smile, "Holly, just thrilled to be working here. Stick with Ms. Josefina, and you can't go wrong."

Holly was unimpressed. "Alex, you're a real brown-noser."

His smile faltered for a moment before returning full force. "Holly, I'm just speaking from the heart. Don't you think Ms. Josefina is capable and decisive?" Holly frowned and responded with a perfunctory 'mmhmm'.

"Holly, you've got great taste. Ms. Josefina has brought so much value to the company, not to mention our pay raises. She's a true good boss."

Alex returned to his desk with a happy bounce in his step, while Holly scoffed and retreated to the restroom. Locked in a stall, she whipped out her phone and shot off a message. [Josefina hasn't announced who she's taking to the competition yet, but judging by that smug grin on Alex, it's a sure bet he's the chosen one.]

A reply came in: [Just watch and wait. Find a way to make sure you go along. Once it's done, I guarantee you'll be the star designer by Josefina's side.]

Holly's face broke into a grin, [Deal. I'm counting on you.]