AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“In our intranet portal. You’ll find all your login data in your inbox. There are a few tutorial videos on how to use the intranet. It’s a great way to share company tools and information—it’s all there. You’ll also have a personal folder, under ‘Intern Program’ as well as all your new hire papers. You’ll see some tasks and activities already, but it’s updated weekly. We follow a standard protocol we’ve perfected over the years, but we adapt it if a new learning opportunity comes up.”
"That's exciting," I said.
“Since you also want to apply for the US Architecture Design Award, your schedule will change to afford you time to work on your project if you’re accepted into the competition.”
“Really? That’s generous.”
Donna winked at me. “It reflects well on us if you make it into the top three, so it’s a win-win. Now let’s go. I'll introduce you to the team."
I held my laptop and phone in my arms, balancing them with the bag on my shoulder. Donna informed me that all the Maxwell brothers had their offices up here, even though their teams were split up on all floors.
Our team had ten offices on this level. Each room had four desks. I liked that there were no cubicles. Those were downright claustrophobic. I greeted everyone but didn’t even attempt to memorize their names. I was going to learn them in due time.
“This is where you’ll be today,” Donna said as we entered a room where there were three guys. The only empty seat was next to the window. "This is Klaus, Derrick, and Jonathan. Boys, behave."
"Oh, we will," Klaus said. "We saved you that seat, but don't get too attached. We have a flexible workplace policy, so when you come in in the morning, you can just search for a spot."
"How come the best spot in the room is empty, then?" I asked.
Jonathan grinned. "It was my idea. I thought we should save the best for our new intern. You know, impress you a little bit."
That made me laugh. This was a remarkably laid-back team.
"Thank you, I appreciate it. I love sitting by the window."
"Again, don't get used to it," Klaus said. "We're not always that nice. Just on your first day."
"Roger that," I said.
"Donna, you can leave her with us," Derrick said. "We'll fill her in on the nitty-gritty of this place.”
"I'm sure you will," Donna said. "Megan, if you need anything, email me, or just walk to my office."
"Will do, thanks."
I sat down, spinning once in my chair just to look out the window. This was an amazing spot. Seeing Chicago from above was breathtaking.
I connected my laptop to the desktop monitor and spent the morning getting acquainted with my computer and the team, carefully going through every note in the corporate file on the intranet. It was truly well organized. I’d never worked somewhere with an intranet and was glad it was so easy and intuitive. My internship program was especially very detailed. I was looking forward to everything. I had a lot of catch-up meetings with my mentor, and I did most projects with the same person. There was also a note that if I participated in the competition, my mentor and I would get dedicated time slots for that. I wondered who I’d been assigned to.
Around lunchtime, someone knocked at the door. I turned around, and my breath caught. Luke was in the doorway.Oh my. I instantly felt the energy in the room change. I wondered if he only had that effect on me or everyone in general.
"Team, let's go to the meeting room. I ordered lunch for everyone," he announced.
"Oh yeah," Derrick exclaimed as we all got up. We walked behind Luke, who was poking his head into every office.
The meeting room was huge, with an oval table in the center. There was a buffet set up against the wall.
"Wow," I exclaimed as we all moved inside. "We eat like this every day?"
"No, this is to welcome you to the team,” Klaus explained.
My eyes widened.
He shook his head. "He does this for everyone. Don't get your knickers in a twist."
I felt myself blush. Klaus laughed.
He and I sat down at the table. But since the whole team was here—forty and counting—a lot of people were standing.
