When I had started to work here, my first request had been to place this polished wooden desk in the corner so I could take advantage of the breathtaking view over Paris. The glass windows, extending from floor to ceiling, allowed me to feel like I was part of the city’s energy even when I worked.

’Mrs. Porter-Kennard?’ My assitant’s voice carried a hint of shyness as she hesitated at the doorway of my office. ’I was wondering if, perhaps, you have a moment to review your agenda for next week. If not, I can return later.’

Claudia had joined the team just over a year ago, straight out of college. At the beginning, I had asked her to call me ’Tina’, then I had encouraged her, then I had practically begged her to do so, but her shyness wouldn’t let her so eventually I had given up. Gesturing toward the chair beside my desk, I responded, ’Please. Go ahead.’

’Uhm Monday.’ she began. Her Ada Monroe look, from the movie Cold Mountain, where Nicole Kidman played an introvert farm girl, was in full force. If the costume department would lent her a flower hat, she would complete the image. ’You have your regular staff meeting in the morning. Then, you have an hour with Mr. Jean-Pierre for that you might want to consider that he asked for the budget overview. Lunch with Ms. Kate. In the afternoon you have a conference call with the US office. And that would be it for Monday.’ Her innocent blue eyes waited.