Chapter 8- The Curveball

I was finally getting a hang of this whole PA thing. The end of the week was nearing and I have to say that things are getting so much easier. The gossip has seemed to of died down and I haven't seen him since our encounter in the lobby, so all is well. 

Although it is at times stressful, being a PA is pretty easy. Then again this week had been what Mr Williams called an ‘off week’. Which apparently meant that there were limited meeting although the load was pretty average it could get a whole lot worse. I don’t know, I would be pretty excited to meet that challenge.

I have weirdly found myself enjoying this job. Most people around here aren’t half bad. Maybe this is world changed after I left it, maybe it isn’t so bad anymore. I want to think the best of this world I really do. But all I remember is pain and hurt and loss, both emotions so overwhelming I can't even. remember many time in my childhood where I was truely loved and happy. 

Best part about this job is the pay. My PA position pays extremely well for somebody who has next to no qualifications. Mr Williams was in a particularly good mood today and showed me the figures. With that amount of money a month I could actually have decent meals, I could get my mother a Physio. Maybe even buy a more decent apartment.

My determination was insane. I wanted to get this job more than anything in the world. I turn and focus back on my notes, they needed to be perfect.

“Mia could you please go and give this to Mr Harding.” Mr Williams was standing over my desk a huge folder dangling from his fingertips. My heart nearly left out of my chest. No no no! Not a fucking curve ball.

I hadn’t wanted to think about him at all in order to keep my mind focused on this trial, doing this would seriously ruin all focus I have. Plus me ‘staying away’ seemed to of gotten Sierra and her little lambs off my back and me and Emma could finally have lunch without somebody yelling at us every five minutes.

“Fi-fine” I managed to jut out. I gave myself the luxury of sending him a glare, just this once.

My boss gave me a curious look and I knew that I was going to have to spill later. If I knew anything about Mr Williams it was that he was a gossip, he liked to know all the drama.

I grabbed the folder out of his hands before he could even think about saying something cheeky and then sprinted towards the elevator.

I clutch the folder tight. It was the only way to soothe my nerves which were building up by the second. I didn’t want to stare into those cold blue eyes or smell that intoxicating cologne. I didn’t want to think about the fact that he was fucking Luke Harding, the guy all girls throw their panties at. 

Yeah I’ve heard the stories, he’s America’s biggest Bachelor.

Mr Harding, I just... those eyes... his first name is Luke. Way too much for my heart to handle. If I manage to faint lets just hope somebody catches me the second time.

Ding!

Oh fuck. I can’t do this. No Mia.....focus... job.....you have to keep this job. I take a deep breath and step out of the elevator onto the top floor. 

Of course the CEO of one of the biggest companies in the world has an entire floor to himself. The personal kitchen and spacious waiting area was fancier than my house. I wonder if Mr Bachelor would mind if I moved in here for a while.

" Mr Harding’s office how can I help you.” Came a very bored tone. I look over towards the end of the room. Sierra was perched at a desk that put mine to shame. All of her shit was everywhere though, no offence sis but it really ruins this whole flashy clean thing that they have going on. But of course she is his PA. Unbelievable.

" Uhh, I need to give something to Mr Harding.”

Sierra’s cold eyes set on me. ” He’s not in right now.” her tone was icy. Dammit just when she was ignoring me. She stood up and started walking towards me. What do I do? I stood frozen in one spot, literally couldn’t move. ” I thought I told you to stand away from my boyfriend-”

" Ms Langer I told you to send me the fucking notes.” Somebody roared. I jumped a little. My heart felt like it was going. to. explode. Sierra's eyes widened a wild and frightened look crossing her face. 

The little liar. I doubt any boyfriend would yell with such fury, or call their girlfriend such a formal name. Tsk tsk Sierra. She knows that she has been caught red handed in a lie, her face goes beet-red. 

Luke Harding himself came storming out of his office. Fury evident in those beautiful eyes. I felt like screaming and hiding under the couch. But at the same time in a very twisted way it was very sexy watching him screaming at my least favourite co-worker.

I watch as his eyes assess what’s happening in front of him. Sierras fake nails are digging into my chest my hands seem to be up in a very defensive position. Honestly his timing is flawless.

" Ms Langer I think you are due for a break...no?” Mr Hardings eyes were locked into mine as his acknowledges his PA. But that was all it took for Sierra to completely bolt out of the room. I really hope that I won’t have to pay for this later.

" Miss Rose, do you have something for me?” His voice was calm like the ocean. I look down to see him fidgeting with the cuff of his jacket. Is he nervous?

“How do you know my name?” I ask, curious.

" I stole your CV from your boss.” He replied, in such a blunt manner too. It made my skin crawl. He’s just another powerful man Mia. Another person who is going to screw you over. But he did look absolutely breath taking, he always does. 

" Why would you do that?” I ask, breathless for some strange reason.

We then sat in silence for a moment. he looked very thoughtful. I was still way too scared to move. He then took two huge steps towards me. Until he was so so close, I could smell his breath. The smell of his was so deliciously overwhelming I felt very light headed, This wasn’t good. I should really move, but my feet had other ideas.

" Because I was curious about the lady who happened to fall into my lap.” He whispers.

I bit my lip, chuckling a little. ”Yeah sorry about that, I don’t make a habit of falling into billionaires laps.”

He frowned. ” I hope not.”

I look up and into those eyes. Those beautiful bright eyes that were as hard as ice, but somehow I managed to melt into. He was so handsome, my heart was beating a million miles an hour. His lips pulled up a little into a smile, a genuine smile... dare I say. My heart nearly stops.

" Your file...” I whisper breathlessly. “... from uh Mr Williams”

" Thank you Mia, I will see you around.”

I am so screwed.

---

The rest of the day managed to be very smooth sailing. I dodged all of Mr Williams prying questions into my social life, telling him firmly that I want to keep things strictly professional, no gossiping about my personal life. That sure really keep him from prying for a couple of weeks granted I get given this job. Speaking of which I’m going to have to Tell Emma about my little deal. I really really hope she doesn’t get too mad. That girl is a ray of positivity but sometimes she can be real scary. She once screamed at her five year nephew when he wouldn’t stop rolling his R’s.

" So how was your day?” I asked my best friend as i grabbed a fistful of popcorn form her lap. After work I had gone back to her house and we were planing on watching a chick flick together while my mother’s at Physio. 

" It was alright I guess. I spent most of my day trying to convince Leo to come hang with us instead of with his new girlfriend...” Her voice faded away. Her eyes were staring out the window deep in thought. 

I knew Emma didn’t agree with Leo’s playboy life, but thats just the way he is. Don’t get me wrong, i don’t understand it either. But we all cope with things in different ways. This is how Leo copes with his massive crush on Emma. Emma acting weird whenever its brought up is her way of dealing with her massive crush on Leo. If I was a completely different person who didn’t care about fucking around with their friends relationships then i would totally push them together. 

However, I know they need to work it out by themselves. I mean its been a good five years... but they’ll get it! Eventually. 

I just chuckled under my breath and shake my head slightly at Emma. She snapped out of her gaze to glare at me. 

" How was your day then? Mr William isn’t pursuing you, is he?” 

“Nope. And if he is I definitely haven’t noticed. I mean we get along well enough, however i’m pissed at him at the moment.” I reply. Trying to avert my eyes from Emma's. I really needed to tell her now, he was going to call it in sooner or later. Plus it is unfair to her. I should have told her straight away... but then the whole Leo and whore thing happened. Dammit, why do things have to be so complicated? 

She seemed to notice how uncomfortable I had suddenly become. “ Mia..... what did he do...?” She asked. her voice was gentle but there was clear warning in her voice. 

" Emma, I really need to tell you something...." I begin. Nerves completely overcome me. I'm doing the right thing. " When I was. offered the job trial with Mr Williams he had one condition and I knew you would hate me for it but I agreed." 

"Your not going to screw him are you?" Emma mutters in disbelief. 

My cheeks go bright red, my eyes wide. " What? No! Ew gross please don't even go there." 

Emma lets out a sigh of relief. " Okay well, I can't see what would be any worse-" 

" I volunteered you for a date with him." I cut her off.

Emma froze. Her eyes sifted over to mine, they were cold and unforgiving. Oh gosh what have I done! 

" Emma I am so so sorry-" 

She looks shocked. " No wonder the barstard has been more persistent than usual. " 

" You know how much I hate him and yet you willingly sold me out." She said harshly. " How could you?' 

" Emmie I needed the Job so so bad. Working at a company like Harding Industries could possibly set me up for life. If I had disagreed he never would of given me the position- " 

" I understand." Emma cut in again, her voice was more soft this time. She was definitely upset. " But at the first chance you got you joined back into that pathetic game they play. The lies, the betrayals. I know you hate it but you can't help but playing, it's in your blood Mia." 

" That's unfair Emma, you don't know what it's like to never know when your next meal is going to arrive. To wonder if this was the day child services come trudging in to steal you away." 

" Yeah well there was a time where you didn't know either." She pushes back. 

I shut up at that point. No matter how sad it was that she played that card, I knew that I deserved it. It was a shit thing for me to do, selling her out like that. " Emma I am so so sorry." Tears were rolling down my face. I reach out and pull her into a tight hug. Never again will I sell anybody out for anything. I don't want to play that game, not again. 

" It's okay, forgive you and I will go on that date for you. But only on one condition...." 

" What?" I ask, my heart thumping in my chest. 

" You have to come with me."