Chapter 2

I sat beside him while looking down on my tablet scrolling through my task list and my notes. Believe it or not i prepare a script on what to say to Adrian. This shows how nervous I am about meeting him. I could literally feel cold sweat dripping down my forehead. I look out the car window that shows Adrian's reflection. He is looking out the window as the car moves passing by New York busy streets. 

I could feel the awkward tension in the car so I started a conversation. Afterall, being a HR means being the image of the company. “I’ve booked a reservation  at 2pm in Fasaano and the driver will pick you up at 7:30pm for your welcome party”. I say. “Cancel the reservation” Adrian says. I turn to him and frown a little. I didn’t ask him why because I don’t feel like prying. 

“You mention you want me to find a new secretary?” I ask. He turns to me as I look up at him. As I glanced at his eyes I quickly looked away and asked him “May i know what you are looking for in a secretary?”. “Available everyday 7 - 7 “ He says. Is he for real? There is no way I could find someone like that. 

“I think that is kinda impossible.... They need a rest too” I say. “Well then I guess you should work harder to find someone like that” He says as he arched his right brows up. My muscles tense up as he says that. He’s one stuck up boss. 

Surprise Surprise another stuck up Hawthorne. Nigel, Adrian’s dad, is also a little stuck up but the good one. Nigel is very friendly and a people person. He’s very good at socializing but I don't know for Adrian. Never once have I seen him smile since he landed in New York. I exhale heavily as I add to find a new secretary on my To - Do - List in my Ipad. 

Night time - Adrian Welcome Party

Abigail did a great job on the decoration and food for Adrian’s welcome party. The venue is at a 5 star hotel with an elegant maroon colour theme, reminding me of my graduation day 3 years ago. The man of the hour has not arrived and I've already drank 3 glasses of wine. I’m not an alcoholic but I have great tolerance for alcohol.

Suddenly, a blue suit guy walked into the venue. It’s Adrian and to my surprise, he’s interlocking his arm with a woman. She is slim and tall wearing a tight black short dress. She kinda looks like a prostitute with her red lipstick and looking a little tipsy and high smiling and giggling.

My eyes went wide  in shock, because if i’m right we’re in trouble. The business partners are all here and our important clients too. I walk towards them and stop them from walking further in the room.

I stood in front of them and looked at the woman, she reeked with alcohol “What the hell do you think you’re doing?” I say softly to Adrian. He looked down at me frowning. “Why do you bring a drunk girl? You know this is a bad image for our company?” I say. 

“Why do you care?” He asked. I was taken back when he said that. “Because the company could suffer a loss, do you want that?” I say in anger.

“Chill woman, I'm able to stand and walk straight. No one has to know if you didn’t say anything” The drunk woman said. She then pushes me away and pulls Adrian as they walk into the venue with all eyes on them. I exhale heavily and groan.

There is no way no one won’t find out about the woman being high, I grab her wrist and away from Adrian as he’s having a conversation with the partners. I pull her out of the venue and firmly say

“Go home or sober up if you want to join the party” while crossing my arms. “What? Wait he hasn't paid me” She says. So she is a prostitute. God! What the hell is he trying to do?!

“How much did he owe you?” I ask. “1000 bucks” She says. I widen my eyes in shock and anger. Shocked on the amount and anger at Adrian. “What’s your bank account no.?” I ask.

Before she could tell me, she collapsed as she was too drunk. Oh shit! I groan as I scratch my head in frustration. Now what? I can’t leave her laying on the ground. I lift her up by putting her arm around my shoulder and carry her to the Ladies. I went into one of the cubicles and dropped her on one of the toilet bowls and left.

As I went back to the party, Adrian was in the middle giving a speech on the podium.

“That means we tell the truth. You can expect me to tell the truth, and I will expect the same. Telling the truth is very freeing. The truth has no politics and no taboo subjects. If it will make the company do better, it should be spoken about candidly.” That line tho.

‘Telling the truth is very freeing’. For a cold guy he sure gives a good speech. “The last expectation has to do with teamwork. If you need help, you should ask for it. No one should feel that his or her position is in danger when he or she feels a better job can be done with a little help.” Adrian says as his tone gets lower. He cleared his throat and continued

“Those are my expectations. Thanks for listening and Enjoy the rest of the night” with it he ends his speech. Everyone applauded for his speech.

He gets down the podium and walks briskly towards me and asks me “Where is she?” The drunk woman. “She collapsed, and is now seating in the  ladies” I say. 

Suddenly, someone bumped into him from the back and it’s Abigail. “Oh sorry” Abigail says as she looks at both of us. She smiles as she turns her posture to Adrian. “Great speech,” Abigail says. Adrian didn’t smile or thank her; instead he just nodded at her and walked away. I frown in confusion and ask Abigail “What was that? Are you not on good terms with each other?”. Abigail sighs “I guess you could say that, just hope it won’t interfere with our work” She says as she sips the glass of champagne she is holding.