Chapter 3: Bits and Pieces of My Billionaire Boss

I look at those warm, loving eyes for God-knows-how long.  They’re very mesmerizing. And to have them look back at me is heaven.

“Are you sure you’re okay?” Bobby asked.  I’m sure, he already asked me more than once before I came to my senses. 

This trip to Joaquim’s mansion made my mind wander a few times and Bobby witnessed all instances.

He turned to the driver.  “Jorge, make sure you show me the result of her pre-employment medical exam before you give it to Recruitment.  I’m going to work closely with her so I need to know,” he joked. 

He did that in a way that’s not offensive.  Perhaps, I am really crushing on him so I forgave him instantly.

“Seriously, how did you find going to our boss’ place and meet him personally?” he asked.

“To be honest, I wasn’t prepared meeting someone of that status,” I said.

“But he’s so casual, wasn’t he?” he asked referring to Joaquim's get up.

“Still, in my mind he’s the boss and that’s his house.  It’s a totally brand new experience for a newbie like me,” I said.

“Understandable.  Just promise me that you’ll be more focused and alert when you officially start later this week,” he said.

“About that, is Leila really leaving this week?” I asked.  I feel I can ask her more information about my job if she’s still around longer.

“Unfortunately, she is.  It’s been long overdue anyway,” he answered.

“She’s nice,” I said.

“I agree.  Even Jorge here will agree, right?” he asked the driver.

“Yes, Sir.  I will miss Ms. Leila.  I’m still rooting for them to get back together,” Jorge said.

Bobby suddenly became silent.  He looked to me. 

“Did she tell you?” he asked.

“Tell me what?” I asked.

“Oh, I’m sorry,” Jorge said.

“Quim and Leila used to date.  They’d been together since we graduated from college until they broke up last year,” Bobby explained.

“Oh, that’s why she lived there,” I said.

“She remained there until last month.  She told me you almost freaked out when she mentioned to you that she used to live in the mansion,” Bobby continued.

“Honestly, I did.  I couldn’t imagine living there with him,” I said.

“But just to be clear, it’s okay with you if you go there a few hours a day?” he asked.

“That’s fine as long as we are clear that most of my time will be in the office,” I said.

“That’s right.  No need to go there unless there’s a real valid reason,” he said.

I look at Bobby discreetly and wish he was my boss.  Hearing about Leila’s previous relationship with Joaquim made me question what kind of a person our boss really is.

After submitting all my pre-employment documents, I am now officially an employee.  I expect someone to give me some reading materials about the company but I feel invisible like no one sees me, let alone needs me here.  If they didn’t put me in a decent room, I wouldn’t think I was really hired.

It’s almost the end of my shift and still no one has approached me.  I’m beginning to doubt if my job truly exists but if it didn’t then why did Bobby and Leila bother to talk to me about it?

“Hello,” Mimi, the receptionist greeted me.

I greeted her back.  I feel excited that someone’s finally talking to me.

“Can we ask a favor, please?” she asked.

“Favor? Sure, I hope I could do something for you,” I said.  It’s funny that no one has taught me anything yet I am being asked for a favor.

“We need some documents to be signed urgently by Sir Joaquim.  The requests came late today so we had to rush.  We need to submit these to our business partner tomorrow morning,” she said.

I think my eyeballs are rolling like how it happens on cartoon programs.  She’s asking me to have the documents signed immediately by our boss who is in his house.

“I already arranged your transportation to his house,” she said.

How come these people could decide for me? I surely appreciate that she arranged for my vehicle but to assume that I could go there anytime is freaking me out right now.  I am not sure if I still want to come here again tomorrow.

The next thing I know is I am inside the van going to Joaquim's mansion again instead of going home.  Am I being turned into a corporate slave on my first day of work by anyone in the office?

Someone seems to be eagerly waiting for us at the mansion.  I suppose she’s the new chef that Leila mentioned to me yesterday.

“Ms. Audrey! You are Ms. Audrey, right?” she asked.  She looks uneasy.

“Yes, I am.  Are you okay?” I asked.  

“I was trying to call Ms. Leila but her phone’s off.  She forgot to give me your number,” she explained.

My feeling gets even worse than it already is.  She needs my number so she can contact me anytime.  I think I am close to 100% to leaving this job.

“Is there a problem? I’m actually here because I need to have Joaquim’s signature on some documents,” I told her.

“Sir Joaquim hasn’t touched his lunch.  He only had coffee for breakfast,” Lulu, the new chef said.

I remember Leila’s instruction to ensure Joaquim eats healthy meal and on time.  

“Did you check on him?” I asked.

“I tried to knock twice but he wouldn’t answer.  I was scared that I might be disturbing him but I also worry because he hasn’t eaten anything since this morning” she said.

I pity her.  I think between the two of us, she is more anxious to deal with a CEO boss that comes with so many instructions.

“We can’t be scared of him. Leila said we have to make sure that he eats on time,” I said with some courage now.

I knocked on the door of Joaquim’s office but he didn’t answer.  I gather my strength to just get inside and be done with my business there.  If he gets mad at me for interfering, then so be it.  I’m used to my parents’ and my sister’s nagging and I can quit anytime.

To my surprise, I found Joaquim sleeping on his table.  I expect myself to be relieved but I feel something’s not right.

Lulu looked inside the room and panicked even more. “Oh my God.  He’s got so weak,” she said.

“What do you mean?  And please be calm, will you?” I asked her.

“Ms. Leila told me that he forgets to eat when he thinks a lot and it happens all the time.  When that happens, he becomes very weak,” she explained.

I immediately went to Joaquim to check him closer.  It’s true that he’s not sleeping but he’s really weak.  I am not sure if he’s diabetic but it looks to me that he’s experiencing hypoglycemia.

“We need something sweet,” I asked Lulu. 

There’s a jar full of sweets next to his computer.  Leila must’ve put it there in case this happens but he must be very busy that he couldn’t even get one of these candies to munch.

I helped him taste the candy and thankfully, he gets better than when I first saw him today.

“Leila,” he said to me while trying to open his eyes.

“Oh no, Sir.  Leila’s not here,” I said.

“Who are you?” he asked.

“I’m Audrey.  I’m your new assistant,” I told him.

I helped him walk to the couch.  He’s so weak and helpless.

I look at him and see a boy who needs care.  His face is different up close.

“Is there something I can eat?” he asked.

“Lulu prepared your lunch and snacks but you haven’t touched them.  I’ll ask her to reheat it or do you want to have dinner now?” I asked.

“I’ll just eat whatever is there,” he said.

I brought the food to him and let him eat alone.  I assume he doesn’t want me or anyone to be there.

“I’ll wait outside,” I told him.

He didn’t say anything.  He just started eating.

A couple of hours passed by but he hasn’t come out of the room.  I told Lulu to go home already.  Jorge stays up to 8PM only but today’s an exception.

By now, I am 99% decided to resign.  I can’t do this.  I feel like I am a slave waiting for her master to go out of his chamber.

I’m about to get inside of his room just like what I did earlier but he finally comes out with the tray of empty dishes in his hands.

“I’ll put those in the sink,” I said to him like a true assistant.

He looked at me as if he’d seen a ghost.

“You’re still here,” he said.

“Yes.  They need you to sign these documents for tomorrow’s transaction,” I told him. 

“I’ll sign these inside.  You may come,” he said.

Knowing that we are the only ones inside the mansion, I told him I would just wait outside his office.

He brought to me the signed documents after half an hour.  He must have read the papers first before he signed.

“How are you going back to the office?” he asked me.

“Jorge is still around.  He’ll drive me back there,” I said.

“You can ask him to drive you home after you bring these papers to the office,” he said.

I appreciate his concern.  He looks more relax now and doesn’t sound intimidating.

“Are you okay now?” I asked before I leave.

“Yes, I’m better.  Thanks for today,” he said.

That’s my cue to leave. 

“By the way, have you had your dinner?” he asked. 

“I’ll have it later at home. I’ll go now,” I said.

“You may check if there’s anything in the fridge,” he said.

“It’s okay.  My Mom’s waiting for me,” I said.

“Right.  You have family waiting. That’s good,” he said.

“Can I go now?” I asked.

“Yes sure,” he said.

Bobby called while we are on our way back to the office.

“Are you leaving his place just now?” Bobby asked me.

“Yes.  He finished signing the documents,” I told him.

“Is he alright?  He must’ve missed his meals again,” he said.

“He’s okay now.  Don’t worry,” I assured him.

“That’s good. I’ll call him after this.  Please text me once you get home, alright?” he said.

Bobby’s concern warms my heart.  He just earned a hundred points by making me feel he cares.

To be fair. Joaquim wasn’t bad today but I just find it not so easy warming up to him.  It’s probably because he’s my boss unlike Bobby who poses as a colleague even if he also holds an important role in the company.

Tonight, I’m thinking if I should still return to the office tomorrow or just call the Human Resources Department to inform them that I quit.  I’m weighing the things I can learn by staying there versus being uncomfortable dealing with an aloof boss who works in his house instead in the office.

I will not set the alarm tonight but if I wake up early then I’ll go to work.  Otherwise, I’ll quit.