4. My Boss

HAZEL:

Jennie and I walked through the gigantic doors, with her heels clicking stylishly against the shining marble floors. Yeah, I found out her name was Jennie and she was the former secretary and personal assistant to my new boss. According to her, she was getting married in two months, and her husband to be noted that he didn't like her job. I wondered how that was my business since I never asked her why she was quitting.

"Good morning, Ms. J.," Smiles flashed from different corners as they welcomed her. She must be very popular at work. I wondered if the same people would like me since I was going to take over her job. Not that it's my fault or anything. People can be very funny.

She took me to her office which had already been cleared out.

"But fortunately, you won't be working here." She spilled and began walking away to another section of the floor.

"Is there any reason why? It looks nice as spacious to me." I aired, trying to keep up with her. For quite a small lady like her, she walked faster than I did. And also, perfectly in her high heels. Almost made me think she had been practicing since she was born.

"It's all that and more, sweetie, but there has been a change. I will show you." She took me to a more spacious and beautiful office with wide translucent glass that oversaw the city. The view was amazing and I could already imagine myself working at night while enjoying the streetlights picture.

"It's beautiful..." My mouth was stuck open in astonishment.

"Of course, it belongs to the boss. It has to be very nice."

"The boss?!" I shrieked. "You mean, I will be staying with the boss in this office?"

"Yes, sweetie. Boss's orders." She informed. I kept quiet and allowed her to tutor me about the boss; his likes and his dislikes. She spoke for what seemed like forever. Toward the end of her sermon, her shoulders dropped and a sad smile formed on her lips.

"I'll miss my job, you know. It was the only place at that time I felt like I belonged. Going on meetings, canceling, and scheduling plans were the things I loved doing."

I knew what it felt like to forsake one's dream job and get married.

Before she left, I offered to give her some advice as someone who had been in her shoes.

"Whatever you do, do not remain a housewife. Find something to do, you know, just in case things go south."

"Thank you," She smiled and exited the room. I checked out my workspace. It was a bit far from the boss's table; much closer to the entrance door and there was a transparent glass that separated the two offices. My fingers caressed the top of the soft swivel seat, my eyes not leaving the black computer screen.

I had finally landed the job of my dream but I was still skeptical. When the boss arrives, I will ask him why he chose me out of everyone that applied.

I sat on my new seat and booted my computer. Jennie had already briefed me earlier about my line of work and I was excited to start. Jennie had already listed out the events that would be playing out in the next two months and I was supposed to take it up from there.

Firstly, I began to save the dates and times of the events on my phone and the computer. I also had a physical calendar in which I mapped out all the dates. One thing I hated was forgetfulness. I couldn't afford to lose my job on the first day just because I forgot one thing.

I was happily going about rearranging my office; the flower vases and the stationeries, all to my taste.

"Yes!" I whispered when I got the result I desired.

"Who are you?" I heard from behind me. I quickly turned and bowed down, not looking at whoever was speaking. I was startled by the deep voice, plus, I didn't hear the door being opened in the first place. My eyes managed to come in contact with his shoes. They looked shiny and very expensive. No doubt, he was the boss.

"Where's Jennie?" The voice asked again.

"She left earlier, like thirty minutes ago. She didn't mention anything about..." I slowly raised my head only to meet those familiar teal, cold eyes. My words failed me as we stared at each other.

"She didn't mention anything about what?" He arched a brow, his hands not leaving his pockets.

"Yeah..." I shook my head vigorously. "She didn't say anything about returning. She just left." I replied casually, my legs shaking in my heels.

"I need my morning report." He ignored my reply and began walking toward his table.

"Yes, sir." I walked into my office and grabbed my phone with my nervous fingers. The phone nearly fell off my hand. Good thing I had quite a strong grip on it.

Why didn't anyone tell me that my ex-husband was the owner of the company? Why was his identity and full name hidden?

I steadied my steps down to his desk. His face was already buried in some paperwork and when he raised his eyes to mine, my heart skipped a beat.

I broke off the eye contact and looked into my phone.

"According to what I have here, you have a board meeting with Julliard College of Education by 10, you have a lunch date with your girlfriend by 2 p.m., and a meeting with Mr. Harold of Lit Oil Ltd."

"Cancel the second meeting. I will meet up with her later."

"Alright, sir. What should I tell her?"

"You can come up with something, can't you?"

My silence was screaming 'NO'.

"Fine, just tell her I will meet up with her later." He waved dismissively and went back to what he was doing. With my wobbling legs, I walked to my office and sat down. I heaved a huge sigh of relief. I couldn't even ask him why I got the job. His presence was intimidating and much to my pleasure, he didn't act as though anything happened between us. He had already moved on and here I was, still struggling to move on. What a fool I've been! What was I thinking for the past four years?

All the memories we shared began to invade my mind. I didn't request for them. They just flooded me without my permission.

The ringing of the telephone jolted me out of my thoughts. I straightened my voice before bringing the phone to my ear.

"You're forgetting my morning coffee." The voice said and the phone went dead on the other end. I looked back at my boss but he wasn't looking at me.

I sighed. How was I supposed to work with this man without all these jittery feelings that made me a nervous mess?