Coming Back Home

Chapter 13: A surprise visit

A SURPRISE VISIT

"Charlie?"

A surprised voice bellows from the side of the half-covered counter. Theresa Boston, Charlie's supposed assistant, laughs loudly before walking out and pulling her into a hug.

"Theresa, how are you?" Charlie smiles widely.

Charlie begins walking as Theresa continues to chew her ear off on the eventful events that has happened with the four months they haven't seen each other.

That's exactly what Charlie loves about her job. Not seeing people often. One doesn't need to edit from a confined cubicle or go the lunch with co-workers while they discuss their latest hookup.

"—oh, and you have a meeting with the boss around 12:30pm, it's gonna run till 2 o'clock, I think?" Theresa trails off.

Charlie pulls her laptop from her bag, "A meeting? Why?"

Theresa shrugs with a smirk, "Well, I don't know... It seems like LeCara doesn't wanna let go."

Charlie groans. Of course that's the reason. She knew it wouldn't take long before her boss starts 'advertising' her. She knows she should feel proud of herself but these are moments she wished she didn't do a good job.

"Thanks, T. Do I have any new projects in?"

"Yes, unfortunately. Just two textbook manuscripts and a magazine overview, nothing major. I've started on the magazine overview, I'll bring the rest to you later on," Theresa smiles once she hears the sigh of relief escape Charlie, "Coffee?"

"Yes, thank you. You're a life saver!"

"Of course, I know. Duh." The assistant playfully rolls her eyes before strutting out the office.

Charlie sighs once the door is shut.

Leaving to work very early on a Wednesday morning was pretty hard for Charlie. She had woken up late with a brewing headache and Tristan had already gone to work. Talk about the beginning of a bad day.

Twenty minutes later, Theresa struts back in with sweet iced coffee and glazed donuts, a folder tucked in her underarm.

"Wow. It hasn't even been one hour and your desk is already full," Theresa shakes her head before she manages to drop the coffee cup on a spare space on her desk.

Charlie laughs calmly, "Thanks. Just place it on top of another. I can differentiate it."

Theresa nods. She turns to walk out the door but stops suddenly at the entrance. She looks back and smirks, "Dope shirt."

Then she flips her brunette hair to the side and walks out.

Charlie blinks twice before smiling broadly. She takes a long sip from her coffee before pulling out a minimized Word document.

Theresa calls her in for her scheduled meeting after some hours. Mr. Gibson was being the greedy slimeball he is. He actually attempted to give her another project which Charlie turned down with a smile. He'd spent an hour complimenting her and buttering her up for her next project.

"God, I feel like stabbing that man in his tongue," Charlie groans as she walks towards her assistant's desk.

"Another project? I should have known."

Charlie sighs before walking back into her office. She sits on her chair and stares into space. For some reason, she feels super bummed for not being able to cook Tristan breakfast.

There's no need to overthink this... He's just super busy and needs to wa—

"Er... Charlie?" Theresa pops her head in through the small c***k she opened.

Charlie blinks before sitting upright, "Yeah? What is it?"

"Well, you have a...um...visitor."

"A visitor?" Charlie furrows her brows, "Well, send them in."

The ginger quickly arranges her desk awaiting her unknown visitor. Few seconds later, she hears a knock.

"Come in!" She calls out.

She doesn't look up until she hears the door shut close and when she does look up...

"Dora?"

Charlie doesn't wait for Dora to speak before she gasps again.

"Dora? What are you doing here?"

Dora's smile is as sharp as the straight lines on her pencil skirt. Her greeting nod, ever so professional and her black hair, slicked back in a tight bun.

"Miss Jordan, pleasure to meet you."

Oh, we're at first name basis now, huh?

Charlie clears her throat and narrows her eyes, "Dorathy, what do I owe this visit?"

"May I have a sit, please?"

I don't care.

"Yes. Help yourself." Charlie shrugs calmly.

Dora nods before sitting opposite Charlie. She drops her messenger bag on her lap before speaking, "Okay, I'll go straight to the point. I'm here on behalf of my boss, Mr. Denison."

Charlie suppresses the urge to roll her eyes.

"What about Ma— Mr. Denison?"

Dora purses her lip, "He wants to schedule a meeting with Gibson's Publishing House."

"Then why are you talking to me? You should be talking to Mr. Gibson."

"I know, but my boss specifically requested your services."

The tiny smirk on her lips clearly shows that she has already spoken with Mr. Gibson prior to this day. It also shows that he accepted... That fool!

Charlie bites her bottom lip, Breathe Charlie. Breathe.

"When is the meeting?"

"Next tomorrow. They expect you," the dark-haired assistant stands up and heads to the door.

Wait a sec...

"Wait, they?"

Dora pauses and smirks, "Yes, they. Mr. and Mrs. Denison shall be present in the meeting. Good day."

Charlie blinks.

What the..?