Journey

Next on the List

I wake up at Bella's not sure how to feel. I have found a job that Bella has pulled a few strings for me to get. I am now a secretary until school starts and then I can reduce my hours and have a flexible schedule while taking up a part-time library job on campus. At least it is something to help with the rent. 

My mother is in horrible condition due to her MS progression, and I can not wait until medical school, so maybe I can find a way to help her. I mean, I must!

It's one of those few days at the office where work is not too stressful, but there is a steady flow. I wave to the regular group of gossiping 20-some year-old interns that think they are "all that and a bag of chips," smile at the group of executives that work on this floor that never even acknowledge my existence, and genuinely chat with the sweet, elder African-American fellow that is always so sweet to me!

Glancing up from my computer, and monotonous tasks, I say, "How's Martha? Still fussing over Goldie Lox (their golden retriever)?"

Zeke chuckles, and replies in his sweet southern accent, "Well now, the Miss's is somethin' ain't she? But no fin'ly leav'n' poor Lox 'lone, an' now she's a movin' on to fuss'n' o'er the bakin'! Which I jus' laugh at, since in the fif'y some years we've been wed she coul'n't e'en bake a cookie! Sure perdy tho'!"

To that we both chuckle! After a few minutes of tension relieving laughter, I reach over to my desk and hand Zeke his doughnut that I usually get from Dunkin. It has been nearly two weeks since the falling out, and they are already back in Cali,' I haven't heard or seen them since. That's just fine if you ask me. 

"Here, the easter bunny came early and told me to deliver it to you. BTWs it's a powdered doughnut and a glazed, with a napkin in between just like you like it," I cheerily mention.

"Oh pleaz' chil', I knows it was you! I 'preciate it! 'Morrows m' turn!" He states.

"Well if your volunteering, can it be the fried apples that Martha makes so well? You know, asking for my friend the Easter Bunny?" I ask innocently.

To this he chuckled and rolled his eyes. After he replied, "Sure thang chil'. Well bes' be headin' to work for the ole boss-man!"

"Alrighty! Is classical music fine or do you wanna listen to our upbeat "confident" playlist today?" I question, dying to get back to work before the always late, and notorious play-boy CEO enters. Since his father died, his flavor of the week women have thankfully dissipated, leaving a serious jackarse that needs to get laid.

Zeke ponders my question for a moment before answering, "Migh' as well hit 'em upstyl' today Miss Desiree."

I add, "Totally! Upbeat it is then! Bye!"

Turning back to my boring as hell work, I switch over and start playing Spotify to help the hours pass by. I can't wait to take lunch and meet Bella at this cute Italian eatery!

Looking at the clock, I note that I have to make it three hours before, I can take my break at noon. Now heading back to make schedules for Mr. Blue Circular Object(s), Banarama blares from the office speakers as I check people in, take calls, make a list of need to tell jack*ss, need to fax and need to copy. One bonus is that my typing skills are now on point!

Now having worked away an hour and listening to Gloria Gaynor's "I will survive," my boss comes in taking my good mood and chucking it down the Grand Canyon and into the Earth's core.

Nonetheless, I smile cordially, rise and follow him into his office. If he was not so stuck up, annoying, rich, and a jerk, maybe his dark waves with complimentary pale green eyes, a beard and tall muscular frame would be attractive. That is a BIG IF though.

"Hello, sir! I hope all is well! There are just a few things I would like to go over for the day before getting out of your hair," I say more chipper and bubbly than I feel. I cannot wait to go home to my dog Jackie...I miss her. 

In the time it had taken me to get side tracked, and space out, I had missed out on the fact that he was mocking me for staring at him.

"Sorry, sir, I zoned out there for a second! Promise it won't happen in the nearby future! It's just that..." I ramble.

"Look! I am a very busy person, and have a lot to do in general than worry about my "so clueless she should have been in the movie" secretary. Now I have somethings to declare of you. Today, instead of taking lunch with that friend of yours, you will be dining with myself and a business partner that I need to close a deal with..." he rudely cuts me off. Yup! So not hot!

I return the b*tchy favor by saying, "This is awfully short-noticed and unprofessional of you when you have two personal assistants that literally get paid to kiss-your-ass and do all of your work. I mean, let's be real!"

He tries to interject, "Excu..."

I continue, "I am so sick of your attitude towards me. You are always so mean when I try to be nothing but polite and the best secretary I can. Yet you tear me down with your judgy gazes. Your associates are just alike except for Jack, who's so sweet. Tell him I said hi! And that I owe him a sweet treat for that sugar cookie he gave me on my birthday. Anyways, where was I?"

Mr. Henry Mason assists with amusement in his eyes? "You were telling me how much of an a**hole I am! I must say you fire and moxy is amazing. So much so that I must conquer with your analysis." 

A smirk playing at his lips after the statement, leaving me gobsmacked and open-mouthed.

So confused and furious, at what I don't know, I practically ran to my desk. This is going to be a long day!