Episode 8:The Gaze That Lingers
1568 Words
Elsa's POV
Jethro's eyes rested on mine and I looked away instantly. That had happened for the umpteenth time within the hour. I could tell Jethro is intentionally distracting me. Since he walked in on our discussion about his misconduct earlier this morning, his resolve to frustrate me seems to have doubled.
At The Office.
“Miss Williams, I was made to believe your Data Analysis Skill is commendable according to your Curriculum Vitae.”
My direct supervisor, a man introduced to me earlier that day, as Dylan Cooper said pleasantly.
“Yes Mr Cooper, my experience of it is great.”
I heard someone clearing his throat behind me, without looking. I knew it was Jethro, but I ignored him, the only coping mechanism I have against his consistent bullying.
“That is superb. I guess I am finally getting someone of value to support me in teamwork.”
Another clearing of the throat followed, but this time, I was certain it was a female. I turned slightly, and my eye caught it. Someone was throwing shades at me from the table adjacent to mine. I scoffed inwardly,
Had Jethro recruited an accomplice against me already?
“Miss Carris.”
“Yes Mr Cooper.”
“Share the information on our latest project with Miss Williams, her insight could be of use to its improvement.”
“Okay sir.”
I did not need to check out my horoscope for the week to know that it was going to be really challenging,
“Follow me.”
That was all I heard and a silhouette walking away. I had to rush to catch up with her. Her Stoic facial expression told me I had rubbed wrong on her already. Moving closer to her, I couldn't help but shrink.
She screamed elegance and sophistication!
The tantalizing fragrance of her cologne, lustrous gleaming hair, her fancy outfit, classy accessories and poise was totally intimidating. I know better than to try to compete with a perfect diva like her.
“My name is Primrose Carris. If you are going to be working with me, I need to know you are smart.”
I scoffed inwardly. After all my positive view of her exterior, she turned out as a total snub. I didn't respond to her Instead, I tried to keep my professional posture. Who is she to assume I am clumsy? She wasn't even the supervisor but a mere superior colleague.
We turned another corner and another. A part of me was glad we were away from the office where Jethro had decided to while away his idle day. If putting such distance between him and myself means staying in the company of this Primrose snub, I don't think I would mind.
After the heated moment we had that morning, the head maid had cowered away, and refused her word when Jethro showed up.
Jarvis was furious. He wanted to get his brother to account for his misdeed, but the girl's plea of silence and the handmaid's fear of losing her job left him no choice but to bury the hatchet.
We got into an elevator to the thirteenth floor and the moment we stepped out of it, Primrose turned to face me.
“Listen, this is the CEO’s, keep your professionalism perfect, okay!”
I rolled my eyes inwardly,
“Like I hadn't been professional enough since I walked through the doors of Glass door Empire. In all honesty, I marveled at the gigantism of the company when I walked through its glass doors earlier that morning.
I hadn't been aware of it on my interview day because I was anxious, but today, I took in the great view. I couldn't get over the uniqueness of the waterfall on the first floor. I am certain customers won't want to leave until they take a picture of themselves with it as its background.
“Miss Williams! Aren't you being too absent-minded on your first day at work?”
Primrose said, her face laced with irritation. I could tell she didn't like me, but why pick on me with every little error?
“I am sorry,” I said calmly.
She didn't respond but walked on till we got to the door, and she brought out a key to open it when someone turned a corner heading our way,
The only person I have been desperately wishing to see for hours.
***
Jarvis's POV
I turned a corner with my assistant rushing after me. I never liked impromptu visitation by business associates, but this foreign investor that had been ignoring our requests just showed up on our doorstep without prior warning.
Father had sent me a long thirteen-minute voice note expressing his concern about losing the investment. The business he had traveled overseas was taking longer, and unfortunately, it has been really tasking. He had emotionally blackmailed me into ensuring I got the cunning old hyena to invest in our company. In truth, I didn't want to fail my father, so,
I couldn't have others do it, I had to welcome him myself. Getting his investment would be a huge win for the company, and I am certain my father would be glad if we did. I had nothing else in my head except my goal, until I locked eyes with her…evading my space.
Elsa stood there with another woman who was attempting to open the archive files room. Her eyes lightened up and her gaze was sharper when she saw me. Strangely, I felt a sense of tranquility in me that calmed my anxiety as I locked eyes with her too.
The other woman turned; her focus was on me. I noticed that she even adjusted her rumpled countenance into a pleasant smile.
“Good morning Mr Davidson.”
I could tell that was not her usual voice because I knew her, Primrose Carris, the same staff that kept bringing me parked lunch when I joined the company till I refused it rudely.
“Good morning Miss Carris, Elsa, how is your first day going?” I questioned curiously.
“It is going on fine Ja…. Ummm…Mr Davidson.”
I could feel my assistant stiffen behind me, no staff member had dared call my first name. I noticed Primrose's countenance dwindled too. It didn't matter, after all, they might all eventually find out we cohabit. But I reasoned the burden of the news might be higher on Elsa than I, so I decided against making it obvious.
“Good, if you will excuse me, have a wonderful day, both of you.”
Without another word, I walked out on them. Every fiber in my body wished to have a conversation with Elsa, but I had to resist the urge. We are at work. I have to draw boundaries like her boss.
I got into the elevator and my assistant pressed the first floor. He kept trying to update me on everything he knew about this supposed pig-headed investor. I had told him in the past to gather all possible information about him, but I didn't think of him showing up unannounced.
I had to memorize it all and chip it in along with our impending conversations and hosting of him. His weird favorite sport, food, interests, disinterests, family life, among other things. Father had always made sure Jethro and I accompanied him for some business dealings before he sent us abroad to study, and I have learnt the secret to impressing pompous men, is to talk about what they love the most,
Themselves!
“You said he detests his first son, right?”
“Yes, Mr Davidson, he hates talking about him. Rumor has it that he had adopted him as a child, but ended up hating him after having his own children.”
“Cruel human!” I muttered under my breath before I could stop myself.
“Pardon?” My assistant questioned not picking on my word.
“It is nothing,” I said, feeling embarrassed.
I shouldn't have let out such an outburst. An investor's personal view of life is supposed to be none of my concerns, doing business with him should be my only aim.
“What other thing should I beware of?” I questioned, curiously adjusting my polka dot tie.
“He…he…I don't know how to put this.”
“Stop stammering Pete, what is it?”
“He hates doing business with…younger men and women especially.”
“What! What kind of prejudiced reasoning is that?”
“That is what his profile suggests, Mr Davidson, but if he is going to do business with younger people, he likes being treated with the utmost respect.”
I almost scoffed at hearing that. I am glad I decided to welcome him from the first floor myself. I have done business with many difficult people. He was just one of many, I guess.
The elevator came to an abrupt stop, and we alighted from it. We walked up right in time for my ears to pick up a thunderous roar.
“You are too rude, Mr Davidson!”
My heart caught in my throat as I looked ahead to seeing someone in a shimmering suit standing in front of the aged investor with his
Hand in his pocket, glaring at the old man.
It was none other than my greatest weakness.
My identical twin brother, Jethro.
- Writer
