CHAPTER 4
1261 Words
Aaron
"s**t!" I cursed as I spilled my hot coffee on my pants.
I was still moody because my last business trip didn't go as planned. I came back from California yesterday evening and I have a meeting this morning at nine.
I was about to head to the office then decided to have coffee first.
I take off my pants and put an ice pack over the affected area. After the area has cooled, I change into a different suit and look at my reflection in the full length mirror in my closet.
"Perfect." The words echo in my closet.
The navy blue suit fit perfectly, as I expected, since I got them tailored. At thirty fout, I worked out six days a week to keep in shape.
I look down at my watch, 7:00 a.m. When I reach the driveway, my driver—Oliver is waiting for me.
"Good morning sir," he says as I get into the black Bentley.
"Good Morning Oliver."
The engine roars to life and we're off to already vibrant New York streets.
***
"Here is her file. Your new executive assistant." Mitchelle puts the dossier on my desk.
I look up at her. "I wonder how long this one will last one, two months?"
"Aaron, come on now. You can't keep scaring off your assistants this way."
I shrug. "It's not my fault they're incompetent and can't follow simple instructions"
She places her hand on her hip. "Simple? Really now? You're instructions are no where near simple."
"Mitch, I pay a very high amount for this position. Higher than average. I expect my assistant be good at his or her job, not people with lazy complains.
She rubs her forehead. "Whatever Aaron, just try to keep this one. Don't be too hard on her."
"As long as she's good at her job, I will."
She gives me one last look, lets out a frustrated breath, then turns and walks out.
I don't even bother opening the dossier on my desk. My longest assistant lasted five months. I give her two, three months at most.
She was to be present for the meeting today.
I look at the clock on the opposite wall, 8:45 a.m. I leave my office and head to Ethan's.
"Good morning Mr. Grayson." Suzan smiles at me as I pass by.
I nod at her.
As I am about to open his door, he beats me to it.
"Ohh, hey bud. Wanted to see me?
"Yeah, about the new product collection launch…."
We continue discussing as we take the elevator and head down to the conference hall on the twentieth floor.
When we reach the hall, Ethan enters first then I follow.
My eyes scan the room as usual and they fall on a new pair of eyes. Well, not exactly new because I've seen those honey brown eyes before.
I register the shock on her face as she recognizes me.
Turns out my new assistant is the lady who I'd had an encounter with two weeks ago in the men's restroom.
***
When the meeting is over, I ask her to see me in my office.
I see the flash of fear in her eyes but she tries to mask it with a smile.
"Ok sir."
She probably thought I'd fire her or something but I wasn't that ruthless.
I hear a knock on my door.
"Come in." I say.
When the door shuts, she takes a few steps forward then stops.
"Sir, you asked to see me."
I gestured to guest chairs opposite my desk. "Yes I did. Have a seat."
She sits on one of the chairs opposite mine. I noticed her fidgeting with her fingers on her skirt.
"I am sorry." she blurts.
"And why are you apologising, Miss Hathaway?"
"For that day in the restroom. I was in a hurry for my interview and I didn't check the door before entering. I had a bad day and I was getting frustrated and took it out on you. There was just so much going on."
She breathes out. "Nevertheless, none of the events that occurred that day was your fault. Again I am sorry. I hope that won't affect my work here."
"Did you think I would fire you?"
"Well, I thought of it. I knew that was a possibility."
I lean forward on my desk and look her in the eyes. "Well, apologies accepted. I am a professional, I don't mix work with my personal life. I suppose this goes for you too. Right?"
She clears her throat. "Yes, of course."
"Ok then, we don't have a problem."
"Ok sir."
"Good."
"Alright with that aside, I want to let you know, I want to work with someone competent and ready to do the job. If you feel like you're not up to the task or you will be giving silly excuses, you might as well quit now.
She meets my gaze. "I understand sir, I know my responsibilities and I am ready for the job. I did not get this far just to give up now."
I sweep my gaze over her. She was a bit nervous but I believe it was because of our past encounter. Aside from that, she looked determined.
"Okay Miss Hathaway, I look forward to working with you."
"Me too sir."
When she leaves, I pick up her file and read through it.
***
"Are you sure?" I can hear the concern in my mom's voice.
"Yes mom, I have had dinner."
"I know you work hard but don't forget to take care of yourself honey."
"Yes mom. You know, I am thirty-five and can take care of myself."
"Wow, so because you're all grown up now you're poor little mother can't worry about you?" She asks in a mock hurt tone.
I can't help but smile. "Of course you can, mom."
"So how's your vacation going? How's Greenland?"
I had to force mom into taking a vacation, She still insisted on working even though I had more money than I'd ever need.
"Really good, I am having the time of my life here. Today we went to explore caves and also saw giant icebergs."
"I am happy you're having a good time. See? I told you you'd have fun with your friends. I really wonder if you're more of a workaholic than me, like mother like son." We both laugh.
"Talking about being old, I am still waiting for the day when you present your girlfriend to me. You're already thirty-four, you're not getting any younger."
I run my hand through my hair. "Mom, I already told you, I am very busy with work and . For the past few months, I have gone on several dates but they have led to nothing."
"Aaron, I don't want you to end up lonely. I want you to find someone to love and spent the rest of your life. I want you to be happy."
"Mom, I already love you."
I hear her sigh. "That's not what I mean and you know it."
I laugh again. "Mom, if I am with someone, I'll let you know ok?"
"Okay."
"Bye mom, I love you."
"I love you more honey."
I hang up and turn off the bedside light. As I lay in bed about drifting off to sleep, an image of Miss Hathaway's smiling face and her pink plump lips comes to my mind.
I shake my head to clear the intrusive thoughts.
Why was I thinking of my new assistant in bed?
- Writer
