Chapter 4 Big Boss Upstairs
1034 Words
Finally the time had almost come. The clock is thirty minutes away. Before i am allowed to go upstairs.
Most of them had already left, only the people who always stay longer as usual because they don’t want to leave anything behind for tomorrow.
Sammy walked up and asked if i was ready to go. Not only did she really need a drink, she wanted to check out the new, trendy place where they have those latest and craziest coktails.
Unfortunately, i had to postpone the drinks evening. I told her Julian was waiting for me because he had reschuduled the appointment and it its now. She wasn’t happy about it, but what else could she do? She said she was leaving and that she would wait for me. I wanted to tell that it wasn’t necassary and that she could just enjoy herself and that i couldn’t come at all today.
All i wanted to do later was drive home in traffic and of course my short drive home would take longer now. I wanted to pick up some mexican food for dinner on the way home. Then a lovely long hot shower, my soft warm pajamas and my woolen slippers.
HELLO eart to Riley?!, i was so caught up in thinking about what to do later. Sammy gave me a long face and explained why she didn’t want tot drink alone and really needed me.
Honestly, what would we have done without each other. That’s why i said yes, that i didn’t know how long it would take and that i’d text her when i was on my way. She’d also definitely pay for my first three drinks.
She clapped her hands enthusiastically. She almost jumped with excitement. Yeahh… Riley, i’ll see you later. Should i bring anything from home?. She’s so lucky she practically lives in the city. Close to where we’re meeting later.
No thanks girl, i’ll see you later. Oh yeah, maybe some pants. She looked at me and said she would take care of it for me. Ten minutes before i’m expected. I turn off my computer and get everything ready for departure, but i leave it at my desk.
Took the elevator up. You have to keep in mind that the top floor has a completely different elevator that the usual one. The elevator took me where i needed to be and Linda was sitting at the desk in front of the door where i was expected. I told Linda i had a appointment with Mr. Lockridge.
She told me that i could sit in the chair opposite from her desk. Mr. Lockridge was still busy and could be ready at any moment. I had put my phone in the drawer downstairs, i thought i could walk straight in. Heard the clock on the wall ticking.
Tick…..tick…….tick…..tick
What fell like forever but maybe twenty minutes.
Finally, the door to his office opened. The red-haired woman from the restaurant also walked out. This time she smiled and said hello. Linda greeted her as Miss. Carmen. Linda told me i could walk in. I kept looking at Miss. Carmen, trying to figure out who she was.
She’s not late, is she Linda? I heard Julian say.
I walked so fast to him, closed the door behind me right before Julian could say anything else. Julian is sitting in his chair, behind him i could see the streetlights coming on. He was working on his laptop but say i could sit down. He didn’t look up when he say that.
I only heard my breathing and my heartbeat in the silence. Also the aggressive typing from the keyboard moving up and down.
So Riley, tell me how everything is going.
Started to say that everything is going well except for a technical error. Which thankfully was discovered by my team. I’m still investigating for myself what went wrong.
Julian could only hum in response and just looked at me with a faceless expression. Not only did that make me more nervous, i immediately felt warmer and started ironing my skirt.
My action also made Julian aware. He began to follow my movements with his eyes. I immediately stopped fiddling and started saying, i didn’t know what the error was. I definitely double-checked before submitting it. Riley, Julian interrupted my story. I know you always try to do your best in your work.
But sometimes mistake happens, we’re all humans so it happens.
I didn’t know i was holding my breath. I blinked and sighed and could only thank Mr. Lockridge for giving me the space.
Julian started by saying that he would appreciate it if i would have someone close to him do his data for the company. Didn’t know what to say, “ are you sure or thanks for the trust?”
Luckily Julian himself started to answer with even though i have every confidence that you will succeed i still think it is better that Mark looks together with you. Especially because it is a big costomer.
Not a single word came out of my mouth. I could only nod. Julian looked at me, as if he were waiting for me to say something. I had to clear my throat before i could say yes, which was probably best for now.
We agreed that this was best for the costumer.
Julian didn’t say anything else and we just had a staring contest. I asked if we had anything else to discuss. He folded his hands together and put his elbows on the desk and said, “No, you can go.” We”ll keep in touch or through Mark.
What i did know was to go as quickly as possible. Even though we’re friendly, his eyes don’t make me feel comfortable in this outfit. I started moving towards the door before i could open it. Julian say something,
“ Riley, if you hear anything unusual in the hallways, mention it.”
I nodded and said of course and asked him if there was anything specific going on. Julian said it would be all discussed at a meeting. But that i should keep my ears and eyes open.
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