Love after loss

Hired

Just three days home alone felt like three months. The days seemed never-ending. Agatha had been at her mom's since after that day, helping her out with little errands and watching over an ex-colleague's daughter. She still hadn't broken the news to her mom that Alex had offered her a spot in his studio, but she had refused.

"Mom, I have to tell you something. I'm sorry I lied about having a week off from work. The truth is that..." Her mom cut her off.

"That you just wanted some time off and you will resume today? It's okay, Agatha. You didn't have to lie; your boss gave you a leave. You see, in life..."

Agatha interrupted her mom, "Mom, mom, mom! That's not what I wanted to say. Please, I wanted to say my boss fired me due to misunderstandings." She pressed her hands against her eyes.

"Fired? What misunderstanding could lead to that? I can't believe this! Start talking and tell me the truth," her mom frowned, arms crossed.

"The truth is a misunderstanding. It won't bring back my job, and I don't even want to work there. My boss was even..." She paused, realizing there was no need to share that information. "Well, I have a job interview to attend right now, if you would excuse me. I'm late."

"I don't know why you got fired, baby, but all I know is you have to move on. Life has bigger plans for you. Go break a leg in that interview, dear. I love you," her mom hugged her.

"Love you too, Mom. Bye," Agatha replied, leaving just as she received a phone call from Alex.

"I could have escorted you to your interview, but clients won't stop coming. Break a leg, sis!" Alex smiled and hung up as Agatha entered her Uber.

She arrived at the workplace, a massive mansion. She barely knocked before the door swung open. "Come in," a young man said, directing her to the main living room.

Once she reached the living room, she was shocked to see the man from the bar and the man from church.

"Damn," they both echoed, a long pause following, making things awkward.

"Well, business is business," the man broke the silence.

Agatha nodded, reminding herself that she needed this job, even if she couldn't shake the uncomfortable memory of their encounter at the bar. "Be composed, be composed," she whispered to herself. It was clear she was uneasy, and he could tell—but he didn't seem to care.

"What are your qualifications? How capable are you of becoming my personal assistant? Are you a graduate? Master's? PhD? What certifications do you have?" the man kept firing questions at her, and she responded in a composed and calm manner.

While she didn't have a master's or PhD, she had graduated from New York University with a B.S. in Business Administration, c*m laude. She also had two years of experience in marketing and had worked as a business analyst, so becoming a personal assistant wouldn't be too tough for her.

"You're hired," the man said firmly.

"Thank you, but I would like to know my benefit package—specifically, my salary structure and the amount?" Agatha asked, nearly losing her balance from surprise.

"As my personal assistant, you would be accommodated and fed by me. We'll discuss your salary later, but whatever you need, just ask me," he replied.

"You mean I would be leaving here with you? I don't think that's possible, and whatever I want isn't the amount you're paying me. I asked for a price," Agatha frowned.

"Your work starts now!" He stood up, waiting for her response.

"Mr. Dennis, with all due respect, I can't stay here," Agatha said angrily.

"I insist that you do, so you can understand how being my PA works. Now follow me," he frowned.

"Okay," she replied quietly, unsure of what to do next but grudgingly following him.

"This is your room," he said, leaving the room without waiting for a response.

"This isn't proper. I didn't prepare for this; at least hear me out. I don't have my clothes or toothbrush with me," she called after him, hurrying to catch up as he walked quickly. The hallways were really long.

"My driver will take you shopping to get whatever you need. If you refuse, he can take you to your house to get your clothes, but you have to be back before six. I have a virtual meeting to attend, and I need you to stand in for me," Dennis said as he walked away.

"Well, I'll just go home and get my clothes and be back before six," she murmured as she entered one of his cars, the driver having been instructed to take her with him.

After about two hours of packing, the time was exactly 4:25. She decided to make lunch for herself (pasta).

At 7:15, she ran out of her house with her small luggage and was surprised to see that the driver was still waiting. It was a tinted black Rolls Royce. She opened the door in shock to see not the driver, but Dennis.

"You're late," he said, pausing. "Is this how disappointing you can be on your first day of work?" Dennis frowned.