Impressed
1225 Words
Bernard
Today was Elena's first day as my PA, and I surprisingly found myself hoping she'd succeed. I didn't have the energy for another round of interviews. Post-workout and bath, I had no intentions of going to the office early but thought against it and decided to head to the office early to assess her progress.
Why do I care? I rationalized it was just about ensuring she could handle the job.
Grace had selected three outfits for me, as usual. I chose the navy blue suit with white sleeves and black shoes, opting for a bright red tie instead of her suggested one.
Dressed and perfumed, I headed downstairs.
"Someone looks dapper today!" Carlos, still lingering, exclaimed.
"Are you wearing a bright tie or are my eyes deceiving me?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.
"What's wrong with adding some color to my outfit?" I retorted.
"This is for the new girl, right? Even your perfume – you only wear it on dates, never to the office," Carlos teased.
"How do you know everything I do?" I wondered.
"Why are you still here? I thought you left," I asked.
"Chill, I partly live here," Carlos joked.
"You don't. You have a house. Use it," I advised, exhausted.
"With an attitude like this, you'll never get her," Carlos said, cryptically.
"Get who?" I asked.
"The new girl, Elena!" he replied.
"Oh, please. Just today, no nonsense," I dismissed.
"Can I ride with you?" Carlos asked.
"No, use your car or get a cab." I laughed, seeing his face fall , savoring the victory , I did a little dance and left
ELENA
I woke up feeling enthusiastic about my first day as Mr. Bernard's PA. Getting ready was a breeze, and I chose a lilac dress that complemented me nicely. Adjusting my glasses, I gathered my belongings and headed outside to the waiting cab.
Glancing at my watch, I realized I had only 43 minutes to fetch his coffee. The commute was approximately 37 minutes, leaving me with a tight margin. Thankfully, there was no traffic, and the coffee shop was just a few blocks from the company building.
Bianca's email with the list of rules and regulations, including Mr. Bernard's preferred coffee, had prepared me well. I had also planned his itinerary for the day.
By 7:13 am, I arrived at the company building, coffee in hand. My sprint from the coffee shop had energized me for the day, eliminating the need for my own coffee.
As I placed the coffee on the table, Mr. Bernard walked in. Relieved to have beaten him, I offered my brightest morning smile.
"Good morning, Mr. Bernard," I greeted, maintaining professionalism despite his dashing appearance.
BERNARD
She arrived precisely on time, and her well-organized itinerary impressed me. The lilac dress complemented her nicely, and her bespectacled face added a touch of elegance. Her charming smile caught my attention.
I would really love to see her without those glasses. What am I even doing? Staring at my PA like this , I really need to go on a date, it’s been way too long I have been with a woman that must be the reason why I’m fancying my PA . It took her greeting me again to bring me back to reality
"Yeah , good morning El…?” I asked feigning forgetfulness
"Elena sir , Elena James” she replied innocently
"Yeah, so what’s on the agenda for today “
I asked already familiar with the schedule but wanting to linger this conversation a bit longer
"You have an 8:00 a.m. meeting with Cliff Investments, followed by an 11:00 a.m. meeting with Mr. Simeon from Standard Groups. Lunch with Miss Irene is at 2:00 p.m., and a board meeting at 4:30 p.m.," she recited softly.
"Are all arrangements in place ?“ I inquired
"Yes, sir. Cliff Investments and Mr. Simeon will meet you here. I've confirmed with Miss Irene, and she prefers Madetown for lunch. I've booked a table for two. I'm preparing the necessary files for the board meeting," she responded.
Impressive I thought , she has everything under control. Now this is how a PA should be
"Great job Elena , you will attend all meetings with me . Get ready “ I instructed
"Okay, sir. Thank you," she replied, departing with an unwitting glance from me..
Her model-like physique was striking, but I must maintain professionalism. She's exceptional, and I need to keep her focused on work.
ELENA
Today surpassed any grueling sports competition I'd endured. As a PA, I'd never imagined shuttling between meetings and, surprisingly, a date. What business did I have accompanying my boss on a social outing? I wasn't a bodyguard.
By 6:50 pm, exhaustion consumed me. My legs ached, but at least I didn't have to worry about dinner thanks to the restaurant takeout Mr. Bernard had gotten me.
"Elena, are you still with me?" Mr. Bernard asked, jolting me from my fatigue-induced haze.
"Yes, sir," I lied, longing to head home.
"You look exhausted. We'll continue tomorrow. Send me a detailed report of today's meetings by tonight," he instructed.
"Yes, sir," I replied.
"Leave now; my driver will drop you home," he dismissed.
"Thank you, sir. But how will you get home?" I asked.
"I'll ride with my brother. See you tomorrow," he replied.
"Thank you, sir." With that, I gathered my belongings and hastily exited the company building.
BERNARD
Standing outside my brother’s office , I saw him deeply engrossed in work . A familiar sight considering our family’s business legacy , That’s what we get for being the sons of one the richest businessmen in America
As If sensing my presence , he raised his head and smiled
"Hi” I offered lamely
"Hi! What brings you here ?” He asked suspicious of my unexpected visit to his office , I hardly come to his office
"Waiting for you to finish so we can ride together “ I admitted regrettably bracing myself for his mockery,
The room was filled with his laughter
"You want to ride with me ? After rejecting me like a plague this morning? “ he asked chuckling
"What brought about this change of events my dear big brother “ he pressed on
I shrugged "I told kelvin to take Elena home in my car “ I answered avoiding his eye contact
Carlos amusement turned to curiosity
"You asked kelvin to take your PA home in your car? “ he asked confused
"Yeah. She was exhausted and needed a ride , she also has a lot of things to do for me tonight “ I replied defensively
"Why didn’t you book a cab then” Carlos pressed
"Honestly, I didn’t think of that . You know what? If riding with you will be troublesome, I can call kelvin to come back for me ” I answered irritated .
Carlos expression softened ,
"It's not trouble, bro. I'm just surprised you care about your PA's well-being. Uncharacteristic of you." he replied and I knew his concern was genuine , I nodded, unsure of how respond
"I know” I said acknowledging his concern
Carlos wrapped up his work. "Ready to leave?"
He teased, "Want to pass by Elena's house to check on her?"
I playfully knocked on his head. "Let's get out of here."
- Writer
