Loving My Boss

Frustrated

ELENA

As I approached the apartment, the lit windows indicated Michelle's return. I wondered why she maintained this place, considering her frequent visits to her family home. Perhaps it was because of me; Michelle had always been fond of me since college.

I really like her and kept hoping she and Gilbert would end up together but they keep acting like siblings . Although four years older than me , she never treated me anything less than an equal . Always looking after me.

I entered the kitchen, finding Michelle preparing a meal. "Hey, girl!" I called out weakly.

"Hey, darling!" she replied, laughing. "You look like a mess, hun."

"That obvious?” I grabbed a bottle of water and headed out.

I needed to have a shower and get into preparing the records for Mr Bernard

After showering , I heard a knock on my door

"Come in” I called out, Michelle entered with shopping bags

"You know , you didn’t have to “ I protested

"Nonsense! These are from Mom, Michael, and me," michelle explained, handing them over to me. Micheal is her twin , her family has always been so kind to me and I’m really grateful for them

"Wow , this is lovely “ I said admiring the pink dress from Michael "too bad I can’t wear pink to work “ I added

"Why not?" Michelle asked.

"My boss dislikes pink and ordered me never to wear it “ I said

"And you agreed?” Michelle asked looking displeased

"What can I do ?” I asked laughing

"tell him , 'screw you and this job ‘“ she suggested , she has always been a loud mouth, one to voice anything that comes into her head and I was laughing so hard

"That’s impossible, I need this job and even if it means wearing black everyday , I will take it “ I replied

"You don’t , you look like exhausted and it’s just your first day . You should travel and have fun , not working for some pink hater “ she argued

"Not everyone can afford fun, trust fund baby“ I said giving her a playful wink , she hates when I call her that

"Don’t call me that , I work “ Michelle cautioned

"Oh you do ? Remind me exactly what you do again?” I asked feigning surprise

"I’m a content creator and an influencer “ she stated proudly

"Yeah , sure “ I laughed already tired of this conversation and thinking of the work I had to do " please go , I have work to do “ I pleaded

"Dinner first. You'll be fifty before thirty at this rate." Michelle insisted

I knew better than to protest, so I followed her to dinner.

BERNARD

I seethed, interrupted plans testing my patience. Finished reviewing Elena's reports, when I got a disturbing phone call about the Beijing hotel project , what do they even mean by we were violating construction regulations? We need that hotel running by Christmas. I was confused on what to do so I called Carlos

"Hey bro” I greeted briefly

"It’s 1:35am, people sleep “ Carlos snapped

"Businessmen never sleep “ I retorted

"Make me a waiter then so I can at least know my shifts “ Carlos joked . I’m in no mood for this back and forth.

I cut to the chase "Beijing hotel project is on hold “ I said and that was enough to get his brain starting again

Carlos tone shifted

"What do you mean? , it’s under construction” he answered quickly

"They cited regulation violations. I'm unclear on the specifics," I admitted.

"Well, what do you want us to do ? Should I fly to Beijing tomorrow?” Carlos offered

"No, I'll go. I have a meeting with Engineer Greg tomorrow; handle it for me. Elena will send you the necessary documents. I might brief you before departing." I answered

"Okay, bro. Keep me posted. See you tomorrow," Carlos said before hanging up, likely returning to sleep.

I wouldn't share his luck; resolving this hotel issue would keep me awake.

ELENA

By 7:09 am, I was already in the company building with Mr. Bernard's coffee. I had sent the necessary documents to Mr. Carlos and canceled all his meetings as instructed. Delighted to have a meeting-free day, I smiled.

He walked into my office with the most shiny black suit I have ever seen, I have seen him twice but still surprised how he looks better every single time, no wonder Miss Irene was drooling over him when they had lunch

"Good morning sir” I greeted smiling

"Good morning , see me in my office “ Mr Bernard replied walking past me to his office

"Okay sir “ I got up to follow him

Inside his office , I waited a few minutes before he addressed me

"Did you send the documents to my brother ?” He asked

"Yes sir “ I replied

"Canceled all my meetings for today ?“ he continued

"Yes sir “ I enjoyed canceling those meetings

"Okay nice , get your things ready , we leave for Beijing in about 30 minutes “ he said flipping through files . What does he mean we leave for Beijing ?

"Sorry sir, you mean Beijing, China ?“ I asked surprised

"Is there another Beijing ?” He raised an eyebrow brow

"No sir , I’m sorry sir “ I apologized still trying to hide my surprise

"Sir but I don’t have any traveling documents with me “ I said

"That won’t be necessary, just get ready “ he replied

"Okay sir , will we be coming back today? “ I asked

"What’s with all the questions Elena ?” His irritation grew

I flinched "I’m sorry sir , I will go get ready now “ I apologized

As I turned to leave , Mr Bernard called me back

"sorry about that, I was just in a bad mood, we will be there for 2-3 days “ he said.

I hesitated, worried about my lack of clothes, but Mr. Bernard seemed to read my mind.

"Don't worry about clothes and personal items; you'll get them once we arrive."

Relieved, I left to prepare.

BERNARD

I hadn't intended to frighten Elena; my frustration with the Beijing hotel project had reached a boiling point. My dad's warning on my way to work still lingered, adding to my irritation. He always knew how to get under my skin.

Glancing at my watch, I realized I wouldn't have time to see Carlos. A text would have to suffice.

The sooner I resolve this issue, the better for everyone.