A Hand to Hold

Chapter four

~ Natalie

*

An hour before my alarm was set to go off, I found myself wide awake and staring at my ceiling. A knot of excitement and nerves grew in the pit of my stomach in anticipation of my first day as Ronan Ó Ceallaigh’s personal assistant— in training.

*

Since my brief run-in with my now boss, I hadn’t been able to evict him from my dreams. I hadn’t scoped out his online presence since before our encounter, as I much preferred the way he appeared in my memory. His strong jawline was half-concealed by facial hair, half a shade redder than the hair on his head. His swoon-worthy, strawberry-blonde locks nearly reached his shoulders. It was mostly wavy, but curled at the tips. I’d never forget how his deep, narrow eyes had observed me, and I hoped it would become a daily occurrence.

*

It was a challenge to absorb my new reality when only the week before, I’d been killing myself, waiting tables at a dying diner, barely making ends meet. And now, I was about to put on my big-girl pants, work an adult job, and finally make use of my college education. Just as soon as I could bring myself to stop fantasizing about my boss.

*

I should’ve gotten out of bed the moment I awoke because, at some point, my mind shifted from visualizing Ronan Ó Ceallaigh’s handsome features to dwelling on my parents. Would they have been proud of me? I had limited memories of my mom and dad, as they died before my fifth birthday. My Aunt Mel and Uncle Brian raised me. At least, that’s what I called them. Being my mom’s closest childhood friend, Melody was technically my godmother, and Brian Norris was her husband. Though we weren’t related by blood, they’d adopted me legally. Sadly, we lost Uncle Brian just after I turned ten, leaving me and Aunt Mel alone to face the world. I took a deep breath, releasing a sharp exhale, before throwing the blankets off. I refused to allow the first day at my new job to be marred by past grief.

*

One insanely hot shower and two cups of coffee later, I felt centered again. My studio apartment was every minimalist’s dream. The only two doors belonged to a closet and the tiniest bathroom in existence, consisting of a toilet, a pedestal sink, and a cramped shower. I longed for a place where I could regularly enjoy a long soak in an oversized bathtub. But the apartment suited me just fine for the time being.

*

I placed two pieces of bread in my toaster. Toast and orange juice were my breakfast of choice. It was warm, filling, and affordable. I could live off toast. After I ate, I began putting myself together. Trina had lent me a few professional outfits. It was fortunate I had a friend close by with similar tastes in clothing to my own. I possessed slightly more prominent hips than her, while she was taller and bustier. But apart from that, we were the same size.

*

I chose a form-fitted teal skirt and paired it with a mint, long-sleeved silk blouse. It would’ve looked better had I possessed a smidge of cleavage. But what I lacked in cup size, I made up for in hair length. I curled my tresses and ran my fingers through, creating elegant waves, before I pinned one side back. For added courage, I spent a little extra time on my makeup, but not too much as I preferred the natural look.

*

At half-past seven, I heard a sharp knock, followed by the opening of my front door. “Hey, it’s me,” Trina called through the apartment. When I left the bathroom, I found her peering into my refrigerator. “You have any coffee creamer? I’m out.”

“Behind the juice,” I answered.

“Yes!” she exclaimed before her expression fell to disappointment. “Ugh, hazelnut.”

“Beggars can’t be choosers.”

“True.” She added a splash of cream to her travel mug and looked over at me.

*

As I slipped on my grey flats, Trina moved closer and commented, “My silver heels would look better with that outfit. I can grab ‘em for you on the way downstairs.”

“You know I don’t wear heels,” I reminded her.

“Still? I thought that was just a phase.”

“I’m most comfortable at my own height,” I replied. She shrugged and said, “Fair enough. You ready?”

*

Twenty minutes later, Trina pulled into the entrance of the parking garage OCE shared with the rest of the building. We planned to trade off driving to work in future, but as it was my first day, I didn’t yet have a parking pass or security badge. Out of the car, we made our way to the elevator and Trina pressed the button for the fortieth floor.

*

“Candace will take good care of you, I’m sure,” my best friend assured as the lift ascended. “But remember, I’m only across the hall if you need me.”

“I know, Mom,” I teased. “Don’t worry about me. If I can’t think on my feet, I don’t deserve this job in the first place.”

“About time you believed in yourself. My work here is done. They grow up so fast.” She pretended to wipe a tear from her eye as the elevator doors opened.

*

We passed through the lobby, where I’d sat nervously only a few days before. The receptionist looked up at our approach. “Morning, Tiffany,” Trina said. Tiffany’s red hair was styled in a perfect chignon without a hair out of place. She repeated Trina’s greeting, then narrowed her muddy-brown eyes in my direction and asked, “Who’s this?”

“This is Natalie Norris, Mr. Ó Ceallaigh’s new personal assistant.”

*

Tiffany’s face turned sour as she said, “You got the job? What are you, like eighteen?”

“I’m twenty-two,” I calmly corrected.

“Whatever. You’ll be gone in a week.”

“What makes you think so?” I asked casually once I’d gotten over the initial shock of her bluntness. She shrugged and answered, “OCE operates in a fast-paced world, and you’re too young to have much experience. You won’t survive.”

*

I smiled politely and replied, “Thank you.”

“For what?” The ginger receptionist asked in confusion.

“There’s no better motivator for me than proving someone wrong.” I turned to Trina and said, “Hopefully, I’ll see you for lunch. If not, I’ll see you after work.”

“Go get ‘em, tiger!” She sent me a wink and we parted ways while Tiffany was still gaping like a goldfish.

*

When I walked into Candace’s office, she smiled at me from behind her desk and said, “You’re early. That’s a good sign.”

“Is that something I should make a habit of?” I asked, hanging my cardigan and handbag on the coat rack in the corner.

“Mr. Ó Ceallaigh would appreciate the initiative. Being on time is fine, but being early would definitely keep you on his good side.”

“Can you tell me what to expect from his bad side?”

“Not yet. I can’t have you running out of here before you’ve even started.”

“That bad?”

“Pay attention to my instructions and you’ll never know.”

*

I sat in front of the desk and asked, “Speaking of bad sides, can you tell me how I managed to offend the receptionist already?” Candace let out a soft laugh and said, “Don’t take it personally. She was bound to hate anyone who got this job over her.”

“She applied?”

“She did. And considered herself entitled to it, considering she’s worked here three years. However, Mr. Ó Ceallaigh expects his PA to have at least a master’s. I gave her an interview as a courtesy.” She lowered her voice and added, “It did not go well.”

“I see.”

“And just between you and me,” Candace continued as she leaned over her desk, “she’s borderline obsessed with Ronan. She probably believed being his assistant would result in him falling madly in love with her. What she doesn’t know is that man’s heart is impenetrable.” Noted, I thought to myself.

*

“Ready to get started?” Candace asked as she stood. I followed her lead as I nodded eagerly in response. “Great, we’ll begin with a tour of OCE’s territory in the building. Mr. Ó Ceallaigh is currently in conference with Mr. Herrington. When they’re finished, I’ll officially introduce you. This afternoon, we’ll go over the computer software.”

“I’m ready. Lead the way.”

*

I spent the next hour getting familiar with the building. Candace began her tour downstairs in the security office, where I acquired my ID badge and parking pass. At nine-thirty, Candace showed me where Mr. Ó Ceallaigh preferred to get his coffee. “Starbucks has got nothing on Leroy,” she informed me as she led the way through the front of the building.

*

Down the front steps and a short walk up the street, we approached a coffee cart. “Hey there, pretty lady!” the elderly man, wearing a coffee-stained apron, exclaimed upon seeing Candace.

“Hey, Leroy,” she answered. “I’d like you to meet my replacement, Natalie.” I shook the white-haired man’s hand, and he gave me a friendly smile. “It’s nice to meet you,” he said, “although it’s hard to believe anyone could replace this one.” He nodded his head toward Candace. “You’re probably right,” I agreed, “but I’ll give it my best shot anyway.” With a pat on my hand, he replied, “Aw, you sound like a good one.”

*

Leroy looked to Candace and asked, “So, beautiful, the usual?”

“You got it,” she replied before explaining to me, “Mr. Ó Ceallaigh’s usual is an Americano with a splash of cream. He doesn’t appreciate anything flavored.”

“Got it,” I confirmed.

*

“Here ya go, Candace, hon.” Leroy handed her a cup then turned to me. “And you, Natalie? What’s your usual?”

“Oh, well…” I looked at Candace questioningly. “Go for it. Mr. Ó Ceallaigh doesn’t mind, and it’s on his dime, so don’t hold back.”

“In that case,” I looked at Leroy and said, “I’d love a hazelnut latte.”

“Coming right up.”

*

We took the private elevator back to the office, and Candace gave me the operation code with specific instructions not to share with anyone. As we stepped out of the elevator, the phone on Candace’s desk rang. “Here,” she said, handing me Mr. Ó Ceallaigh’s Americano, “do me a favor and take this to him. I’ll just be a minute.”

“Of course.” I set mine down to avoid a mix-up and proceeded through the double doors into the CEO’s domain.

*

As I locked eyes with Ronan Ó Ceallaigh, a myriad of emotions passed over his face, including surprise, confusion, and… anger? What offense could I have possibly committed already? When he finally spoke, it sounded nothing like the warm, velvety tone I’d been dreaming of. It was almost menacing. “What do you think you’re doing here?”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~