WORKING FOR HIM

WORK

It’s my first day on the job, so I had to make sure to be on time. I wouldn’t want to make a bad first impression, neither would I want anything that would attract unnecessary attention from Zach. Especially not after the embarrassing incident that occurred yesterday.

Trying to shake off the memory, I closed my eyes, still feeling embarrassed. From last night’s research on Greywood Enterprise, I learned this was the largest global infrastructure firm in NYC. So, I had to make sure my introduction reflected that.

I stepped into the office, feeling a bit nervous about what the day holds. I dropped my belongings on the table and headed towards the kitchen, driven by an insatiable craving for my morning coffee. I made my way into the kitchen area on the seventh floor and started grinding some coffee beans. I prepared a large fine cup of cappuccino for myself. Uncertain of Zach’s preference, but judging by his demeanor, I guessed he was a black coffee kind of person. I made sure to focus on every detail, not wanting to mess anything up. He had been explicit about how he does not tolerate slip-ups. So I had to ensure there were no mistakes.

Carefully placing the coffee and cappuccino on a tray, I made my way to his office.

As I walked past the receptionist’s desk, memories of our unpleasant encounter during my interview resurfaced. She had been rude and dismissive, leaving a sour impression.

Today I was determined not to let her bad attitude get to me. I gave a polite smile and greeted her, hoping for a more positive response this time around.

‘’Good morning Ms. Penelope,’’ I greeted her with a polite smile.

She looked up at me, her expression unchanged.

‘’Enjoy this…" she motioned at me with her fingers ‘’while it lasts.’’

What a b***h!

Ignoring her, I walked into the elevator.

Immediately, the elevator’s doors opened. I walked in, balancing the tray so that the coffee doesn’t spill. Approaching his office, I took a steadying breath and knocked gently on the door.

‘’Come in’’, his authoritative voice commanded.

I walked into the office, offering the tray with a practiced smile.

He looked even better than yesterday. His tall frame stood facing the glass window, as he stared out into the city, exuding an effortless elegance in his perfectly tailored suit which screamed money. The sunlight reflected off the glass buildings, casting a golden glow over his face. He was a sight to behold.

I still found it hard to believe that this was Zach—all grown and successful. The boy I once tormented has transformed into a powerful man.

He turned to face me, and I felt my breath hitch. He glanced at me with those piercing emerald green eyes, and I found myself getting lost in them. They were so striking, so beautiful, that for a moment I almost forgot why I was there.

‘’You’re staring Ms. Alexa,"he said with a stern voice, pulling me out of my thoughts.

‘’Sorry… Good morning Sir, I’ve brought you your coffee,’’ I greeted, trying to keep my voice steady despite the nerves fluttering in my chest.

I placed the tray on his desk, reached for the black coffee and handed it to him. Without any hesitation, he took a sip from the content of the cup. I was about to sip on mine, when he spat the coffee back into the cup.

‘’Is this a joke?’’ he asked, clearly annoyed. "What the f**k did you make?’’

Perplexed, I stammered an apology.

‘’I…I’m so sorry sir, is it too hot? Should I have added more milk or sugar to it?’’

Enraged, he interrupted me. ‘’Get out before I lose my cool.’’

“Ye…yes sir. I’m really sorry, I’ll fix this,” I stuttered.

“Leave,’’ he commanded. “And don’t bother making me another cup.’’

Filled with so much shame, I turned to leave.

“What have I done? In just a space of 10 minutes I've messed up on the first day of work. I never seem to get anything right. I’m such a mess.”

I could feel my eyes well up with tears.

“Make sure you’re ready by 10, we’ve got a meeting with some important clients”, he ordered.

“Yes, sir,” I muttered, my voice barely audible.

“Speak up, Ms. Damine. I can’t stand it when people mumble,’’ he warned sharply.

I straightened up and spoke more clearly. “Yes, sir. I’ll be ready by 10.”

I could feel the intensity of his gaze on my back as I walked away.

_​​​​​_​​​​​_

I slipped into the restroom, locked myself in a stall, and sank onto the toilet seat. Alone, I let the tears fall; overwhelmed by a deep sense of self-pity and despair. I made Mr. Zach really mad on my first day. He must feel very disappointed in me, and probably saw me as incompetent.

Taking a moment to myself, I let the silence of the restroom envelop me as I collected my thoughts. I wiped my tears, and took deep breaths to calm myself.

“Yes, I messed up on my first day of work, but that doesn’t mean I’m incompetent. I’m very good at my job, and I’ll prove that to him, and every other person, including Ms. Penelope,’’ I told myself.

Already calm and composed, I was ready to leave the restroom when I heard the laughter of two women entering. I froze, not wanting to make any noise.

“Why am I hesitating?” I asked myself. “I should just step out. This isn’t high school”.

“Did you hear about the new secretary?” I heard one of the women ask.

“Oh yeah”, the other replied “I heard she’s a complete disaster. Have you seen her? She looks like a total mess. Her bags, her clothes, her shoes— everything about her just screams “out of place.”

They both giggled, and I felt a sharp pang of hurt from their words. As I shifted uncomfortably, the toilet responded with a faint clatter.

“f**k f**k Fuck.”