Behind His Office Door

Two Days To Go

After my little orientation with Erin, I left the office and went home.

Stepping into the house, I smelled like a mix of subway and dried sweat, which called for a shower. I looked around and there was no hint of anyone in the house meaning Grace wasn’t back yet. I slipped into my room, peeling off my clothes before stepping under the shower.

After my shower, I literally sprinted downstairs cause I was hungry. I decided to make penne pasta with chicken.

While in the kitchen cooking, the alarm of the house rang announcing that someone had just stepped in which was probably Grace.

“Hey babygirl,” Grace said tiredly as she walked into the kitchen.

“Hi darling, you look really tired,” I said.

“Omg yes! I am, work today was so stressful. Didn't know being a fashion designer could be this stressful.”

I giggled. “Sorry, you'll be fine.”

“You’re cooking? That's new” Grace said looking at me surprised.

I knew how to cook I just didn't like cooking— it's so stressful or maybe I'm just lazy but I only cook once in a while.

“Yes, I am. I decided to make a celebratory meal for myself since I got the job,” I replied smiling.

“Oh my gosh girl! I'm so happy for you,” Grace said jumping and rushing to hug me.

“Thank you,” I chuckled.

“So… tell me how the interview went, how was your boss like?”

“He was so rude at first, I feel like he was just trying to be intimidating but that didn't work on me.”

Grace laughed and said, “That's my girl.”

“Yeah, and then he asked me a series of questions and I just answered honestly. He said he's giving me a one-month trial but I know I got the job already. And then I met Erin, she's okay but she was formal and professional most of the time we talked.”

“Yeah, that's her,” Grace replied.

“Also, there are some protocols. They offer their staff accommodation and wardrobe stipends but the accommodation is optional,” I said to Grace.

“Well? Would you like to be in the accommodation?” Grace asked.

“And leave you here all by yourself?” I asked teasingly.

Grace laughed and said, “Seriously if you feel like it's going to be better for you then take it.”

“I'm good here,” I replied honestly.

“Okay then, I'm off to shower,” Grace said, already going up the stairs to her room.

The day had gone by so quickly. I glanced at the wall clock above the television and it was 6:24pm.

After we had finished eating, Grace and I decided to watch a movie— and that wasn't really a good idea considering the fact that Grace and I have different tastes in movies. We argued for 20 minutes before finally deciding to watch Titanic, which was a classic.

Minutes into the movie Grace decided to call it a night cause she had an early morning the next day so I decided to start window shopping for my new corporate wear.

Two days. That's how long Erin gave me to reinvent myself.

I had already received the email from Erin some hours ago with my official start date, orientation details, and something called “dress code guidance.” I stared at the message for so long when I received it, which meant no worn jeans, no scuffed flats, and definitely no five-dollar blouses.

I decided to do a bit of window shopping tonight so I'd know exactly what to order tomorrow. There were particular stores Erin had recommended in the email— H&M, Zara, and Bershka. I saw a few things I liked so I added them to my cart and called it a night.

Morning had barely settled in when my phone buzzed for probably the hundredth time. By the time I finally woke up, the delivery guy had called so many times I half expected him to break down my door. Apparently, thirty missed calls later, I still managed to sleep like a rock. I threw on a hoodie and joggers and dashed downstairs for my ID badge, still half-asleep.

After signing the package, I went into the kitchen and saw that Grace had already served my breakfast and left.

“She’s so sweet,” I thought to myself.

Pulling out my phone from my joggers' pocket, I sat on the counter and placed the order for my clothes while eating.

After making the final payments for my clothes, I was having mixed feelings—the Tiana Vance of two weeks ago wouldn't believe this is her life now — purchasing designer outfits, trying to build a version of herself that looked like she belonged in glass towers.

Then my mind went back to my mom. This past week I’ve been here all I've wanted to do is call her, talk to her, and tell her how good things are here. But I have to wait, I have to make sure my calling her is to get her out of that house and away from that monster called my father.

I spent the remaining day going through my orientation details which weren't really much—just code of conduct, how to relate with clients, and how to attend to Mr Harrison when Erin isn't available, there was also a map of where to find other offices and departments in the building. And my clothes had also arrived and they were so sleek and chic. I was too excited to try them on.

The second day had passed like a blur.

Grace had the day off, so we decided to go grocery shopping.

“Tiana we are not buying anything we don't need,” she warned as we stepped out of the door.

I laughed under my breath — if anyone was going to do impulse buying, it was definitely her. “Yes ma’am,” I said, trying not to smile too much.

The mini store down the street was quiet, the kind of place where the air smelled faintly of detergent and fruit snacks. We hadn't even been inside for five minutes before Grace started tossing things into the basket that weren't on the list. I didn't even bother stopping her. Once she got into shopping mode, there was no turning back.

By the time we had gotten back home, I was so exhausted.

“I can't believe you let me get all these unnecessary things Ti,” Grace said trying to act sad.

“Well, I tried my best to stop you.”

“Yeah, I guess you did,” Grace replied defeated.

“Anyways, I'm off to bed. I have a long day tomorrow and I have to be early since it's my first day,” I said yawning.

“Okay, Miss New Yorker.”

I looked at her angrily. “Stop calling me that.”

“Sorry ma’am. Goodnight darling,” Grace said while unpacking the things we had bought in the kitchen.

“Goodnight,” I muttered on my way to the stairs.

I pulled off my clothes immediately I stepped into my room, changed into my PJs, and laid down on my bed.

I was trying so hard not to overthink tomorrow, so I decided to turn off my phone, and get some sleep.

I didn't know what Harrison Enterprises had in store for me, but I had hoped it was going to be life-changing—in a positive way.