CHAPTER 2 – THE ELEVATOR RIDE
452 Words
The elevator doors slid shut with a soft chime.
Abbey stood alone.
For a moment, the noise of the lobby disappeared completely, replaced by a quiet hum as the elevator began its ascent.
She watched the numbers climb.
10… 14… 18…
Her reflection stared back at her from the polished steel walls, composed on the outside, but her fingers tightened slightly around her bag.
First day.
New job.
New boss.
She exhaled slowly, forcing her shoulders to relax.
“You’ve got this,” she whispered under her breath.
The doors opened again on the executive floor.
And everything changed.
The air felt different here.
Quieter.
Colder.
More controlled.
People moved with intention, conversations low and precise, heels clicking in rhythm across the polished floors. No one lingered. No one laughed loudly.
Abbey stepped out carefully, taking it all in without making it obvious.
This wasn’t just another office floor.
This was where decisions were made.
Real ones.
She walked forward, spotting another reception desk positioned near a wide hallway lined with glass offices.
“Hi,” she said, offering a polite smile. “I’m Abbey Witmore. I was told to report here?”
The woman at the desk gave a brief nod. “Yes. Mr. Lawson’s office is down the hall. You’ll need to see his assistant first.”
“Thank you.”
Abbey followed the direction, heels steady, heart not so much.
At the far end of the hallway, a man stepped out of an office just as she approached.
Tall. Well-dressed. Calm.
He looked like he belonged here.
He spotted her immediately.
“You must be Miss Witmore.”
Abbey nodded. “Yes.”
“I’m Daniel,” he said, offering his hand. “Mr. Lawson’s assistant. Or temporarily still his assistant.”
Abbey shook his hand. Firm. Professional.
“Nice to meet you.”
“Come with me,” he said.
INSIDE ETHAN’S OFFICE
Daniel knocked once before entering.
Ethan didn’t look up immediately.
He was seated behind a large desk, reviewing something on his tablet, posture straight, attention fixed.
“Sir,” Daniel said. “The temporary assistant is here.”
Ethan’s response was simple.
A nod.
“You don’t need to bring her in,” he said calmly. “Handle orientation. Make sure she understands the basics before you leave.”
Daniel glanced briefly toward the door.
“Of course.”
“And Daniel,” Ethan added, finally looking up, “I don’t want to deal with avoidable mistakes while you’re gone.”
“I understand.”
Ethan’s gaze returned to his work.
Conversation over.
Daniel stepped out, closing the door behind him.
Abbey stood where she had been....
“Come,” Daniel said.
And she followed.
- Writer
