My Ex-Boss Wants Me Back

CHAPTER TWO

PRESENT DAY.

“Thank you for joining me, everyone.” I said, rising to my feet and adjusting my blazers.

“With all due respect, Miss Simone, why did you call such an impromptu meeting? I already have a site visit planned for right now.” Isobel, the lead architect asked, her voice dripping with spite.

“I apologize for the impromptu call, everyone. I'll get straight to it, then.” I said, walking to the front of the conference room.

“I called us all here today to discuss my observations after reviewing the team's current portfolio. There's a project I think we should be priotizing that we're not – turning the Hartwick Industries into a mixed-use development site. This could be a game changer for the company.”

“The same Hartwick Industries? The one we've shelved three times for its high risk?” Marcus, the Project Manager asked, his mouth quirking into a cruel smirk. Several sounds of agreement went around the room.

“I'm aware it was a high risk project for years, but times are changing. And according to my review, both the government and some private investors are looking to invest in projects that promote affordable housing and retail spaces just like this one. And I know that if we do not seize this opportunity, someone else will,” I maintained.

Murmurs buzzed across the room as hostile stares followed me as I walked back to my seat. I sat at the other head of the table, opposite Adrian Chase whose opinion everybody in the room held their breaths for.

“I think the team head is right. Times are indeed changing and if Chase's Empire doesn't want to be left behind, we have to jump on moving trains like this project.”

“Not when the moving train is one that is certainly headed for the wilderness,” someone said.

“I didn't ask for your opinion, Miss Walters! This is my company and I appointed Miss Simone as the team head for innovative ideas such as this.” Adrian spat out in anger.

“This team is gonna go with whatever directives she gives.” He concluded with a tone of finality, rising and leaving the conference room.

I followed immediately, thankful to be out of the room full of the hostility everyone seemed to exude.

Hours later at the close of work, I was thinking about how I was going to get home, as my car had broken down that morning.

I hoisted my bag on my shoulder and headed out of the company. I hoped I could get a Uber ride on the app when I heard Adrian's voice behind me.

“Where's your car?”

“It broke down this morning and my neighbor couldn't help jumpstart it. I'm just gonna order a ride home.” I smiled politely.

“I could… give you a ride.” he offered.

“Noo, I'm okay, boss. I can get by just fine.”

He seemed suddenly sure of himself, “No, I insist. Get in, Genesis. And don't call me boss.”

I got into the car, and he eased it into the mild evening traffic.

“Thank you for having my back during the meeting, Adrian.”

“It's fine, Gen. I trust your judgment and I know going ahead with this project is the best thing. It's been shelved for too long. And times are indeed changing.”

I smiled, feeling pleased with myself. I'd worked my way up the ranks to become the team lead and I planned to make sure the company moved forward on my watch.

“You know, I'm glad I reached out to you that day two years ago.” Adrian started with a smile, keeping his eyes on the road and stealing little glances at me.

“I'm glad you gave me the opportunity to learn and grow even though I wasn't as experienced as most people you could have employed.”

“There's always been something about you, Genesis.” He said, and his voice dropped an octave. He glanced at me with soft eyes and smiled. “You made an impression on me during that seminar you attended with Clyde. The enthusiasm you displayed that day, got me interested in you and I made sure I kept tabs on you.” He said with a laugh.

“You kept tabs on me?”

“No, no. Don't look at me like I'm a freak. It's not what you think.” He laughed, raising both hands in the air jokingly.

“I just told someone to let me know if you ever stopped working at Grayson's. They did, and I reached out to you that night. I'm glad I did.” He said and gave me a smile.

My heart fluttered a little, but the mention of Clyde's name had awakened monsters from my past. I managed to keep my emotions in check.

“You can drop me off at the next bend. I have to pick up Michael from the nanny's.”

“It's fine. I'll drive you there and then drive both of you home afterward. I kinda miss the little tyke, you know.” He said with a wink.

I laughed heartily, remembering how fond of him Michael had been at the last company gala. He had followed him everywhere and more than one person had asked if he was his son.

“Hey, mamma!” Michael ran into my arms as soon as he sighted me.

“Hey, baby. I missed you so much. Did you miss mamma?” I asked, bending to his eye level, and giving him kisses all over his face. Adrian stood by his side of the car, smiling down at both of us.

“Yeahh. I missed you and–” he went on to relay everything that happened at the daycare like he always did. I ushered him into the car quickly.

“Dadda?” He asked innocently, smiling up at Adrian. I was flustered, and I felt my cheeks getting hot.

“I'm so sorry. He's at that age where he thinks every man is his dad.” I apologized with an awkward smile.

“It's totally fine, Genesis. I understand.” He said, drumming his hands on the steering wheel with a hint of a smile on his face. We were caught in a traffic jam.

“Mike the tyke!” He teased, tickling Michael lightly. Michael giggled delightedly in response.

The sight made my heart flutter and ache for my son. For the joy he had been denied, even before he was born.

We finally pulled up in the driveway of my apartment block and Micheal jumped out of the car. I jumped out after him out of habit.

“Micheal, get back here, baby. You might hurt yourself if you run!” But he wasn't listening. He ran up to the doorman and gave him a big hug. Michael really has a way with people. The doorman smiled and bent to his eye-level to speak with him.

Seeing that he was safe, I turned to Adrian, who had also gotten out of the car to stand by my side.

“Thank you for the ride, Adrian.” I smiled.

“It's nothing, Genesis.” He answered, staring down at me. He was standing so close that I could see his eyelashes. They were long and… beautiful.

I stared deeply into his eyes, not understanding the look I was seeing in them.

Slowly, he bent his head and placed his lips gently on mine. I froze.

A second.

Two seconds.

And just like a jolt of electricity passed through me, I jerked out of his reach, staring at him with confused eyes. He opened his mouth to say something, but before he could get any words out, my phone rang out. Grateful for the momentary distraction, I rummaged through my bag and took it out.

Staring at the caller ID, my mouth hung open.

Why was he calling me after all these years?