Trapped by the CEO

Settling down

Sydney -

I couldn't believe my luck in meeting a pair of good Samaritan siblings as soon as I arrived in San Francisco. I couldn't say no to them. Mike was bringing my bags up a few hours later while Leah chattered on, her arm linked to mine. She spoke to me as if we were old friends. It was a beautiful flat, with a medium-sized living room and an open kitchen. A side passage led to two bedrooms. It wasn't run-down or shabby. It even featured a balcony with a lovely garden view. It appealed to me.

With a flourish, Leah remarked, "Welcome to our castle."

She ushered me into her room. It was just tidy enough to demonstrate that she was concerned about the area, yet just dirty enough to show that she was free to express herself. It was her goldilocks zone, just right for her.

"Wow! It's beautiful here," I said.

Mike was the one who brought my luggage in.

"I'll be moving into a studio apartment just a floor above next week. You are welcome to use my room once I have left," he stated.

"Perfect," I said with a smile.

"How about we all go out to eat?" Leah made the suggestion.

"I've got a lot of unpacking to do, but I can make something. I'm not a terrible cook." I laughed.

“Oh! Don't be a spoilsport, please!" Leah mumbled.

Mike interjected, "Don't force her, Leah, help me move that cot, you're not being very useful anyway."

In no time, my brother and sister had set up a cot on the opposite side of Leah's room for me. I quickly unloaded my belongings.

I went down to the basement washer and dryer after unpacking some filthy clothes. I had refused to eat out, so I made the decision to prepare dinner. I went through the fridge and found some cheese and a bottle of bologna sauce. I dug around in one of the cabinets for some paste and got to work. We ate in the main hall because the kitchen was too small for all three of us. Mike surprised me by opening a bottle of wine and passing me a glass.

"Thank you," I expressed my gratitude.

"To Sydney, our new friend," he said in a toast.

As Leah joined him, I burst out laughing. We chatted about a variety of topics.

"Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?" Mike inquired.

"As you may know, I am from Australia, and my parents were incredibly hard workers. They owned a gas station and a convenience shop. I lost them in an accident when I was 16.”

Leah put her hand on my shoulder.

"I am sorry."

"It was fate," I hesitated. I rarely discuss my parents.

"I moved in with my aunt, I've been on my own since I turned 18, I received a scholarship to an art school here, and now I'm in San Francisco."

"We're so delighted we met you; I liked you right away," Leah said with a smile.

Mike and his sister grew up on me in just one day. They were pleasant and generous.

Mike inquired, "Hey, want a refill?"

As I handed him my glass, I said, "Thank you." I was a little tipsy, but the simple food and great company was a good excuse to let loose. Mike refilled my glass close to the top and handed it back to me.

"Did you get everything unpacked?"

"Yes, I did," I said with a smile.

"Did you find everything to be in order?" he inquired once more.

"Oh sure, it's fantastic; I'm delighted I discovered you."

"Do you have any plans for tomorrow ?" Leah inquired.

"In addition to art school, I need to start looking for a part-time job," I replied.

"You can work as a model," Leah remarked.

"I've done some stage acting and modelling, but I've never considered making it my career," I stated.

"Hey, if you'd like, I can put you in touch with my agent; my theatre group is looking for a few females for a few roles. Perhaps you could give it a shot," Mike said.

"Wow! That's extremely generous of you, but I'd be happy with the cashier job for the time being."I responded.

Before calling it a night, we talked for a while and Mike told Leah about how we met.

That night, as I slept on the cot, I was completely unaware of Leah's snores. I considered my options. Apart from being cash-strapped, my life has been pretty good. Things would be better if I got a job.

I awoke early as the sun rose like a canopy of gold in the sky, dazzling among the blue, wishing the stars a good night's sleep. As I entered the balcony, the blackness dissipated as the sky turned from tinges of charcoal to a bright orange. I made the decision to go shopping. I discovered a convenience store and purchased a newspaper from the area. Then I went to the local market to acquire some fresh meat and vegetables. This was the least I could do because I was going to be staying with Mike and Leah for a long time.

Mike and Leah were already awake when I returned to the flat. As I walked in, Leah waved.

"Morning," I said, "I've got some breakfast for us."

Mike's muffled voice came from the restroom, saying, "I'll be out in a minute."

"Do you want sugar, cream, or simply black coffee?" Leah made an offer.

"Black will suffice, and thank you," I said.

For breakfast, I fried some bacon, scrambled some eggs, and toasted some bread.

I looked up when I heard Mike walking down the corridor. He was only wearing his pyjama bottoms and had thrown a towel over his neck. Droplets of water cascaded over his broad shoulder and sculpted chest. I felt a flush rise up my neck, and I hurriedly averted my gaze.

"Put some clothing on, Mr. Show off, do you realise you're not lingerie model material?" Leah let out a snort.

"Do you realise how obnoxious you are?" Mike exchanged glares with his sister, yet a wry grin flickered across his lips. Then he turned to face me.

"What's the state of your leg? You should not be out walking."

"I'm alright, thanks to the ice pack. I just went out and bought some breakfast. It wasn't a lot." I smiled and replied.

We sat in the living room for breakfast after he had dressed, and Mike inquired about my plans.

"Did you come across anything interesting, Sydney?"

"There's a company searching for a receptionist, a hypermarket looking for cashiers, and a hotel looking for chambermaids, to name a few examples. I figured I'd give them a shot. The cashier appears to be more suitable for me. I'd like to have more flexibility in my schedule so that I can concentrate on art school.”

"Yes, it is a valid point. You want to go sightseeing with me today as I have nothing planned? Later in the day, I had to meet with my agent. He's a pleasant fellow. Before becoming an agent, he was my acting teacher in high school," Mike said.

"I'd love to, but I have to interview at the supermarket to see if I can get that cashier position," I said.

"It appears to be OK; my appointment is in the late afternoon, so the first half of the day is free. As a result, I'll be able to show you around," Mike remarked.

"How about you, kiddo?" Mike inquired, his gaze falling on his younger sister, who was contentedly devouring a piece of bagel I had provided.

Before responding, Leah swallowed the piece of bagel she was chewing. "Today, I have three things to do. As a result, I'll be busy."

"So, what exactly do you do? Are you still in school?" I inquired.

"I'm an aspiring actress who also models to help pay for my acting school," she said, beaming.

"You haven't noticed how plump she is, have you? That is exactly what the art class requires. Nude moels." Mike made a sly remark.

Leah hurled a doughnut at her brother with a glare. "You twit, it's called RUBENESQUE."

Mike burst out laughing, grabbed the doughnut, and shoved it into his lips. Their conversation made me smile. I'd always desired a sibling. My parents, on the other hand, never had a second child. They were always busy. My aunt assisted me with selling the service station after their accident, and they had enough insurance for me to study and live comfortably, but I couldn't rely on it for the rest of my life.

"What's up, Sydney?" Mike jolted me out of my day-dream.

"Sorry. It's a walk-in interview, so I'd better go to check out that cashier's position. Could you please drop me off at the supermarket? “

"Sure, don't worry, I'll give you a ride. Hey! Do you want a ride to class, kiddo?" Mike turned towards Leah.

"Give me a minute. I'm just gathering my belongings." Leah replied.