The Assistant & The Authority

As I straighten up at my computer, I realize it's already been six hours since I came into the office. As the CEO I did not actually have a set clock in time. But Kelly, my assistant, does. One that has been passed for several hours at this point. I frown and glance out the glass wall to her desk. Still empty. So is my coffee cup. I grab my phone, still on mute - I only turn on sound if I'm waiting for something important or when my assistant reminds me to - it has 3 missed calls from other offices and a single text from her. I run my hand through my hair as I read the text. I can't believe this is the third assistant that's quit this year. And it's only March. What were those guys in the hiring office doing? Not finding me a good assistant, even if it was to save their life, apparently. Or at least their job. I stand up, feeling a pang of pain in my legs and lower back from the stiffness of sitting down for so long. As I walk over to the window and look out over the city, I ponder what to do about my sudden absence of an assistant. I decide the first and most foremost thing to do is call my direct HR partner. As I wait for her to pick up, I place my hand in my pocket and absentmindedly fiddle with the stone I keep in it. "This one didn't even have the balls to quit in person. Or give me her two week leave." I realize I sound more whiny than I feel befits me. I put on a more neutral tone of voice. "Get me an assistant that can figure out being at the office on time and who can actually handle being my assistant. That is your job. Isn't it?" I'm met with pathetic and flustered apologies. She does so well at almost everything else. It's just this little hiccup - me. I grunt in frustration as she suggests sending the top ten applications to me. That way I had some sway in who she'd call in for interviews. "Fine." I go to press the Call button for my front office, but stop as I realize the folly of what I am doing. That would have been where Kelly was sat. When she worked here. Up until she didn't come in with coffee this morning, that is. I throw my phone onto the couch, grab my mug and walk out to the coffee machine. I did not like it out here. Too many people. Especially the amount of ass-kissers. That's why I usually came in early and left late, unless my calendar dictated otherwise. I realize right then that I have to check my calendar. In measured strides that hopefully came off as confident I walk back into my office, clicking the button that makes the glass between my window and the corridor turn matte.