Blind Date with My Boss

Chapter 2: The Researcher

Amelia POV…..

I stood in the company’s well-furnished kitchen, the air rich with the comforting scent of something cooking fish, to be exact. My hands moved instinctively, flipping a perfectly seasoned mackerel in the pan, the fish sizzling with a satisfying crackle. The kitchen was a sanctuary for researchers like me, fully equipped with everything we needed to develop the next big food product for Aurelian Bites—an opportunity to create something that could shape the future of the company. It wasn’t just about food; it was about crafting the next innovation that could make waves in the market. As I stirred, I glanced at the clock on the wall—almost time.

“Yes, I’m almost done, ma. I’m on my way, ma’am,” I spoke into the phone, my voice light but hurried. I didn’t want to keep anyone waiting.

With a sigh, I removed the band that had been holding my hair back. As soon as the hairband was gone, my hair cascaded down, soft waves of brown tumbling around my shoulders. I shook it out a bit, letting it settle naturally, feeling the weight of it fall in place. I pulled off my apron, folding it neatly before setting it aside.

I caught my reflection for a moment, hoping I looked halfway presentable. I didn’t have much time, but at least I’d cleaned up my mess.

With a deep breath, I walked toward the event center. The moment I stepped into the hallway, I felt the first hints of awkwardness. People were wrinkling their noses, and I could tell they were trying to be discreet about it, but it didn’t take much to understand what they were reacting to. I was a mackerel girl. Great.

Ignoring the stares, I kept my head high, walking over to where my teammates were gathered. They were whispering and glancing in my direction, but as soon as I approached, my junior teammate, a bright-eyed young woman named Laura, grinned and said, “She’s finally here.”

I smiled back, but before I could respond, my superior—Ms. Harper—raised an eyebrow. She was a no-nonsense woman in her early 50s, unmarried, and had been in the company long before I even joined. She was always impeccably dressed, her glasses perched precisely on her nose. “What’s this smell, Miss Amelia?” she asked, her tone both curious and disapproving.

I laughed nervously, tugging at the collar of my shirt as I shifted uncomfortably. “Oh, I was busy with the mackerel,” I said, my smile spreading wider.

My second superior, Mr. Evans, who was a man in his 40s and had a reputation for being straightforward, tilted his head slightly. “Hey, why are you late?” he asked, looking me over, clearly trying not to wrinkle his nose.

“Oh, I was just finishing up in the kitchen,” I said, my grin still intact.

But then I heard him sniff. “Oh, goodness... you stink of fish,” he said, his nose wrinkling in mock horror.

I chuckled and glanced down at myself. “Is it that bad? I can’t even smell anything,” I teased, but the awkwardness of the situation was starting to set in.

Ms. Harper looked me over for a moment, then sighed deeply. “How could you not smell it?” she asked, exasperated, before pulling out a bottle of perfume. “Come here.”

She sprayed it on me generously, the scent of roses mingling awkwardly with the lingering smell of fish. I waved my hand as if brushing it off. “It’s fine. It’s just a proof of how hard I’m working as a researcher,” I said with a wink.

Before anyone could respond, an announcement crackled over the intercom, cutting through the tension. “Everyone, please be seated. The inauguration will start soon.”

Ms. Harper gave a sharp nod. “Let’s go sit,” she said, leading the way toward the hall where the CEO would soon make his inaugural speech.

As we walked, I could already feel the growing excitement in the air. The whole company was buzzing about the CEO’s arrival, and despite the fishy fiasco, I couldn’t help but feel a rush of anticipation. This was going to be an interesting day.