The Devil Lives In New York

Chapter 3: "Cursed Show-off"

The next day, I managed to correct my mistakes from the previous day. Just as my boss had instructed me, I went to the Apple Store to buy an iPad as soon as I had the first free break and transferred the entire agenda to the device.

Over the last two days I have been working for this company. I had realized that this floor was a bit mysterious. It was just Miss Smith, my boss, and I. No one else came to this floor, making me think that, maybe it was a great privilege to be here, and I began to imagine what it would be like to be on the other floors.

I looked at the desk a few meters away from me, where Miss Smith was answering calls and working on her computer. She is an elegant woman with her hair always tied up in a high and long ponytail and her clothes were almost always pastel colors, which made her look pretty in my opinion. From all the colors and designs of her things: her pens, folders, phone, and plants - I realized she liked pale colors and very minimalist designs.

At that moment, the phone connecting to my boss's office started ringing. I answered.

"Make a reservation for two at a restaurant I frequent," Leonardo instructed on the line.

"Okay..." I hadn't even finished when he had already hung up. I sighed and returned the phone to its place.

I looked through his reservation records from 15 days ago to find the restaurants Leonardo frequented the most. I found one where he had gone about seven times in the month. I made a reservation for two, supposed he would go to lunch with someone else, and it would give me time to chat with Miss Smith and get to know her better.

I continued organizing some files Leonardo had requested. An hour later, he came out of his office and informed me he would be back at 2:00 pm and I could go for lunch in his absence.

When he disappeared into the elevator, I smiled happily, finally free to leave my desk. I saw Miss Smith get up and take her purse. I quickly did the same and approached her.

"How have you been, Miss Smith?" I asked, smiling at her.

"Hello, Miss Baldinelli" she replied, smiling at me, her expression a bit surprised, although I didn't know exactly why.

"Very well, expecting some imported cars from Europe next month, and I will have to keep track of everything." she said, "How about you?" she asked.

"Good, I've already made some mistakes, but I think I've found ways to correct them," I said, laughing a little. She just smiled "Are you also going for lunch?" I asked curiously.

"Yes," she replied.

"Perfect, I was about to go for lunch too. Would you like to go together?" I said, smiling at her. But her expression turned worried when I asked.

"I'm sorry, Miss Baldinelli, I have already made plans with other colleagues," she said, a little sad. I smiled awkwardly at the situation.

"That's okay, maybe another time,” I said, smiling at her. "Have a good day," I said as I walked towards the elevator.

I entered the elevator, and it took me quickly to the first floor as it was only used by those on the top floor. I still wasn't used to the curious glances of people. I don't even know why they stare at me so much.

I walked a few blocks to a restaurant that wasn't as expensive as the others. While eating, I thought that maybe I should buy a different type of clothing to wear to the office. I was the only one who wore jeans and a jacket in the company, and I was starting to believe that was the reason the others looked at me that way.

Although I don't think it's inappropriate to dress like that, otherwise Leonardo would have already said something about it. Anyway, I was planning to buy at least one outfit for the office, but I didn't have enough money to buy more.

While I was eating my first bites, I received a call from an unknown number. I ignored it and continued eating. A few seconds later, the unknown number called again. I looked frustrated at my phone and reluctantly answered.

"Who is it?" I said with my mouth full of food.

"I finished my lunch early. I need you to pick up my new suit at the address I just sent you," Leonardo said.

I widened my eyes in surprise, almost choking on my food thanks to the glass of water next to me. I didn't even respond because I assumed he would hang up, but he hadn't and after a few uncomfortable seconds passed, I started to panic, maybe he was waiting for a response.

I quickly swallowed my bite and answered "Okay..." but I didn't even finish when he hung up upon hearing my voice.

I looked at my phone annoyed.

"Why does he always do the same thing?" I muttered, rolling my eyes.

I quickly finished my meal, paid, and took a taxi to the address he had sent to me. I was surprised he had my cell phone number. I guess now that he has my number, I couldn't even eat or buy clothes peacefully.

When I arrived at the store, I went to the reception where I paid for the suit and took the bags with the clothes. While waiting for a taxi, I alternated the bags in both hands because the bags were a bit heavy and I didn't even know why they weighed so much.

Finally, I arrived at the company and took the elevator to the top floor. I was scared to see that Leonardo was already in his office. Miss Smith had not even arrived yet. I felt relieved I had not gone out with her, thinking it would have taken me a longer time to return.

I knocked on his office door and entered. As I was closing the door and turning around, my ankles twisted, causing me to fall to the ground.

"I'm sorry, I'll pick it up," I said and quickly stood up to pick both bags from the floor. I looked at him, and he hadn't even gotten up to help me.

Did he really expect me to get up and help myself?

I walked towards one of his empty desks and left both bags there.

"Here are your things," I said, and he nodded.

As I turned to leave his office, I heard him speak.

"Please be more careful, you could have ruined my things," he said without even looking up from the papers he was reading.

"Alright," I said with a false smile, feeling bad for his lack of concern.

I stepped out of the office and suppressed the urge to scold myself for my clumsiness. My thoughts were filled with the scene of what had just happened: I fell in front of him, and he didn't even have the decency to help me or ask if I was okay.

What a superficial man, he didn't care about others, only cared about his money.

I walked towards my desk and sat down.

"Damn show-off" I frowned as I rubbed my aching ankle.

I was about to hurl another insult at Leonardo when I looked out the office window to realize he was staring at me.

Shit.

I looked away as my cheeks burned with embarrassment. What if he had read my lips and understood that I had called him a "damn show-off"? I couldn't even grab my pen to pretend I was writing something, my hands were trembling, and I could still feel his gaze on me.

I discreetly glanced in his direction, and he was no longer sitting. My eyes were wide in surprise, and at that moment, his office door opened, making me so nervous that I accidentally knocked over my pencil holder on my desk.

I literally dropped to the ground to pick up the mess I had made. At least I wouldn't have to make eye contact with him as I was so embarrassed.

One pencil rolled off, and it landed exactly where he was standing.

He picked up the pencil and gave it back to me.

"Thank you," I said anxiously, without looking at him.

"Come with me," he said after returning the pencil to me.

As I was about to speak, I just saw him entering the elevator. I started walking towards his direction and entered the elevator. I stood behind him to avoid looking at him due to embarrassment.

He must have understood what I said, and now he's going to fire me.

We arrived at the second floor and when the elevator doors opened, he got out, with me walking behind him. The atmosphere on this floor felt quite pleasant, with some people chatting in front of the coffee machine, and others talking friendly while making photocopies; that pleasant atmosphere disappeared when they saw Leonardo Spinter.

All conversation stopped and the only thing that could be heard were our footsteps. The people passing by greeted us with respect. One of those people, after greeting him, even sighed with relief as if seeing Leonardo Spinter was the worst thing in the world.

After walking down a long hallway, we arrived at a door, and Mr. Spinter stopped.

"Please go in," Leonardo said, turning around to look at me.

I nodded and opened the door, the only thing that was in my mind was an apology for calling him "Damn arrogant". All my worries disappeared when I saw where we were.

Mr. Spinter, what brings you here? Are you feeling sick?" a doctor said.

I was so distracted that I didn't even notice that the name on the door of this room was ‘Infirmary.’

"Please have her ankle checked and be more careful when walking" he said, looking at me seriously before leaving the infirmary.