Because Of Her

CAN I HUG YOU?

Nathaniel got to the office Monday morning with a strong resolve. He was done giving Tina any special treatment. She was a worker like everyone else and if she can't stand the way she's been treated she can quit. Her quiting would be best for him. Having her around softens him and he doesn't like it.

"Good morning sir" Tina greeted him when he arrived.

"Morning Tina "

He went into his office and sat down. He was now having second thoughts on seeing her. Would he be able to get another secretary like her? He sighed.

On his table laid some files. They weren't there some days back. He called Tina.

" What files are these? " he asked.

" On your absence, I had to attend some of the meetings you had. They are the proposals, agreement and payment made. Newton clothing and laura's line paid their's on cash. The momey case is in your locker."

"How much? "

" Newton paid 24 million while laura paid 15million."

"And the money is correct? "

" yes sir "

" You didn't take a dime from it? ‘’

‘‘why would I? You pay me well sir’’

‘‘but you do know I wouldn't know if you had taken from it. ’’

‘‘I know that sir but I'm not a thief. ’’

Nathan looked at her speechless. Was she human? Even the past secretaries he paid higher than her still ended up stealing from him.

"Would that be all sir? " she asked bringing him back from his reverie.

" Get me the list of the latest cars "

" sir! Another car? "

" Yes. Is that a problem? "

" Not really. It's your money but instead of buying another car and adding it to the fleet of cars you don't use, why not give the money to people who really need it"

"I worked hard and earned my money, let them do the same. "

" Not everyone is as lucky as you are. I have a suggestion sir"

"I don't want to hear it. I'm done with you"

"Please sir. Just hear me out"

"For Christ sakes. Fine talk! "

" Since you want them to work and earn the money, why not do a give away? You can give a task and anyone who meets up gets a reward. It'll count won't it? "

" That was a brilliant idea. And since I was looking for a way to catch fun, I can kill two birds with one stone " he thought.

" I've heard you. Can I breathe now? "

Tina didn't know when she burst into laughter.. A smile played on his face.

" You sure can" she said as she turned to leave.

"Wait! " he stopped her.

He stood up and went to his locker. He opened one of the cases and took out four bundles of a thousand naira notes.

" Take this" he said stretching the money to her.

"Thank you sir but I can't take this"

"why? I didn't steal the money "

"I know but you know I can't take what I did not earn. Besides, you've never given me money aside my pay before. Why are you giving me now"

"I don't know either. I just felt a nudge in my heart to give it to you. Please take it. "

" It's too much sir... I can't. "

" Can you not stress me for once? Fine! Take it as a payment for the boring meetings you attended on my behalf while I was away. Deal? "

" They were really boring and stressful too. It's a deal. " she said collecting it.

" Thank you very much" she said.

She turned to leave but stopped and faced him. Nathan saw tears in her eyes.

"Are you okay? " he asked confused.

" Can I hug you? " she said tearfully.

" Is that all? "

She nodded in affirmation.

" You didn't have to cry for it. Come here " he said spreading his arms.

She ran into the waiting arms of Nathan. She hugged him tight.

" Thank you so much for this" she said.

÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷

As soon as she got to the reception, Tina placed her head on her table and cried. Thank God she doesn't wear make up else her face would have been a mess.

She raised her head and looked at the money in her hands unbelievably. Could this really be happening? She didn't get any sleep the previous night because she was thinking of how to get #200,000 for the treatment But here she was with double the money. Who says God is not good. This money will go a long way in helping her feed the children and pay for the treatment as well.

Her phone rang. She looked at the callers I.D,it was Nath. She cleared her throat before answering.

"Hello sir"

"T, are you still crying? "

" No sir" she said sniffing.

"Are you sure? "

" Yes sir"

"Okay then. I just wanted to confirm that" he said then ended the call.

Tina smiled. She knew Nath did not understand. If only he knew the gravity of what he just did. She stood up and went to the restroom to clean her face.

() () () () () () () () () () () () ()

Nathan sat in his office wondering. He didn't understand why she cried. She was supposed to be happy not sad. He quickly brought out his phone and called her.

"T, are you still crying? "

" No sir"

"are you sure? "

" Yes sir"

"okay then. I just wanted to confirm that " He ended the call.

At least she's okay. The thought of firing her was completely off his mind. He then remembered the give away idea she brought. He quickly called his social media handle manager.

"Steve, are you busy. Oh okay! When you're done I'd like to see you in my office"

He relaxed on his seat and thought of what challenge to use. It has to be something hard.

"Bingo! " he exclaimed excitedly with a sheepish smile on his face.

He took out a paper and pen and began to write something.