Starting Over.

Chapter 9 - My first day.

“Ryan! Good morning.” Audra smiled and stood.

“Yes good morning! David said you would introduce me to Angela?” I asked nervously.

“Yes, this way.” Audra said and I followed her and she led me to the cubicle David showed me yesterday. “Wait here.” She smiled and I sat down. A few moments later she reappeared.

“Ryan Williams I presume.” A very happy looking older woman shook my hand. Her sat and pepper hair slightly fizzed more then curled.

“Yes! You must be Angela.” I smiled.

“Guilty as charged! We were all surprised that David-.” Angela started, but then Audra grabbed her arm. She leaned in and whispered. “Oh! Never mind! Different new higher. They didn’t work out.”

“Shame.” I said and there was silence for a moment. I was starting to feel uncomfortable with all these silent moments lately. It was almost like they all wanted to say something but couldn’t. I was the only one not in on the information.

“Let’s get started!” Angela suddenly said and I jumped.

“Well I will inform Mr. Featherman that everything is getting started.” Audra started to write down stuff.

“Ok.” I said not sure how to respond. Angela walked in and turned on my computer. She started going over my employee log in and asked me to finish up some on boarding work. After that we got started on the programs I would be using. I was familiar with everything she was showing me. It was the same programs we used at my previous job. After a few hours she stood straight up and clapped her hands together.

“Time for break!” She announced and I smiled.

“What do you usually do for break?” I asked.

“Well we have a break room.” She started waking and I got up and followed. “Didn’t you get a tour?” Angela asked and I slowly walked beside her.

“Oh David cut it short to get food yesterday, he said we would finish it today.” I said and she smiled.

“First name basis with Mr. Featherman?” Angela said slyly.

“Is that odd?” I asked as we approached a room that was rather large. It seemed like a cafeteria but the meals were prepackaged.

“It’s not that odd. It usually means he likes you. Audra often refers to him as David and some of the upstairs people.” Angela approached a coffee bar area. She grabbed a cup and started to fill it. I followed suit.

“Upstairs people? Like the higher ups? Are there a lot here?” I asked.

“Not a lot. This is the main home office, but most business is conducted in the city. This office more handles the number and the customer service end among other things.” She said adding creamer and sugar. We headed to a empty table.

“Interesting.” I said looking around.

“I like to take my break a few minutes early. This place will become packed. I know you noticed the meals. You get one free meal here a day.” Angela sipped her coffee.

“Do a lot of people eat here?” I asked.

“So-so. A lot of the younger kids will because they don’t want to go home.” Angela said looking towards the door.

“Younger kids?” I asked.

“Oh the teens who think they’re adults. They all mostly work customer service.” Angela said watching the door.

“Are you waiting on someone?” I asked.

“Watch.” She said and almost on queue people starting coming in. I was surprised by how many people were just lining up. I noticed a lot of people looking at me seemingly confused. “Don’t worry, you’re just new. Most outsiders don’t get hired on here you know. Most are transfers from our main office.” Angela said. It almost seemed as if whispers erupted. I must be going crazy with as many people were whispering and looking in my direction.

“I think I’m ready to go back.” I said and Angela nodded.

“Yes, our break is up.” Angela smiled. I looked around one last time before getting up and following Angela out.

“If I didn’t know any better, I would say they were all talking about me.” I said to Angela as we entered back into the cubicles with our coffees in tow.

“Oh dear, that’s because they were!” Angela giggled.

“Thanks.” I said feeling uneasy.

“I told you, outsiders aren’t normal. Either you really impressed Mr. Featherman or you got lucky.” Angela smiled. We got right back to training. Angela was impressed at how easily I caught on and how quickly I entered in the information I was given. We broke only to grab a quick lunch and bring it back because I was uncomfortable still from earlier.

“I think tomorrow, I’ll just supervise and let you get to it.” Angela said happily.

“Really?” I asked smiling.

“Yes. You’re doing well.” She pat my back.

“I heard as much!” We heard and turned.

“Why Mr. Featherman. What a nice surprise!” Angela smiled.

“Hello Angela. How are you? How’s Davies?” He asked and she lit up.

“I’m great! Davies is as cute as always.” She looked at me. I was looking between them. “My puppy! Davies is a golden retriever. He’s still pretty young.” Angela smiled.

“I came to check up.” David said to Angela.

“Everything is going so well! Excellent choice this time sir.” Angela said before laughing.

“Oh I’m glad!” David smiled and I hated how his smile always instantly put a smile on my own face.

“I was just about to close up today. She did better then expected. I thought it would take us longer.” Angela said and I squealed clapping. They both looked at me and I felt my cheeks flush.

“Sorry! I love getting praise for my hard work.” I said feeling embarrassed. David slightly smiled and looked at Angela. They stared at each other a moment.

“Right away.” Angela said and walked off. Did David say something? Did I miss it?

“I was wondering if you would like to grab a drink. Celebrate your first day.” David asked.

“Oh sure. That will be nice.” I said and then instantly regret it. It felt wrong to be going out with David. Was it against the rules to go out with your boss?