The Bucket List

"Mr. Clark bring the financial report for this quarter in my office." Pierre said to his secretary as he enter his office. Yes, his secretary is a guy and he prefers it that way. He experienced having several female secretaries before and none of them lasted even a month. To his disappointment they all just tried their luck to seduce him. None of them succeeded and he don't have any choice but to fire them after their antics. He is not a fan of office romance, or any kind of romance for that matter. He doesn't believe in any kind of romantic relationship, especially love. 'Only a fool will believe in a stupid thing like love', he thought to himself. He have his fair share of fun with women, but it is against his rules to have an affair with his employee. He wants to maintain a professional atmosphere at his company. Pierre sit down and massage his temple. He really need a good and long vacation after this. He's been working non-stop for the past few months in order to keep the company on top. His father, Samuel Smith was the CEO of the company, but he passed away nine months ago due to heart attack. So he really don't have a choice but to take over. Luckily, his father thoroughly trained him for years so he's still qualified to be the CEO although it was all very sudden. In return, he have to work hard and prove that he deserves his position. "I really need a good rest and a peaceful vacation. My head feels like exploding." Pierre said to himself. The sudden knock on the door interrupts his thoughts. "Mr. Smith I have here the reports that you are requesting." his secretary said outside. "Come in Mr. Clark." Pierre said as he sit properly. "Here's the financial report that you are requesting sir. Is there anything else that I can do for you?" Mr. Clark said after giving him the report. "No I'm all good. I'll just read this. You can go home now Mr. Clark. I can manage from here." Pierre said to his secretary. "And Mr. Clark, I'll be out starting tomorrow until next month. My cousin, Andrew Smith will temporarily replace me. Please assist him starting tomorrow." He will be on a vacation for a month. He never took a day off for the past months since his father's death. The stress from managing the company is already taking a toll on him physically and mentally. He's aware that he's been easily agitated and annoyed these past few days. He needs to have a peaceful vacation and rest in order to clear his mind. Luckily his cousin, Andrew is willing to help him. He's also his only friend and the only one he can trust to manage the company temporarily while he's gone. "No worries sir. I'll be assisting Mr. Andrew." Mr. Clark said to him. "Thank you Mr. Clark. You can go now." "Good night Mr. Smith. Enjoy your vacation." It was the last thing he heard from his secretary as he leave. Pierre massage his nape as he starts to read the report. "All that I have to is finish reading this and I'm all good." Pierre said to himself. "I'm all set. I'll be leaving tomorrow. I really appreciate you taking over the company for me Andrew." Pierre said to Andrew. His cousin visits him and they decided to drink a little. "Don't mention it Pierre. I saw how hard you worked to keep the company on top. You deserve a break. We all know that you need it." Andrew said as he sip from his drink. "That's what I also want to do, but the company demands almost all of my time." Pierre said. "You need to take care of yourself, we all know what happened to uncle. We don't want that to happen to you. He's been keeping all his stress from work by himself that his body can no longer take it." Andrew said to him as he looked at Pierre with concern and sympathy. "That's why I am taking this vacation. To relieve my stress." Pierre sigh. "Why don't you find a woman to take care of you. I mean, I'm always at your back Pierre but you need someone who will be with you and who will take care of you." Andrew said teasingly. "You know I'd rather drown myself with work than getting a woman. It's just another headache. And worse, potential heartbreak." Pierre chuckled. "Not all woman are like her." Andrew said with a serious look. "I know. But I'm not interested on keeping a woman by my side when I can easily get one when I need one." Andrew just laughed at him. "I'll be really waiting for the time when you fall hard and eat all your words." Andrew said with amusement on his eyes. "Never. That will never happen." Pierre grins.