Chapter 20
I woke up to my alarm I flew out of bed, the anxiety already making me jittery, I needed a run, or I’d be a sweating mess by the time I got to the office. I brushed my teeth and got into my running gear in record time. I pulled my hair up as I tore through my apartment getting everything I needed together. I started my stretches as I sped down the stairs, allowing my nerves to propel me forward. I hit the streets jumping, itching to start my run and let the endorphins calm me down. I had never done my route in so little time before; I got back to my building before six. I was breathless but a little less anxious, I did my stretches quickly and ran upstairs, praying I didn’t see Warren. I got to my apartment without incident, another knot in my stomach easing as I went through my normal morning routine. I was showered, dressed, hair and make-up done, and ready to leave with plenty of time to catch my train. The night before I had decided on my red skirt, it always made me feel confident and it was a little sexy but when paired with my black wrap suit blazer and my suede knee-high boots it was just the right combo of professional and feminine, with just a little bit of sex appeal. I used the journey to check my emails and send one to Kendra informing her of my meeting this morning and letting her know some of the office furniture was due to be delivered. It was still early when I got to the city, so I grabbed a latte to sip as I walked to the Appletree building. The air was still crisp and cold, invigorating, and calming, to me as I strolled along the busy street. The sky was cloudy, the weather was poised to change to raining and/or snowing, I did have to break out my scarf and gloves as the temperature was dropping quickly. I made a mental note to ask Kendra about staff parking and maybe get a car, now that winter had officially begun, I didn’t want bad weather preventing me from getting to work. I got into the Appletree building and joined the throng of people heading to the stalls and card swipe machines. I had to wait around for an elevator as they were all full by the time I got through a stall. By the time I got to the fiftieth floor, it was close to nine, I still had thirty minutes before my meeting, but I headed towards Ms Michaels's desk anyway. I had already emailed Kendra to say I wouldn’t be in the office until later that morning, and I figured having a few minutes to calm myself down before I met Mr Summer for the first time wouldn’t be a bad thing.
“Good morning, Ms Michaels,” I said once I entered the reception area. “I have an appointment this morning with Mr Daniel Summer?” I smiled as I approached her desk.
“Yes, you do,” she replied without looking up, “but not for another thirty minutes.” She finally looked up and smiled at me. “I guess Mr Pratt was wrong about everything he said at your presentation, wasn’t he?”
“Oh, you heard about that did you?” I asked immediately crestfallen.
“I know everything that happens in the office, it’s part of my job. And I know that you have that trumped-up old bastard terrified you’re coming for his job, and he should be scared. You have more vision in your little finger than that man has in his whole body. But if that wasn’t bad enough, you took his assistant too. Not that I blame you or Kendra, she wouldn’t have lasted long in his office, but you denied him the chance to fire her, and he likes firing people. So, you should know, you’ve made yourself an enemy there.” She warned, I swallowed, hard, my mouth was suddenly dry, and I felt a little nauseated. “However,” my head shot up in surprise, “if you’re not making the odd enemy here, you’re not doing your job. So, the fact that you’ve made one already, shows what a good job you’re doing. And I’ve never liked Mr Pratt.” She smiled again, very warmly. “He got his position from Mr Richard and has never been loyal to Mr Daniel. You seem like someone who knows who to be loyal to, and who to stay away from. Am I right?” She raised an eyebrow at me.
“I will always be grateful to Mr Daniel and Mr Ben, they gave me my dream job and the faith that I can change the world for the better. I don’t know Mr Daniel but if he’s anything like his brother, I’m sure it will be very easy to like him. I certainly like working for him so far. I can’t say more than that.” I responded; I wasn’t sure if it was the right response, but it was the honest one.
“I also like that you’re honest and compulsively early for everything, it shows respect. Who can ask for more than that after so little time?” She smiled kindly and knowingly at me. “Soya caramel latte?” she asked as I sat on the couch.
“You remembered? Yes, please and thank you.” I smiled back, relieved and somehow calmer than before. I was starting to like Ms Michaels very much; I admired her and respected her. I allowed myself a smile as I removed my coat, scarf and gloves, I sat back down, took a deep breath and felt ready. Ms Michaels returned with my latte; she handed it to me as her phone beeped. She reached over the desk to retrieve it.
“Mr Summer is running late, if you would like to take your coat and bag to your office, he won’t be here until long after you come back.” She stated, typing away on her phone quickly. I decided to take her up on her offer, leaving my latte on the coffee table. I practically jogged through the office, I really hoped he didn’t turn up while I was in my office. I got to my office on the other side of the building in a little over five minutes, Kendra’s sweet kind face was a picture of confusion.
“Mr Summer is late; I’m just dropping off my bag and coat and then I’m heading back,” I explained before she had a chance to ask. I threw my coat over my chair and put my bag on my desk, I took my portfolio out, in case he wanted to see some of my designs and grabbed my work phone so Kendra could call me if needed. “I’ve got my phone.” I held it up for her to see as I jogged back past her. It was only a couple of minutes past nine when I got back. Ms Michaels wasn’t at her desk, so I took a deep breath as I straighten my blazer and skirt and sat down on the couch. After a few minutes of staring at the clock sipping my latte and attempting to calm my pounding heart without much luck, Ms Michaels returned.
“Mr Summer said you could wait in his office, he is on his way from the airport, but he shouldn’t be too much longer.” She told me, I took another cleansing breath, stood up straightened my skirt again and checked myself over one last time before I headed into the office and sat down opposite the empty desk. I can do this, I told myself over and over, focusing on the phenomenal view from his window and hoped I would believe it before he arrived. I practised my opening line as I sipped my coffee, as I prayed I wouldn’t get tongue tied or blurt something foolish.
‘Good morning, Mr Summer, thank you so much for this opportunity, I’m very happy to be working here, and I want you to know, I won’t let you down.’ Too trite? I wondered as my nervousness increased.
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