Chapter 2. The CEO

“Nate-Nathan, or I’m sorry Mr. Woods,” I stuttered.  “This is not what I was expecting when I woke up this morning.” 

Nathan looked at me with amusement dancing in his blue eyes.  “You didn’t notice the name on the outside of the office? Mr. Woods is fine when we are working, Nathan when by ourselves.” 

He kept a professionalism about him as he spoke, even though I could see the shock behind his eyes. It has been ten years since we have seen each other, and now I am interviewing to work for him; if I get the job, we will be working side by side, every day, for five months.  

“So, Miss Reece-” he started.  Miss Reece? I could feel the distance of his words jut into my gut as if being stabbed. 

“Miss Reece? Please just call me Charlotte,” I cut him off.   

“It’s been ten years Charlotte; I think being formal is professional and only right for someone interviewing for a job.”  The coldness in his voice struck something deep inside me.  It was like I am just some normal girl coming in to interview for this position and not his childhood best friend. “Now, lets get back to the interview, unless you no longer want the job?” He looked at me quizzically waiting for a response. 

“Yes, yes I do, please let’s continue,” I could feel all the joy and excitement I felt just a moment ago drain out of me and the fear I initially had before entering the room begin to take over again. I need this job; I must stay here in New York. 

The interview process lasted for about an hour.  He asked me question after question.  Each question he watched me intently as I answered.  It made me nervous.  His face was expressionless, which made it hard to read.  After the last question was asked there was a few minutes of silence before he finally spoke again.  

“Alright Miss Reece, Mrs. Helms seemed taken by you.  There are still a few more candidates to see but you should receive an email by the end of the day.” Ugh. This formality stuff between us really sucks.  

I nod at him and stand.  He goes back to his computer and begins typing away again.  I roll my eyes as turn to walk away.  I guess it’s safe to say I probably don’t have this job.  Just before I reach the door, I hear his voice. 

“It was nice to see you again Charlie.”  I swing back around at his words and see the sincerity in his eyes.  “You too Nate.”  He smiled as he went back to his computer. I turned and walked out, unable to conceal the smile on my face.  

Once at home, I flopped on my bed.  That was a strange interview.  He still looks the same, just older.  His shaggy black hair is now cut into a business cut.  He is taller and gorgeous.

  I couldn’t hold back the butterflies that escaped into my stomach as I thought about him.  I always hoped to one day run into him again.  We used to spend every minute of every day together.  He even promised to marry me.  I laugh out loud at the memory of little Nathan getting down on one knee holding a flower out to me.  He was so adorable.  

Just then my phone pings.  As I look down, I notice the email icon at the top of the screen.  My stomach instantly began to twist. I open it and begin to read: 

Dear Miss Reece,

Congratulations. I am pleased to inform you that you have been chosen as our new personal assistant to Nathan Woods, the CEO of CW Industries.  Please report to Human Resources Monday morning at 8:00 am to receive your badge. 

Sincerely, 

Amber Ward

Department of Human Resources at CW Industries

Omg! I got the job! I can’t believe that I got the job! I screamed as loud as I could with excitement.  In the midst of my joy, reality hit me.  I would have to work side by side with Nathan Woods, and with the way he reacted towards me today, I don’t know how this will play out.

I still don’t know anything about him.  He gave me the cold shoulder during the interview.  But then again, he did smile at me at the end.  His words keep playing repeatedly in my head. It was nice seeing you again Charlie.  It is amazing how just a few words and a smile can send butterflies throughout my entire body.  I have twelve years of memories with this man, and ten years without.  Those ten years though.  I never forgot him.  

I pick up my phone and hit the search button.  

Nathan Woods, CEO of CW Industries, took over in 2019 at the age of twenty-two, right after the passing of his father, former CEO, Christian Woods. He graduated from Harvard with a business degree in finance.  He is engaged to the beautiful Alyse Davis, daughter to Wall Street businessman, Fredrick Davis.  The wedding is set to take place on September 24, 2021.  It is said the wedding will be the wedding of the century.

Engaged? Nathan was engaged.  I could feel my heart fall into my stomach.  How could I expect him to wait for me anyway? We were only children when we were separated, we’ve had no contact for ten years.  Of course, he would move on. It’s not like I was the Virgin Mary.  I had my boyfriends. I was even proposed to once.