Chapter Eight

He was touched. He hated seeing women crying. He had no choice. After all,he didn't want to go back on his words to his brother. "Okay,okay,fine. Have your seat. Let's get started," he said to her assurance.

      " Thank you so much,"she appreciated as she had her seat before him and he began his questions. She answered them sincerely but paused to look at him when he cleared his throat.

    "Answer this faithfully," he commanded.

      She nodded.

      "Are you married or into any sort of relationship?" He asked,looking straight into her eyes.

       "Is that part of the interview..... Sir?"

         "You're going to be my P. A,so I need to know you're going to be chanced anytime, any day," he said.

       Wow! The salary will be so high,she thought. It was funny that she didn't even know the position she was applying for. "The answer is no. I'm neither married nor into any relationship," she answered firmly and met his eyes.

      James averted his gaze and grumbled what she couldn't decipher. "Okay. Can you start now?" He asked.

     "Start what? Work?" She asked and paused to reason. "Oh,my God! Of course, yes. Thanks a lot. I love you — Oh,oh! I mean, I love this company. It's the best," Joyce said joyously.

          "Hey! Don't make a fuss here. Minimize the way you talk and mind your words," he warned.

       "Yes,sir"

         "Also, "he paused and surveyed her. "Punctuality is the sole of business. You must be punctual and regular. Do I make myself clear?" James legislated.

         "I'm always punctual. You're the reason I came late," Joyce muttered but he heard her.

         "In what way? Can you explain?" He inquired.

         "Never mind. I don't wish to tell you," she replied and smiled which quenched the flame of anger that was just building inside of him.

       He murmured and pondered quickly. "As my P. A,you must not,I repeat,you MUST  —"

      "You must not keep anything away from me,is that it?" Joyce completed.

        "Seems you're smart. I like that," James commented, then noticed her dressing to be the same as his. He smiled with the corner of his mouth but said nothing. She didn't seem to notice that though.

     Moments later,they started talking about her duties and responsibilities as a Personal Assistant to him. Joyce agreed to some duties and nodded but refused to say a word when he mentioned one.

         "What! Why should I be the one to wake you up? That early? How?" She asked furiously but didn't show it. She couldn't help but think it was absurd for a P. A to do. Can't the boss wake up by himself? He was just too proud. What an arrogant man!

      "I will answer your bombarded questions. You're to wake me up everyday and you should do that because you are my P. A. Five 'o' is early enough for you. What should you still be doing in bed? And you can do this through your cellphone," James answered,one after the other,to her surprise.

      "I'm sorry,sir. I won't be doing that. I will still be sleeping," she protested peskily.

      "I'm your boss. You do as I say"

      "Okay. I will try — sir," Joyce said formally.

    Disregarding the expression on her face,he welcomed her into the company and told her he expected her to be a loyal and diligent worker.

   Joyce was taken to her own office and she was very happy. She couldn't believe it herself, though it was happening for real. She contacted her parents and told them about the good news. They were so happy for her. Their needs will finally be met. They were elated for their daughter and congratulated her.

      She also called Peter and told him about it and thanked him for his help. They were still discussing when the telephone rang,so she ended the call and put the receiver to her ear.

       "Hell ow!" She pronounced.

       A masculine voice spoke. "You're not to wear the same dress as mine,alright?"

      "But,sir,I can't prevent that," she tried to protest,knowing who was on the line.

      "Then,write a weekly time table of your dressing and give it to me,so I can avoid it," James uttered.

     "What!" Joyce exclaimed.