Chapter 10

"Can I talk to you about something?” I nervously asked.

“Sure love. What’s the problem?” Angel asked with concern as she tapped the chair at her side.

Taking it as a good sign, I walked towards her and sat.

“It’s a bit unconventional “ I started anxiously.

"However I need advice from someone” I continued.

“It is alright. Tell me. I can help” she assured with a smile.

“There is this guy. We met at a party a while back and he’s been annoying and frustrating me ever since” I said in an annoyed rush.

“There’s nothing unconventional about boy problems, you’re a young lady of course you’ll have a love life” she said after a chuckle.

“Yeah, but he’s controlling . Last time he followed me home and now he has sole control of the shop I work in.” I stated as her eyes filled with concern.

“Where did you meet this guy?, and does he seem dangerous?, do you know his name?, what does he actually want from you?” She questioned as she held my palms in hers.

“At a party, I don’t know, apart from his controlling nature I’ve not noticed any dangerous trait. Yes. I know his name and place of work. I don’t know. I’ve never thought of asking. He did mention something about me working for him” I replied.

“Do you like this guy?”she asked.

“Does that matter?” I asked in confusion.

“Well yeah, working for him means good pay and it can only be a problem if you’re thinking with your heart “ she said calmly.

She was right.

Being employed by him can even be seen as a promotion but it’s complicated knowing you’ve slept with your boss.

“Leo is the one thinking with his heart not his head. There’s no logical reason for him to want to employ me. I’m a college dropout for heaven’s sake” I stated with an annoyance.

“Leo?”

“Yeah. Leo of Shiva Globals” I said with a sigh.

“I have heard of that company. I know it’s frustrating but trust me when I say the only way to know what he is thinking is to either ask him directly or get closer to him “ She told me.

“Asking him directly was clearly a failure “ I said with a sigh.

“I’m sorry, I can’t be much of a help. You could also look for another job but that’s just another frustrating movement “ I heard her say as I stood.

She was right. I needed to be logical.

This job might be demanding but I can demand a worthy pay too. To pay the bills, for mom’s medication, for Stans college too.

“Thank you, Angela” I said as I squeezed her palm with a smile on my face.

“You’re welcome love. Keep me updated “ she said.

“Alright. I’ll take the job and we’ll see how things get from there” I stated.

“Good idea” she said with a light chuckle as she commenced her typing.

I quickly rushed home, feeling hopeful and relieved.

At least I knew what to do for now.

It was half past six in the morning when I stepped into the building.

After dragging my feet for four days, I finally decided to take action first thing on Monday morning.

Less crowd but somehow I felt the intimidating looks.

I tried my best to not be noticed this time.

With my pant suit and washed shirt. I tried to blend in.

My plumps felt heavy as I walked to the reception desk.

“Hi. I have an appointment with Mr. Leonard Shiva” I stated.

The receptionist looked at me in disbelief after scrutinizing my attire, she picked up the telephone by her side and placed a call.

After what seemed like a long while, she directed me to the elevator and this time I dropped at the 3rd floor.

It looked like a gym and smelt surprisingly chill. I expected the sweaty musk of humans .

The receptionist left me in silence and headed back while I continued forward.

There I saw him and Natasha with her pad.

His toned arms glistened with sweat and the white towel wrapped around his neck seemed not to stop him as he ran on the tread mill.

Heat crept up my face. I took deep breaths and joined them.

“She’s here sir” Natalie stated after looking at me.

“Good morning “ I greeted nervously.

“I take it, you’re accepting the offer” he stated calmly.

“Yes, but I’d like to discuss my payment plan with you” I said in a rush.

“Your payment plan.” He repeated with a chuckle as he switched off the treadmill and stepped down.

His brows dropped with sweat and his hazel eyes looked intense as he stared at me. With a hand through his hair ,he took a step towards me.

“You’ll start today” he stated as he dabbed the sweat off his body.

“Natasha will take care of everything. I have a meeting to attend in New York by lunch time “ he said

“What will I do till then?” I questioned.

“You, of course will be joining us. “ he stated as he walked out.

“Wait, but I can’t travel. I’ve never traveled outside the city.“ I said quietly. He halted and turned to me.

“Well consider this your first. Tell all concerns to Natasha, she can handle it. “ He said then proceeded to walk out once more .

I turned anxiously to face Natasha with a shaky smile.

“Welcome to Shiva Globals. Sophia Pronto” she stated with no hint of emotion.

The smile left my face and anxiety clenched at my heart as I walked with her.

This was a new phase of my life. I had to do my best.

She gave me the basic guidelines and my work tablet, showed me around the office and explained my duties to me.

It seemed easy and also hard.

“Will you also be joining us for lunch?” I inquired.

“It’s a business lunch not a fun activity “ she stated.

“Oh. Of course I knew that” I hastily muttered under my breath.

“Of course. Well we might be staying for more days so you’ll need to pack some items.” She continued as I received a notification on my work tablet.

“I sent you few things that’ll be necessary for the trip, we’ll head to the airport by 1pm, the business lunch is by 3pm. Don’t be late” she said to me

“ Like I should pack these items from home?” I anxiously asked as I scanned the list and saw a dinner gown was needed.

“Where else?. If you want to buy them, it’s your choice . There’s a driver out front, he’ll take you to your destination and bring you back here on time"

“Also, if you are not done before 1pm, he has orders to leave you” she continued before walking away.

I hurried to the car and pondered on where to obtain a dinner gown from in such short notice.