A New Season

FIVE YEARS LATER.

NORA'S POV

"Are you going to be late again today?" Jade, my best friend asked over the phone as I studied the documents on my laptop.

"I'm soo sorry Jade, but it seems like it." I replied and then continued. " There's a lot to do right now at the office, I promise to make it up to you " 

" You had better do Nora, I'm not playing, you owe me" Jade replied

I met Jade about 6 years ago right before my life turned upside down due the Hart's family. We had been roommates and right now, we stay few blocks from each other and she's always ready to babysit Duke, my son.

Everyone at the company I work for, is swamped with work at the moment and as the executive secretary to the CEO of Bioflor company, it is my duty to oversee and make sure that the job is well done.

" Yes ofcourse. I'm going to make it up to you " I told her

"Good" she replied and then after a brief pause, she continued. " I just fed him, he is presently watching SpongeBob on my tablet " 

"That's great Jade. I can't thank you enough " I said to her 

"You know he's my godson, I've got to help as much as I can " she added 

I smiled at her words, grateful for having her in my life. The past 5 years has been a rollercoaster of emotions. I obviously kept the baby Gloria Hart had threatened me to get rid off and right now, keeping the child has been the best decision that I have ever made.

I honestly cannot imagine a life without my little boy in it. The early years had been tough, with no job and family. 

My family had neglected me after discovering that I was pregnant, especially with the fact that I couldn't give them the name of the father, but then what could I have done?

I couldn't let anyone find out that I was carrying Gloria Hart's grandson, especially as it was clear that she didn't want me nor the child.

I was prepared to carry that information to my grave. 

"I need to get back to work now Jade, I'll see you at night" I said to her before ending the call.

I was almost done reviewing the document on my laptop when Audrey and Sam approached my desk.

"Hey Nora" they greeted at the same time.

I looked up at them with a small smile. "Hi guys " I replied 

They are both my friends at work and for the first time in forever, it felt soo nice to work in an environment that isn't toxic. I immediately got chills as soon as the thoughts of Marcy came to my mind. 

Marcy and all her negativity.

" I do hope all of these overtime the company is making us do is worth it" Sam stated 

" Me too" Audrey chipped in

" Have some faith guys..... this partnership is going to help the company and bring about good income " I explained 

" A quick one though..." Sam said and then asked. " ...who is this man that we're supposed to partner with? And why is the boss keeping it a secret?" 

I let out a small sigh. I would be lying if I said I wasn't curious about it either. 

" Everyone is asking questions Nora....you should know something since you're the executive secretary to Mr Prichett" Sam continued 

"Honestly, I would tell you if I knew anything concerning his identity or even the company " I started. " But unfortunately I do not.......the information is classified and all I know is that he is from overseas and would be returning back to Manhattan" I explained 

"I guess he must be a very high profile individual who doesn't like the attention of the public " Audrey stated 

" Yes...yes I want to believe that. And I think Mr Prichett is just trying to protect his image as the client as requested " I added 

" Well, who cares?...as long as the partnership favours the company and we get a raise " Sam blurted out 

" Exactly " Audrey replied with a small smile 

"You see, there's nothing to stress about " I told them just as my phone started to ring. " Speak of the devil, it's the boss calling" I told them as I held up my finger to my mouth to shush them from talking.

"Mr Prichett" I said into the phone as soon as I answered it.

"Come into my office Nora" he stated with a deep voice.

"Okay " I replied as he ended the call immediately. 

"Duty calls right?" Sam asked 

I gave her a small nodd as I rose from my desk. "I'll see you guys later" I said to them.

Few minutes later, I placed a small knock on the office door as soon as I got to it.

"Hello Mr Prichett" I greeted him.

"Are you done reviewing the document I sent to you this morning?" He asked 

"I'm almost done with it " I replied him. 

" Good. Because we still have a lot to cover...... have a seat Nora " he said as he gestured towards the seat opposite him at the desk.

"Thank you Mr Prichett " I replied 

" And for how long are you going to keep calling me that? " He asked rhetorically 

I didn't respond either.

"I told you to call me Salvador , especially when we're alone " he continued and then asked " why do you think I call you Nora and not Simmons? Especially Miss Simmons?" 

His questions made my chest squeeze tightly.

Landing a job at the Bioflor company had been nothing but a miracle. I had just given birth to my son when I realised that I had to earn money to survive. I needed money to be able to raise him well. 

Back then I had even wished that I collected the money that Gloria had offered me but then, it was too late to go back to her. 

She wouldn't even let me into her estate not to talk of her mansion or office building and I wasn't going to risk letting her know that I had kept the child instead of getting rid of it like she had ordered.

I had really struggled to make ends meet until three years ago when I applied to the company and got hired as a secretary. Four months ago, I got promoted to executive secretary and now I work directly with the CEO himself, Salvador Prichett who is one of the youngest successful billionaires in the country.

It had been a huge privilege and I have vowed not to let anything come in between me and my job like the last time. But now, mr Prichett wants me to address him by his first name? How on earth am I supposed to comfortable with that when every other person calls him by his last name?

"You know what, ....we would get back to that another time" he said bringing me back from my wandering thoughts.

I nodded in response, thankful for the distraction.

" Our guest has arrived in the country and would be here at the company by 10am tomorrow morning" he explained 

" That's great " I replied 

" Yes, but you know what would be greater?......when everything goes according to plan and he agrees to partner with us by signing these documents" he stated and then pointed to the files on his desk.

" There's nothing to be worried about , as soon as he sees the goals and vision board, along side the profit that would be made, he wouldn't hesitate to sign with us " I told him, trying my best to sound as positive as can be.

" Everything needs to be perfect Nora..." He said to my face.

"I understand, I will handle it " I assured him confidently. This isn't my first rodeo after all. I am determined to do all it takes to get the client to sign and partner with us. Whomever he may be.

Just then, there was a brief knock at the door. Julia, Mr Prichett's assistant walked in.

" I'm sorry to interrupt you Mr Prichett but it's almost time for your 7pm appointment" she stated 

" Oh shoot!...I totally forgot about that. " He stated and then faced me " I guess we have to continue this tomorrow morning Nora.....I can't keep my client waiting " he explained 

" I understand..... have a good evening Mr Prichett " I replied him, rose to my feet andthen walked out of his office with mixed feelings.