CHAPTER 3 Mister Arrogance and Miss Innocence

         "You must be Eliza, Madam's new PA," a voice said behind Eliza in the elevator on her way up to the office. She turned around and met the eyes of a tall gentleman with laugh lines around the eyes which are currently twinkling with admiration as he looked at her. She didn't notice him when she entered the elevator as she was so focused on not stumbling. She was wearing her heels today in a dark blue skirt suit, purchased by Ami as a gift upon her arrival in the UAE. She wanted to give a good impression on her first day as Mariam’s PA. She smiled at the gentleman warily and replied, "I am sorry Sir, but how did you know? I don't even know you"

             " I beg your pardon Miss, I am Theo. We will be seeing each other a lot as I also work for Madam."

             "Oh, Mr. Theo Matthews? The Manager?", suddenly she recalled reading his name on the website when she was looking it up last night. "A pleasure to meet you, sir", Eliza gushed.

             "Oh, nonsense my dear. Just call me Theo or Mr. Theo if that is more comfortable with you." Theo extended his hand as they stepped out of the elevator to the 12th Floor of the Falcon Towers along Corniche Road. Just as soon as Eliza accepted his handshake, another voice sounded behind her which sent shivers down her spine. She stiffened as she heard him say, "Isn't this cozy, just new to the company and already flirting with your superiors?" Eliza ignored the man behind her and continued walking but Theo stopped and acknowledged the presence of Matan.

              " Good morning Mr. Matan, sir. It is not like that, she really is not flirting with me, it was my fault. I caught her unawares and just didn't introduce myself properly. It was just a simple handshake."

               "Don't bother to explain Mr. Theo, he is just an arrogant, know-it-all, conceited human being who likes to torture me every time we meet!" Eliza exclaimed passionately.

               "Oh wow! Arrogant is it, Miss Innocence?" Matan countered. Theo looked between the two and wanting to avoid any conflict between his bosses' son and the new employee, he discreetly shielded Eliza as she intrigued and interested him. "Ahhhm, if you would excuse us Sir, Eliza and I need to be on our way as I have to introduce her to the other employees." Theo ushered Eliza inside the office while Matan was left in the hallway silently fuming. He did not like the way Theo was being possessive all of a sudden. He also couldn't understand why it bothered him so much. What if the woman is flirting with the manager. So what? Shaking his head, he followed them inside and regretted it instantly as soon as he saw how Theo was still holding Eliza's hand with the pretense of helping her navigate the cubicles in the office. He quietly sneaked behind the two and whispered to Eliza, who stiffened again as she felt his breath on her ear. The guy is really getting on her nerves. Will he not just stop bothering her. As she was thinking this, she realized what he just whispered, "Let go of Theo's hand, are you his girlfriend, already?" On that thought she released the other guy's hand but as she did so, another caught it and was surreptitiously caressing it. She jerked her hand free as if burned and moved quickly ahead of Theo. Matan is causing havoc with her body and mind. She hated it as it reminded her of her naivety back when she was in college. Thankfully, they reached the last cubicle where a chatty but pretty Filipina was busy typing away at a very fast pace. Eliza was impressed; she could only type at an average speed. When the woman noticed them, she stopped what she was doing and batted her eyelashes at the two men next to Eliza. Obviously, she is the office flirt as both men seemed to take her flirting in a stride even indulging her.

         "Oh bother!" Eliza groaned as she didn't notice Matan accompanying them to the last cubicle. But when he flirtatiously flicked an errant curl on the other woman's face, she felt like scratching the woman's pretty face.  She really is confused, and so to disguise how she felt, she smiled widely at the woman and extended her hand saying, "Hi, I'm Eliza, pleased to meet you, Miranda."

         Miranda accepted her hand and shook it twice before returning her smile. She detained the two men though with her chatter which gave Eliza a relief as she meandered back to the first cubicle where she was introduced first. She liked the Indian woman as she met her previously at the company accommodation. There were only two of them at the moment but Ami told her, another might join them just as soon as another teacher for the nursery arrives. Meera's eyes lighted up when Eliza sat on the chair next to her table. 

         "I hope you don't mind Meera, but I just need to sit for a moment while Mr. Theo is occupied." She lowered her voice and asked, "Is the boss' son always hanging out here? I thought he has his own business." 

          Meera leaned in and answered softly, "Not really, he only hangs around when a new employee arrives especially if that employee is as beautiful as you." Eliza blushed.

          "Me, beautiful? I don't think so, I have seen a lot of beautiful ladies down at the lobby and I am so out of their league. I just wish..." She didn't finish her sentence as Theo poked his head in and signaled her to follow him. Mr. Matan said he will be sitting in for madam at the moment as she is currently at the nursery helping out her daughter. So, he and I will be guiding you as to what you will be doing. 

           Eliza was so flustered by his statement and blurted out, "Do we really need him today? You are the manager, are you not? I do not see why he needs to be involved. I'm really sorry Mr. Theo; I know he is the bosses' son but I really am uncomfortable with him around."

           "Why Eliza, did he do something to you?" Theo sounded angry. Eliza stuttered, "Errrm, not really. I am sorry Mr. Theo, forget I said that. Let us just begin, shall we?" She stood awkwardly and although Theo was scowling, he led the way to the Madam’s office where Matan was sitting comfortably in the swivel chair. He was smiling when he saw Eliza but his countenance changed when he spotted Theo ahead of her. 

           Of all the unlucky managers to be here, Matan thought. Why does it have to be this guy? He always thwarts his plans every time. Maybe he can find somewhere for him, hmmm, that is one thing to ponder upon and maybe suggest it to his mother? Why not? Just like that he was grinning like a fool.