FIVE

ADAM

“You will regret this, I promise you”

I paced my office with a million thoughts all in my head, but most especially, the return of Julie.

The events of the past week in the office have been nothing but conflicting. If I was ever told that my one time side piece of an assistant would in six year’s time become a partner and top staff of Jones Group of Companies, I would have cast a delirious laughter and called them clowns.

But it happened! My past came back to haunt me.

With the way I treated her and ended things with her, I doubt we would ever get along fine. I was a total jerk towards her.

Is that guilt? Come off it, Adam Jones! You’re a player and you should feel no remorse for a lady that fell for your charms.

Julie had changed a lot. Of course, she was a pretty young lady then, but there was something extra about her. She now had this touch of class oozing all over. She no longer looked at her feet while talking to me, like she used to when she was still the timid scaredy ass assistant.

She also commanded more respect amongst other staff. So far, the only person that managed to get on her good side, was Max. If I didn’t know Max better, I would have concluded that he was beginning to fall in love with Julie.

Right from our Kindergarten days, Max was known to be the social type. While I conquered my social anxiety at a later part of my high school life, Max had it all figured out long ago. He would always welcome the new kids in class with candies and all that stuff.

“Nahh! I’m sure it’s just him being the usual friendly Max. He’s just trying to be nice and welcoming to Julie. Nothing serious” I assured myself and recoiled on my chair to take a quick nap.

My phone had a different plan for me, as it chose then as the perfect time to ring, as I scurried to search for it. I wiped my face with my left hand and checked who the caller was.

“Dad? That’s weird” I said quizzically.

“Hey Dad!”

“Adam Jones! How are you doing, my boy?” He sounded enthusiastic.

“I’m good. How are you enjoying retirement?”

“Well, There’s nothing much an old man can do. My bones are failing me, so all I do is relax and watch some good old baseball games” He replied.

“That must be fun” I added sarcastically.

“You can say that again. So, how is the company coming around? I believe you’re taking control”

“Yeah yeah. I’m trying my best out here. Not like I have a choice” I laughed.

“Why don’t you come over this afternoon? It’s been ages since I last saw you. I don’t even know what you look like now” He proposed.

“Dad, you know it’s quite busy here. I have a lot of things to sort on my table” I lied.

“Adam, we both know you are not busy. I know how these things work. I founded this system. You Give an instruction to your manager, then sit back and relax in your office. If I’m not mistaken, you’re with one of your numerous woman friends in your office, having the time of your life” He emphasized on the last statement.

“Alright. You got me there. But for the records, there’s no woman here. I barely have time for myself now, but I’d try to come around. Not making any promises” I concluded and ended the call.

Growing up, I didn’t get the chance to spend a lot of time with my dad. The money was there, no doubt, but when the candies and fancy stuff were over, there was barely anyone to read me bedtime stories.

Dad travelled a lot then. Business took him around Europe, America and Asia. It was on one of those trips he met my mom and got married. Sadly, even the presence of a family to raise couldn’t stop the trips, which was one of the reasons mom got fed up and asked for a divorce.

After he retired, he found pleasure hanging out with me. Always visiting me at work to take note of a thing or two and most especially, to watch his son take charge of the empire he left him.

The memories seemed to have worked some magic as I made to clear what was on my table and leave to see him. I rang the bell on my table to beckon on Jane, my assistant.

“You called for me, sir” She came almost immediately.

“Oh yes! You’d be running some errands for me tomorrow” I commanded.

“ Uhmm, But Sir, it’s the weekend” She protested.

“Come close to me, Jane” I said calmly.

“Do you love this job and all the benefits it comes with?” I asked as she nodded in the affirmative.

“Good! Then you’d do as I say. I’m sure a few errands won’t hurt you” I smiled.

“Alright boss” She gave in.

“You can go back to your stuff now. And uhmm, call me Julie. The phone lines seem to be faulty. Max should do something about it” I concluded and proceeded to dress up.

A knock came at the door and Julie walked in.

“Oh! I’m surprised you knocked before coming in, as opposed to giving the door a heavy kick”

“You called for me, Adam” She was obviously not in the mood.

“Shushhhh! It’s Boss, not Adam. Never forget that” I corrected her, while she rolled her eyes.

“How are you enjoying your new role here, Julie?” I quizzed.

“Not like you give two fucks” She scoffed.

I was ready to let go of the past and work effectively with Julie, but it seemed she was still holding on to the grudge.

“Now, listen closely, I own this place. I run things here. I have fired you before and I would gladly fucking do it again, if you don’t get rid of that attitude” I thundered.

“Oh please, Adam Jones! Get off that high horse of yours. What’s the worst you could do again? You’ve already done all you can. Or you still think I’d grovel on my knees begging if you threaten me, O Saviour Adam? You’re funnier than I thought” She mocked, while making for the door.

“Lest I forget, I think I kinda like it here too. The people are quite difficult, but they’d come around” She smirked and shut the door behind her, leaving me bewildered.