Chapter 10

It has been almost 8 weeks since our manager left. Prue was on the Monday morning drink run. As she entered with the office drinks, there was a look on her face that was one of excitement. Once the drinks had been dished out, she rolled her chair between mine and Cleo’s.

“Guess what.” She tried to keep her voice quiet.

We both looked at her, waiting for her to continue.

“I heard the cleaners talking in reception when I came in. Apparently, the new boss is here.”

“Did you see them?” I asked.

“Nope, but they were talking about how hot and young he is.”  

She tried to contain her excitement, but her slightly high-pitched voice caught the attention of a couple of others in the office.  They soon came over or around from their tables, and we were all having an office talk over the morning drinks.  

As things settled down, Prue jumped on a morning update call with the clients, one by one. It was something new that I had introduced to ensure everyone was getting the level of service they required, including us.

“Hey,” Cleo sent me a message on teams.

I looked at her confused as to why she wasn’t just talking in the office.

“Maybe Mr. Hottie will raise a few hairs in the office. Maybe he has a single hot friend for you.”

I rolled my eyes at her. After several weeks of dating, she had chosen Jack to continue dating. They were going strong together, but it meant that all I had heard from Cleo most of the time was how I was single and needed a guy. It was mainly so they had another couple they could go on double dates with. I knew Cleo meant well, but once she had an idea in her head, she was like a dog with a bone and would not let it go.  

It was just before lunch when Paul entered the room.  

“Can everyone join me in the boardroom immediately.”

“Here we go.” Prue smiled.  

If she was right, then we were about to meet our new boss. Everyone headed into the boardroom, the men taking their time, holding up some of the eager ladies. As we entered the boardroom, as one of the last ones inside, there were no seats left. I stood to the back of the room with Cleo, Prue, and a couple of others.

There was a tall, handsome man in a suit. He was younger than I expected him to be but looked older than me. There was something familiar with him. An air of mystery and caution. I saw Prue as she froze next to me as she watched him.

“Do you know him?” I whispered.

She shook her head, but something told me she was lying. Her reaction to him was unexpected. There has to be something she knows.

Paul walked in a few moments later after clearing everyone out of the office. I watched cautiously, my mind trying to figure out why he seemed too familiar to me. Paul walked over and took a spot at the front of the room, standing next to the new boss.

“Good morning, everyone, thank you for joining us. I would like to introduce you all to Mr. Damian Johnson. He will be stepping into a new role here at Written Ink. Damian’s role will incorporate the operations and office managers’ roles along with a few other bits.”

Paul looked at Damian.

“Thank you, Paul.”

As he spoke, my stomach lurched. His voice! I know that from somewhere. But still, I could not place him.

“I look forward to working with you all. Over the coming days I will be looking to complete a one-to-one talk with each and every one of you. This will give me an understanding of your role, your knowledge, and your place here at Written Ink. I will be honest, I am all about numbers, show me you can produce and produce well, and you will have no issues from me.”

“Thank you, Damian. Damian’s role means I can spend more time over at the other sites helping them grow while Damian is the eyes, ears, and feet on the ground here. He will help you as much as you help him.” Paul smiled.

As everyone was excused, Damian spoke.  

“Prue, could you stay behind for me.” His voice was dark and stern.  

It was at that moment that the penny dropped.

THE NIGHT OUT!