Chapter 4- First day eh?

Deborah’s POV 

I stood in the elevator clutching my bag with both hands, my reflection in the polished steel doors staring nervously back at me. This time, I wasn't late. This time, I got up before dawn, ironed my clothes probably like twenty times and did my make up for like an hour or so.

I didn't overdo it.

I don't want to look like a clown.

However, I did it just perfectly.

My jeans and tank top were replaced by a neat black pencil skirt and a creamy blouse. It hugged my body a little as I looked down muttering a little at the curves but it was fine. My hair was brushed smooth and pulled back just enough to look professional but not severe. My nerves did flutter, but beneath them was determination.

This is my time.

I won't mess it up.

The elevator chimes and I stepped out into the sleek, glass paneled office floor. Most employees hadn't even come yet. The staff that was already here were just the cleaners.

I slowly make way to my office while greeting a few of the ladies that I met on my way.

“First day eh?” An older women said. I couldn't see her name tag yet.

“Yeah, can you tell?” I asked sheepishly.

“Just don't explode on my watch, I just mopped the floor.”

I let out a small smile. “How is the boss like, Jane?” Now I was able to read the name tag.

“He's the worst on his bad days but he has a heart. When it comes to business he doesn't joke with it. So I hope you are prepared mentally and all because, Lord have mercy…”

My eyes widened as I cock and eyebrow. I mean I knew he would be strange and strict, because what type of interview questions were these? But I hoped he won't make my life a living hell.

“Don't worry, dear, you've got this.” She read the expression of my face and consoled my arm. “You are his first secretary so you must be special if he chose you. There has been numerous interviews but none he deemed worthy.” 

For some reason now I feel better and worse at the same time. It's like I am the chosen one for this job, for this company. Yet the pressure that came with this job, or the title of being his first secretar, burdened me a little.

“Thank you, I'll be on my way.” I walk off in the opposite direction pondering on the conversation I just had. What made him decide that I was the right person for the job?

Maybe, I shouldn't have acted on instinct. I mean my chances were low. Only time will tell.

I slipped into the outer office outside Lucas's private suite surveying the space, the broad mahogany desk, the phone, the stacks of files piled in messy towers.

I got to work.

Within half an hour, the desk was organized, files sorted into neat labeled stacks and the scent of freshly brewed coffee filled the air. I placed the mug carefully on Lucas's desk just as the door swung open.

Lucas strode in, tall, sharp in a dark suit radiating aura and authority. His piercing glaze flickered over the tidy desk then landed on the steaming mug. He picked it up, sniffed and set it back down with a faint frown of disgust.

“This isn't what I drink,” he said flatly, his dark brown pools gazing at me sending me one message. You're already screwing it up.

My stomach dropped.

 Already, I am fumbling. “I-I’m sorry, Mr Blackridge. I'll make another one.” 

He gave a curt nod already moving toward his chair burying himself in a folder. This isn't what he drinks but I don't know what he drinks though. I know I would be foolish to ask him, so I'll find out before or on my way to the kitchen.

I hurried back to the kitchen, replaying the moment in my mind. 

This isn't what I drink.

This isn't what I drink.

This isn't what I drink.

The words echoed in my mind hitting the walls of my skull like the windows icon did when the monitor goes to sleep.

I scanned the cupboards searching but couldn't make a decision as I didn't know what he likes.

Impressive. I have never been so stressed by a boss before. 

“He likes imported dark roast with hazelnut and a touch of vanilla,” a voice told me which made me look left to see her pouring herself a cup of coffee.

“How did you know?” What I was supposed to say was thank you, but obviously my curiosity got the better of me. 

“Before you came sometimes, I did his coffee. Your welcome.” She must have seen the look of relief on my face as she clenches her mug and smiled taking a sip walking out of the kitchen.

I brewed it carefully, adding a touch of vanilla and made my way out of the kitchen keeping the mug as balanced as I can. As I made my way down the hall I came face to face with two people. One male and female. The male was young but not that young. Judging by my sight he would have been 37 this year. Nearly 40. He wasn't that well built but he did show some masculine features with his chest and shoulders. He has brown hair but hazel eyes and his jawline was disgusting. I am sorry to judge. The woman, I could say was the same age but she was in better condition, for her age anyway. Her hair was blonde and pulled back into a ponytail she has hazel eyes. She wore a blazer over her blouse which I could tell was hugging her tight. I don't know what she was trying to show. She has a ring on her finger. 

Weird.

I could tell they must hold an executive position because they were talking about some expansion that needed to be discussed in their next meeting.

“Ah, you must be the new secretary,” the man said. His eyes sharp. The woman quickly scanned me with a quick up and down look and smiled warmly. “We’ve been looking forward to meeting you. Blackridge doesn't just hire anyone. Infact your his first after interviewing for so long.”

I forced a polite smile that quickly became genuine. “I'll take that as a compliment.”

They exchanged knowing glances before excusing themselves leaving me unsettled but their unusual eager curiosity.

I re-entered his office and set the second cup on his desk and waited for his approval. He lifted it, took a small, slow sip and just for a second, a small millisecond his expression softened.

“This,” he said finally, “is acceptable.”

Relief washed through me though his tone was still cold and detached. I nodded and turned to leave as this atmosphere was suffocating. He doesn't even look up ask how I am settling in. It's like he has no interest in the person he just hired. Not like I want him to but at least show some level of-

“Come,” he said making me turn around. “These need to be sorted out, summarized and rearranged on my desk by tomorrow morning.” 

This is going to take me all night. Is he trying to chase me away? Or make me quit?

I nodded as I stared at the mountain of documents, meanwhile my pulse was racing. It was more work than I had ever seen in my life.

“I'll get it done.”

“Oh I know you will, because I need them first thing tomorrow morning.”

I took the files from his table, arranging them in a straight long line. When I picked it up the tower of files were above my head. I arranged them on my desk, splitting them into smaller pieces and spreading them across every inch across my workspace. Highlighters, sticky notes and pens littered the desk like scattered weapons in a battlefield.

My eyes skimmed page after page, contracts, reports, invoices, the endless language of business that I didn't understood at first glance. But that didn't stop me. I learned the rhythm of it whilst listening to music, found the patterns and began summarizing with sharp instinctive precision. 

Even though my ears were blocked from the background noise, that didn't stop me from noticing that every so often I could feel a set of eyes on me. Through the glass wall of his office, I caught him pretending to read while his gaze flickered towards me like he was testing me to see if I would break. When I did catch him, my stomach would tighten, but I refused to give him the satisfaction of faltering.

He thinks I can't do this?

Watch me.

Hours blurred together.

Oh and my back. 

Dear me.

My fingers cramped and my throat was dry from muttering, signaling me that I should probably take a break or something but my determination overcame my urge to stop. By late afternoon, my desk was clear. The impossible pile of documents neatly arranged and organized which was now condensed into polished summaries. 

I exhaled in triumph, sliding the last file into the completed stack and for the first time all day a smile of relief and comfort tugged at my lips. I closed my eyes and leaned back sulking in my chair relaxing for a while before telling him I was done. 

Suddenly, I could feel a presence hovering over me which made the butterflies in my stomach come alive.

No, it's too early for this.

I opened one eye and I saw him at the doorway. I just caught the expression on his face. An expression of surprise and respect mixed together. I never knew he could make such a face. But then it changed so quickly.

“Taking a break already?” He said, shoving one hand in his pocket trying to assert dominance.

“Yes, if you don't mind.”

“I do. And you are not done yet.”

Without another word he dropped another towering stack of files on my desk. A thud that made me jump a little.

“Do the same for these and make sure it's done by tomorrow.”

My jaw clenched as I stared at the new pile, my pride evaporating into irritation. 

Do you know what made it worse that made me want to crash out?

A stupid grin came across his stupid but yet handsome face. I should slap him just for this.

Slapping my boss just because he wants me to do my job not because he wants to have sex with me.

How times change…

I swallowed my frustration. “Of course,” I said through gritted teeth.

The rest of the day went by as night was near but I still hadn't finished. I had to finish before leaving although my body screamed in protest and my neck stiffened, my eyes raw from staring at small print but I still pushed on. 

You can call me a workaholic, but I am determined to set my life straight. I had no other choice.

When I was done, I went to his office to see if he was there but he wasn't. I must have not noticed him leaving. 

I finally made my way home and collapsed on my couch with barely two hours left until sunrise.

My alarm dragged me out of a foggy sleep, my limbs were heavy and my mind was aching. But I still forced myself to go to work.

By the time I arrived at the office exhaustion clung to me like a second skin. The day hasn't even started yet and I am tired. I pushed through the doors to go to Lucas's office and I stopped suddenly in my tracks. Luckily, no one was behind me otherwise the person would have bumped into me.

His lights were off, his chair was empty and his desk was untouched.

My hands curled into a fist as a mixture of disbelief and fury surged in my chest. 

I should have taken the day off. 

Unbelievable.

My pulse quickened, my exhaustion replaced with simmering annoyance and

for the first time I wondered if this job was worth the hell I was going through already but yet I couldn't shake the question pounding in my head.

Where is he?