Chapter 6- Do I look like his babysitter?

Deborah’s POV

The morning dragged itself into noon, and there was no sign of Lucas. I sat behind my desk straightening files I had arranged twice, pretending I wasn't already irritated by the constant parade of questions.

“Where's Mr Blackridge today?,” one of the board members asked with a too bright smile like I might have Lucas on speed dial for his convenience.

I forced a polite answer through gritted teeth and a fake and forceful, I mean very forceful smile. “I'm not sure, sir. He hasn't checked in with me.”

It became a rhythm, a chorus I hated repeating. I don't know if I can get fired by anyone else apart from Lucas here because let me tell you that I am close to slapping someone across the face. These questions came from directors, assistants, even people I didn't recognize. Each one made my cheeks warm, as though my presence in Lucas's office somehow made me his keeper, his confidant. Except that I wasn't. I was just a secretary he'd thrown a mountain of work on, the secretary who barely slept to prove herself.

By mid-afternoon, the irritation was boiling under my skin.

I am not his babysitter. If he wants to vanish that's his prob-

“Have you seen Mr Blackridge today?”

That's it. I am going to lose it.

“Do I look like his babysitter?” I deadpanned.

The person arched a brow with an excuse-me-face.

That's when someone came in from behind him.

“The chairperson of the company is here instead of being in a meeting with his fellow board members.”

Oops.

“I'll be right there,” he said. “I was just checking if Lucas was in yet.”

I frowned in embarrassment and I hoped he seen my face. Because that was the only apology he was going to get.

“Don't you have something to say? Or should I be expecting a letter of resignation by end of day?”

“Sorry sir, it's just that I am so tir-”

“Enough, I don't need your excuse. If Lucas comes tell him that the meeting is starting without him.”

“Ok sir.”

I didn't look up until he left. Wow. Imagine being polite to everyone else apart from the chairperson.

I need to take my minds off things.

I slipped my phone out of my bag and dialed Ellie.

The moment she answered I let out a sigh of half relief, half exasperation.

“You would not believe the day I am having. Everyone's been asking me where Lucas is, like I'm supposed to know where the great Mr Blackridge disappears to. Do I have a tracking chip in him or something?”

I must say I was saying this with forced sarcasm but beneath that was a worry. Your first week and your boss is nowhere to be found.

Scary.

Ellie laughed on the other end, warm and teasing. “Well you are his secretary. Maybe they think you've got him on a leash or something.”

I groaned, sulking in my chair. “More like he's got me on one. He buries me in work, then disappears without a word and the board looks at me like I should have all the answers.”

“You sound stressed,” Ellie emphasized gently. “But at least you're proving yourself, Deb. You're still standing, right?”

“Barley,” I muttered. “I think I got maybe two hours of sleep last night. But enough about me. How have you been? Distract me before I strangle the next person who asks about Lucas.”

I still haven't learnt my lesson yet. I know.

Ellie tone shifted, it was softer. “Well… my day hasn't been boring either. I have been asked to a date by a couple of guys at my workplace.”

“You deserve this Ellie, take the time off and go and meet some guys. Or unless you're into girls,” I teased with a small smile tugging my lips.

“Well there is this one guy called Steven and he has definitely caught my eye.” I could sense that she was relaxed by just saying that name and it made me smile that she is finally getting on her feet. She is very beautiful. Her green eyes and blonde hair is very hard to resist. And talk about that personality. She is a one of a kind woman.

“I'll tell you the rest later. I have to go,” she said and hung up.

I leaned back, staring at Lucas's empty chair. The irritation of the day lingered but underneath it the unease began to grow.

It was four o’clock, so I decided I had enough. I mean it was about time I escaped the endless questions and empty office. He was clearly not coming in and I wasn't prepared to play secretary to his ghost. I packed up my things, straightened the already perfect desk one last time and muttered under my breath. “If anyone asks I'm out finding him a leash.” I rolled my eyes as I made that comment.

I walked out of the office and was hit by the fresh evening air. I walked across the street to where the restaurant was. It was warm and dimly lit with the hum of chatter and clinking of glasses. It was the sort of place and atmosphere that comforted you after a long and rather frustrating day.

I slid into a booth near the window and ordered a plate of pasta.

I was finally letting myself breathe for the day.

“Fancy seeing you here,” a voice said suddenly.

I looked up and saw a man about my age, probably a little older with a rather clean cut and a crooked grin that screamed trouble. Those brown eyes matched his hair and I must say he's quite the dream man. He held a drink in one hand, with his tie already loosened.

“Do I know you?” I asked with my brows raised.

“Excuse me, where are my manners,” he said sliding into the seat opposite me without asking for my permission.

So much for manners.

“I am Daniel, I work at the company. The accounting department. But don't worry, I am one of the good accountants that only steal office pens, not money.”

I blinked letting out a small laugh to myself. “So what, you just… invite yourself to strangers’ tables?”

“Strangers? Ouch.” Daniel clutched his chest theatrically. “We work in the same building. That makes us… distant colleagues at the very least. Plus you're hard to miss. New secretary to the mighty Lucas Blackridge. Word travels fast.”

I rolled my eyes. “Great, so I'm basically office gossip now.”

“Oh no, not gossip,” he said his voice just above a whisper. “More like legend. I mean you walked in wearing jeans and a tank top and still got the job. You're a badass.”

I smirked, twirling my fork on my pasta. “Or reckless.”

“Eh, same difference.” His grin widened. “Besides, I have got to say you make paperwork look dangerous. That's a rare skill.”

I nearly choked on my drink. “Did you seriously just call me dangerous over paperwork?”

I coughed a little covering my hand with my mouth.

“I did,” he said without a trace of shame. “And I must say, I stand by it. You were buried in paperwork yesterday and still got the job done. What's next you'll tell me you fight crime with staplers at night?”

I shook my head laughing quite harder than I had intended too as a few eyes around started giving me piercing stares. Daniel was charming in a ridiculous sort of way. He was funny, confident and far too comfortable to be with.

“By the way you look, like you haven't slept yet.”

“Can you tell?” I took another sip of my drink.

“Yes, the baggy eyes are starting to show. Why don't I get you home?”

“Oh it's fine I am meeting someone soon.”

“Who is it?” He cocked an eyebrow. Like he has the audacity to.

“She's a friend.”

“Oh okay.” I could see the relief on his face a little.

I could see the flicker in his eyes. Something genuine beneath the banter. The way he looked at me wasn't playful it was genuine.

I have to push him away.

“So I will be on my way back if you don't mind.” I pushed my chair back making a small screeching sound and went through my purse to pay for my dinner.

“Oh allow me,” he said pulling out a fifty dollar note.

“Such a gentleman,” I say softly. “It's good I met you here because I didn't bring any money.” I gave him a small smirk and a wink and walked out of the store.

“You owe me then,” I heard him shouting from behind.

“I am not fond of paying back,” I say before closing the door.

I stepped back into the night air the cool breeze nipped my cheeks as I pulled out the phone to call Ellie.

“Hey,” I said as I walked down the quiet street. “So did the boy approach you or where you able to approach him?”

“Unfortunately, he has a girlfriend. I don't want to be second choice.”

“You don't deserve to be second choice, Ellie. Don't worry, I am sure you'll find the boy just right for you.”

I turned the corner to my apartment that's when my breath caught.

There, slumped against my front door, was Lucas.

His expensive suit was wrinkled, his tie loose and his usually sharp controlled aura has disintegrated into a drunken mess. The stench of alcohol clung unto him heavy and sour.

His hair was disheveled, his eyes glassy, barely open as he tried and failed to focus.

“Lucas?” I whispered my heart lurching. I rushed forward, crouching beside him just as his body gave way.

“What's wrong Deborah?” Ellie asked.

“There's someone on my doorstep, I'll call you back later.”

I hung up, and tried to tapping him repeatedly on the cheek.

“Hey, hey stay awake.”

He collapsed against my shoulder, dead weight, his skin clammy. His lips moved as though he wanted to speak, but the words came out slurred and broken, meaningless fragments lost in the fog of drink.

I froze my heart hammering in my chest. Seeing him like this was heartbreaking. I thought he was untouchable, ruthless.

But this…

This is a sight I hope to never see again. Seeing him like this makes me wonder what happened.

“Damn it, Lucas,” I whispered, struggling to hold him upright. What happened to you?”

Before I could think of what to do next his body went limp, his head dropped onto my shoulder unconscious.

He was too heavy to lift. I mean I am impressed by all those muscles and-

Perhaps now isn't the best time to drool all over him.

Still crouching, next to him in the cold night air where Lucas has now passed out in my arms, I began wondering what to do next. When he was still conscious I planned on bringing him inside with me but now that he's unconscious how am I going to go about this? I am not a doctor.

But it seems I am now going to need a doctor. I take out my phone to call 911.

Lucas Blackridge, you better give me a raise for this.