Chapter 8

CHLOE DUARTE

I take a deep breath with my eyes closed as I sit back in my chair, I can feel Matt's curious gaze even without observing him beside me.

The thought of not spending the day working with him makes me a little sad.

"My goodness, princess! You look paler than when you went inside, what happened?", I open my eyes and find Matt handing me his water bottle, another time I would laugh at the worried expression on his face.

"Mr. Colucci wants me to become his new personal assistant, but the way he is, he's more ordering than asking.", I say bluntly.

"What? That's wonderful, princess! Aren't you happy?", Matt frowns, nudging me.

"Yes, it's an incredible opportunity. But I don't know if I will be able to adapt to the position, not to mention that I like my job here and working with you.", I say gloomily, but soon realize my mistake...

"Oh I always knew you loved me, princess, I love you too and of course, I will miss working with you too, but an opportunity like this doesn't usually fall from the sky Chloe.", I nod my head in agreement biting the cap of my pen as I think about the proposal.

"I want to accept, but what if he's the kind of idiotic and very demanding boss who doesn't settle easily?"

"He may or may not be. He's a powerful and very rich man, so he's likely a bit of a scumbag, but I'm sure you can handle a Colucci with that big mouth of yours."

"Jack and Adam told me that he was impressed and intrigued by my behavior yesterday and that this was the reason for my change of position.", I say, remembering what happened yesterday in that meeting room.

"Of course, it's not every day that a temperamental Brazilian woman treats you in a way that no one has ever dared to treat you. But the way you talk, you make it sound like the guy is horrible.", he says with a grimace as he fiddles with his wild brown hair.

I don't answer immediately, my mind is invaded by images of Mr. Colucci sitting all imposing at that long table with his blue eyes glaring at me as if he could see me through my soul, it was intimidating and strange, a mixture of sensations that I have never felt before.

But there is something about that man that makes me lose my composure and the little control I keep over myself, something about him triggers an unknown side inside me. But I can't deny that he also moves me in a good way, but that perfect little corner smile and those arched eyebrows as he stared at me with a debauched expression made me lose my mind.

As I watched him amused by my uncomfortable reaction I had an immense urge to shove that menu into his mouth and make him swallow every inch of that arrogance, but I also have to confess that I asked for it by meddling in other people's business, I just needed to get in, hand over the folder and get out quickly and in complete silence, but I always find a way to complicate things.

"I'm not temperamental, I just can't stand being made fun of, and that's exactly what he did when he asked me to explain the choice of the damn wine. ", I explain, snorting.

"I also realize that you have seen him only once and he has already managed to drive you crazy, I confess that I will be worried and even feel sorry for Mr. Colucci?", he comments, holding back a smile.

"Why?"

"Because I'm pretty sure that the first week you become his assistant, the guy is in danger of being cursed at or even beaten up by..."

"Shut up, Matt! I'm serious, Adam and Jack have given me until the end of the workday to give them an answer."

"Such a short deadline? Why the rush? Do you need a personal assistant so urgently?"

"The last assistant quit, and since he is a very busy man he needs some help with the routine, not to mention that Jack said he doesn't have much patience."

"Gee, but there's no need to get all worked up over me, princess. I'll be fine on my own, and we'll still be working in the same building, so we can see each other during the day.", He concludes and I nod my head.

"Yes, but I haven't made a final decision yet, it's very tempting, but I need to think first before making a hasty decision..."

"You are right, but I am here for whatever you need, ok?", I smile, slamming my fist into his as a thank you for your support.

"Thank you. You're the best, Matt."

"I know that!", he replies with an annoying smile on his lips.

During the whole morning, my thoughts and focus were divided between the project we were working on and the tempting proposal from Mr. Colucci.

I thought so much that my head could hurt, but one thing I still can't understand correctly, they said that my courage, boldness, and behavior caught James' attention.

Is that all? Did I attract his attention by offending him in front of his right arm, not to mention my inattention by meddling in a matter that had nothing to do with me? Maybe the guy is the type who is charmed and surprised by the attitude of employees, isn't he?

But one thing I brought from my family, and my childhood. I have always dreamed of being here since I was a little girl, and to achieve it I fought so hard, struggled, and insisted so much that I even cried at night when the thought of giving up sometimes overwhelmed me. But I tried to be strong and I overcame my fears and difficulties, and that is why I am here today.

I also always dreamed of reaching the top of my career after finishing college, I haven't reached the top yet, but this is the beginning, a beginning that depends only on me to get started.

At lunchtime the three of us gather at our favorite restaurant as we do every day and talk about my decision, like good friends, they are overjoyed by my promotion, and according to Sam and Matt, I should grab this chance and not let it go.

So this is what I am doing as I walk to my manager's office, with a final decision in my heart I knock on his door and enter to find Adam sitting at his desk.

"Chloe, I see you have made a decision, please sit down!", I take the empty seat in front of him and say:

"Yes, I have spent most of the day thinking about it and have finally concluded. I am going to accept Mr. Colucci's position as a personal assistant.", I say in a resolute tone.

"Great! I knew you would make a smart decision Chloe, I will forward your documents to HR tomorrow when you arrive and before you start your new position, stop by and sign your new contract."

"Tomorrow? I'm starting tomorrow?", I ask in wide-eyed surprise.

"Yes, Jack told the truth when he said that Mr. Colucci does not like to wait."

"Okay, you're going to be missed on my team, Chloe."

"You will be missed on my team, Chloe, but I am glad this opportunity came to you, and I am sure you will do very well working side-by-side with Mr. Colucci."

I hope so too, or I will regret this decision forever.

"It has been a pleasure working with you Chloe, I wish you much success and good luck with Mr. Colucci.", He stands up and I do the same to shake his hand at length.

"Thank you, for everything Adam!", I smile before leaving the room with my heart racing.

I go to the elevator and as I go down to the first floor I find my friends staring at me with big smiles on their lips.

"You made the right decision friend, this deserves a big celebration!", she says excitedly, but I quickly deny it with my head.

"I agree with Sam, princess! This deserves a long night of drinking!", Matt also comments, but I deny it again.

"Not at all! Tomorrow I start my first day at my new job, so I need to wake up early and be in a good mood.", I answer watching them make a sad expression.

When I arrive at my apartment after half an hour, the first thing I do is take a long, hot shower, where I can allow myself to think about my decisions and the direction my life will take from tomorrow on.

I wash my long black hair and dry myself quickly before putting on my favorite pajamas, on my way to the living room I meet Mia who quickly rushes to rub herself against my legs in a form of affection mixed with longing.

"Hey sweetie, did you miss me?", I bend down and pick her up in my arms, carrying her to the sofa.

"It was the longest day of my life, Mia...", I caress her soft white fur while I reflect.

I take the opportunity to put more food and change the water of my sly kitty, my other confidant, I found her when I rented this apartment, she was abandoned and all neglected in a dark street, she was alone and lost in that huge city, just like me when I arrived on American soil. So I took her home where I started to take care of her and dedicate all my love and care to her.

"Go play my love, I have to rest because tomorrow is going to be an even longer day, sweetheart.", I kiss her head and place her on the floor before leaving for the kitchen.

A little excited and nervous for tomorrow, I decide to prepare a more elaborate dinner using my mother's cookbook that I brought with me from Brazil.

And as I taste the Brazilian meal, most of my memories of my home country come back to my mind effortlessly, I miss my family too much, especially my mother.

After taking the dishes that I ended up dirtying, I grab my laptop and lean back against the headboard before starting a video call with my mother who answers seconds later.

"Hi honey! How are you, sweetheart?", I take a deep breath trying to control my emotions when her face fills the computer screen.

"I'm fine mom, how are you?", I ask, getting into a comfortable position on the bed.

I frown when I see pure hurt in her tired expression, I try not to worry, but it is impossible given the number of things we have been through.

"What happened, Mom?", I ask in alarm.

"No need to worry dear, it's just that the company your father works for went bankrupt and they fired all the employees that used to work there."

Damn, it's like I said, we never had a very stable financial condition, but we managed to survive well with my father's job and mine when I worked as a bar attendant to save money for my college, and I always helped as I could before I left Brazil, so they were kind of helpless with my leaving. I even considered sending an amount of my salary to Colucci to help them, but they always denied it saying that I didn't have to worry about them, but this is impossible when it comes to parents whom we love more than anything.

"Are they managing to pay for everything? Do you need help? Because I can help and..."

"No, Chloe! We are very proud that you are living your dreams, it is always what we wanted for you, but we don't want to worry you with this issue, things are hard, but we are fine, while your father doesn't get another job, I am back to doing some cleaning..."

"I just want to help, let me help you, Mom! My boss changed my position, a higher position and I could help you with..."

"Upgraded? That's wonderful, dear! Did you hear that Jose? Our Chloe is reaching the top of her career!", I snort when she shouts happily, changing the subject completely.

"Mom, don't run away from the subject. And please don't exaggerate, the owner of the company was just surprised by my performance and asked me to be his assistant.", I clarify.

- But it's already a good start dear, we are very happy and proud of you daughter, we always knew you would make a difference. - A fine tear trickles down from my eye as I take a deep breath not to cry.

"I am missing you and your home very much...so, don't hesitate to ask me for help..."