Chapter 15 Chapter Fifteen
I didn't know exactly how to feel as I stood outside the building where I would be working.
I never thought this would become a part of my life, working in an office and for extremely rich people.
I wore the most suitable outfit I could find: a black skirt and a flowing white blouse.
I went up the stairs, glancing at everyone who passed me and noticing how well-dressed they were. Some wore business suits and flats, while others walked confidently in high heels.
I made my way over to a woman who was on the phone, scribbling something down as she spoke.
"Good morning, is Julia here?" I asked after she hung up the phone and gave me her attention.
"Who are you? And to speak with Mrs. Lenetti, you'll need an appointment," she replied in an annoyed tone.
"I'm Vanessa and I'm suppose to be working today," I replied feeling as if I was embarrassing myself.
I thought Julia would've been here to get me settled in on what to do and when to do it... unfortunately not.
"Give me a second," she said before going off to make a call.
The place was truly admirable, and I noticed a perfume collection to the side, displayed in a glass case. It had to be expensive, or maybe it was just for show. I wasn't sure, but they certainly looked worth buying.
"You're late."
I turned around and saw Mordechai standing there. His signature stern look was in place, and he held a briefcase in his hand.
"My mom won't be around for a while, so I'm the boss here. You're late, which isn't great for your first day. Take this and follow me," he said, pushing the briefcase onto my chest.
I clutched it out of instinct. I groaned angrily. He was mean and arrogant and that's the only reason why I didn't want to work here. I can't stand people like him.
I sucked it up and sighed before following after him. We reached the elevator and I entered after him. He pressed the button for the top floor before going to the right to use his phone.
I held the briefcase firmly hoping it wouldn't fall. I wouldn't want him to throw a fit and get all ignorant again.
A few minutes passed before the elevator came to a stop. We both stepped out at the same time, and our arms brushed. I pulled back as I heard him groan, then he walked out, and I followed behind him. The top floor had only three office spaces, which made me wonder why.
"Close the door and sit," he said as we entered what looked like his office, judging by the design and spaciousness.
He sounded as if he were talking to a dog, but I kept quiet. If he was my boss, then I had no choice but to obey him. The thought alone made me feel sick.
I closed the door with my feet before placing the briefcase on the desk and sitting down. He laid back in his chair as he studied me. I didn't want to meet his eyes so I looked elsewhere, at the ceiling, the floor and then the frames on the wall.
"I honestly don't see what my mom sees in you," was his next obviously harsh words.
If working for him means getting insulted, it's going to be hell because there was no way I won't stand up for myself. I've delt with people most of my life who thinks they're above god!
"The only reason you despise me is because I'm not above your standards or near your status," I replied with no emotion.
I stared into his eyes. He didn't reply but I could see the coldness in his eyes. What I spoke was the truth and only the truth.
He reached into his drawer and pulled out a piece of paper, pushing it toward me. I had to catch it before it slid off the desk. Holding it up, I began to read.
Duties and Rules of a Personal Assistant:
~ Punctuality is key
~ A cup of coffee every morning for the boss
~ Paperwork should be completed on time
~ Respect the boss at all times - very important for establishing a healthy working relationship
~ Ban all sexual thoughts and lust. It is strictly prohibited for an assistant to date the boss - it's not good for business
~ Do what the boss says - it's your job
The last rule made me feel disgusted. I set the paper back on the desk and fumbled with my hands in my lap.
"You've already broken rule number one. You have three strikes and then you'll be in trouble. You should show up to work at 8 a.m sharp do you understand me?" he stated raising an eyebrow.
"Yes," I replied, feeling as if it was forced.
"It's yes sir for you Miss Collins, do you get that?" he asked, tilting his head.
"Yes sir," I replied before groaning inwardly.
"Good, the sooner you learn your place the better. The office next door to mine is where you'll be working. You've already read the rules so there's nothing more to say. Just know your place and who you're dealing with. Contract or not, you'll be working hard as everyone else that's here. Now, any questions?"
His presence bothers me so much. I have to put up with this for three whole months? I didn't like being controlled and here I was in the midst of it. And all because of a job to earn money to leave this place from the one guy who ruined me years ago.
I felt somewhat sad inside, a feeling I didn't think would leave me anytime soon.
"No, sir," I answered, looking down.
There was a knock at the door, and it opened to reveal a woman. She wore a skirt suit with a jacket, and I couldn't help but notice how short the skirt was, mid-thigh short. Her hair flowed loosely over her shoulders, and her face had a hint of makeup.
"Miss Collins, I need my coffee now, and I like it very strong," he said, handing me some dollar bills.
I left the office and closed the door behind me. I didn't head straight for the coffee. Instead, I went to the office I would be working in and took a moment to examine it. It was nice, not as spacious, but with its white and navy blue color scheme, it would do.
About five minutes later, I finally left to get his coffee. Maybe it was a bad decision to actually wait so long but I didn't care too much.
I took the elevator and before you know it, I had reached the bottom floor. I left the building and walked to a nearby coffee shop that I passed on the way here.
I went inside and, after telling the girl at the coffee station what I wanted, I sat down at a table to wait.
"Vanessa?"
I looked up and saw Keith, smiling as always. He sat down across from me, and the smile never left his face.
"We should get married, you know. Fate always lets us bump into each other," he said, but I paid him no mind.
He was definitely delusional.
My coffee was ready, so I went to collect it. I paid and left the shop.
"Vanessa, I need your number. Remember the last time I said when I spot you again I will need it?" he said as he tried to match my pace.
"My phone isn't working," I replied. It wasn't exactly a lie. It wasn't even up to date.
"I'll get you one and when I see you again I will get your contact!"
I glanced over my shoulder at him. He had stopped but kept on watching me. I hope he doesn't see me again even though I knew that was most likely inevitable.
I went back inside and took the elevator to the top floor. I stopped at his door and knocked before I heard a 'come in'. I entered and saw him sitting in his chair looking through some documents. He pointed to his desk.
I placed the coffee on it before turning to leave only to be stopped by his voice.
"I didn't say you could leave yet did I?"
I sighed to myself.