Chapter 9: CARA

“Thank God it's not broken. The drug will make you feel relieved a little. Try as much as possible not to do anything strenuous with the hand. The gel will also help relieve the pain. If you feel any discomfort let me know.”

“Thank you very much, sir.” “Please call me Dr Grendel.”

“Okay. Dr Grendel, how much does all these cost?”

“Liam has paid for it. Mr regards to him. He sent me a text saying he was in a meeting.”

“Okay, Dr Grendel. Do have a pleasant day.” “And you too Miss Bloom.”

I escort him to the door and shut it once he's out. I feel like I'm stuck in this office till Liam decides to show his ugly face. He stepped out with Veronica for a meeting and forgot to or purposely left along with

his card. If I go out and the door closes that means I wouldn't have access to his office till he's back.

Something tells me that Veronica can already suspect something weird between us. First, I get the job without an interview. Second, I'm not sure if she's aware of the house but if she is, that adds to the list and seeing that Liam knew nothing about my coming, his mum must have gone through her husband or something. Third, one minute he's happy Veronica brought an ice pack, the next he is asking her to trash it because it's from JJ and Lastly, he requested their family’s physiotherapist.

For a staff who just started working a few hours ago, isn't that strange? He could have just asked me to see a doctor rather than invite one to the office. Veronica was shocked and to top it all off, he leaves me alone in his office. I pray Veronica is not the type that gossips. I don't want anyone to know how I got the job or even find out about our

past relationship.

After sitting on the divan for hours, I decide it's high time I stretch my legs.

The office is an extremely spacious one with a simple interior. On his table sat two picture frames side by side. It was a picture of his family. One included his mum and dad and the other was him, his wife and his daughter. She was a very beautiful woman. Asides from the pictures, there was not much to see. I stroll to the couch with an arm and backrest and plop on it.

I try to move my legs but I feel a heavy material restricting me. What's holding me down? I realise I dozed off. Wait, pray to tell me I didn't sleep off in his office?

“The queen awakes.”

I fling the duvet I was covered with on the couch and jump to my feet.

“I promise I didn't intentionally sleep off. My God! Did Veronica see me like this? Or one of your staff?” I ask panicking.

Why was he trying so hard not to laugh? This is not even a funny situation.

“This is not funny! I don't want it to look like I'm given preferential treatment. News like that travel very fast.” I say touching my head.

“That’s too bad because she came in and I asked that she cover you. She wasn’t too happy and so were the other staff that came in and saw you sleeping.”

“Sweet lord. I don't feel too good.” “Relax,” he says rushing over to my side. “How do you expect me to relax?”

“I was just joking. I covered you because it was really cold and I came into the office alone. You can lay here till I close. I'll drive you home.”

“Lay here? Drive me home?”

“Yes. Do you have a problem with that?”

“I do. Mr Johnson, I do have a problem with it. I have a problem with all these including paying Dr Grendel and moving back to Dublin. I had zero idea that I was coming to work for you let alone live with you. I don't want to be around you, Liam Johnson.” I say shaking my head and looking everywhere except his face.

“And why is that Cara Bloom?”

“That there is why. The way you say my name, and how I feel when you are around me. I'm not supposed to feel this way.”

“How do you I make you feel Cara Bloom? Tell me.” “Tingly.”

“Son? Cara?” Mrs Johnson calls out. “Mother?”

“Mrs Johnson?” I say surprised. I scoot away from where Liam was squatting.

“How did you get in mum?”

“How else have I been entering your office?” “Via the fingerprint?”

“Of course the fingerprint,” she replies looking at me and then at Liam.

“I mean how long have you been standing there?”

“ I just walked in some seconds ago. Is it bad timing?” “No.” we both chorus.

“ I was just about to leave to my office,” I say picking the first file I set my eyes on.

“I came to see you and to be sure Liam's not stressing you. Take me to your office.”

“Her office is right here.” “It is?” I ask.

He did mention it earlier. It must have skipped my mind.

“Why is she working in your office and I thought you said you weren't comfortable with the idea of someone being in your office when I suggested Veronica move into the room over there to ”

I catch him sending his mother signals. I'm lost here. What's going on?

“Mother, can I see you?” he asks scratching the back of his hair.

“Not until you tell me why she's working here. Isn't she suppose to be in the legal department or something?”

“She’s working in my office because she's now my Executive Assistant,” Liam says through gritted teeth.

“There is no way I'm going to allow that. She's a lawyer and just because she didn't get to proceed further due to her mother's health doesn't mean you have to treat her so commonly. What about Veronica? What happens to her?”

“I divided the workload into two. She's not going to be my assistant forever. She's just filling in till I get someone for the post.”

“How soon is this?”

“Very soon,” he says looking at me.

“Better. I just came to check up on you sweetheart. I got to rush back to work. If Liam is giving you difficulties notify me immediately.”

This news brought so much joy to me. The thought of having to work as his assistant for God knows how long didn't sit well with me. I can't believe I was almost professing my undying love to Liam some minutes ago. I hate that I'm so emotional and that Liam knows how to get words out of my mouth so easily.