Chapter 9 — Uncanny Man

Cedric Dixon is a perfect example of an uncanny man.

When I asked him whether I can keep the photo of us together, he agreed. However, when I questioned what occurred or what event we were attending as seen in the image, he refused to respond. Stating that it is for him to know, and for me to find out. In retaliation, I went home early and ditched his plans of eating dinner together.

Another example would be how he refuses to have Lawrence make him coffee, but told me to have one ready as soon as the other secretary left the office. Other numerous scenarios are when he refuses to do any work whenever I’m not by his side.

It is a real pain in the neck with how he uses these excuses.

“Sir, I implore you to stop.” Setting down the batch of freshly made coffee on his desk, I let out a long sigh. He acted much more of a child than a working adult whenever we were alone, causing another migraine to pound my head. “I won’t play with you and this is the last time I will answer. The next time you offer it again, I will tear up the contract you and I signed.”

I could cite a lot of other examples to show anyone who might ask why I label Cedric as some sort of strange person. But if they were to work for him directly, they may say the same…And yet, with how whimsical Cedric can become, he was completely professional in the company of others. He commanded his co-workers with great confidence that never seemed to crack on the surface. All dominant and fearless at times, stunning me on my seat. A direct contrast of who he is behind the doors of his office.

How I wish he were like that most of the time.

“Don’t be so rigid, Reese. If you keep up that stiff demeanor, you’ll get wrinkles early.” He chuckled, lifting the mug to his lips and sipped at the dark liquid. He then made a face, disliking how the bitter taste greeted his hopeful taste buds. I wasn’t good at making coffee. “What is this? Do you call this coffee? Have you ever even had one?”

“Sorry, Sir. I’ll do my best next time.”

“Never mind.” He made a gagging expression, shoving the cup away from him as if it offended him. I did not blame him. “I’ll have you order coffee at the café across the street next time. They sell good espressos. Maybe we can visit it soon.”

With his frequent appearance, I was curious about Lawrence’s opinion towards the CEO. Yet, he seemed busy all the time and could never be seen again during breaks. One time, he merely smiled at me when I greeted him upon entering, never saying a word.

“I doubt that we could, Sir,” I mumbled, arranging the stack of files. “You have a lunch meeting with the CEO of Richardson Inc. with his wife. You made a note to remind you and that it is important not to miss it.” Grabbing the notebook, I flipped through the pages before landing on today’s schedule. True enough, at exactly twelve, we would be meeting the Richardsons at the Italian restaurant Cedric arranged. Anxiously, I couldn’t help but fear making a blunder of myself in front of rich individuals or being made the butt of a joke.

“Oh…that.” Cedric drawled, leaning back against his seat in realization. His features softening to one of exhaustion and a hint of irritation. “I don’t want to meet George again. With how distasteful his preference for leather shoes is, I’m afraid it might rub off of me. I certainly don’t want that.”

“What?” I fought back the urge to laugh at the image of what makes a leather shoe bizarre to look at. “Distasteful, Sir? How come? Surely leather shoes are made to be simple…yet, classy.”

Cedric’s head was thrown back in laughter at whatever memory he must have had. “Oh goodness…If you could see how gaudy his tastes are! From how thick the soles are due to the diamonds to the bottoms painted with twenty-four karat gold. I feel sorry for his wife for putting up with such a fashion statement. I think his shoes must cost more than her whole wardrobe!”

“Oh my god…” Eyes wide, I shook my head at how much it must have cost. Rich people are indeed insane sometimes and how bored they must be to waste their money on useless stuff. “That is…indeed gaudy. With such a fortune, one could feed an entire neighborhood!” However, whatever opinion I or anyone has wouldn’t matter to them. And I frankly don't care how they spend their wealth unless it was my money.

“Well, George is one of the fanciest men in the city,” Cedric stated monotonously like it was old news. “He and his wife often throw parties to make friends with new and old socialites. Usually, they are held at the Grand Mari Hotel.”

“The Grand Mari Hotel?” Head trying to piece pictures and memories of such a place, I found myself struggling. Wondering if I have seen the hotel or ever been inside. “Isn’t that the huge building near the train station? It used to shine so brightly during winter. That December night…”

Images of chandeliers and bright lights rivaling gigantic diamonds flashed in front of my eyes. Silhouettes of glitter and glam dancing to a repetitive Christmas song altered to a jazzy tune accompanied by laughter, airy, and sometimes boisterous. The scent of cigars, the bubbling of champagnes, and the expensive perfumes seemed fresh against my nostrils.

“Darling…Meet Francesca Richardson! She’s the only daughter of George and Danica.” Mother gestured to the lovely lady who entered into the conversation. Her blonde hair matching the sparkling gold dress she wore as she nodded at me in acknowledgment. Her smile did not reach her ears, the underlying envy, and annoyance hidden by her sweet, sickly act of friendship.

Irked, I returned a lazy grin at the heiress in an attempt to seem pleasant.

“Nice to meet you, Francesca.”

“Hello, Reese.”

“McKenzie? Reese, are you listening?” Cedric’s voice came slipping back, drowning out the familiar but at the same time, foreign music that filled my head. Blinking, I looked up from the ground to regard him with a confused stare.

“Sir?”

What was I doing?

“Huh…” He clicked his tongue, shaking his head at my dazed state. “Are you all right? You were spaced out. Are you hungry? Or are you growing sleepy due to the lax atmosphere?” A smirk crossed his features, crossing his arms together to stare at me as if I were guilty of such a thing. “Just because your superior is taking it easy doesn’t mean you can slack off, too. Are you tired, Reese?”

Shaking my head at the accusation, I went back to work. “I-I wasn’t slacking off, Sir. I was just…thinking.” It was the truth, and yet there was something odd about what flashed before my eyes at the mere mention of the Grand Mari Hotel. Strange it was indeed as if I’ve been there in the past when I couldn’t remember how and when. Seeing my mother and other unknown people in another unknown place paved goosebumps all over my skin.

Were those my memories? Why did it feel like I was watching a movie…Was that even a real memory?

“Is that so?” Cedric raised a brow, disbelief written all over his handsome features as he took a folder sitting on the surface of his desk. Flipping through the pages as if he knew the contents like the back of his hand. “You know, Reese. It’s not good to lie to your boss, let alone to your boyfriend.”

Making a face, I secretly rolled my eyes with my back turned to him. Papers were neatly stacked and ready to be delivered to their designated departments once Cedric signed them. The mere objective we had now as soon as lunchtime rolls in is meeting with the Richardsons. In the afternoon, there wasn’t much left to do, unless trouble instantly sparked in. However, I wasn’t allowed to go home unless Cedric did the same. He even told me I would be starting my workdays in his home first thing next week since it was still my duty as his private secretary to oversee his personal schedule as well. Tiring it is now. “I wasn’t lying, Sir. And I promise not to appear spaced out again. You have my word.”

Finally, the whole room was serene for neither of us spoke and it was music to my ears. Cedric often bugged me despite the fact that both of us are busy doing our respective jobs. To have the office quiet was a gift from heaven.

Sadly, it didn’t last long. I shouldn’t be surprised that it didn’t…The man I am working for is Cedric Dixon, after all.

“Reese, indulge me…”

Here we go again.

“Aren’t I already?” I questioned, gaze not leaving my notebook. “My occupation is nothing but to follow your every whim. I’m sure that is peak indulgence, Sir.”

“Not that indulgence…” He sighed, seat creaking. I rolled my eyes once more. The silence surrounded us for another few seconds before he cleared his throat to elaborate on his request. “I want to hold you.”

My left eye twitched, unable to believe what I just heard. Hand almost breaking my pen in half.

“Pardon, Sir?”

Cedric sighed, voice louder this time as he spoke. A hint of annoyance in his tone. “You’re not deaf, Reese. I know you heard what I said the first time. Why don’t you come over here by my side so I can—”

“Sorry, but I may have to decline that specific request of yours, Sir.”

“And why not?” He sounded pissed this time. Obviously due to the fact he isn’t rejected most of the time. But I was not going to let him get the best of me by demanding such outrageous things, especially since we are at work and the chances of getting caught are high as Lawrence comes and goes. Not to mention, any other executive could come in and see us in such an abashed position. I might just faint and die if that were to ever happen. I can see the headlines in every news outlet at such a frustratingly comedic occurrence.

LOCAL PRIVATE SECRETARY FOUND CANOODLING WITH EMPLOYER, DEAD DUE TO SHOCK!

Dissipating such horrendous scenarios of a pathetic me, I gave him a final shake of the head to signal that I wouldn’t agree to it no matter what. “It’s not professional. We’re at work and I don’t want to be embraced by you. To make it more obvious, I don’t want to be near you.”

Surely, he’ll get the memo.

Cedric rose from his seat, a hand over his chest, making a fake anguished expression while walking over to my desk. “Oh, woe is me. You break my heart by saying that, Reese. Is that how you treat your boyfriend? Pushing me away won’t do you any good and once your memories return, you will regret it.”

“I doubt that.” I chuckled lightly. My hands were about to reach for the next stack of papers to segregate, a loud thump broke my focus. Cedric’s hand slammed on top of my desk, a smirk gracing his face as he regarded me almost to a degree I could consider malicious. Nevertheless, I stood my ground. “What is it, Sir? Displeased?”

He shook his head. “No. You were never the type to play hard-to-get. Even back then, you were always so cute. So good to me…I wonder how that disappeared overnight.” Leaning closer to me, he laughed. “I can’t help but feel sad about your former self. Maybe she would keel over and drop dead once she sees you acting this way.”

“And in what way, Sir?”

He chuckled.

“A prude.”

The drive to the Italian restaurant located in one of the busiest districts of Auburn City was a very solemn one, to say the least. Since Cedric was troubling himself with other pressing matters, I was granted a very peaceful working space until lunchtime rolled in and we were trapped in the same car together for the next twenty minutes through traffic. Awkwardly, we sat next to one another in silence. My favorite pastime of watching the cars pass by us was growing boring, leading me to go through my phone to check the time and read emails.

Cedric must have thought merely sitting there and staring into space was boring too, for he took out his phone as well and began typing away. After he called me a prude, I never said another word to him in frustration and confusion for I couldn’t understand how being professional at work was considered too uptight. For a CEO, he was too carefree.

“Thank you, Gerard.” Cedric waved at his driver as he climbed out of the car once it halted in front of the path to a block filled with classy restaurants frequented by the locals and foreigners alike. The scent of spices and what seemed to be melted cheese filled the air as we were walking towards the restaurant where we were supposed to meet the important couple.

Swallowing my fear, I followed Cedric inside as the usherette led us in with a smile. A few seconds later, I was seated next to my superior and across an astonishing couple—a couple that was indeed wealthy by the looks of the quality of the clothes on their backs. Other than appearing rich and sophisticated, the underlying emotion behind their eyes was surprise and concern. I didn’t say a word nor asked them what was wrong for fear of speaking out of place. Whatever must be bothering them, it does not concern me until Cedric says so. But just in case, I glanced at my phone to check the time to see if we were late.

Hm, we’re right on time, though. I wonder what seems to be the problem…

“Cedric, it’s so nice to see you again.” Mrs. Richardson greeted him warmly with a smile, holding out a hand for him to shake, to which he did. “It’s been…what? A year since we last met? How are you?”

“Yes, it’s been long. I’m quite well, Mrs. Richardson. I’m glad to see you haven’t aged a day.” Cedric returned with a grin, then turned to her husband with an equally pleasing aura. “How about you, Mr. Richardson? I hope you’re doing well, too.”

“Never better.” The man grumbled. My palms grew sweaty as I often caught him staring at me with nervousness. “So…I see what you’ve told me was true. About her…” Crossing his arms across his huge chest, he nodded at me. “You, you’re his private secretary…What’s your name?”

Clearing my throat, I hastily stood up and held out a hand. “Forgive me for not introducing myself. My name is Reese McKenzie, the new private secretary of Mr. Dixon.”

“I see.” Mere air touched my hand as the businessman refused to shake it, dismissing it with a wave. Biting my lip to prevent myself from saying rude words at how he treated me like dust, I sat down once again. “Cedric, you never told me she would be eating with us. Shouldn’t employees be seated at another table?”

“Hush, we’ll discuss it later, dear.” His wife suddenly interjected, nudging him secretly under the table. Attempting to brush off the sudden awkward atmosphere that settled between us, she gestured to the menu. “I am starving…How about we order some food, then we’ll dive straight ahead to business.”

Cedric hummed in agreement, taking the menu from the table. “Of course, Mrs. Richardson. I am famished too. Let’s see what they have to offer.” Opening it, he tapped me on the arm before pointing at the variety of delicious and appetizing pictures of the restaurant’s dishes. “There are a lot of…Is there anything you particularly like, Reese?”

“Cedric, why are you asking your secretary what she wants to eat?” Mr. Richardson demanded instantly, pointing at me without any remorse or embarrassment whether anyone was watching. “Shouldn’t she be ordering for us? Isn’t it part of her job?”

George Richardson, despite how rich and classy he appears to be, was a rude and pompous jerk.

Keeping my gaze down, I dare not utter a word to defend myself. What good would it bring in doing so? He might just escalate whatever problem he has and it would spoil everything else. Cedric must have thought of the same thing, for he became the bigger man and tried to calm the disturbed man down.

“Mr. Richardson, please don’t be upset. McKenzie is a favored employee of mine and I want to give her the best experience as my secretary. Isn’t it the superior’s task to keep his employees happy?” Even if Cedric’s words were to pacify the man, I couldn’t help but mentally gag at how fake it was. “Besides, she’s here to accompany me and everywhere I go.”

“Still…” The man grumbled, glaring at me slightly. “Private secretaries are not to be spoiled. You pay them for their services, not to treat them like your family.” Shaking his head at the idea, he sneered. “Cedric, from how you handle your employees, it seems you are still an amateur compared to your father. Perhaps you need more skill in handling them. I didn’t know your employees need constant berating. You’d think work experience has taught them how to know such basic etiquette.”

With how condescending he sounded and how he insulted Cedric and me in the face without hesitation for something he has no business in, I didn’t know why I rose from my seat, mouth ready to defend my superior’s honor and mine when a hand grabbed me by the wrist. Forcing me back down on my seat, akin to a dog who misbehaved.

“McKenzie, know your place!”

And for the first time since I met him, Cedric Dixon bared his horns at me in such anger. Rendering me, the Richardsons, and the patrons of the restaurant, speechless.