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I miscalculated all the what-ifs.
7
ARI
I brace myself for impact when I reach the top floor—derail and explode on impact—I’m minutes from that happening, I’m sure of it.
“Hey, I’m Joseph, lovely to meet you.” I’m instantly greeted by the top-floor receptionist who gently cups my elbow and walks us with urgency to the door of the boardroom.
“Why can’t you take the minutes for the meeting?” Like a doe caught in the headlights, I’m startled and so far outside of my comfort zone, my mouth has gone drier than the Sahara. “I need a drink.”
“There’s water inside.” Joseph juts his chin in the direction of the room.
“I might need something stronger.”
“We’ll save that for after work, sweetie.” He smiles warmly. “And I can’t take the minutes, I’m just the receptionist. My job is to look pretty.” Running his manicured fingers over his perfectly styled wavy locks, he adds, “And keeping everyone happy is a full-time job, then there’s being nice to clients, making the coffee, screening calls and keeping them to a minimum. Thataside, reminding everyone not to talk to Mr. Crankypants unless instructed to is exhausting.”
“Who the hell is Mr. Crankypants?”
Joseph winks. “Technically they all are on this floor. But one is worse than the others. You’ll see.”
Shit. Shit. Shit.
What the hell was I thinking?I can’t do this.
“Yes, you can.”
I must have said that out loud.
“My oh my, you are pretty.” Joseph takes a step back and hums in approval at my outfit. “You are damn fine, girl.”
Nervous laughter leaves my lungs. “Any words of advice?” It’s too late for that; I’m in way over my head, and it will blow my mission apart before it’s even begun if I flee now.
“Listen. Type fast. Don’t let Crankypants get to you because it’s not personal, he’s just, well… you’ll see. And lastly, be invisible.”
I let out a long exhale; I can do that. “Got it. And don’t pee myself on the first day.”
Joseph chuckles. “I like you and I can see us being friends.” He gestures to the space between us. “I hope you last longer than his previous secretary.”
Friends? No way. Someone that could come in useful? Yes.
“Great, let’s go for that drink after work one night.” I accept his earlier invitation.
Deception is most unlike me, but it’s a small step on the path to my destination.
“It’s a date,” Joseph confirms, reaching past me as he pushes the door open and grabs my shoulder with the other, urging me to enter the room. “See you in two hours.”
Two hours? Is that how long the meeting is? I should have used the bathroom first.
I ask him over my shoulder, “I’m the new records clerk.” I can’t believe Janice was being serious when she said I got a promotion—I don’t want it. “What did you mean when you said I’m his new secretary? Who ishe?”
“You’ll meet him soon.” He pushes me fully into the room and I stumble clumsily into it, making everyone around the table turn to look at the calamity that is me as the door closes behind me.
World, swallow me up now.
I’m drawing far too much attention to myself.
Coming to a standstill, I clutch the laptop to my chest and inhale a deep breath that’s filled with dread then quickly study the faces. Oh, thank God. I exhale in relief as unfamiliar people stare back at me from around the boardroom table.