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“So what’s next, Layla?” I asked, pressing the elevator button. The chime sounded, and the gold-plated metal doors slid open, revealing the empty cubicle behind them.
I stepped in first, Layla following in lockstep.
“Well, you have a flight to catch in about thirty minutes,” she said.
“A flight in thirty minutes! I thought my only travel arrangements were for New York tomorrow afternoon?”
“Well, Mr. Steele, you called me at nine this morning, asking me to shift your flight to this afternoon because the shareholders were being impatient with you.”
“Oh yes, I did. Well, have Derek bring the car over.”
“Already done, sir. I’ve also sent the ticket details via email.”
“Why aren’t you coming with me again?”
“Well, I’m supposed to represent you, sir, at the launching.”
“That’s today?”
“Sir.”
“I know, I know, I should start writing things down and setting reminders.”
The doors slid open, and we stepped out of the elevator, walking past the busy foyer as we headed for the entrance doors.
The warm afternoon sun fell on my face as I walked through the doors, causing me to squint a bit. I searched for the familiar black sedan and found it parked just outside, with Derek, my driver, waiting at the door.
“I trust the meeting went well, sir?” Derek said, opening the passenger door for me.
I nodded as I smiled and got into the car. I turned to Layla, who stood outside, her tablet cradled to her chest. “You’re not coming?”
She shook her head. “I wouldn’t be able to make it for the launching if I did, sir.”
“Well, how do you intend to get there then?”
“Uber.”
My eyes narrowed as I tilted my head to the side. “Wait here. I’ll have one of the company cars come to pick you up.” She nodded, and Derek closed the door before circling the vehicle.
“Good luck, sir,” she said just as I rolled the tinted window up.
Derek swiftly entered the car and started it. As I felt the car begin to move, I took my phone out of my suit jacket.
“Hello,” I said, raising the phone to my ear.
“Yes, I’m on my way. Please send a car to pick up my secretary at the foundation. All right, thank you.”
I placed the phone down and sank into my chair.
My phone chimed again, its vibration pulling me back to life. I picked it up and read the notification on the lock screen. It was an email from Layla containing details of my travel and accommodation arrangements, along with my contact person who would stand as my secretary.
I opened the mail, and my eyes fell on the attached file containing all the documents. I let out a soft sigh; I was too exhausted to go through any of that.
I placed the phone down and sank back into my chair. My eyelids felt heavy, and I saw no reason to fight them. I drifted off into sleep.
My phone began to ring loudly, and I groaned, lifting it to my ears as I picked up the call without even bothering to check the caller ID. What’s a guy gotta do to get some damn sleep?
I snarled over the phone.