My boss

01

Eli, hurry up," Chloe yells at me. You're going to be late.

Chloe Dawson really has a knack for stressing people out. It's just 9am and the interview starts at 10am. The office is just a stone's throw from the house. It's no big deal to rush me like she does.

By the way, my name is Aliyah Smith and I live in Philadelphia. I love my city, the beauty of the beaches especially and the handsome guys running on the white sand. But now my main goal is to find a job. I hope I get the job, although the truth is I'm not particularly worried. My father's best friend owns the place.

Jefferson & Associates is by far one of the best law firms in town. They win almost every case they take on. I'm pretty sure I have the job. But you never know, I'd rather go to the firm anyway.

So I quickly go down the stairs and meet Chloe downstairs. I put on a black suit with a white tank top and black pumps. I tied my hair up in a high ponytail and put some discreet curls in to complement it. For make-up, a line of eyeliner and a touch of lip gloss were enough.

Are you going to go on your date like that?

Of course. How do you want me to go?

I don't know. A bit more colourful. You're too dull.

It's a job interview, Chlo, not a fashion show. I'll have plenty of time to dress up once I get the job.

At least you're leaving with confidence. Let's go, I'll drop you off.

She walks ahead of me to her car, a sublime black Ferrari convertible offered by her rich fiancé, Eric. Sometimes I envy her relationship. Being single for a year is really not easy.

Chloé is a tall, busty blonde. But she doesn't fit the cliché at all, she is very intelligent and works as a pharmaceutical researcher at Cosmopharma. I am extremely proud of my best friend. As for me, I studied law. Unfortunately, I have not been able to get a job in a law firm so far. It seems that the job market is saturated. So, since I finished school, I've been taking on executive assistant positions at various companies.

We've finally arrived at Jefferson & Associates. I can't wait.

Not too stressed, Ali?

Not at all. I was born ready, Chlo, you forget that.

Good luck, chocolate milk!

Thank you. Have a great day with your sweetie!

I enter the premises and realise that there are a lot of people waiting. I should have listened to Chloe and come earlier. I report to the receptionist and she asks me to wait as she is on the phone. I turn my head and I see a beautiful stallion walking by. He is dressed in a tight black suit and his blond hair is cut in layers. Who could this man be? In any case, his charm does not leave me indifferent. He looks like he's having a big phone conversation. One moment, he looks in the direction of the candidates and then our eyes meet. I am totally hypnotized by the grey of his eyes. This is where I thank God for creating such perfect beings! But his gaze doesn't linger any longer. He resumes his energetic conversation and disappears behind an office door.

Miss," the receptionist snaps me out of my reverie.

Yes," I answer.

Please fill in this form. Then hand it to me and your CV and sit down.

She is a lady, maybe in her forties. She is warm and very smiley. I appreciate it, it's rare to see people who love their work so much.

So I do it. The form includes a basic questionnaire such as my age, my name, my address. Well, the whole shebang.

About two hours later, after all the formalities, I was received in the office. It is a rather strict looking lady, but she is wearing a red dress with a somewhat revealing but not too revealing neckline. This is in total contrast to her expression. When I enter the office, she stands up to greet me and beckons me to sit opposite her. I think it's only at this point that the stress slowly starts to take hold of me.

Hello Miss Smith. How are you?

Fine, ma'am. Thank you for seeing me.

But of course. We'll get started if you don't mind.

I nod.

So, how old are you?

I'm 26.

Any children?

None.

Any siblings?

No. I live alone with no dependents.

Okay. So, I see here that you have a degree in business law. Why are you applying as an administrative assistant?

The job market seems to be saturated. I don't want to be unemployed, so I am happy to take on this kind of work. There is no such thing as a silly job in my opinion.

I like the way you see things. And you look like a determined woman. You'll need determination if you're to be an assistant to your future boss. Who was your last employer?

Mr. Fox Undermeyer.

Undermeyer? The famous businessman?" she says with astonishment.

Yes.

She still seems surprised.

I worked for him for two years," I revealed.

But why did you leave his office," the intrigued woman asks.

His wife accused me of charming him. So she asked him to choose between her and me. He obviously preferred his wife, to his credit.

How unfortunate...Well, perhaps it's a blessing in disguise. Why should we choose you instead of all the others?

I am a cultured girl, serious about my work and I don't let myself get distracted. I am not one of those girls who want to seduce the boss to get more money. I am self-sufficient. I think that I will bring more friendliness to your company, good humour and my rigour will be a bonus for my boss.

_Hum.... very good. You have convinced me, you have the job! Welcome to our company, Miss Smith," she says, holding out her hand. You start on Monday at 8am. Be ready and there on time. Your boss hates people who are late.

Thank you very much, Mrs...

Mrs. Jefferson!

The wife of...

Of Mr. Jefferson himself. I love interviewing. I work here, we'll be seeing each other.

Does she know it was her husband who suggested I apply here?

My husband spoke very highly of you. He wasn't mistaken.

Apparently so.

I won't disappoint you, Mrs. Jefferson.

It's all about keeping your boss happy. Good day to you.

I got the job. I'm so happy. After only a month, I'm back on track. And in a law firm. It's almost like being a lawyer. I'll be able to learn a lot. I'm really happy.

Mrs Jefferson leaves the office at the same time as me and announces the end of the interviews. I am satisfied. Since I'm going to work here, I hope I'll have the chance to see the handsome blond man I saw earlier.

I leave the office and text Chloe to let her know I'm done. I go around the corner and wait for the light to turn green for pedestrians when someone approaches me.

Were you there for the interview?

I turn to the male voice and notice the blond man from earlier. He is even more handsome up close. His hair is layered in a thick curly mass on top of his head. You want to put your fingers in it. His drawn jaws do not harden his face at all, on the contrary. They do, however, give him a very mature look. His emerging beard is sexy as hell. And he wears a familiar, very manly scent of Paco Rayane, my father's favourite brand. And his eyes, I can't take my eyes off him. But I try to keep my cool and look as casual as possible.

Yes, I got the job," I say casually.

All right, we'll have to see each other every day then, I'm working here," the Apollo says.

Very well.

May I know your name," he asks innocently.

Monday, sir, Monday!

It's because she's naughty. So be it! Can you at least tell me who you're going to work for?

For you perhaps.

I wouldn't mind, but I already have an assistant.