2

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

He talks too much. I finally realise that the light is green for me and I have 10 seconds to cross. I step over the kerb and run into the lane before being hit by a car.

See you Monday, mystery girl," says my charming stranger before I disappear into the crowd and can't see him anymore.

What a day, and not the least. I think I'm going to like it here. And if my boss is as nice as this man, I'll be over the moon and doubly happy.

Once I'm back home, I do a few chores and the day goes by like crazy. I don't even see the evening coming. I go to the main family house. It's right next door to where I live. My father bought the house from our neighbours at a good price last summer. And I needed a place to live "independently", so I moved there. I have four brothers and sisters. The oldest is Tyler and he is 30 years old. He lives in another part of town with his wife Claire and twins David and Damien. Then there is me, Layla who is 17 and twins Cameron and Christopher who are 14. My parents, John and Anita Smith are the most loving parents on earth. I wouldn't trade them for anything.

I walk across the driveway and through the back door into my house with my key. My mother and the twins are the first to return home.

Good evening my darling," she says.

Hello Ali," the twins add.

Good evening to you all. Did you have a good day?

Yes. Your brothers just made me very tired getting into the car tonight. But that's nothing new.

Stop tiring mommy, twins.

She's still got energy, don't worry, these two say.

Incorrigible, my mother adds as my brothers disappear up the stairs.

I pour my mother a glass of orange juice and we both sit down to chat. I love talking to this woman. She is full of life. She really is my ray of sunshine.

So how was the interview, dear?

I got the job, starting Monday.

That's fabulous. You deserve it. You really are a brave and humble woman.

Thank you. It means a lot to me what you say.

What's your boss like?

I don't know if it's a woman or a man. I'll find out on Monday.

Please don't be cheeky, toffee.

Me? Insolent? Never! I'm complaining.

We know each other. Please be gentle and polite at all times, that's all," my mother finishes with tenderness.

She is right. When I'm irritated, I often have trouble controlling myself, but working at this firm is important to me, so I'm going to try to control myself and avoid getting out of line. Maybe it's my black skin or my African origins, who knows.

Later in the evening Layla comes in followed by my dad for a few minutes. Once everyone is there, we have a nice dinner. Then I go home and phone Chloe and tell her the whole story of my day.

I just pray that your boss is a handsome man in his thirties.

I don't intend to date my boss, especially since I'm already interested in someone else.

Oh yes, I had already forgotten about the blond guy. But beware, maybe it's just those people who sleep with the assistants for fun and then throw them away.

Anyway, you know me, I'm not the type to throw myself into the arms of the first person I meet.

I know... No, darling, I'm on the phone...

Now I assume she's talking to Eric.

No, no. Stop it...Aliyah?" a male voice on the other end of the phone calls out to me.

Yes, Eric?

Do you mind hanging up tonight? I want to spend some time with dear Chloe.

No, I don't mind at all. You two have a good night. I give you a big kiss.

We'll give you a big kiss too. Kisses and good night.

With these sweet words, Eric hangs up. He's a great guy. He's really the perfect guy for my best friend. I'm happy for his happiness.

I shower one last time, not being able to stand the heat, and put on my nightie before going to bed and falling asleep.

I chase Mr Meow around the house. He is the family cat. We have a cat and a dog and they get along very well. This cat has stolen my panties and I have to catch him before he drops them anywhere. I obviously don't intend to wear them any more, but as a matter of principle I must get them back.

Meow, come back here! Why are you acting like Garfield the cat?! I'm really not in the mood, you'll make me late.

That damn cat doesn't listen to me at all. It keeps jumping and running around the house. He goes to the front door but I block his way.

Where are you going? You won't get through," I say, rather proud of myself.

But I didn't count on the cat's agility. I had hardly said that when he slipped between my legs and escaped through the cat flap. I open the door and rush out to catch him. He runs and ends up leaving my panties on the pavement. I go to pick them up and there I see to my horror that my neighbour has them, Esteban Cruz.

I guess they're yours," he says, holding up my panties. Nice outfit for a jog.

Damn! I forgot I was in a towel. It's the only thing covering me, by the way. One false move and I'm naked outside.

I... Esteban, can I have my panties back?

Do you still want to wear them after what Mr Meow did? You could leave them with me.

Fucking hell. Am I dreaming or is my very sexy neighbour, who I've always had a crush on, making naughty advances? My day couldn't have started any better...or worse.

Esteban Cruz is a 29 year old man of Mexican origin. He is tall, athletic, with tanned skin and curly brown hair. His face and fine, almost feminine features make him look innocent and, above all, make me want to eat him alive. We've been friends since secondary school but I never dared to tell him that I liked him. But now it's too late and I've moved on.

So his innuendo-laden remarks can be put anywhere I think.

Ah ah, very funny Esteban. Give me my panties back, right now," I say firmly.

Then what?" continues the neighbour, teasing.

Or else I'll scream. My parents are still at home and you know my father and his gun madness.

You're so touchy," he says, handing me my underwear.

And you're the biggest comedian of them all. Good day Esteban.

He gives me a slight nod before continuing his jog without a shirt. I always knew that he was a bit of an exhibitionist. Esteban loves showing off his dream body. Whether it's hot or cold, it's always the same show.

I go back inside the house and rinse off again because I've just run. I get out of the shower and see Mr Meow lying on my bed lounging around.

You!" I say nastily. You're lucky you're a cute cat.

I reach into my dresser and grab some clean underwear, slip it on and put on the midnight blue blouse with the black trousers I bought myself on Saturday. I slip on some black patent heels with red soles and brush out my short, curly, square weave that fits me perfectly. A touch of blush, a little eyeliner, I draw my lips with nude and I'm ready to go to work. I grab a jacket that matches my trousers, my handbag and head for my parents' house. It's barely 7am.

Good morning everyone," I say as I enter.

Hello Ali. Wow," says Chris. You didn't tell me that your new job was as a photo model.

You didn't tell me either," adds my father with a skeptical look on his face.

My father has always been very protective, chasing away any man he thought might hurt his little girl, which is 95% of the guys who hit on me. I love my dad, but he's a little too intrusive at times.

You're exaggerating, I retort.

No, I'm not," says Cam. It's way too hot to go to work.

Don't listen to them, honey. You're beautiful and it's decently proper.

Thank you, Mom," I thanked her and kissed her cheek.

You know Dad's always worried about boys coming near us," Layla said. He's probably afraid that Ali's boss will come after him.

That's right," confirms my father. I'll ask Clark to look after you.

I think Mr Jefferson has better things to do than look after me.

He'll tell his wife then. Lily's very nice, she'll take care of it.

Let me grow up, Mr. Smith.

I'll stop worrying about you, Miss Smith, when you're 40 or more. It all depends on my mood.

Your father's a pain," says my mother. Are you having breakfast with us?

No, I'll have a cappucino on the way. I'll be late otherwise.

I kiss everyone goodbye and leave. I hear my father telling me to be careful before I close the door. He should calm down. I'm going to work, not in the war or in a club. Just in a law firm. He has to calm down. I'm not seven anymore.

Anyway, I choose to take the bus down to the city centre. I stop at a café where they sell delicious cappucino and pastries to die for. So I queue up and get my boss and I two cappucinos, one chocolate milk and the other Corsican coffee with milk foam on top, as well as croissants and brioches. This should help me to look good. It only takes 10 minutes fortunately but it's already 7.40am. I arrive and stop to greet the receptionist but that's when she tells me that my boss is already here and waiting for me in his office.

Already?

Yes. He's not usually this punctual. He probably wanted to see if you were going to be on time.

Well, that didn't work out, apparently. But Mrs. Jefferson told me 8:00. Shit, I'm in trouble. The receptionist shows me to my boss's office and I go. The office is very modern, with clear glass everywhere. But there are large curtains that prevent me from seeing inside. My boss, who apparently is a he, has his office at the top of the stairs, second door on the right. I knock but get no answer. So I go in and find a small office at the entrance and another room at the far end. I guess that's where I'll sit. I put my handbag down, take off my jacket and knock on the other door. There, a male voice allows me to enter.

I'm really sorry for the delay. It won't happen again, I assure you...

He is facing the large window that looks out onto the street. He turns around and at that moment I see the blond man.

Are you my boss?

Do you mind?" he asks naughtily.

I can't believe it. If he keeps coming on to me like this, I'll forget all my professional rules.

Not at all. I brought you some food this morning. I hope that helps you forgive me.

I put the cappucino on the table along with the pastries I bought. I smile at my boss with all my teeth and give him my best seductive look to make him forgive me. Then a male voice behind me catches my attention.

You won't keep your job by bribing me with pastries, Miss. I need someone committed and punctual.

But who is this guy who puts on airs and talks to me like that?

I'm sorry, but who are you?

I'm actually your boss. Neil, get out of my seat.

Hm? I must have missed an episode. This insolent man can't be my real boss. Can he? Maybe it's just my tardiness that gets to him, maybe he's nicer than he seems.

I... sorry, sir. I won't do it again.