CH 4

I am no ordinary secretary. I am an executive assistant. I have two secretaries of my own. I like to think my boss can't live without me, as is evident by the endless calls at all hours of the day and night. It is a wonder how the man is so successful. I run his life, his schedule, with a precision to rival the Swiss. This is why it is baffling that today he mentions a one o'clock appointment that is not on the daily calendar I created. I know it is not on the weekly calendar or the monthly calendar either. I did not forget to add it to today's itinerary. I barely had time to be curious because I was busy with a million other tasks and deadlines that carried over from an impromptu weekend meeting about an upcoming merger. The hush-hush deal was leaked and the parties involved were not exactly happy. That left our company stroking egos over the weekend.

I do not like it when my schedule is not followed, therefore, I rule the office with an iron fist. Unfortunately, these unforeseen circumstances happen every so often. I live for damage control. Who am I kidding? I live for control, period. I now have less than an hour to figure out who mystery man (MM) is and devise my tactics. It's easy enough getting the pertinent info from security in the lobby. It helps that the man has been lusting after me for as long as I've been here. A few more calls later and I know enough about MM to realize it is not enough. I need to know more. There is no time now. I know my boss has a two thirty in the boardroom, so this meeting should be over soon. My heart betrays me and starts to race in time with the seconds of the clock. My breathing sounds loud in my own ears. I am dying to see him again, and it's only been forty five minutes. I don't like this. I force myself to finish my work and try to forget about MM for 15 minutes.

I hear the sound of laughter and shuffling feet exactly 15 minutes later. Can I call it or what? I see the door open out of the corner of my eye. I force myself to keep my eyes down. As I hear his footsteps near, I address him by name and tell him to have a nice day. I look up to see the look of surprise that I have ascertained his identity before he composes himself. He nods in acquiescence. Point one to me. Then he tells me he looks forward to working together. WHAT? What the hell is he talking about? I thought I gave nothing away, but the confusion must have flashed across my face because I saw the corner of those luscious lips tug toward a smile. I gave him my killer smile in return and leaned slightly forward. "Can't wait", I said. He shook his head slightly and turned around toward hall leading to the elevator. But not before I saw his smile. I watched him leave, but he never turned back. I learned later from my boss that MM would be somewhat of a liaison while my boss underwent some surgery or other. I totally tuned him out after he said I'd be responsible for assimilating MM to the company. So, I would actually be working for MM. This would not do. I knew what would happen when they threw two combustible people together. I don't like to mix business with pleasure. I never do. I found myself absently turning the ring on my left ring finger. My subconscious could be such a bitch.