Everyone was celebrating. You can hear cheers from all employees in the company. This is such a big accomplishment of Pines Advertising. This is the first time we got a deal from a big company, and not just a big company but Liberty Group which is one of the biggest and most famous in the country. Everyone is happy except me. I still can't believe that I am now leading a team that will handle the advertising campaigns of a big company. Just three weeks ago, I was an ordinary employee who was not so relevant in Pines Advertising. I only existed before to do the task assigned to me, follow rules and always acted as an assistant to my colleagues especially to Mr. Smith.
After the visitors left, Mr. Smith came to my desk and forced a handshake. He is full of energy and looks very happy.
"It is all because of you, Jessica. Why didn't you tell me before that you know the CEO of Liberty Group? He is a mystery to everyone. We don't even know many things about him despite being in the business for a long time. You are our lucky charm do you know that?" He said. He became extra nice to me, although he was nice to me since last week but this time, it is too much.
"Thank you, Mr. Smith. I am still overwhelmed with what's happening. I hoped you will guide me with this transition. I'm new when it comes to leading a team and I would appreciate it if you will guide me in making decisions."
"Of course, you have my help. I have always believed in your potential. That's why I was offering you a promotion last week because I could see the passion in you, and I am correct with what I saw in you."
He looked at everyone after his last statement. "This calls for a celebration. Although the contract is not yet signed, we are already 100% sure that we got the deal. Tonight, let's all go out for dinner and drinks. For the rest of the day, finish all your task but you do not need to work too much since I know everyone is in high spirits. Alice, reserve the seafood restaurant in Miller Street for everyone. Make it exclusive only for our employees. Sky is the limit, and everyone should be present."
"Right away, sir." Alice replied.
"You have to be there Jessica. This deal became possible because of you. You don't have any plans tonight, right?
"I don't have any, Sir."
"Good. Let's go back to work everyone." Mr. Smith left with everyone still cheering.
Most of the employees came to my area to congratulate me for the unexpected promotion. Some even thanked me.
The person I am waiting to approach me is Annie. I need someone to talk to. I need to share what I am thinking. I looked around to look for her. She is in her workstation looking busy. I decided to go to her and ask for her opinion.
"Hey, Annie." I said. She doesn't look happy and didn't look at me.
"Why didn't you tell me anything? I thought I'm the only friend you have. You made me believe that you are like me. That we are ordinary. I didn't know that you have rich friends." Annie said, looking upset.
"I wanted to tell you, but everything happened just recently and I am not friends with the CEO of Liberty Group. I don't know anything about him. I haven't met him yet. Can you remember the small plant I got last week? Everything started there. I received presents from an anonymous person, I was able to buy things from the stationery store near my place without paying and I stayed in Liberty Hotel for free. I was also so confused. All started when I lost my diary and I only found about it last Friday night. I also don't know what's happening to me now. I don't even know whether I should be happy or scared. Everything is still a mystery to me." I explained.
"I don't get it." She said, looking puzzled but she doesn't look so upset anymore.
"Me, either. And it's a long story. Many things happened to me since Thursday night, you know. I was also puzzled like you. And now, I will be leading a team for an ad campaign! So, please don't get mad at me, I cannot tell you things that I also don't know. You trust me, right?"
"Yeah, of course. I trust you." She is already smiling. "Next time, when you go to Liberty Hotel, you should be with me okay? Promise me! How about this Saturday?"
"Sure! You will love it there. The view from the room where I stayed was fantastic. I even had a bottle of wine all by myself. Let's spend the weekend there. According to the staff there, I can stay in the room anytime I want. I'm sure it's okay if I bring someone with me. It would be more exciting. Deal?"
"Okay. I'm still a bit angry at you, don't forget that." She said but now smiling from ear to ear.
"I will make sure you will love me again this weekend." I assured her. I fell a little better now, still nervous about the task I will have in the next weeks, but I feel relieved now knowing I have Annie here with me, I'm sure I can count on someone. I just hope Mr. Smith will keep his promise in assisting me all throughout. He is a bit relaxed sometimes and he always delegated his work to me so I also feel hesitant with what he said.
I want to thank my Genie for the opportunity he has given not only to me but especially to Pines Advertising. Though I am not sure who he is, I'm sure that he is somewhat part of this deal. I have never seen this office with happy smiles. But I think not everyone is happy about what happened. Jenna, a lady in her late twenties who is known for being so competitive and perfectionist looks at me with disgust. I am sure she will be happier if the project was given to her. I don't want to mind her now but I'm sure she will be a pain in the ass in the next days.
The time went by so fast. The happy atmosphere in the office still didn't vanish. I guess everyone is excited for the company dinner. In my years of experience in here, this is the first time we will have a company bonding which is not for celebrating Christmas. Mr. Smith, our boss is known for being so stingy but now, he is willing to spend a lot to celebrate the new milestone of the company.
At exactly 5 pm, everyone is already ready to leave. Mr. Smith came out from his office, still with a smile on his face, told everyone to start going to the restaurant. He then looked at my direction.
"Do you need a ride? You and your friend can hop in my car." He suggested.
"Sorry, sir. I need to do something first before heading there." I had to make an excuse. I don't want to hear his words of flattery and I just want to have a chat with Annie on our way to the resto. Luckily, he didn't insist and left the place.
Annie and I got our bags and went for the elevators when I felt my phone vibrating. I got my phone from my bag immediately. It is from an unregistered number. I don't usually take calls from people I don't know so I put my phone back in my bag then took the elevator.
Annie and I talked about my unusual experience for the past days until she finally understood what I have been through.
"Aren't you scared, Jez? That guy seems like a stalker to me. It's like someone is always watching where you are or what you are doing."
"At first I was. I think that's the initial reaction of everyone. But when I was in the hotel, I realized that I was lucky. Someone is looking after me and someone wants me to experience all the things that I dreamed of. I can never have that experience without him." I was stopped from talking when I felt my phone vibrating again. I checked my phone from my bag immediately and the call is from the same number a while back. Again, I put the phone back in my bag and ignored the unregistered call. A few moments later, the vibrating stopped.
"Anyway, I will just enjoy this experience. Ah! He sent me a message last night." I got my phone and opened the message box. I opened the message and realized that I didn't save his phone number yet. I clicked save and type "My Genie" in the name box. When his phone number appeared on the screen, I realized the unregistered calls which I ignored a while ago were from him! How stupid of me!