Aisha
I stepped out of the lift, coffee in hand and walked through the maze of cubicles to my office while occasionally greeting a couple of my colleagues. I stopped before my office that was in the hallway with other doors, with that of the boss at the end of the corridor. I liked it here and it was drama free and most importantly, Michael free. At least, I work things out in my personal space without having to walk into him. Plus, I had an actual job and position in the company. And a lovely fiancée who drops me off in the morning and picks me up after work.
I placed my cup on the table along with my bag and sat down to organise things so I can get moving on work for the day. I sorted out the files whose datelines were closer and placed them up. I took out my laptop and placed on my desk and turned it on. I was about to start on work when my office phone went off.
"Miss Aliyu speaking. "I answered.
"Great, you're here." I heard Javier's chirpy voice at the other end and smiled.
"Missed me that much?" I teased.
"You wish." he retorted playfully, "hope you checked on the work with the Jenkins and Steels." He asked.
"Yes. Completed them last evening." I replied.
" You'll need to submit them by 10:00am latest today and we'll be meeting with our new partners tomorrow." He added.
"How about I bring it now?" I asked picking up the said file.
"Sure. So I can have more free time to myself later." He replied.
"Will be there in a minute." I said and dropped the call, finished the rest of my coffee, then left my office. I walked through the large corridor till I reached the end where his office was. I knocked gently and I heard a come in at the other side. I opened the door and stepped in closing it behind me.
"Fancy seeing you." He said with a brief glance my way before returning to whatever he was looking at on the documents he had in hand.
I chuckled and sat down looking at him. He stopped reading and looked up at me.
"Yes?" He said looking at me as I stared at him.
"Oh no. Never mind my presence just carry on. I can wait. " I replied.
He sighed and set the papers aside. "I'm sorry. Now you have my undivided attention."
"Good. " I said with smile "so, here are the documents." I said giving the files to him
"Geez are you that petty with your fiancée? " he teased, grabbing them and going through
"Always. " I replied with a grin.
"You're lucky I'm patient." He snorted
"I wouldn't have it any other way. Plus, I'm your only friend here." I said playfully.
Javier Sartorius was the current CEO of Sartorius Consolidated. Javier is a pretty cool person. We easily kicked off after my interview. I was actually having the interview with his father but he walked in the middle of the interview and talked with his father like no-one was there. At first I was like he is some rude spoiled kid who thinks he's too good for the world, which was the total opposite of how his father received me. When they were done talking he turned to me with a dashing smile and said.
"Javier Sartorius. I hope to count you as one of ours."
I was too stunned at first to give a reply because I wasn't even done with the interview. He pated my shoulder amiably before leaving.
I got a call the following day and here we are, a month from that day acting like we've been best friends since diapers. It's true that day I had misjudged him in every way. Sure, he was good-looking, but he was also kind, altruistic, funny, thoughtful, patient and understanding. It was easy being around him.
"how's your dad?" I asked leaning against the backrest.
"he's doing ok. I'm fine too thanks." he replied, the last part being sarcastic.
"c'mon, don't be like that." i cooed walking round his desk to embrace him "i know you throwing jokes means you're ok."
"yeah right."
"c'mon, I'm sorry." i said smudging him with kisses on his cheek
"ok, right you can keep them coming." he replied smugly
"jerk." I muttered returning to my seat.
"you weren't thinking about that when you were all over me." he laughed but i kissed my teeth and stood up.
"yea not happening again. I'm going back to work." i said moving towards the door.
"Keep up the cat-walk. I'm loving you leave." He mocked and I gave him a middle finger.
"I'm still your boss Miss Aliyu." He replied smugly
"Of course, how could I forget that." I replied sarcastically with a fake smile before existing his office. Most people had find our interaction inappropriate but, we perfectly understood ourselves. He statement wasn't meant to be offensive but rather comical.
Once in my office, I had barely sat in my chair when my phone notification signaled a new message. I frown wondering who it was so early and of course it was my ever dainty-fiance.
Christian:Launch together at midday?😘
Me: absolutely 🥰 let me get done with work so I won't be held back.
Christian: sure, love ❣️. Love you
Me: I❣️u2 😉
I smiled at our messages. I was grateful God had helped me sort out the wreck I was when I left this country. I guess he just wanted to teach me a lesson with Michael so I could be better for Christian. We had never really dated and when I left for college, I thought we just weren't meant to be: just one of those unfortunate young love that you hardly end up together. What a serious mental kick I received from the universe: winding up to be his would be wife.
I smiled as I sat in my chair, thoughts of all we had been through before finding our way back to each other. To think that three years back we would have been marrying someone else. Especially when I thought Michael would be my last and forever. Apparently, experience had proven that I was horrible at making life decisions for myself. I had thought I would end up with Michael but he was the person to leave me in a wreck meanwhile Christian, whom I thought things would never workout with was the one for me all along. I hope. Oh God please don't let me be digging an early grave for myself. I just pray I got it right this time. I mean, Chris hasn't given me any reason to doubt him now. He's affectionate, patient, loving, understanding,... But Michael was all of those too. People could really display their ugliest side when they face certain situations. I sighed, all will be fine. There's no need for overthinking. I need to finish this work, God's gonna take care of the other petty issues and what-ifs. I spinned in my chair and returned to my work. Javier needs this this afternoon so I better get started already.