Iris was not expecting to have to call the police for two grown men—strangers to her—asleep in her backyard. Luckily the police were quick and she was able to go to work.
Iris had put her caramel brown hair in a high ponytail and put on deep red lipstick. It complimented her deep brown eyes. Her shirt was a silk printed blouse from her favorite store along with corduroy colored pants. She put on her favorite blue ballet flats. It was all her favorite clothes so she would be comfy. After grabbing her black bag and keys, she locked the door and drove off to work.
In the company lobby, she met the other new hires. She was the only new hire in marketing. Others were hired for human resources, tech, and operations. Even in her favorite fancy clothes, she seemed underdressed. Everyone else was in suits and seemed nervous to death. Iris kept a smile on her face. Karen from Human Resources came out to lead them on a building tour. Her purple reading glasses were on her head this time and her hair in a back braid.
"Let me tell you how lucky you are today. You get to meet our CEO Antoine Gastropf today. He never meets the new recruits. So please remain on your best behavior." Fear shuddered through the small group except for Iris whose smile brightened. She had never met the famous Antoine Gastropf. She was very excited. His episode on the FoodStuff channel had been replaying constantly. It was her favorite episode. She still hadn't gone to his bar yet but that would have to wait until after baby.
"Okay recruits, follow me to the security desk. Let's get your badges first."
Iris was a little unsatisfied with her photo. Her weight showed and she hated looking fat. It was harder for her to lose weight. She had tried many times but doctors determined it would be safer for her to be comfortable with how she is. She couldn't risk her mini-me's health but it still dropped the smile from her face slightly.
"Continue on, recruits. We are going to show you the cafeteria and gym on this first floor. Then we will continue up to the next floor."
This tour continued as such for 15 minutes until Karen paused. She said, "Chop. Chop. We are going to meet the CEO then I will drop each of you off at your specific departments."
Iris retained her focus and smiled bright and big. Time to meet her idol.
Instead of getting in the right side elevators, Karen directed the group into the leftmost elevator. The glass elevator. Iris stared out the elevator as they were taken to the top floor. When the elevator stopped, they were guided to the the CEO's office. Everyone walked in like they were walking across a minefield except for Karen who practically waltzed in like she was born there.
"Mr. Gastropf, here are the new recruits as you requested. Please everyone take a seat and listen carefully to our CEO. Take notes."
Antoine stood up. He was very dashing in his dark suit and bolo tie with an emerald gemstone. His button up shirt fully buttoned up and showed no skin. Iris was slightly disappointed.
"Welcome recruits. Thank you for joining Gastropf-Quill Industries. As most of you already know, our company has been around since the beginning of the metroplex. We help with food supplies and manage several restaurants. Tech department helps to keep all connections going. Human resources is your help point as an employee. Operations processes requests and services. Operations also manages the guard details and building maintenance. Marketing is our guide for reaching our customers. You are our hands, ears, voices, and hearts. Let's have a great day!"
Everyone quietly clapped except for Iris who had a huge smile and clapped loudly. Antoine's smile grew in return. Would he be able to not fall in love with Iris?
As Karen turned to leave the group away, she was called by Mr. Gastropf. She had the recruits wait in the hall as she spoke with the CEO. In a few minutes, she came out.
"Iris, there has been a reassignment. You are to be the CEO's new secretary. Please remain seated in his office until further notice. The rest of the recruits follow me." She directed them back to the elevator and down to their departments.
Iris sat in silence waiting to know what to do. Fifteen minutes passed. Everyone else should be in their departments. Suddenly, Teresa burst into his office with lots of rage.
"Brother, how dare you! We got one of the best marketing executives from our rival company. Bless your heart for stealing my special recruit..." Teresa continued on not realizing that Iris was behind her sitting on the couch. "I don't care if she is carrying your baby. It doesn't mean you could ever marry her. You're still the king of the—."
Slap! Antoine stopped Teresa before she spilled the secret in front of the unknowing human. He turned Teresa around and introduced her to Iris.
"Teresa, meet Iris." Teresa's face flushed bright red with embarrassment.