It is not a normal day at S Tower. Managers and some of their subordinates seem to be walking faster than their usual pace. Occasionally, shouts of instructions from one of them can be heard. I heard rumors about the big boss coming today, which might be the reason why they are in a hurry. Well, it might be a rush morning for the managers, but for me, it's as normal as any other day. It is because there are no changes with what I am doing. I'm still Darryl McKinley, still pushing a trolley, delivering mails and packages to each cubicle of every department from the ground floor to the thirtieth. Pushing a trolley might be easy but I tell you, this job is a nightmare.
"McKinley! Do you hear me?" I heard from the earphones I'm wearing.
"Yes ma'am, I hear you loud and clear." I replied, emphasizing the word loud.
"Then where is the package that I tell you to bring up here?" She asked with an irritated voice.
I rolled my eyes. "Coming."
That's Isadora, a grumpy old lady who works as a Senior accountant. She's one of the reasons why I consider this job a nightmare. Every time she orders, it should be delivered right away or you would want to consider checking your eardrum if it is still there. Her shrill voice is just so annoying.
I marched toward the elevator with the trolley in front of me. When I was a few yards away from the elevator, two large men in suits blocked the way. "Where are you going?" One asked.
I looked up, noting how tall they are. "Why sirs, to the elevator of course," I answered and flashed a smile like I always do. "If you'll excuse me, I'm in a hurry." I added.
I was to push the trolley again but they stopped me by holding it. "I'm sorry but the elevator is reserved."
"Pardon me?" I asked with twitching brows.
"The elevator is reserved."
I looked at the elevator behind him, which one employee just stepped out of. What perfect timing to get to it. Actually, the tower has three elevators but the other two are still on the thirtieth floor and waiting for them to come down would take time and as I've said, I have to deliver the package to Isadora as soon as possible. I'd be doomed if I won't.
"Why in the world would they reserve the elevator? Goodness, I need this package delivered immediately and you are slowing me down so please let me through."
"I'm sorry but you will have to wait for the other elevators."
Does he not understand? I rolled my eyes. "Sir, have you not heard me? I have to make sure that this package is delivered right away." I said with the smile gone.
"I'm sorry but you have no choice but to wait. We have orders to-"
"Orders?" I cut in. "I have orders too!" I said it unconsciously raising my voice.
Suddenly the two of them stiffened and I thought they have come to their senses to let me through but before I could argue more, someone spoke behind me.
"What's going on here?"
Just the voice made me shiver. The way the syllables had been formed by the crisp, masculine voice is enough to make the hairs of my nape stood in attention.
I turned around and saw a man standing in front of me. Although his eyes were covered with Ray-ban sunglasses, his profound jaw, his aristocratic nose, and his pinkish slim lips are enough to make him fit my criteria of handsomeness. His staggering built is covered with a tailored business suit that seems to amplify the handsome aura around him. I can't help myself but stare in awe at the perfection towering over me.
One of the two men spoke, probably explaining the situation but I wasn't paying attention. As if in a trance, I felt rooted and speechless. I can't even find the perfect word to describe him. Well, who wouldn't? This guy is totally hot!
For a moment, I imagined kissing those lips until "McKinley! Where's my package?" Isadora screamed so loud that my senses seem to blackout.
And that does it. My silent euphoria dissipated followed by the rebirth of my irritation with the two men who blocked me and caused so much delay.
I turned my back from the handsome man and pushed the trolley, not minding the two annoying huge men. But then again, they blocked the cart.
"For real? Can't you really understand? This package is delayed already." I said in exasperation.
"It's okay." The hot man said and automatically, the two men gave way.
I sighed. And finally, I was able to get inside the elevator.
I saw the hot man step in and his two minions followed. "Would you mind if I join in?" He asked with a rather bemused smile.
I was taken aback by his smile. I've never seen a man smile so perfect that I felt so light-headed and refreshed. On second thought, I think I did see someone smile like his before. I just can't seem to ponder when and how. Nevertheless, his smile seems to pull every heartstring I have and if it weren't for my ribcage, my heart would have popped out.
"No. Of course not." I managed to say.
The elevator surged up. But the lingering silence seems to creep to me. Usually, it doesn't bother me because silence actually helps in restoring my wrecked hearing from Isadora's consistent screams. But then again, there's this hot guy beside me who is actually staring at me through his dark glasses, judging from the way he tilts his head towards me and the silence does not help.
Goodness, I'm gay alright, and having a hot man stand beside me seems to be okay but this time it's different. It's like I'm bewitched by his charms.
Ugh. What am I talking about? Get a hold of yourself, Darryl! I scolded myself while shaking my head.
I then took a deep breath. But so much for doing it because I heard him chuckle and there goes my hairs at my nape, standing like a cat's
"You seem so bothered." He asked, his voice still having the hint of amusement.
"Because of you." I answered unconsciously and I realized my mistake when he let out yet another godly chuckle and said
"Pardon me?" He asked.
I cleared my throat and mentally cursed myself. "I... uh... I mean, because of your two minions" I said as an alibi but every bit of it was true. I eyed them as if there's something my lean body could do against their muscular ones if they charge at me.
"And why is that?" He asked.
"Well because they have delayed me in delivering something to a terrorist."
As if on cue, the two minions stood on alert. Then I realized my mistake. '"I mean the old lady up there in the accounting section who terrorizes me with her constant yelling and scream like McKinley where is the blah blah blah, McKinley get this immediately, McKinley-"
"Wait, your name's McKinley?" He interrupted.
"Yes." I said.
Then, I think I saw his face darkened for a moment but it disappeared immediately. "Tell, me about this terrorist you say." He said with his amusement back on.
"Uh. well her name is Isadora, the senior accountant. She's a pain in the ass. She always demands my services with her yelling. Like hello, she's not the only one I have to attend to. And the company is not paying me well."
"Excuse me?"
"Well, it's true, I have a very heavy job but I get a below-average salary while those like Isadora are like having greater salary than us," I complained again and I turned to him. "Well, if you are trying to apply for a job here, there's a possibility that you'll get the wrong one. Take it from me."
"And why is that?" He asked and seemed to be more interested.
"Because I applied as an accountant but look what I've landed into, a delivery boy. Where's the justice?" I retorted. "They said just wait for two months and you'll be an accountant but I've been pushing this cart for almost a year now and no progress." I rolled my eyes.
"Is that so?" He asked who seemed to be in deep thought.
"Yes." I said and the elevator rings and pops open. "I think, that's my cue." I said and pushed the cart out.
"Good Morning everybody. I am Darryl McKinley, your delivery express." I greeted them just like every morning.
The accounting section greeted me back with enthusiasm. Some waved back. But they're somehow funny today. They seemed to be in shock.
I just shrugged and continued my daily routine. "Here's a mail for Claire." I smiled at her. "And here's a bunch of ledgers for Tom." He took it attentively but usually, he complains about it but today, he didn't then he stood up in the clearing outside his cubicle just like everybody did. I was about to ask what's going on but Isadora's door opened.
And the witch went out. "Where is McKinley?" She yelled and saw me then her expression changed.
"I'm here." I answered.
To wonders upon wonders, she smiled at me for the first time but her gaze traversed past me. "S-sir, I didn't expect you'd visit."
I raised my brow and turned around to see who she's calling sir because that would be insane if she's referring to me.
Then I saw the hot guy. The mirthful face he had a while ago had somehow been replaced with horrifying seriousness which make him so distant, so cold, and full of authority.
"I just thought I'd check." He said with reverberating authority that even I had come to think if he was still the perfect man I was talking to a moment ago.
"Who is this guy?" I whispered to Claire beside me.
She looked at me in awe. "You don't know him?" She asked in whispered manner.
I shook my head.
"What? Are you nuts? He's the boss."
The boss.
The boss.
The boss.
It echoed in my ears and it hit me.
Oh my God.
I stared back at the handsome, I mean the boss and I get the feeling that he's staring at me even if his eyes were behind those dark shades of his.
Then I recalled what I had said to him while we're at the elevator. Upon realizing, I really want the floor to swallow me.
Oh my God. I uttered in silence. I shook my head.
Suddenly I heard him speak. "Who is Isadora?"
"Me." I heard her at the back.
He put his hands in his pockets and said, "So, you're the terrorist?"
I heard different reactions from the group. Some gasped and some chuckled and as for me, I laughed. Well silently but the way my shoulders go up and down gave way my reaction.
Then to my surprise, he said, "You, the man in the trolley," I looked up. "McKinley right?" I nodded. "Follow me at my office after you deliver what it is you have to deliver."
I stared at him. I swallowed. Oh my God.
Then he went back inside the elevator with his two minions following.
The elevator closed. But one thing's for sure, I'm doomed.