ENRIQUE
The firm but timid knock at my door roused me from sleep. Irritation found its way to me. The door pushed open and a maid walked in. "It's time for breakfast, sir. "
"Get out," I barked before she could finish. I really shouldn't have drank out with the guys last night.
With only thirty minutes to spring up into action, I cleaned up in a few minutes, threw on the clothes Catherine had laid out for me and I was looking like myself again.
I saw Mother eye me curiously when I settled down to have my breakfast. It was as if she was expecting me to say something. But I pretended not to notice her stealing glances at me every now and then.
When I was done with breakfast I rung my driver, George and relaxed into the back seat of the car. I was almost late to work today, there wasn't any traffic, which was perfect because I didn't have the time to sit waiting.
I was almost at my office when I heard some chatter, as I got closer and opened the door leading to my office in the top floor, it quickly went silent. I didn't really care what they were saying, but of course it was me, what else was worth talking about around here.
As I reached for the door with the key card in my hand, Julian my secretary appeared. "Good morning, sir, here's your coffee," She smiled.
I looked from the cheap coffee to her. "Thank you."
A pretty girl Julian was, slender, tall, good teeth and don't even get me started with that smile. All the makings of a perfect secretary. She's been here for more than a year now. I wondered why we hadn't hooked up by now. I guess she's more professional than I thought, but we'll see.
Finally, a little quiet. I took off my suit, hung it on the back of my chair and threw my legs across the table. Just when I thought I could close my eyes a little, the land line started ringing.
I guess it's business as usual today.
"Good morning, Mr Conor. Yes the papers are almost ready. I'll personally have my secretary deliver them to you." I said.
"Julian yes?" Mr Conor asked.
"Of course."
"Okay, that's good then. I knew you wouldn't disappoint."
"Of course not sir, we do our best here."
A dozen more calls into the day and it was already lunch time. I had only gome half way through my lunch when the phone started ringing again. I wasn't going to take it this time. It would take at least a multi million dollar contract to get me out of lunch. The phone rang a few more times so I asked Julian to take it.
"Sir, it's your mother," she said.
"Oh, okay. Send it here," I replied hurriedly.
"Mother, are you okay?" She never called by this time, especially since she knew I would be working.
"Yes I am dear, I wanted to call to make sure you'd be home in time for dinner today."
"There's a lot of work here as usual, but I will be there on time."
"That's good then, I'll let George know just in case it skips your mind"
"Okay Mother, take care. Goodbye."
After lunch my day continued with a few more calls and a meeting with the HR manager. The company was considering getting some additional staff onboard for the expansion.
It was finally six o'clock and I could go home. I was supposed to see Elizabeth later today but I had to cancel because of dinner. Mother isn't exactly the kind of woman you'd want to disappoint.
George drove me straight home as Mother instructed. He was more afraid of her than he was of me. Even if I was the one signing his paychecks.
After a thirty minute drive, we were home just in time for dinner. I cleaned up a little and joined them downstairs. I was eager to hear what Mother had to say. I been hoping all day at work that one of her friends must have seen Elizabeth and I at the Country Club and told her about it.
She must have been to the salon today, her hair was a different due.
We all sat on the table, all three of us by the left end next to the doorway.
A few minutes into dinner mother asked "How was your weekend son?"
"The usual, Mother, I was just at the country club," I relayed.
"Is that so? How did it go"She asked again, casting a suspecting look my way the entire time.
"Well it was splendid mother, I met with a few new acquaintances. I even saw Mr Conor. He sends his regards."
"I see, was that all?" she asked.
" Is there a problem mother?" I cocked an eyebrow.
"Well, if I must say, a friend mentioned you were with a young lady at the country club. Who is she?"
"Oh, Elizabeth you mean, she's a friend, there's no need to get excited mother." I answered.
"If you say so son, no pressure really. I was just curious that's all."
Dad was silent throughout the conversation, he didn't exactly say much these days. Only what was necessary. Sometimes he would also ask how things were going at work or if I needed any clarification and that was it.
"Speaking of Mr Conor, how are things with him?" He asked.
"They're going really well, Father, we sent over the final proposal today. Everything will be ready by the end of the week."
"Well that's great son, I hope things go smoothly. You know this is really big for the company. I expect you'll be doing your best and avoiding any distractions too."
I tossed a piece of chicken in my mouth, convincing myself that the fact he had only said a few words to me really didn't hurt. So I swallowed it back and faced my food.