Grabbing my bag tightly I rush out of the train as soon as the doors open. I can't be late, not today. I have an important meeting to get to, probably the most important meeting of my life. It is a chance to showcase my talents and ideas to the CEO of the company and I'm missing it! I zoom out of the train station pushing past everyone making a beeline for the office.
By the time I reached the tall glass building my hair had been restyled by the wind, and I looked like a mess. Looking at myself through the building windows I desperately try to rearrange my hair. My clothes too, were a mess. 'Oh god' I sigh looking at my reflection. I glance at my watch, 'shit' I doubt they waited for me.
I tap my ID onto the panel and the glass doors open. I was already out of breath, panting like I had just run a 10k Marathon. I now stood in front of three flights of stairs. This is make or break no time to wait for the elevator. Once on the third floor, I rush to the reception area.
"Reem which room?" I pant leaning on his desk like a predator waiting to pounce.
"What happened to you?" He raises his eyebrows with a look of disgust on his face.
"Which. Room?" my throat dry. I didn't even have enough saliva to lubricate it. The words came out forced and harsh.
"Oval room" I push myself off of his desk and rush for the meeting room.
"Wait…" he shouts as I am moving forward but I can't wait I have to be in there, even if I've missed most of it.
Using the last of my strength I push open the heavy glass door and walk in. My heart is pounding and my heart is in my mouth. I scan the room, and all eyes are on me. I suddenly become shy and unable to move. My body was heavy, my head screaming to say something, anything but my mouth was sealed shut as if all the running and climbing of stairs sucked all the air out of my body. With one last attempt, I open my mouth and ...
"Hi, erm hi" my voice coming so croaky I barely recognised it.
"Hi, Can we help you?" The man at the head of the table asks calmly. I recognize him from all the magazines. He's the CEO. Grey hair with a grey beard to match, wearing a dark blue suit. His light blue eyes pierced through me, the way he looked at me made me feel as if I was being scolded.
"I'm sorry! I'm"
"She's one of our recently recruited, please sit down" my manager steps. She pulls out a chair at the back and whispers
"You're embarrassing us" before smiling back at the CEO and sitting beside me. As the CEO carries on Julia shoots me a look of disapproval and disappointment. I screwed up haven't I? Guilt and embarrassment coursed through me. I felt hot and nauseous, all I wanted to do was disappear.
"Right! As I was saying it was nice to meet you all. I hope we can bring your ideas to life together" the CEO says as he gets up. I watched as he shook everyone's hand making his way out of the room. I hung back, trying not to bring any attention to myself.
One by one they all walked out of the meeting room, Julia saw everyone out before closing the door and directing her attention to me.
"What the hell?! This was not the day to mess up. Are you insane? Where were you?" Her tone was harsh and annoyed.
"I'm sorry. I feel like such a failure already. I got so hung up in my work last night I completely forgot to set my alarm and I overslept but I tried to make it" I reply trying to get some kind of sympathy although I know I messed up.
"But you didn't. Instead, I burst in here like a lunatic, panting and all sweaty. Your hair and clothes" she exhales "You look like you've been through a tornado" She shakes her head
"I'm sorry" I bow my head
"So am I," she says lowly
"What do you mean? Sorry for what?" My heart was pounding. Please no.
"I'm going to have to let you go. We strive for excellence here and you're falling short" My eyes widen at her words, my heart beating so hard it made me feel sick to my stomach.
"I'll be better, please I need this job" I plead
"I'm sorry Anna, but this isn't the first time you've messed up and you're not fitting in. Please pack your things and turn in your company card, ID, and laptop on your way out" I didn't even have the strength to argue my case, I knew it was all my fault
"Ok" Unable to look at her due to the tears pooling in the corners own my eyes I bow my head in embarrassment.
"Anna ?" She says softly
"I am sorry. You seem like a nice girl but trust me you wouldn't make it out here. Best of luck to you" She gives me a tight smile before leaving
I watch her disappear behind the door and fall back into the chair. I've been fired. I've just been fired. I could no longer hold back my tears. Warm tears now decorated my face from my eyes to my chin. Worst fucking feeling ever, what I am going to do? I needed this job. I've only got myself to blame no one else. I'm such an idiot, such a mess! My tears went from a trickle to a full-on stream down my cheeks.
The sound of the door opening pulls me back out of my self-pity sesh, quickly lifting my head I wipe my tears pretending everything is fine.
"Sorry did I interrupt?" The voice was of a man. I couldn't bring myself to look his way. I stand and grab my bag.
"No no. I was just leaving" I say sniffling, wiping my tears with the sleeve of my shirt.
"You sure?" His voice was low and rough
"Yep" I realize he is standing in front of the door. He was tall and broad, wearing a navy blue suit and a red tie, still unable to look past the tie, I point to the door behind him.
"Can I just…" I say softly. He exhales loudly putting his hand in his pocket and he pulls out a white handkerchief with something embroidered on the side.
"Take this" he places it in front of my face. I hesitate but quickly realize he won't move unless I take it. Reaching up I grab it from his hand our fingers lightly touching and that's when my eyes met his.
His eyes were beautiful, pale green eyes surrounded by long black lashes looked down at me. They are the first thing you notice when you look at him. My eyes move to his long straight nose down to his perfectly sculptured lips onto his jaws and back up to his eyes.
Taking in a deep breath I force out a "Thank you" trying to keep my cool.
"You're welcome" he moves out of the way and opens the door for me. As I walked past him I am enveloped in his scent, spice and sweet jasmine filled my nostrils. The smell is so intoxicating it makes me forget my troubles for a split second. I nod a thank you before leaving. Not only did I embarrass myself in front of everyone and get fired, but to top the cake I also got pitied by a random beautiful man.
I walk to my desk and start packing my things. I couldn't help but notice the looks directed at me, everyone in the office seemed to be watching me, do they know already? "Girl I just heard. Argh I don't know what to say" Reem says pouting at me with his pen in his mouth.
"It's okay Reem, I've only been here for three months. I doubt anyone would miss me" I say to appear nonchalant
"I suppose that's true, nevertheless I wish you the best of luck" he gives me a tight, fake smile
"Thanks" With that said he slowly walks back to his desk chit chatting to other employees along the way. To be fair it is true, it's not like I had any friends here, Julia was right I barely fit in. Everyone here was so superficial and up each other's ass, not my style. I hated that shit. I don't have much here so packing was quick, I glanced at my desk one last time, only god knows how much I needed this job to work out, now back to square one it'll take weeks even months to get a job and I can't afford that. Once out of the building I looked back at the tall glass tower, I wiped my nose with the handkerchief, It smelled so good. I look down at it, an embroidered red 'OP' down the right bottom corner of the cotton fabric. 'Beautiful OP' I sigh, on the bright side I won't have to see him again and relive my embarrassment.
A few days have passed since I've been fired and Emma, my best friend suggested having a girl's night tonight to take my mind off of job hunting. I did need to go out and relax, I've been feeling so stressed out and cornered that I've started bitting my nails and I am not a nail bitter. We decided to go to our usual bar, the vibes and the drinks were always great there! This was probably to best place for me right now.
As we walk in Jack, the bartender and long-time friend shouts our names " Hey Anna, Emma" he waves for us to come over with a large smile on his face. "Now this one is hard in the pants for you" Emma giggles in my ear. I turn to face her, my eyes wide with my mouth open, shocked she would utter something so vulgar. I take that back, not so shocked actually Emma has no filter. "Emma! he does not. He's just a friend" I brush her off. I always thought of Jack as my friend, nothing more. He was very handsome, with a buzz cut, muscles, tattoos, brown eyes, and a free spirit - your typical hot bartender but it just never crossed my mind that way. "oh deep down I'm sure you can see it too, even a blind man can see he has a crush in you"
"Emma, stop it he doesn't!" I laugh. We approach the bar as Jack is finishing with a customer.
"Hey girls"
"Hi Jack, how are you?"
"I'm good, I heard about your job. it sucks!" he says softly
" I know. I'm sure I'll find something soon" I reply nonchalantly, although my demeanor was calm every mention of my job or my place sent me into panic mode.
"Well if you need anything, you know you can count on me" he winks at me
"Thank you, Jack, I appreciate it"
"No worries, oh and by the way I know someone who needs a roommate" I look at him shocked. Wait how does he know.....
"Emma!" I turn to look at her. Apart from me and Emma nobody knows that I will be losing my place soon and have nowhere to go " You told him?" my voice slightly raised. "Sorry, we were talking about the situation and I accidentally blurted it out. I mean it's not a big deal right ?"
I shake my head and breathe out "I guess not" The main reason why I needed this job to work out so much was because my lease was up in a month without the possibility of renewing and I needed money for my new place. I had already put half of the deposit down, without a job I can't afford to put down the other half nor pay the rent. Emma did offer I move in with her in the meantime, but her place was tiny and I didn't want to burden her, let alone invade her space.
"It's fine I'm glad she told me. It'd be stupid to pass this up to be honest" Jack continues
"I don't know if I'll be able to afford it " I shrug my shoulders.
"The rent is decent, less than what you're paying now. I kind of told him about your situation and he's willing to cut a couple of hundred off until you find a job" he lifts his eyebrows
"What? you're serious, why?" I say shocked
"As a heart attack, I told him you were a cool girl and you're good for it"
"Jack, that would be great thank you" leaning over the counter, I give him a hug.
"Thank you!"
"I'll text you his number and you can take it from there"
"Who is he?" I ask
"He's just this guy I used to know from college, a few years older than me. He's a cool guy, just returned from his tour in Afghanistan. He's retired, quiet, old fashioned but nice" he shrugs his shoulders
"Well at least accommodation is sorted now we need to find you a job," Emma says with a quirky tone
"Yeah I can't believe it " thank god, one less thing I have to stress about, but I hope this guy is decent. I couldn't bear having to stay somewhere I didn't like, but even if I didn't I would be grateful for the roof over my head
"Here drinks on me" Jack pours us two pints of beer, Emma lifts her pint glass and we cheer. After a few hours, the place was packed and loud. Emma had left me at the bar as it was karaoke night. She's on the stage singing her little heart out.
"Your friend is a good singer" a voice coming from beside me, I turn to see who it is, my eyes grew wide at the realization that it's the 'OP' It took me a moment to get any words out.
"Yes, she's good" I nod, the rhythm of my heart had changed to a loud pounding, ringing in my ears. He smirks then sips on his whiskey.
"I don't know if you recognize me but" I pause
"You're the girl who was crying In the meeting room" sips his whiskey again, his eyes forward. Argh please don't remind me, my cheeks flush red, desperately trying to hide my embarrassment I try to make a joke.
"Yes that's my middle name but I usually go by Anna" I smile at him
He chuckles. "Hi Anna, nice to meet you" he holds out his hand and I shake it. His hand was warm and soft, mine almost disappearing in his. I stare into his eyes for a couple of seconds, his scent again wrapping around me like a cocoon.
"I'm Oliver Preston" My eyes widen at his words
"Wait Preston as in, Morgans and Prestons" my eyes wide and my tone shocked. He smirks "Yes that"
"You're the CEO's son?" I ask still not understanding why the heir to the Morgans and Prestons is sat beside me.
"I guess I am". He chuckles more finding my shock amusing
"Don't let that distract you I'm just Oliver" he says cooly, as if he's just another average citizen at a bar.
"I clear my throat. what are you doing here? Are you here for your hanky? I haven't laundered it yet" he laughs "But seriously I wouldn't think the son of a CEO would associate with such a place" I raise my eyebrows, but instantly regret the comment as his face grew harsh. Shit, that was rude of me.
"Oh no? And what places do you think I should associate with?"
"Expensive ones" He chuckles again as he takes a sip of his drink. With his laugh I take a deep breath.
"So why were you crying?" he asks without answering my question, his eyes do not leave mine, which makes me nervous. I glance at my glass.
"I had just been fired"
"Oh right. Why?"
"For not meeting expectations and turning late to an important meeting"
"Ah yes we do expect perfection," he says sarcastically
"Oh yeah technically you fired me" I say teasing him "I guess I did, I'm sorry"
"Can I get you anything?" Jack says standing in between us behind the bar.
"I'll have a bourbon and a refill for the lady" he says, my glass was empty. Jack shoots me a Who is this look. "Coming right up" he says as he turns round. He's constantly checking us out.
"You didn't have to do that"
"I kinda feel like I have to after firing you and I want to, I'm enjoying our conversation" I press my lips together giving him a polite smile.
"Do you come here often?" he carries on
"Actually, yes" he raises his eyebrows
"Not like that" I point over at Jack "He's our friend. This is our meeting up spot"
"Ah I see, here's me thinking the bartender has a crush on you when he's just a caring friend" "What ? no" I produce and nervous laugh, why do they think jack likes me, is there something I'm not seeing? Jack places our drinks in front of us.
"Thank you" I smile at him and he winks at me. Ok, yeah he's a little bit flirty but he's like that with everyone. They both look at each other before Jack moves off the other customer. "Anna" Emma shouts my name. "Sorry to interrupt guys you want a lift babe? I think it's time I get out of here I'm starting to feel queasy" she says, her attention quickly shifting to the handsome man sitting next to me.
"Yeah, that'll.." before I can say anything else Oliver shouts over me.
"I'll take care of her" he replies "I'll take her home, if that's okay with you" he looks down at me I stare at him, did I want to go with him? I mean I don't know the guy what if he's a serial killer? Emma stares at me as if to say girl introduce me
"Em, this is Oliver Preston, my boss. Well, old boss. Oliver this is Emma"
"Nice to meet you, Emma, you have a very nice voice" he says to her taking her hand. She blushes
"Why thank you" She gives him her largest smile.
"I'll grab a ride with Oliver if that's okay with you"
"Yeah, no problem my taxi is outside, call me when you're home" She hugs and kisses me on the cheek before leaving. Jack's still working his shift eyeing me as he serves his customer. Could it be true? does he have a crush on me? I met Jack through Emma, we've been friends for at least 6 years now, and not once has he ever made a move on me.
After more work talk and my plans about the future we finish our drinks "Let's get you home" he says standing up, jack was busy chatting to some girl and I didn't want to disturb him. I follow behind him through the busy crowd. Once outside we walk in silence to his car, he casually opens the passenger door and I climb in. I couldn't help but scan the inside of the car, it looks nice and neat, the seats are white leather along with a starlight headliner and to top to all it smells nice. It smells like him
"Right!" he says starting the car "where are we heading?" I give him the address and we make our way to my place house after a short while we are outside my place. Should I ask him to come in? I mean he did drive me home. "Would you like to come in? For coffee?" he smiles at me "Yes I'd like that"
My place was modest, an open plan concept with the Kitchen on the right, living area in the middle and my bedroom and ensuite bathroom on the far left. I'm sure this isn't what he is use to. Somehow him walking around with his hand in his pockets made me feel inferior, like he was judging me. "Make yourself at home" I say closing the door behind me.
"Thanks" he walks into the living area, his eyes fanning over the decor and photos I have on the wall.
"How do you like your coffee?" I ask
"Black, no sugar" he says sharply, he's attention still on my childhood pictures.
"Coming right up"
My phone pings, It's jack. 'Hey, just checking you got home okay saw you leave with the guy from the bar? This is the number for the guy with the room, he knows you'll be in contact. Catch you later sleep well xx'
I put my phone back down on the counter, I'll reply to jack after Oliver leaves.
I finish the coffee and walk it over the Oliver who seems very relaxed on my couch.
"Thank you" he says taking it from me
"So you never answered my question, what were you doing at the bar" I sit across him on my velour pouffe, he sips his coffee and puts it down on the coffee table.
"I was there for you" My eyes flew open
"What do you mean?" I frown at him
"After I saw you at the office, tears in your eyes. It didn't sit well with me I wanted to know who you were and why you were crying" His eyes stared into mine.
"So you already knew I had been fired?"
"yes"
"Wh..at?" before I have a chance to question him further he stops me.
"When I asked Julia about you, I was told she fired you and I felt really bad for you. I needed to know you were okay. Something about seeing tears in your pretty eyes touched me" he replied calmly. I swallow, he did not just say that.
"I'm sorry I wasn't honest straight away, I just wanted to see the type of person you were first"
"So you pitied me?"
"No-no, you're getting the wrong end of the stick, it isn't pitty I promise"
"So what do you want from me?" I frown, confused by this whole ordeal.
"I would like to take you on a date, if that's okay with you " My eyes automatically flew open, well I wasn't expecting that.
"Seriously?" I look at him, confusion still painted over my face.
"Yes I am serious" he chuckles "I'd like to get to know you, so yes or.."
"I -I yes, I'd like that" I reply softly
"Great! here's my number. Give me a text anytime" He winks at me, handing me his card.
"I'll be on my way" he stands up and I follow suit.
"Okay, Thank you again for driving me home" I smile at him
"My pleasure, goodnight" I walk him out and watch as he drives away. What.The. Actual.Shit
Within minutes I was on the phone to tell Emma about it. Her opinion was that I should go for it because 1- I hadn't dated anyone in a year and a half. 2- He was gorgeous and 3- He was wealthy. She listed a whole bunch of Pros and cons and all the cons were basically how it would be stupid of me to pass out on a date with Oliver Preston. After an hour on the phone with Emma I text Jack, I nearly forgot.
'Hey, thank you for checking on me, he's technically my boss (well used to be)and I am home and well. And thank you for the hook-up, I'll give him a message now. Night xx
'Hi Simon, Jack gave me your number. I need a room by the end of this month and Jack told me you have something available, would it be okay for me to come over?'
He replies straight away
' Yes he told me, come by tomorrow at 1:30, the address is 35 Valley Lake'
'Okay see you then' With that arranged I made my way to bed.