(CHASE)
The building that houses The Astley Inc. is an exact opposite of that housing the Fay Inc. Unlike the massive skyscraper made of steel and glass that I work at daily, this is a brick building just four stories high. It is surrounded by trees.
After checking in with the guard, I park my car at the entrance. He smiles at me pleasantly and hands me a guest pass. I enter the building and another security guard greets me warmly and lets me know where Liam Astley's office is located; at the top of the floor, then he wishes me a good day.
Minutes later, a secretary leads me to a boardroom then hands me a fresh cup of coffee. She then lets me know that the boss will be with me shortly. I take time to take in my surroundings, struck again by the vast difference between the two.
Fay Inc. is all about flash. The boardroom and all the other offices are state of art, the predominant pallete being white and black. Even the artwork is neutral with lots of metal all over. If this room is any indication, I'm not in ? anymore.
The walls are lined with oak panelling, and the massive boardroom table is surrounded by plush leather chairs, with a soft carpeting on the floor. The walls showcase their numerous successful campaigns, all framed and displayed in an attractive manner. Various awards line the shelves too.
Then a deep voice snaps me from my thoughts.
"From the look on your face, I can tell that you don't like the concept."
My gaze meets the somewhat amused expression of the boss himself. Mr Liam Astley. We've met a few times at the industry functions and occasions. He is a polite and distant man. Our only interaction is a firm handshake and a brief introduction. He is tall and exhume confidence, with a headful of silver hair that gleams beneath the light.
Up close, the warmth in his green eyes and the low timbre of his voice strikes me. Makes me wonder whether the idea board was left on purpose, a test of some sorts.
He perches his hip at the edge of the table then crosses his arms over his chest. "Done, but successful. The client is Greene Shoes. They want to appeal to more people."
I nod. "What if you did that, but only featured one person?"
"I'd like to hear more."
I point to the image of a family then tap my finger on the youngest child. "Begin here. Focus on him. The very first purchase of their product was bought by his parents. Follow him as he grows. Highlight some pertinent points in his life where he is wearing them. First steps, first day of school, hiking, playing sports, on dates, graduation…" my voice trails off.
Liam is quiet for a moment then nods. "The product stays with you as you grow."
"It's constant. You change, but it doesn't."
"Brilliant." He applauds.
For some reason, his compliment makes my chest warm. I duck my head at the strange feeling. He pushes off the table then holds out his hand. "Liam Astley."
I shake his hand back and note the firmness of the grip. "Chase Hayes."
"I'm already impressed."
Before I can reply to him, my phone buzzes., Right on time. "I'm sorry," I glance at it, hoping that I'd look sheepish. "I need to take this, sorry."
"No problem." He smiles. "I need coffee."
I turn away then answer. "Riley." I murmur, pitching a low voice.
There is silence for a moment, then she speaks. "Mr. Hayes?"
"Yes," I chuckle, knowing that I have confused the hell out of her. I don't think I've ever called her anything apart from Miss Le Fay. And certainly, never in the tone that I just used.
"Uhm…you told me to call and let you know that your four o'clock meeting was moved to three?"
"Three o'clock now?"
"Yes."
"Okay. I'll adjust. Is everything alright back there?"
"Mr Hayes, are you alright?" she asks, sounding shocked.
"Yes. Yes, I am." It is fun teasing her, and I can't help it. "Why?"
"You uhm…sound different."
"Don't worry." I soothe, knowing that Liam is listening. "Everything is fine."
"Well, Ruzek was looking for you."
"Okay, and what did you tell him?"
"Exactly like you told me to tell him. He…"
"What? What happened?"
"He's a bit salty this morning."
"Ruzek is always salty. Take early lunch today and lock the office door. I'll deal with him myself when I come back." I say as I smirk into the phone, making sure to insert a concerned tone in my voice.
Even I know that it is very unlikely for me to speak to her in this manner, but this is what Liam needs to see and I will do whatever to convince him that I'm worthy of the position. Even if it means being nice to Miss Le Fay, which I barely am. The woman pisses me off in every sense of the word.
Her bewilderment leads to bravery. "Lock the office and take an early lunch? Are you drunk, sir?"
That did it. I burst laughing at her words. "Just do it, Riley. And, stay safe. I'll see you when I get back." I hang up the call, smiling as I turn around to face Liam. "My assistant." I explain.
He shoots me a knowing look. "I think I now know why you're looking to leave Fay Inc."
I return his look with a little shrug.
That's it. I got him.