Laura
It's been three long months of working with Jake, and I have to admit, things were... different… hard even. The first few weeks had been a nightmare. I couldn't believe I had survived them. Jake was rude, cold, and demanding, and honestly, I had almost quit a dozen times. But somewhere along the way, I had gotten used to him, well, sort of. He is still grumpy and bossy, but now, I know how to handle it. I've developed a thick skin, and I'm not the same nervous wreck I used to be.
Along the line I think I started getting attracted to him but after he made it clear he would never mix work with pleasure and threatened to fire me if he ever finds out I'm falling out of line, I got my head back in place.
After then, Jake and I fell into a routine. He'd bark orders, and I'd follow them. I traveled with him to every meeting, managed his calendar, sorted through documents, and even handled a few negotiations on his behalf. And as hard as it was to admit, Jake is a good teacher, and I learnt well and quickly too. I became good at my job. I was organized, efficient, and slowly but surely, I had earned his grudging respect. He never said it, of course, but I could tell by the way he relied on me without questioning my decisions.
This morning started like any other. I walked into the office, nodding at the receptionist as I made my way to my desk. It was early, just after eight in the morning, and the place was still relatively quiet. The scent of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, and I clutched my travel mug, sipping slowly as I powered up my laptop. My inbox was already flooded with emails, some from clients, some internal memos, and of course, a list of tasks from Jake.
I had barely settled in when my phone pinged with a reminder that I needed to get some documents signed by the manager. Groaning softly, I grabbed the folder from my desk and made my way to his office. Mr. Wilson, the manager, was one of the few people in the company who actually smiled at me regularly. He wasn't as intimidating as Jake and often asked how I was doing.
Knocking lightly on the door, I stepped inside and found him reviewing some files.
"Good morning, Laura," he greeted, looking up with a warm smile. "How are you?"
"I'm good, Mr. Wilson. I have some documents that need your signature," I said, walking over to hand him the folder.
He took the file, skimming through the pages before signing them. As he scribbled his signature, he glanced up at me.
"How's everything going with Jake? I don't imagine he's the easiest person to work with." He asked while I let out a soft chuckle.
"He's definitely... challenging, but I'm managing."
Mr. Wilson raised an eyebrow, giving me a knowing look. "You're doing more than managing, Laura. I've heard nothing but good things. Jake's a tough nut to crack, but if you've lasted this long, you're doing something right." He said firmly and I smiled, appreciating the compliment. "Thank you. It's been a learning curve, but I think I've found my rhythm."
He nodded, handing the folder back to me. "Keep it up. You're doing great."
I thanked him again and made my way back to my desk, feeling a little lighter. It was nice to hear that someone noticed my hard work, even if Jake never said a word.
Just as I settled back into my chair, my phone rang. It was Jake's extension.
I took a deep breath, mentally preparing myself, and then picked up the receiver. "Laura."
"Come to my office," Jake's voice was as clipped and no-nonsense as ever.
"On my way," I replied, hanging up the phone and grabbing my notepad.
I wuickly walked over to Jake's office, my heels clicking on the polished floor, and entered quietly. He was on the phone, pacing behind his desk with that familiar scowl etched across his face. I stood by the door, waiting patiently as he wrapped up his call, my eyes drifting around the room.
Finally, he hung up the phone and turned his attention to me. "We're leaving for California tomorrow morning. First thing. I've already made the arrangements." He said firmly without even wasting a glance on me.
I froze, my heart sinking at the mention of California. Of all places... Why California?
I tried to keep my expression neutral, but inside, panic was building. California was the one place I had sworn never to return to not after the nasty and traumatic experience I had there. The moment I left there, I buried the memories there... they were too painful. But how could I tell Jake that? He wasn't the type to care about my personal issues, he had even made it clear not to bring them to him, and I couldn't exactly refuse. This was my job.
"When Sir?" I managed to ask, my voice sounding far too calm for the storm brewing inside me.
"We'll leave at six in the morning," he said, his tone brisk. "Make sure everything is ready by tonight. I don't want any delays."
I nodded, my throat tight as I swallowed back the fear. "Understood Sir."
He eyed me for a moment, his sharp gaze seeming to notice something off when he finally looked up and saw my face. "Is there a problem?"
I shook my head quickly. "No, not at all Sir."
"Good," he said, dismissing me with a wave of his hand. "That'll be all."
I turned my heel and left his office, my heart pounding in my chest.
California. I hadn't set foot in that state since... since everything had fallen apart. And now, I had no choice but to go back. The thought of returning to the place that held so many painful memories made my stomach twist with anxiety.
I made it back to my desk and sat down, staring blankly at my computer screen. How am I going to do this? I couldn't just walk into that city and pretend everything was fine. The trauma... the memories... they would come rushing back the moment I stepped off the plane.
But I didn't have a choice. If I didn't go, I'd lose my job. And I needed this job. I had worked too hard to get here, and I'm not about to throw it all away because of some unresolved issues from my past.
I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. I'll just have to deal with it.
The rest of the day passed in a blur. I couldn't focus on anything except the impending trip. By the time the clock hit four in the evening, I decided to leave early. I needed to go home and pack for the trip, and more than that, I needed time to mentally prepare myself for what was coming.
When I got home, I found Arlene lounging on the couch, scrolling through her phone.
"Hey," she greeted, glancing up at me. "You're home early."
"Yeah," I muttered, dropping my bag on the floor. "We're going to California tomorrow. I need to pack."
Arlene sat up, her eyebrows raising in surprise. "California? I thought you swore you'd never go back there."
"I did," I said, sitting down beside her. "But it's for work. I don't have a choice."
Arlene frowned, looking at me with concern. "Laura... are you sure you're okay with this? I mean, after everything that happened…"
"I'm not okay with it," I admitted, running a hand through my hair. "But I don't have a choice. You know how Jake is, it's either I go or I lose my job." I let out while she sighed, reaching out to give my hand a comforting squeeze.
"I get it. But maybe... maybe this is a good thing. Maybe going back will help you finally face whatever it is that's been haunting you. You can't avoid it forever."
I looked at her, my heart heavy with doubt. "I don't know if I'm ready for that right now."
She smiled softly, giving me a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "It's just one day, Laura. You'll be in and out before you know it. Your demons won't catch up with you in such a short time. Besides, you've got a new life now. Focus on the future, not the past."
I nodded, though I wasn't sure I believed her. But what other choice did I have? I had to go. I had to face it, whether I was ready or not.
Later that evening, I packed my things for the trip, trying to keep my mind focused on work and not the memories that were threatening to surface.
"Just one day, I can survive one day." I kept reassuring myself.
But deep down, I knew it wouldn't be that simple…