First day at work was a disaster.
I was utterly shocked when I got the call that I was accepted as trainee at D&R Financials, it felt like all of my efforts were paid off.
Those long days and nights studying and working as a waitress to pay the bills all led me to this moment. Not the moment I would get rid of the ghost of unemployment, but the moment I'd be closer to the only man that ever makes me feel the butterflies in my stomach.
However, things did not go as planned at all... It was a disaster.
The fact that I slept so late because I kept having these day dreams of what our first conversation would be like, how I would impress him and how he would fall for me right away.
Oh the joys of being just a girl!. So I was running late, I barely had a five minute shower and I couldn't tame my unruly blonde curls no matter how hard I tried. Standing in front of the mirror, I tried my best to get my make up done, but makeup was never my strongest points seeing that I never had girl friends to help me with it.
So at the end I had to settle with lip gloss and left my numbered freckles on display, while applying some mascara to my hazel eyes.
I am not delusional to say that I am the prettiest of them all. I have ordinary features and am at best average, but I have a nice petite body with curves on all the right places.
But I am well aware that Darrius is way out of my league. He was a force to be reckoned with when it comes to his appearance, you would not pass him on the street without giving him another glimpse.
I left my rundown apartment which I shared with my bitchy roommate Anna and ran down the street to catch the train. While I was hurrying down the street it suddenly downed on me that while my outfit was well thought of and looked good on me, the mid thigh skirt I wore was too tight. The blouse and boots and even the trench coat were all fine, but apparently I have gained some weight on my hips and thighs and I feared the consequences would be dire.
As I stepped foot through the entrance and swiped my trainee card, I checked for the hundredth time, that my skirt was still holding on for dear life. You see, all of my clothes were thrifted, and while they looked well kept for the untrained eye, I knew they weren't of quality, therefore any sudden move could lead to a disaster.
I entered the office a little nervous cause I was a little late and I didn't know where to go to. I felt like a little kid who was playing in the park and suddenly realized her parents were nowhere to be found.
I walked to the front desk and asked the receptionist who guided me to Linda, who she said and I quote: "was the boss of underlings around here".
Linda was a middle aged woman with a striking blonde hair and calculating demeanour, her red lips and cold stare told me immediately that I will either have her on my side and live in bliss or she will hate me and make my office life a living hell.
I approached her timidly (which I swore I'd try not to do but failed miserably) and said : "Excuse me, my name is Catherine Parker and I am the new trainee"
I was too scared, so I spoke too fast and didn't even exchange pleasantries in my attempt to get it over with.
She slid her glasses and tilted her head :"You're awfully energetic. Speak slowly darling so I can hear you"
I tried to repeat my pathetic introduction but she swatted me off and said : "Forget it, I'm just kidding. I was expecting you Catherine given that we don't have many trainees..."
"It's Cathy" I interrupted her and immediately regretted it because she gave me a sharp look :
" Don't ever interrupt me again darling. Or else we might have some troubles you and I. You have a long way to go in our office, Cathy"
I think she saw the look of horror on my face and took pity on me as she said my name at the end of her frightening threat with a softer tone.
I made a mental note not to speak again unless she had questions for me.
And as I listened eagerly she began her lecture
"My name is Linda... I am the direct secretary of our ceo Mr. Darrius Astor. In this company I am second in command as I oversee all matters of the office so you answer to me directly.
Your cv and interview were quite impressive so this training period shall lead to a permanent position if you prove you are worthy"
She stood up and starting to walk towards a seperate area aligned with desks where she led me to a vacant one near the entrance.
"This is your office for now. You will start working as an aid to different managers starting with me. I don't expect a lot, other than your help with the boss' schedule and meetings notes. Is it clear?"
I wanted to say 'no it's not clear Linda... do you mean to say that I will have direct contact with possibly the love of my life from the first day????? '
Thankfully, I had the sense not to say anything and just nod, while on the inside my heart was about to burst.
After I put my bag on the desk, we made a few rounds so I could greet and introduce myself to my colleagues before settling down on my office.
I was anxiously watching the doors, waiting for the moment he would arrive. Linda also asked me to wait for his arrival as I had to introduce myself first before they could give me some preliminary tasks.
I was sure that to anyone around, I appeared to be the newcomer who was nervous before meeting her boss. On the inside it was a different story, I was nervous in the way you would be before coming face to face with your fictional crush.
Suddenly, while everything went on slow motion, he entered and headed directly to his office. It was so fast and so slow that my brain went through a whiplash.
I was so out of it that I didn't hear Linda call for me and that earned me a glare from her when I finally responded.
She ushered me inside his office. Which was spacious and devoid of any warmth. Everything looked metallic, from his desk to the chairs and table opposite it and the scarce decorations.
He didn't even look up when we entered and proceeded with viewing documents.
Linda started briefing him : "We have a company meeting this morning, then you will have a conference meeting with Investment Advisors, you also have a dinner meeting in the evening. And this is Catherine Parker, our new trainee".
Only when she said my name and handed my file to him, did he glance up.
I could see his bored eyes take the lot of me in, and in that moment I wished I could read minds.
I wanted to know what he thought when he first saw my long curly blonde hair and my bland features. Under his scrutiny, I was redeemed to nothing and it dawned on me for the first time how insane I was.
How could I, a mere peasant fall in love with a man so formidable?
He looked at Linda :"if that is all, I want a private meeting with Ms. Parker". Linda nodded and left the room.
He took a look at my report and started : " Take a seat please. To be honest, we were looking for an employee who could play the role of a secretary or sorts..."
When I didn't move to sit down he looked up and motioned with his eyes for me to sit. There it goes strike one, he must think I'm slow witted. It is impossible for me to act dignified in this situation. I never thought I would have a private meeting with him on my first day. I was pathetically unprepared.
In my haste to follow his orders, I forgot all about my tight skirt, and how I was careful all morning. I sat down so fast, that before I settled I heard a tearing sound, and to my horror I was not the only one because his eyes flew from the documents in his hand.
There is no way in in a million years that he didn't hear that sound, but he looked down and silence fell over us.
My face was about to explode, I was so embarrassed that I knew my face was beet red. I was terrified because how will I stand up and leave with my skirt torn from the waist down and my coat at my desk.
He slowly said :"you will start as an assistant in the office and.... I'm, we can continue this conversation later, you may leave Catherine"
So out of my head, I meekly said, the first thing to him since I first saw him two years ago : "Everybody calls me Cathy..."
I stood up, clutched my torn skirt in my thigh and left hurriedly without giving him another look.