The following day i was at my desk, typing away on my computer, when i heard the sound of voices and footsteps just outside my office. The meeting must have just ended, as the workers passed by my door, I couldn't help but pay attention to what they were saying.
"Wow Josh's presentation was amazing "
"I know right? He really went extra, knocking everyone off guard"
"I'm so impressed and to think that I'm beginning to like him after this"
"Oh girl, same here"
The giggles and chuckles were pretty much loud.
Just then, Josh walked into my office with a big and happy grin on his face. " Hey Emily" he greeted
"Hi Josh" I replied.
" I just wanted to thank you again for your help with the presentation, without your might i might still be struggling with it today. Thanks Emily ".
I smiled at him feeling good about myself. " You're welcome Josh, I'm glad i could help".
Josh leaned against my desk, his eyes suddenly felt like they looking to pierce my eyes. " Hope you haven't forgotten, i owe you lunch"
" Yes Josh , I remember " I said with a smile
" Sounds good that you actually remember " he said and i chuckled
" I don't remember ever forgetting anything " I said
" Just checking " he replied.
Just then, Mr Brian walked into my office, his face narrowing slightly as he took in the scene before him. Josh and i were standing close together smiling at each other and i could sense it was a bit awkward for him since this was only my second day at work.
Josh seem to sense the awkwardness and he excused himself " I'll let you get back to work Emily, see you at lunch". he said and left.
Mr Brian's eyes were on him as he went out but his expression was unreadable. He turned to me with some kind of controlling attitude
" I wanted to congratulate you on your contribution to Josh's presentation. the clients were pleased and so was i " He said.
"Thank you sir" i replied suddenly feeling on top of the world.
But then his expression turned serious.
" However, I do want to remind you that you're my secretary and that means you're here to work for me not josh, Your support and focus should be on me and on anybody else. don't get distracted ".
I felt his words sting me deep at the same time made me really nervous but i immediately nodded trying my best to act professional. " of course sir.i understand ". I said.
His eyes seem to bore into mine even as i lowered my head it was as if he was trying to search for any sign of disobedience.
" Good. I expect you to be at your best behaviour from now henceforth".
is he serious? look who's talking. does he even have a best behaviour.
" Am i clear Emily "?
" Yes sir" I replied and he left.
I took a deep breath and shook off the feeling of nervousness his words had on me. I checked the time and it was few minutes to lunch break. I quickly arranged the files on my desk and made my way to Josh's office.
I found him standing outside his door, guess he was probably waiting for me.
" Hey ready for lunch "? he asked with a smile.
I nodded and we both headed out of the office, making our way to the reception area. As we passed by the reception desk, a group of ladies congratulated Josh on his brilliant presentation. They were smiling and giggling and it was obvious they were flirting with him or either ways trying to.
But Josh quickly cut them off his expression was humble and gracious. " Actually, I didn't make the presentation alone", he said turning to me. "Emily here was the one who helped me come up with the idea and strategy. she's the one you should be giving the credits too".
I felt a surge of surprise and gratitude at Josh's words, and i couldn't help but notice the look of dissatisfaction on the ladies faces. They seemed to be deflat their smilies suddenly fading away.
Josh seemed to sense the awkwardness and quickly lead me out of the reception area, and we headed towards the cafeteria. As we walked down i couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude towards Josh. He had given me credit for my work which not everyone in his shoes would have done they would have taken the credit.
"Thanks for that, you didn't have to but I'm glad you did" I said with a smile.
Josh shrugged his eyes looking straight into mine. " you deserve the credit. Besides I'm not one who likes taking credit for somebody's else hard work ".
"You're sweet " I said and chuckled
" Oh thank you Miss Emily " he said and we both chuckled as we walked away from the building.