Karlie nodded. “And speaking of Mr. Sharpe, you are scheduled to meet with him at two. His office is on this floor at the other end of the hall. If you need me to return and escort you there, I’ll come back.”
“No, that’s okay. I’ll find it.”
“Alright. If there’s anything you need, let me know. You will eventually be assigned your own administrative assistant, but in the meantime, I’m here to assist you.”
Desiree glanced at her watch. “Since I have a three-hour wait before meeting with my grandfather, I would like to visit the company’s library on the eleventh floor. Do I have access to it?”
“Yes, you have security clearance to all the floors in the building, except those privately leased.”
Desiree nodded. “Thanks.”
Once Karlie left, Desiree wandered around her office, not quite believing it was all hers. Out the window, she had a breathtaking view of Manhattan. She couldn’t wait to start exploring…
Why did a vision of Cobra Masters suddenly pop into her mind? He was from New York, wasn’t he? And as for breathtaking… She had to admit, she’d thought that same thingabout him when her grandfather had pointed him out to her. In his tux, he had looked almost irresistible.
Releasing a frustrating sigh, she moved away from the window just as her cellphone started to ring. Recognizing the tone, she smiled. It was her best friend, Camille. Quickly pulling her phone out of her purse, she said, “Bonjour, Cam.”
“Rae, how are things going?” Camille asked in her heavy French accent.
“Pretty well, so far. Are you just getting home from doing clinicals?” Camille had earned a degree in psychology and could open her own practice once her clinicals were completed.
“No. I’m getting ready to go to the theater. It’s evening here. Have you forgotten about the six-hour time difference?”
Desiree slid down into the chair behind her desk. “Sorry, Cam,” she said with a small groan. “I had.”
“I figured as much. And before you ask, Rae, the answer is yes, I’ve memorized my lines, although I do miss you being here in Paris to coach me. How are you spending your day?”
“At the office. Granddad wanted me to start work today.”
“How is that going?”
“I just got through new-hire orientation and have nothing else to do until I meet with him at two. Still, I’m a bit surprised.”
“About what?”
“The size of my office. It’s so spacious.”
“Why wouldn’t it be? You’re your grandfather’s only heir, Rae. And he obviously asked you to come home and learn about the family business for a reason.”
“Yes, but…”
“But what?”
“I’m still not sure why he wanted me here. I don’t think I’ll be expected to do anything of vital importance. He has an executive team for that. One I understand is excellent,” she said, remembering what Cobra had told her.
“And just think, you’ll be running the place one of these days.”
Since her grandfather had always said he had no intention of retiring, there was no way she’d be running the place until he was no longer here. And although they didn’t have a great relationship, she didn’t want to think of a time when he would not be around.
“When we first talked about it, I told him I wanted to learn the company from the ground up-maybe start off in the mail room. I figured I would have a cubicle or something. Definitely not the office I was given.”
“Even if you are to learn the company from the ground up, Rae, that doesn’t mean you will be doing the actual job. It merely means you will be exposed to it, seeing it, talking to people. And, of course, there’ll be a job description manual.”
“I haven’t been given any manuals yet,” Desiree said.
“I’m sure they’re coming. So, what do you think of the Sharpe building?”
“It’s very impressive. Different color schemes for every floor. A soothing atmosphere. The workspace is structured for functionality and productivity. An entire floor is a food court with various dining options if you prefer not to go out for lunch. And it even has a huge fitness center for the employees. A really nice one. I can’t wait to check that out.”
