“Aye aye,” it comes out as a joke, paired with the most pathetic salute of all time. I scoop up all the correspondence and head back over to my space, intent on checking in with Geoffrey and helping Trystan cover for the absence of one of the most amazing secretaries I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with.
Helen is a true enigma.It’s no wonder the civilization of Troy was enamored with her; the woman is a magician. Working twelve-plus hours every day, not to mention trying to placate an exasperated Eden and Jaspar who are growing tired of my constant vagueness when it comes to my birthday celebrations.
(In the Group Chat)
Jas
Pick a fucking day, cheese, it’s not that hard.
Me
Swamped with work. I’m trying.
Ed
Thursday. Tacos and Margis.
Jas
Yesssssssssss
Me
I’m working crazy long days. We have staff away. Can I meet you there?
Pen
Me too. What time again?
Ed
Seven. I think someone said 7? Was that you, Jas?
Pen
I’ll be there x
Me
I might be a little late. But I’ll be there too.
Ed
You’re the birthday superstarSavvy B.
Ed
You’d better be there. I can’t make my Savvy b wind jokes if you’re not there.
Jas
Wait. What? What have I missed?
Ed
All of it. 7pm Thursday, big guy.
As I continue through the color-coded reminders Helen has set up, it dawns on me that the woman has her shit together because she’s been doing this a long time. She began working for Mason before Trystan did, and going back earlier, worked for Michael in some capacity too, or in one of the subsidiary companies. She’s the motherly type nurturer every executive needs, and her organizational skills make Marie Kondo look like an amateur. She has a steadfast side that some are unaware even exists until they try to sneak an impromptu meeting past her, or present to Sean in the hope she will let an unscheduled visitor sneak through because they are here now. She entertains none of their crap, often winding up phone calls with an eye roll or a muffled huff once the phone receiver meets the cradle. The soup she brings in to heat for lunch has a heady aroma wafting throughout the entire floor, and yes, it tastes as good as it smells. Now that we’re gripped in the clutches of cooler weather, I make a mental note to ask for an extra thermos of soup to take to my chess-playing champions.
