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I slump into my office chair with a groan and force my brain back to the contract on my screen. I need to focus.
And yet…that concentration goes right out the window when Samantha pokes her head into my office to say, “Your new PI is on her way up. Am I giving her the usual rundown, or is there anything different I need to do with her?”
I stand from my desk, smoothing my dress shirt. “Actually, I thought I’d be the one to show her around. I have a few Randall-specifics to share with her, anyway.”
To her credit, Samantha doesn’t react with anything more than raised eyebrows. “Alright, then. Come grab me if you need anything.”
I nod and follow her out into the hallway. She takes a seat at her desk just as the elevator doors open and Charli steps out.
In hindsight, I don’t know why I considered the idea that she might dress in business casual. I can’t even imagine what that would look like.
Because there’s nothing professional about her outfit. She’s wearing a black tank top with a green flannel over the top, plus ripped black jeans. Her shoe choice is combat boots that look like they’ve walked quite a few city blocks. She has a backpack slung over her shoulder, her other hand slid casually into her pants pocket.
She walks off the elevator looking like she owns the world and is sure of her place in it.
“Ms. Miller,” I greet cheerfully. “Welcome to Philadelphia. Did you find the office okay?”
She only quirks an eyebrow in response. Samantha snickers beside me, but it cuts off in a cough when I shoot her a look.
“Would you like the office tour or onboarding tasks first?” I ask Charli.
She sighs. “Let’s just get the admin stuff out of the way.”
Samantha snaps into action right away. She takes Charli’s picture for her building key card, has her sign off on a few things, and confirms she has the programs and logins she needs for her work. I wait patiently beside them.
Finally, Charli is all set up. Both of them turn to me with expectant looks.
“Excellent.” I clap my hands together. “Charli, let me give you a tour of the office. Then I’ll show you to the conference room we got ready for you.”
I can’t read anything on her face as she nods and gestures for me to lead the way.
“Don’t hesitate to reach out to me if you have any questions!” Samantha calls out after us.
“Is she always so peppy?” Charli murmurs beside me.
“Always,” I say with a chuckle. “Which is made even funnier by the fact that I’ve never seen the woman drink any coffee. I think she wakes up like that.”
Charli shivers. “That sounds exhausting.”
I take in as many details as I can with a quick glance at her. She seems tired.
“How’d the move go?” I ask. “I’m impressed you found a place so quickly.”
Charli shrugs and adjusts the strap on her shoulder. “It was fine. I’m not exactly a hoarder, so my moves are usually quick and painless.” Her gaze darts to me for a split second. “Thanks for getting the cost of the movers covered.”
I wave that off like it’s nothing. Which it is. “Not a hoarder... Am I right in assuming that means you’re a minimalist with only one set of silverware?”
“Why would I need more than that?”
I huff a laugh. “Well, here at Nexiom Business Law Group, we have a little more of a maximalist mentality.” I gesture into the kitchen that we stop in front of. “Utensils and plates and mugs galore.” I point at the shelves on the back wall. “The pantry is stocked with all kinds of snacks, and the fridge is filled with drinks. Take whatever you’d like. If coffee is more your vibe, there’s a coffee bar beside the conference room with local coffees on tap.”
I catch a flash of appreciation on Charli’s face, and it makes me feel far too proud of myself.
I clear my throat. Okay, moving on.
“The bathrooms are on both ends of this hallway. If you have any interest in using the gym or showers, they’re on the fifth floor. Your key card will get you into them.”
“What are the building hours?”
