AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Is there anyone else I need to inform about the party?”
“Excuse me?”
“You said us.”
“Crap. Is there a black folder on your desk?”
“No.”
“Go into my office and look on my desk.”
“Hold on.”
I walked over to the sliding wood door across from my desk, and pulled it back. My mouth dropped open again for the second time today. In the almost two years I’ve worked here, I’ve never seen an office like this one. It’s not an office, but a loft. The very masculine scent greeted me at the door…tobacco, musk, leather and something spicy I can’t name.
The walls were the same color black as the ones in my office, but in a flat finish. In the far left corner was a lounge area with a large black leather sofa, a couple of oversized brown leather club chairs, and a large square distressed wood coffee table with a large art book opened to a page on vintage cars. To the left of the door were shiny black bookcases filled with books, albums and a vintage record player.
In the other corner, was a large rectangular dark wood table with eight square black leather and brass chairs around it. Above the table, was a cool vintage light fixture expanding the length of the table. An antique brass open shelving unit was on the wall facing the conference table. On the wall above the shelving unit was a large, round mirror. An incredible plaster and iron sculpture sat on top of the shelving unit.
I stepped inside and the view of San Francisco took my breath away. The wall facing the conference table was floor to ceiling windows…a billionaire’s view. I looked around and finally cast my attention on the large, sleek and shiny black lacquered desk. It looked more like art than a desk. The only things on it were a large Apple iMac, a telephone, a couple of black lacquer trays, and a small tray filled with black Montblanc pens and black old school pencils. The chair seemed out of place in front of the desk. It was black velvet, with a feminine shape to it.
It was clear Phillippe was an art lover. There were interesting pieces accessorizing the space. The large black and white print on the wall behind the desk was my favorite…a pair of hands. It was simple and dramatic. Instead of a light cluttering the desk, there was a cool, bubble bulb chandelier hanging over the desk. Behind the desk was a black vintage credenza with a tray of bottled water, glasses, napkins and three glass canisters…one with mixed nuts, one with black and white M&Ms and one with pretzels. I see Mr. Marchant likes to snack, which explains the identical set up in my office.
I walked up to the desk and inside one of the trays was a black folder with “Gabriella” written on it. I picked up the folder and went back to my office.
“I have it.”
“Do you see an itinerary?”
I opened the folder and thumbed through the pages searching for the document. “No.”
“Crap! I’m sorry. This thing in Seattle caught me off guard. You and I will be visiting the offices I asked you to get information on before coming home. After a brief break, we’ll be heading to London and Paris to look for new office space. We have to attend the Marshall Pediatrics Spring Gala while we’re in Charlotte. I apologize for throwing all of this on you at the last minute. Do you need a couple of extra hours to get packed?”
Couple of hours? How about a couple of days! The last time I had on an evening gown, was the prom. “That would help.”
“If you need a dress, when you go to Brockman’s tell Cameron I said to fix you up with whatever you need.”
“That won’t be necessary.”
“I insist. Consider it my way of apologizing for the crazy first day.”
“Thank you.”
“I’ll see you tomorrow at three.”
“Bye.”
Phillippe
She probably thinks I’m the worst boss in the world. I hope she doesn’t regret working with me. Truth is, when I read her resume, I was very impressed and didn’t need to meet with her. Anyone with her intelligence willing to work as a floater until something becomes available, understands what it means to work here. She has the kind of loyalty I want on my team.
Tony’s security check didn’t turn up anything for me to be concerned about which pleased me even more. I would, however, have preferred someone a couple of years older, but her dedication to the company convinced me to give her a chance.
I hope she likes her office. I worked closely with my decorator to make sure it was filled with things she liked. Tony is thorough in his research. How he found out her favorite colors was beyond me. It was perfect that we have very similar tastes, because it makes for a cohesive work environment. Her love of art was one of the other reasons I hired her. We’ll be doing a lot of traveling and I like visiting museums and art galleries. It will be nice to have someone I can share that with.
First things first, I’ve got to get this company healthy.
CHAPTER TWO
