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Kaden speeds down the road, and my heart’s racing.Why does it feel like we’re going two miles an hour?
I keep thinking about the three business meetings I have with the chairman. Now that he knows I’m with Kaden, I feel even more inclined to work hard. It seems like he’s watching my every move, keeping an eye on the person who takes care of his grandson, and I find myself constantly on edge to meet his expectations.
The meetings have to go perfectly. I can’t stop thinking about what I’m going to say and how I will participate and impress him as we drive. Kaden keeps looking at me but doesn’t say a word, letting silence fill the car.
Usually, I try to talk about our evening or decide what we’ll have for dinner. Today is too important, and I can’t distract myself from it. We finally pull into the lot, and I don’t think he’s even parked all the way when I jump out, shouting a hurried goodbye.
I throw open the doors and run to my tiny desk, hoping for a few minutes to review my notes before the first meeting starts. I’m sorting through the papers and getting myself prepared when the chairman walks out.
“Good morning, Amber. Are you ready to go?” he asks. I want to tell him, hell no, I need at least another day to fully prepare for the events of today.
With the image I’m trying to uphold in front of him, I can only nod. “Good morning. Yes, sir, I am. Let’s get started,” I say, grabbing my things and following closely behind him into the conference room. When we arrive, the table is full of guests, and Rust takes a seat at the table head. He points to the chair closest to him and tells me to have a seat.
Well, he must not be upset with me yet. That’s a good start! Just focus and remember to actively participate so that he knows you listen and pay attention to him.
The room is full of potential clients wanting to buy a new product or share their ideas if they can’t find something they already like. It’s important because they have a lot of money, which leaves ample opportunity for the entire company to grow if this goes well. I want to ensure I’m helpful. I’ll get brownie points if something I do or say sways them into doing business with us.
As the chairman talks, it reminds me of how well he does his job. His proposals and graphs of the products, and the stats for the company as a whole, are colorful and well thought out. Rust is a man that definitely knows what he’s doing, and I strive to be as successful as him one day.
Throughout the day, the meetings continue. People wander in and out for bathroom breaks. Workers stop by regularly, bringing in food and beverages. It never gets any easier to sit in one spot all day long, listening to people talk numbers and sometimes terms I don’t understand, but I know it’s the best way to get where I want to be.
Rust keeps looking at me when questions are asked and smiles when I answer them, letting me know I’m doing a good job. Finally, the last meeting concludes, and he tells me I’m free to continue with my day because he will have a one-on-one with them next.
As I walk back to my desk, I can’t help feeling like the meeting was successful. At least, I hope so. I need him to think of me as being an asset to the company, as well as to his grandson.
I sit at my desk, open my computer and pull up some emails with new tasks for the day. I’m scrolling through them, sorting information out the chairman will need for the future and answering calls. I’m in charge of organizing his meetings and making sure nothing overlaps.
After what feels like four days combined into one, the clock finally hits six o’clock. I’m drained. I don’t have any energy left inside of me, and I want to go home. Nothing sounds better than a long, hot bath, dinner, and a relaxing movie in bed.
I pack up my things, getting ready to leave. Just then, I receive a text message from the chairman.
I was supposed to take you home tonight. Kaden got caught up in a meeting. But I’m not done with our clients yet. Do you want me to call Kaden and tell him to come to get you?
I pause, thinking it over. I wait for Kaden, I wait for Kaden’s grandfather, or I just get home on my own. I finally settle on a response, texting him back.
No, that’s okay. I’m fine with walking, thank you. Have a good evening!
Tired as I am, the idea of walking doesn’t thrill me nearly as much as I pretend it does. But waiting sounds even worse. I just want to get home.
Suddenly, my computer dings with a direct inter-office message. I look up, and it just happens to be from one of the department heads in the meetings with us today.
Are you needing a ride home this evening? It looks like the chairman is busy, and I think Kaden’s stuck in a meeting.
The offer is kind but very curious. Why does he know any of this? I try not to overthink it too much, as there’s likely a perfectly good explanation. Still, something about it raises my hackles.
Thank you for the offer, but I’m okay walking home tonight! Have a good evening!
Even aside from my suspicions, I know I would deny it every time. It’s nice of him to offer, but I don’t know him well enough to accept.
A reply flashes across my screen a moment later.No problem, just thought I’d ask. You too!
I don’t even feel like walking, but I don’t feel like sitting here waiting for who knows how long for Kaden’s meeting to finish, either.I want my hot bath and my bed.
So, I grab my things and head out. I’m heading down the sidewalk, eager to get home and start the tub. Ready to let the boiling water melt away my stresses from today. Then I can settle in our comfy bed with some dinner and a new movie.
Suddenly, I notice a man leaning against the side of a building I’m approaching. His eyes stare through me, and I awkwardly smile as I try to pass him.
“Hey, cutie. Want to come inside with me for a drink?” he asks in a low, raspy voice. Immediately, my palms start sweating.
