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I have no idea who he was, but he exasperated me and at the same time made me feel off balance. That’s never happened before. I mean, don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of people who annoy me with what comes out of their mouth, speaking before they think. But this guy was different. Part of me has a feeling he thought about what he was saying, knowing it would make me react. And that Australian accent just seemed to make the confidence and cockiness ooze from him. I’ve never been attracted to an older man before, but I kind of liked it, and I’m still not sure why.
Standing hanging onto the pole on the train, the fresh smell of aftershave and perfumes in the morning can get a bit suffocating in such a confined space. But I must admit, it’s better than the afternoon trip home where the whole carriage air is thick with sweaty armpits and breaths that are a mixture of all the lunches eaten. Some days it’s hard to breathe. As we pull into the station, I’m glad to get out and find some fresh air and personal space, which is hard, working in such a busy city. There is never much time where you are on your own in the hustle and bustle. Although, the majority of the time I love it.
The high-paced environment is great for my creative brain, and that is what drives me.
Finally, I’m standing outside the door to the offices of York and Webb Design and Marketing.
Looking up at the old stone building, it’s a bit of a juxtaposition. The outside is years of history in this city, yet the work that happens inside these four walls is all about a change in the look and perception of something. That’s my job, to launch a new brand or change the way the world sees an old company, which is a much harder task.
But that’s what I love, to be challenged.
No time to be standing here staring up at the old girl. I don’t want to add any more drama to my day by being late. I must admit, I’m usually skidding in the front door just in time most mornings.
“Good morning, madam,” the receptionist greets me with a smile that looks totally fake. She’s obviously trying not to show how much she’s really over this week and can’t wait for Friday to just be finished. For once I feel the opposite. It’s a weird day to be starting a new job, but my manager starts her leave on Monday, so she wants to show me the ropes before she goes.
“Good morning, my name is Victoria Packer, and I’m here to start my new position today under Gwenda Francis of York and Webb Design and Marketing.” I’ve got my shoulders back, standing up as straight as I can, portraying all the confidence I can muster.
“Ah yes. Hello and welcome. I have your security pass here. Miss Francis is expecting you. The security pass needs to be worn at all times, and it will need to be swiped in the lift to take you to level three. Good luck.”
“Thank you,” I say, smiling as I turn to head to the elevator. I always feel a little nervous when someone says good luck at a time like this. Does it mean I’m going to need luck in this job or is it merely polite to say that on my first day?
I don’t really have much time to ponder the thought, as the doors start to close and a male voice calls to hold the elevator. Hitting the door-open button a few times, finally they start retracting, and a hand grabs them as his body lunges into the elevator with me.
“Oh, ta. Didn’t want to be late again. My boss is a real cow, and I don’t feel in the mood for the dressing down this morning,” he says, leaning against the back wall of the elevator and taking a few deep breaths as the doors are again closing.
“Happy to be of assistance.” As I straighten my jacket for the tenth time since I arrived in the building, I can feel the nerves starting to get the better of me.
“You’re new, aren’t you. I’ve not seen you before,” he says, holding out his hand to greet me. Not sure I want to shake it, but it’s polite. His hands are like I imagined, sweaty like his face, from rushing, I guess. “Hi, I’m Theodore Cheston, but everyone calls me Theo.”
“Yes, it’s my first day. Victoria Packer, pleased to meet you.” The ding of the elevator ends this greeting before it begins as he steps out.
“Have to run. See you around.” With that he is out and down the hallway toward the door I’m heading to. I try not to laugh to myself. Today couldn’t get any stranger if it tried, and it’s not even time for morning tea yet.
Opening the door, I get an adrenaline rush. I’m hoping this will become my new home away from home. The place I will make a name for myself and be respected and appreciated for my hard work. Let the adventure begin.
“Welcome, Victoria. I’ll show you to your desk and then to Gwenda’s office, after which you can get settled in. I’m Suzi, in case you forgot my name.” Finally, a little bit of normalcy and a reassuring smile. I remember her from my interview appointment, although it was a fleeting moment that I spoke to her.
“That would be great, thanks, Suzi. I’m really looking forward to this job and can’t wait to get started.” I follow her down the corridor and into an area with six desks spread out in the open-plan office, each with backs on them to create a little privacy for your own desk but not enough to box everyone in. They’re all pale wood finish with brown leather chairs. The room has six vertical windows set into the old stone walls that have been rendered on the inside, painted a very pale cream to give the sense of extra space and to lighten the room. The décor matches the room perfectly, in my opinion. It gives a good vibe of softness and where modern meets old world.
Over her shoulder, Suzi looks back at me with a welcoming smile and keeps talking while we’re walking.
“Some of us all go for drinks after work on Friday. You should come and get to know everyone. There’s not much time during the day, and especially with all the bosses watching.” I think I’m going to like Suzi, she seems like my kind of girl.
“That sounds fantastic.” Just as I’m about to place my bag down on the desk she shows me to, the same voice from the elevator comes up beside me.
“Well, would you look at that. We are going to be desk neighbors, Victoria.”
“Theo, be nice to Victoria and give her at least ten minutes to breathe before she must put up with your morning personality. She will at least need a strong tea to tolerate you.” Suzi pushes him in the shoulder as he stands with his hand over his heart, faking his hurt.
“So harsh, Suzi. We are already the best of friends, aren’t we, Victoria. Wait, is that what we have to call you? It reminds me of an old lady sitting with her cup of tea and her pearls, or you know, a stuffy old queen. Can I call you Vic instead?” Already I’m feeling more comfortable by the minute. These guys seem like fun.
“Sure, best friends. That’s what usually happens after a thirty-second meeting in a lift. And no, it’s Tori, well, that’s if you expect me to answer. You are right, Victoria is my grandmother’s name, and I can assure you I am nothing like her.” My shoulder feels better after finally placing my bag on the desk. I really need to carry less crap in my bag, otherwise I’m going to be walking lopsided permanently for the rest of my life.
“Oh, this one has a sense of humor. That’ll make a nice change from the last woman who sat at this desk. Anyway, welcome, Tori. I’m your desk buddy, I have the one directly in front of you closer to the front door, so let me know if there is anything I can do to help you settle in.” Theo’s still standing there just looking at me.
“Theo, tea, remember? You were getting one for Tori?” Suzi snaps at him to make him move.
“Right, yes. Tea, milk or sugar?”
