HIS

Chapter Two

Chapter Two 

[ Anna ]

I held the gift box and the watch inside it as steadily as I could, while holding the handwritten note in the other hand, as if it'll disappear the second I leave it.

It felt like a dream.

Not just because it was from the man I had come to adore after years of working under him, but also because my boss and affection didn't go together. He didn't do this– writing handwritten notes. Although I was sure he sent one of the poor employees to fetch this gift for me, the fact that he took a few seconds of his 'busy schedule' (as he terms it, not me) to write a happy birthday to me instead of asking that employee to print a note along with the watch, made my heart jump.

It was a small gesture, and still enough to make me happy.

I wasn't the one to believe in fairytales and perfect moments and grand gestures. Just small things that made me happy had always been enough to make my day.

I sighed happily, carefully closing the box and the note and putting it in my drawer of personal belongings. 

I wondered if I should go into his cabin and thank him for his gesture? Or should I wait until his friends leave?

Here's also the thing about my boss: he loved girls. More like, girls loved him. They couldn't stop throwing themselves at him.

And I mean, I got it– he was charming and there was just something about his looks that no one could resist. When I first started working here, liking Zach Davis and being so heavily attracted to him wasn't a part of my plan. And despite being so strong minded about it, I slipped. So I couldn't blame any other girl for the same.

My point being, his friends were fully aware of this playboy, one night only nature of his, ofcourse. But that didn't stop them from teasing him with a lot of girls. And I didn't want to be teased with him by them just because he bought me a birthday gift that I'd thank him for, in front of them. I couldn't thank him by embarrassing him in front of them.

He had never crossed the professional line with me, so I think I should keep it that way too.

Although, sometimes, when I see pictures of him in the news with someone else, I wish I did. I, even if just for a split second, liked to imagine myself in place of them, being jealous by his hands holding theirs, his eyes on them in a way I could never have him looking at me. But that dream, that thought, it gets over just as it starts.

Zach Davis didn't do girlfriends. Everything was a one time thing with him, as far as I knew.

And I was his personal assistant. I couldn't put my career, my job and my livelihood on stake just for a one-time win of desire. And in this way, I atleast get to be with him. Admire him from afar, like I always do.

Zach Davis was a fantasy for me.

And that's just how I always wanted him to be.

Taking a deep breath and smiling to myself, I picked up the two files he had left with me to work upon and started preparing the report, keeping my personal thoughts astray.

But it wasn't for long that I was able to concentrate. The first file he had left me for a report writing was of the party that he had thrown last year for all of his business associates and a report of whether or not profits from them increased after it. It was just a case study.

Every year, Ivory Stars throws a party... more like Zach does, for his business associates and clients over the years, something about strengthening new relations and reviving old ones.

I was working here for about the past three years but only twice at this time of the year (when the annual party takes place), and so being the boss' P.A., I received an invite both years. Last to last year, I didn't feel like going. I wasn't a party girl and to me, the idea of being in a boring business party where people boasted of their latest conquers could kill me. I promised myself I'd go next year.

The year after that, I fell sick. I was really sick with food poisoning, admitted in the hospital for a night... and so, I couldn't go again.

The party, like every year, was supposed to be this weekend- day after tomorrow. And hence, this report, like the one I made every year, of the amount of business that increased with clients after the party in a chronological order, which is how the invites were sent out.

The next hour and a half, I spent on getting that report ready, before taking it to my boss' office.

I knocked and waited to get a reply, but instead, the door was opened. Ruth stepped aside to let me in and I gave her a smile of gratitude. I was pretty surprised to still find his friends there, scattered around his office.

They visited often, but not a single visit lasted more than an hour. They spent too much time together anyways.

"I can come later if y'all are busy," I say, looking at everyone, and then my boss in particular.

"No, it's okay," Justin replies with a smug smile.

"Your girl is way too formal," Tara winks at Zach.

My heart skips a beat at 'your girl' but I don't let it show on my face.

"She's efficient," Zach nods.

Was that... a compliment?

In two years of working under him, I have never even received a 'nice work, Ms. Collins'.

I smile softly, stepping forward and handing him the file. "The report for the party this weekend sir, although the guest list is already ready. Would you like me to tally to make sure everyone is on the list and send out the invites?"

"Yeah," he nods, slightly scratching the back of his head, his eyebrows raised as he studies the file. "Actually," he corrects, "I'll do that myself. Don't mail out the invites, I'd want to personally call everyone this time. Could you just get me the phone number of everyone on this list?"

"Sure," I say, still a little surprised. He's never done that. Like ever.

"I'll let you know when I'm done," he says, "Mail them the invites after that and let me know the final list once you get an RSVP?"

"Yes sir," I nod.

"Great. And please change the address of the invite."

"To?" I ask, looking up at him after noting the rest jobs in the small notepad I had carried.

"My house," he informs.

"Your house?" The words slip out of my mouth in surprise and then my eyes widen, "I mean.. yes.. yes Sir."

There was something incredibly wrong with this man today. And my lose lips.

He almost half smiled, "Yes, my house. I'll text you the address to be put. And yes, could you please also add that my band would be playing?"

"S..Sure."

"It isn't decided yet," Ruth intervened.

"It will be," my boss shrugs, "I want you all to be there and since y'all wouldn't attend otherwise, we will play."

"We don't want to be there because your business parties are extremely annoying," Justin argued.

"You don't know that, you've never been to one," Zach retaliated, and then looked at me, "You tell them, Miss. Collins. Ever since I'm the one throwing the party, not my father, have they been boring?"

My eyes widen and I suddenly find the floor more interesting, "Actually sir," I stammer, "I- I haven't been to any of your parties too."

"What?" He immediately says, more than slightly surprised.

"Haa! See," Justin shows him his tongue and puts a hand around my shoulder, "She's Team Justin because Team You is boring!"

"But.. I.. I'm sure they're not boring at all. I couldn't attend them because I was coincidentally not well both times," I lie.

My boss nods, "I look forward to seeing you on this one. As all of you." And then he looks pointedly at his friends.

"You're scaring the poor girl off," Tara glares are him, "It's a party. It's optional. She doesn't have to come if she doesn't want to."

"Am I scaring you, Ms. Collins?" My boss raises his eyebrows at me. He was in a playful mood today, but that somehow was only making me more scared.

"N... No, sir," I murmur.

"Great," he smirked at Tara, and then his eyes flickered to me. "Now off you go to your work. You have another file waiting for you, who's report I need as soon as you can give me. It's pretty lengthy though. Take your time... and yes, the list of phone numbers, please?"

"I will fax them to the reception and ask Lana to drop them to you. Anything else, sir?"

"No thank you, Ms. Collins." That was my dismiss. I nod, giving his friends fast smiles before I turn around and leave.

While walking out, I bumped across someone. Again. I really need to be more careful walking around today.

"Watch where you go, Anna," someone scowled. I look up scoffing at the gorgeous blonde who seemed even more annoyed by my sight than she usually is.

"You too, Jen." I give a sarcastic smile. Otherwise, I would've apologised. But this was Jen. The queen b***h. The leader of the I hate Anna fan club. 

"Whatever," she flips her hair behind and walks away. I shake my head in disbelief to myself, walking ahead.

"Jay," I call the man behind the computer to my left, "Please forward the phone numbers of all invites to Lana and ask her to fax it and send it to Mr. Davis, can you?"

"Got it, ma'am," he salutes playfully.

"It's Anna," I correct with a smile, "And thank you."

I walk back into my office to the second file awaiting me. As I took a quick glance flipping through the pages, I sighed.

Zach was right. This was lengthy.

~

It was evening when I was able to take my head off the file, the report ready in my computer. I sent the file to the printer outside and then walked out to get the prints.

The office outside was almost empty. Well, to be fair, it was thirty minutes past my (and all of our) work time. This file took up more of my time than I would have liked it to. I had to skip my lunch break, and just eat a protein bar while working on it.

And now, I was finally done.

While I waited for the printer to print all the pages, I couldn't help but stare outside. The working area had a glass wall which overlooked the skyline. The last rays of sunlight fell into the empty workplace, making the glass shimmer as it overlooked the city.

I took a deep breath, as the beautiful site absorbed away my tiredness like it did on most days. After a tiring day, whenever I stared out of the window onto the skyline, it made me feel the overwhelming belief of this is where I was supposed to be, it made me feel like I belonged here.

The one thing I would miss the most about this office is this view and the silence after work when I looked down and pondered upon my life decisions.

The beep of the printer broke my thoughts as I collected the pages and bundled them against the desk before taking them to Zach's office.

I knock on the door, despite it being open. He was himself looking out from his glass walls, the phone in his hand. I wait for him to turn around.

"Yes, Mrs. Rodriguez... I shall see you then..." his silky voice trailed as he cut the call and turned around.

"Ms. Collins? What are you doing here?" He knits his eyebrows.

"The report you asked for," I say, walking in and placing the heavy bundle on his desk.

His eyes almost widen in surprise. "You completed it?"

"Yes sir," I reply, rather nervously. That was what I was supposed to do, right?

"Ms. Collins... I...," he sounded amused, "This..." his voice trailed. He took a moment to collect himself, "You just did three days work in a single day."

"I... What?" I retaliate.

"Yeah," he says, flipping through the pages, "I told you this was lengthy, didn't I? I thought you'd take a few days, minimum. But this... its more than I expected."

I gulp. Three days work. And I used my blood and sweat to complete it before the day ends.

"You said you needed them as soon as possible," I point in a small voice.

"Yes," he nods, "But like, in a few days soon, not in a few hours soon. How long did it take you to complete this anyway?"

"All of today... I just completed five minutes ago," I informed truly.

"God," he was still amused, "And to think of, it's your birthday today. You should be taking a leave and enjoying your day, and here you are... I feel guilty."

I think I might just faint. What he'd just said now was more than what he had spoken to me in the entire year until today.

What had gotten into him today?

"Which reminds me, thank you so much for the watch Sir. It was lovely," I couldn't help the red hue from spreading to my cheeks. I was a shy person by nature.

He gives a small smile, nodding back, "I'm glad you liked it, happy birthday again, Ms. Collins."

"Thank you, Sir," My smile just widened, "I shall take your leave now?"

"Oh yes yes... absolutely," he nods back, "Enjoy your birthday... atleast how much of it is remaining."

I give him a small nod, mumbling a thank you again before I walk out and pack up for the day, also carefully placing the watch in my bag.

I'd be disappointed to have spent my birthday like this, but to be honest, I didn't really have anything else to do. All of my best friends are back in my home town, and coming here, to Brooklyn, was my choice. I knew what I was giving up when I left.

They had already called me up and wished me last night, had a FaceTime with all of them, and my childhood bestfriend Mia had also made me a cake that she cut for me. My Dad was the first one to call and wish me of course, but on days like these, I just missed having my family and friends around. I just wished I could be home again.

It's been a long time since I went home, but I've been delaying the visit. I have to go there in a few months time anyway.

As the lift doors open, I realise it's raining. I could swear I saw the sun setting just a half hour ago and it's raining now?

God.

What a day. I was now caught in rains without an umbrella. In my defence, the rainy season is long over, and even the weather predictions didn't show any rain.

I ran from my office building the opposite bus stop shed, which was empty. I usually take a bus from this stop to the one three stops later, and walk the lane that leads to my house. The bus stop is otherwise full, but was empty today.

I glanced at the time.

Ofcourse. I had missed the bus.

Could this day get any worse?

I sat on the bench, waiting for the next one. It was atleast ten minutes until another one– and just then, the announcement appeared. The bus was running late by fifteen minutes due to unexpected downpour.

I sighed, covering my face with my hand and buried it completely, shutting my eyes. The fact that I had to make dinner after reaching home was killing me.

I'd call for a take-out. It's my birthday today, and a much deserving cheat day.

It was merely a few minutes, when I heard a car horn.

I didn't take my hands off my face.

Again.

And again.

There wasn't any traffic on the road, which i***t was honking for no reason?

I finally look up to a very familiar black Jaguar with windows rolled down, and an even familiar face popping out.

"Ms. Collins?" Zach called me.

"Y.. Yes sir?" I replied in shock, my eyes widened, a little loud for him to hear over the rains.

"Let me drop you?" He shouted back.

If my eyes could get any wider, they'd fall off. "No.. No thanks sir. The bus will be here any moment." I lied. Ofcourse I lied.

He nodded, rolling his windows up.

I looked away, shutting my eyes and burying my face in my palm again. I was really tired.

Little did I know, I'd open my eyes to Zach coming out of the car with his black coat over his head to prevent the rains from getting him wet and running across the road. Towards me.

My eyes widened in shock again as I got up at once and he reached here.

"I said let me drop you, Ms. Collins?" He gave me a smug look as he reached here.

"I.. I'd manage," I insisted despite the offer being too tempting to say no to.

"I have already made your birthday miserable. This is the least I can do. I insist," he repeats.

"Alright," I agree, reluctantly.

He smiled victoriously as he, surprisingly, put his coat on both our heads when we got out, before leading me to his car and opening the passenger door for me. Even when it's raining, he sure knew how to be to win a girl's heart. 

What a charming bastard.

"Thank you so much, Sir," I say once we're seated inside and he nods, putting the seat belt on.

"So, what are your birthday plans?" He asks, making conversation.

"Nothing much. I'm pretty tired so I may just get a take-out, and watch Netflix, I guess?" I answer, nervously. I wasn't used to talking to him about anything except work.

"Are you serious?" He looks at me for a flash second, bewildered.

I nod, shrugging.

"Why don't you go out and party? You're still young and so is the night," he suggests.

"I'm not really a party girl," I chuckle, using the same excuse as I always do.

"Is that why you missed the last two annual parties I had thrown?" He mocked.

"Partially," I mumble.

"Then what will be the reason to not attend this time?" He teased.

"It's.. it's not that way, sir," I stammer, "I'll try my best to make it. And I really was sick the last time."

"Mh-hmm," he nods and I realise the rain had reduced to a mere drizzle. The sky had begun clearing up. What a weird weather today.

"Left here," I instruct pointing to the next lane.

"Oh...kay. You stay around this corner? By Monet's?" He asks, as we pass the famous food joint.

"I do live at a walking distance," I agree, "Although I have never tried Monet's. Have you?"

He gives me a bewildered look, yet again. "You do not know how to live life, Collins," he nods in disappointment as he stops the car suddenly.

"Sir?" I question softly.

"I'm taking you to Monet's," he says casually, like it is the most obvious thing ever.

"Wh– What?"

"It's your birthday. My treat," he looks at me, "Take it as an apology for making you work all day on your birthday."

I just stay frozen in shock.

"What? You didn't hear me?" He smirked, "Suck it up and out of the car, Ms. Collins."

The door shut behind him. I just followed his lead and did as I was told, still too shocked to comprehend anything.

Zach Davis was supposed to be a fantasy.

And I was just going out with my fantasy.