THE high-rise building stood proud in the middle of the city’s business district. It was one of the tallest if not the tallest building in the area.
EASY PARCEL EXPRESS
It was perched on top of the building in bold letters. It glistened under the sun. Solana would bet her ass that it lights up at night.
She stared at her white sneakers. The right one has mud on the inner side. Her eyes went back to the people that were coming and going out of the building.
Contrary to their business suits and office attire, she was wearing a pair of dark blue skinny jeans that have ripped on the left thigh. The checkered button-up shirt was unbuttoned that displayed the gray inner top.
She was packing her things this morning when received a call. She was requested to report to a certain Villel Bombardo. She would not bother to show up if the caller did not say about the incident from five days ago.
The incident that involved her mate gave her an opportunity to meet the person destined for her. However, it also did not give her a chance to get the name of her beautiful beloved.
Solana released a sigh.
After combing her black, layered, bob-cut styled hair with her fingers, she advanced to the entrance of the building.
The moment she stepped her foot inside, the attention of the people was on her. Their eyes say one thing.
She was in the wrong place judging from the clothes she has on.
Paying them no mind, her attention went to the center aisle of the ground floor.
The lighted name of the company including its motto was the main attraction.
EASY PARCEL EXPRESS. I’LL GO WHERE EVER YOU GO.
A smile formed on her lips. She must admit that it was a little catchy. It entails a romanticized notion that there is no place on earth that they cannot reach.
Atop the lighted name and motto were a huge monitor that plays the advertisement including the statistics and the places that the company has reached and given services.
On the right side of the ground floor were a well-known expensive coffee shop, a deli, and a store that sells natural fruit juices.
On the opposite side were the eight elevators. The farthest beside the exit was the fire exit.
She crossed the short distance between her and the receptionist. It was also located on the left along with the sets of elevators.
“Good morning. How may I help you?” An Asian woman greeted her. She was one of the three women in the reception area.
“I was told to see Villel Bombardo.”
“Do you have an appointment?”
“No.”
“Can I have your name please?”
“Solana Alexander.”
“Just a moment please.”
She was drumming her fingers on the counter as she waits for the receptionist to finish the call.
“Miss Alexander, may I see your identification please?”
She placed her driver’s licensed on the marble counter. The receptionist looked at it.
“The elevator is over there. Elevators four, five, and six were up. The top floor is Ms. Bombardo’s office.” The woman instructed. “Claim your ID when you’re done.”
“Alright. Thank you very much.”
“You’re welcome, Ms. Alexander.”
The two other people in the elevator were looking at Solana differently. It appears that it seldom see individuals in casual clothes in this place.
A reception area with a black upholstered couch greeted her when she alights from the elevator.
The woman behind the computer stood up when she saw Solana. The woman was a little over five foot and has blond, shoulder-length hair. They appeared to be the same age.
“You must be Ms. Alexander.” The petite woman said with a smile.
“Yes. Please call me Solana.”
She offered her hand that the other woman accepted. “Nice meeting you, Solana. My name is Ella Smith. I’m Ms. Bombardo’s personal assistant.”
“You’re the one that called me this morning?”
“Yes. Please have a seat. Miss Bombardo is currently at the meeting with the company lawyer.” Ella motioned to the couch.
“Thank you.”
“Coffee?”
“No, thank you.”
“Not a fan?”
“Yeah. I’m more of a milk person.”
She occupied the seat that faces the personal assistant but she can see the elevator on her left.
Solana was halfway done reading the article regarding the success story of a self-made millionaire that thrives on woodwork when the door to the right opened.
A man in his mid-thirties exited the door. He was clean-shaven and with a great physique. He must be at least six feet tall.
Their eyes met right before the door to the elevator closes.
“Miss Bombardo is ready for you.”
Ella was at the door where that man exited. The assistant motioned for her to come over.
Solana returned the glossy magazine back under the glass table. She stood up and approached the petite woman.
“Good luck.”
“Thank you.”
It was colder inside the private office. The glass wall was the first thing that she noticed. Beyond the glass wall was the view of the city’s skyscraper.
The receiving area of the private office was a copycat of the one outside but it has yellow upholstery. There was also a long conference table that can hold twelve people.
She was stunned when she turned to her left.
It was her mate!
The woman was looking back at her while leaning on her swivel chair. Her face gave away nothing. She was wearing the same sinful lipstick she has on the first time they met.
VILLEL ROSA BOMBARDO, CEO
Solana clicked her tongue. She knew that her mate has money since she drove a Lambo but it never crossed her mind that she was the CEO of EP Express.
“You asked for me.” She started.
“I did.”
“Did you tell your lawyer about the accident?”
“Yes.”
“Good. Can I take a seat?” She sauntered in front of her table and occupied the one on the left. “May I know why you asked for me?”
“Smartass suits you. Work for me.”
Flabbergasted, she met the brown orbs of her mate. “I’m not looking for a job. I would have dressed better if I did.”
“I’ll double your salary.”
A smile formed on Solana’s lips. “I got a high-paying job.”
“I’m rich.”
“I can see that. What position, by the way?”
“My personal bodyguard.”
She chuckled. “I thought you’re going to hire me for my skill.”
“I am.”
“I mean, my other skills.”
“What are your skills?”
“For a successful businesswoman, it’s wrong to employ anyone without looking at their resume.”
“I feel safer with you.”
The words that Solana was supposed to say were forgotten when she heard those words. She was taken aback but pleased that her mate felt that way. The other being on her head was way too happy at the words they heard from their mate.
“You can start tomorrow.”
“I haven’t said yes yet.”
“You’re a fool if you decline my offer.”
“Indeed.” She stood up. “I’ll call you. I have a plane to catch.”
Solana sent the lady boss a smile. The CEO has her eyes on her but did not say a word.
“Keep yourself safe while I’m gone. Don’t go alone anywhere. A lot of people depend on you.”
She went out of the door without looking back but she knew that her mate was watching her.
“How did it go?”
“Your boss is very direct.”
“She is.”
“She was hiring me.” She disclosed.
“As for what?”
“Her bodyguard.”
“Really? Often, the people that work with her directly went through a thorough investigation.”
“That’s a smart thing to do.”
“When are you going to start?”
“I’ll call you.”
The petite woman was surprised. “You did not accept it just yet?”
“I’m leaving today.”
“Oh?”
“Did you read my resume?”
“No. She only gave me your contact number.”
Solana nodded. “I’m going. My plane leaves at three.”
“I hope you have a safe flight.”
“Thanks. Take care of your boss.”
She saluted at the woman right before the elevator door closes.