Lost in Miami

Chapter 10

One morning as I made my way to the office I saw Gina coming from the left direction holding a coffee in her hands. As soon as she saw me she stopped in her track and greeted me with a warm smile. I reached to her and she asked,

“Have you heard?”

“About what?”

“About the takeover of our company. It’s not revealed who bought it yet, but I think today our new boss is gonna show up here.”

“Really” Well, this was news to me. Maybe because I was totally submerged in work that I didn’t notice the gossip going on around.

“Let’s see what happens.” Saying this Gina went to her reception desk. I took the elevator and pressed my floor button. There was not much to do today as we just finished two major projects. I went in and saw Matt already siting there leisurely. He smiled at me when he saw me coming in,

“Good morning Rachel. How are you doing?”

“I’m fine Matt. Thank you. So... I heard about the takeover of the company. Is it true?”

“I guess. Everybody has been talking about it. It should be true, although the official announcement is yet to be done.”

“Oh.”

Well as long as I don’t lose my job I don’t care about the specifics either. We got back to our work and soon it was lunch time. Matt and I made our way towards the canteen. I got a chicken wrap with side salad and Matt had a burger and fries. We went to sit with our colleagues and I sat beside Gina while Matt took his seat beside me. We all ate while chatting about stuff and bitching about our bosses as the office tradition goes. Suddenly there was a commotion outside and Tanya, the head of the Human Resource Department, also one of the bitchiest person in the office came in screaming that news went official about the takeover and the new boss is coming in an hour. We all finished our lunch and went back to tidy everything for a good first impression to our new boss.

There were numerous media outlets outside the company waiting for interviews. In exactly an hour people were called to assemble at the entrance for welcoming the new boss. We were lined up accordingly, first our major designers, managers and directors and the rest of the employees were behind their respective bosses. Some luxury cars made way on the entrance and a specific shiny black Mercedes was exactly near the door. The assistant or so I assume opened the door and a figure with black suit pant came into view.

OH MY f*****g GOD! This can’t be. s**t. What is he doing here?

The director took two steps forward and greeted him.

“Welcome Mr. Williams. Please come.”

All the staff members welcomed him in unison. His eyes flashed from left to right and suddenly caught me. Oh s**t he saw me. I didn’t want this to happen. I wish to dig a hole in the ground and hide myself forever. But just as the first time I could not take my eyes off his as he was staring at me intently. At first he looked a bit surprised probably to see me here, but recovered quickly and again I saw that sexy smirk crawling up his face. Oh s**t! All the events of that night came flashing right in front of my eyes. Holy cow!

Austin William went upstairs with the director and other managers and we went back to our respective cabins. Oh god he saw me. Is he gonna fire me? Should I quit the job? No wait, why am I afraid? I didn’t do anything wrong. He probably won’t even stay here. Maybe he’s just here to inspect things. He doesn’t live in Miami. I’m sure he’ll go back. There’s nothing to worry about.

“Rachel—’’

“Waaah…!” Matt caught me off-guard as he placed his hand on my shoulder and I just freaked coming out of my train of thoughts.

“Whoa, are you okay Rachel? I called you a couple of time but you didn’t respond so…. I’m sorry if I scared you.”

“Oh no, no its—it’s not you. I was just thinking about something else.”

“Oh, okay. Anyways these are the new designs and some information on the material required. You have to make 9 copies of it.”

Matt hands me the documents and I go down to the copy place. I went to the first machine but I saw the notice that all the machines were out of toner. Oh god! What is happening today? I took the lift and went to the top floor to use the copier which was used by the upper floor secretaries but can be used by us as well only in emergencies. I guess this is also an emergency. Plus I don’t wanna mess anything up for our presentation as we have worked really hard for this.

I went to the copy machine, did the relevant process and pushed the copy files button and stood at the side and waited. Two secretaries passed by me holding empty trays and coming out of the conference room I assumed. I overheard them talking—no squealing,

“Can you believe that, he’s gonna stay here?”

“Really, Mr. Williams. Oh wow! Wonder who his secretary gonna be?”

“I wish HR gives me that job.”

And they went away. BUT WHAT?

He’s staying here? As the boss? Well, of course as the boss, but this isn’t even his main office. Why would he stay here? Musn’t he go back to his own company. And there was this very small part of me telling me that maybe the reason was me. And oh god it gave me chills. NO! I should not think it that way. I went back with the copies and waited for Britney to come back from the meeting. We were supposed to present it today to the higher ups but now I’m not sure if I would be able to do it. This means Austin would be there as well.

Man up Rachel. It’s fine. It’s your job, you have to be professional. Britney came back and asked me and Matt to be ready with the presentation and that Mr. William himself will be leading this meeting. All the hair on my neck was standing at this moment. But I took the necessary material and made my way up to the conference room.