Lost in Miami

Chapter 12

 “You seem really off since you came back from your office. What happened? Bad day?” Greta was sitting on the sofa with a bowl of tortilla chips in her hands.

“Yeah, kinda.” I was lazying around on the other end of the L-shaped sofa, my head practically hanging off the edge, both of us watching AL Pacino’s ‘The Godfather.’

But I paid no attention on the movie. I was totally hung up on what happened today. He was actually offended of what I did and in a way it was my fault. But who the hell would expect that your former one night stand partner would become your boss? And that too in such circumstances. I have a feeling like he would bully me more often now.

To make myself feel better, I pour myself a drink. I get a 2010 Margaux bottle out and pour a glass. Greta was eyeing me pouting her lower lip out, but did not make a comment. She put the bowl on the table glancing at her watch and got up. She took her coat from the coat stand and waved me goodnight throwing a kiss at me. I locked the door after she left, tidied up the room a little and sat down opening the file which I had to work on.

As I browse through it while sipping my drink I realized it’s a lot of work. I’m gonna have to work late maybe till midnight. As my eyes fall on the laces I think back to my exchange with Austin today. I think I even blush. That man has something fascinating about him… he has that little extra something that exceptional people have. He’s really sexy but his appeal is beyond that. It’s something that emanates from him.

Stop that right now, Rachel! Girls like you don’t interest guys like him!

And I think it would be the only time I’ll see him. Assistants like us don’t have any business on the top floor and he’s the president. I should finish my work.

Next morning I got to work too exhausted from the late night work. I sat on my desk and started checking my mailbox as usual. There were some random emails. Oh, there was also an office mail about a new article on Mytheresa. I opened up that article and saw the news about the William Enterprises taking over Mytheresa. I opened my search engine and decided to search a little about William Enterprises. Indeed several results were found. The firm appears to be very active and has given much importance to humanitarian aids in Africa in the in the installation of water sanitation system. It also finances schools, clinics as well as several charity organizations on site. I quickly find many articles mentioning WE company.

The New York Times says that “New York’s golden boy is engaging in charity.” Whereas the New York post titles: “The planet’s sexiest businessman has it all.”

There are many photos of Austin posing with young Africans in front of schools and hospitals. I must say that on the photos, though he still has that disarming charm about him there’s also something a little more…. Humane. But in the end, is he being sincere? Could it be a way of making a good impression, of flattering his image and his reputation? I find it difficult to believe that men, born in an unrestrained capitalistic environment, really feel concerned by poverty in developing world…

My research takes me to much more specialized articles in Finance and Economics and I quickly loose interest. Austin is without a doubt, at the cutting edge of his profession and arouses the admiration of many of his peers.

My curiosity pushes me to type what most of the women who have met him must have typed before me…… Nervously, I typed the question, ‘Is Austin William single?’

Lots of rather evocative results come up: “Austin William single (again)”, “Austin William single again”. I can’t believe the number of pictures that appear on the screen! Sentimentally speaking, he’s difficult to define. There are a lot of photos showing him in the company of many absolutely stunning women! Top models, in vogue actresses… My ego takes a blow and I hate how it makes me feel like. What did I expect?

Feeling a little disappointed, I sigh looking at pictures of him with a beautiful, young, redheaded girl dressed in Chanel. As I curse almost out loud, a voice whistles behind me.

Oh damn… Here comes the shrew…

Tanya was standing at the side of my desk with one hand on her hip, looking revolted. “Why is it so complicated to find anybody working at what they are paid for?”

The weariness in her tone of voice makes my hair stand on the end. Being unpleasant calls for skills, but with Tanya, its fine art! If one day I need to take a crash course for bitchitude I’ll know whom to go to.

I put my best smile and manage to say hello. This habit she has of popping up by surprise behind my back will one day give me a heart attack.

“May I ask why you’re wasting your time on websites that are for teenagers looking for cheap thrills, instead of…?” She stops an instant letting out a little mocking sigh. “Sorry… I was about to employ a word that you are no doubt not very familiar with…” Her lips stretch into a carnassial smile. The kind that means: I’m gonna bite your head off!

“WORK!”

She says this as an order, leaning towards me.

“I was researching” I said making a terrible excuse.

“Researching…? You should get to work before I start searching for someone to replace you in your job, Miss Davis.”

Without another word, she spins around moving her head in the usual way, like the self-confident b***h that she is. For a moment I see ten years back how in school people use to bully weaker kids. I have the same feeling right now. To think that things would change ones all are adults. But I guess bitches are of all ages and they don’t improve with time.

As Matt arrives I’m sighing and clicking on my mouse with virulence. He puts his pain in the ass face straight away. “Uh oh! You don’t look happy. Is it working on the designs that turned you into a pack of nerves?”

“No, it’s getting my head bitten off by Tanya…. I’m telling you that woman will do me in…”

“Hmm… Just tell be before handed if you fight. I’ll bring the popcorn.”

I glare at him as he sits at his desk smiling.

“Would you like me to get you coffee?” Matt asks. He is sweet. I know he means well. But sometimes I really don’t feel like talking nor joking.

“No thanks.” I replied.

I plunge into my work frowning. It’s gonna be a long day!