Rising

Meeting The Owner

       When Jayden called me to show up at the meeting, I was curious. I haven’t started to work yet and I was already involved in a major situation. We were all sitting there waiting for Mr. Belleview to show up, and I was fidgeting with my fingers. I knew my new boss would be here, and I was nervous after the way I spoke to him earlier. 

     “Hey, how are you holding up?” Jayden approached me and I felt a little more relaxed.

      “I’ll be fine. Thank you” I whispered, and he put his hand on my shoulder in reassurance. He walked to the front of the room, and suddenly the door opened, and everyone got quiet. Mr. Belleview and his son walked in, and my heart started to beat fast. One look at him, and I felt like I’ve known him my whole life. 

     Mr. Belleview looked to the crowd and when his eyes were set on me, he was looking at me confusedly. My heart raced even faster, and for some reason I felt a connection with him.

     “Good afternoon, everyone. I apologize for this impromptu meeting, but I just wanted to let you all know a few things that will change within the department. I assure you, they’re not all bad,” he said with a kind smile on his face. 

     Jayden and Michael stood on each side of him, looking professional and handsome. My eyes wouldn’t stop staring at Jayden. He was so casual, so relaxed and energetic. His brother, on the other hand, looked mean and selfish.

     “We will start with a few promotions outside of this department. There are a few open positions in the mail room and in the executive area of the company. I have been studying each employees record and work and I have a few names who deserve to get those positions if they’re willing to,” Mr. Belleview mentioned and the employees were murmuring as to who would get those positions. To me, it sounded unrealistic to be promoted just like that, but I was sure they had so many years and were waiting to be promoted.

    "Father, are you really going to promote them? They don't deserve it. They can stay and clean floors, that is what they do best," Michael mentioned.

    "You better be quiet, Michael. As the CEO, you have to be the example of a good-" Jayden said, but was interrupted by Mr. Belleview. 

    "Both of you, quiet," he said in an authoritative tone, making them close their mouth "I will mention the names of those who have proven to be on those positions"

    He mentioned everyone's names and cheers and applauses were heard in the room. 

    "We also have a new employee here. Ms. Niray Moreno. She will be joining you all in the maintenance department, and she will work for my brother" at Jayden's words, everyone murmured. I wasn't sure if it was jealousy or just curiosity, but either way I felt uncomfortable when he put me in the spotlight like that.

    They all clapped their hands, finally welcoming me to their team, or so I thought. I was blushing at everyone's reaction, and I nodded my head in appreciation.

    At the end of the meeting, everyone left the room, and Jayden approached me. "Welcome to the team, Niray" he said with his big smile showing on his face.

    "Thank you very much. I am excited to work with you. Maybe not so much with him," I said, pointing at my future boss with my head. Jayden laughed. 

    "Don't worry about him, you can pull this off," he assured me. He had so much faith in me to represent my coworkers. I nodded, letting him know I could really do this. 

******

    After I sent Niray back home, I went to my office and Rebecca, my ex-girlfriend was waiting for me. 

    "How did you get in?" I asked her, and she just received me with a big smile while sauntering towards me. Her flirty attitude had me falling for her before, but realized she was not the woman for me. She is too greedy and vain for my taste. Yes, I know, rich guy doesn't like a woman like that? It might seem impossible, but that is just me.

    "Well, I convinced your brother to let me in. You know how he loves us together. He was always so supportive of our relationship"

    "Oh, really? Before or after you ended up on his bed?" I seethed, grabbing her by her arm and guiding her to the door. I didn't have time to deal with her. I had my thoughts on someone else, completely different from her.

    "Jayden?" Minerva called, pulling me out of my thoughts "someone is lost in thought. Is it Niray?"

    "I don't know Minerva. I can't just get her out of my head. The way she looked yesterday, it was heartbreaking. I felt the need to protect her, " I said, in all honesty. 

    "Please, don't tell me she is indeed a charity case" she said, looking at me with disappointment in her eyes.

    "No, not at all. I genuinely want to help her. She looks like a pure soul and she is kind, " I replied, and a smile threatened to escape from my lips. She noticed and smiled back at me. 

    "I am proud of you, young man" she said, picking up some paperwork to file and heading out. I sat back, taking a deep breath, when a call came to my office phone. I wondered who is calling me directly. 

    "Hello?" I answered and I could hear a rowdy noise on the other side of the phone.

    "Mr. Belleview!" José spoke. 

    "Yes, what happened?" I stood up from my chair at the sound of his worried voice. 

    "The staff said they don't want to work anymore. They are causing chaos down here. It all has to do with the new girl working for your brother," he said, and I figured this whole presentation would cause a problem. 

    I needed to stop their banter, because I knew my brother wouldn't be able to stop this.