It's Always Been You

Chapter 1

Beep Beep Beep Beep Beep!

The godawful sound of my alarm blared through my peaceful sleep. I had set my alarm for 6:30 AM this morning so I could start job hunting after losing my job at Deli's pizzeria yesterday for responding to a really rude customer. You know what they say, the customer is always right.

I had been working there throughout high school and college and just stayed full-time after graduating from college.  I am certainly qualified for a better paying job but I am just a really lazy person and the pizzeria paid well so I stayed. Now I have to find a job to pay my rent which is due by the end of the month and catch up with my student loans p*****t which I'm not too far behind on thank God.

When I was younger my parents had it rough so there wasn't any money saved to put me through college. I had to work part time at the pizzeria to buy my text books and to help my parents with certain things needed around the house.

That was in the past though. My mom went back to school and got her qualifications, now she works as a loan officer in one of those prestigious banks, while my dad works construction. Although I am not living with them I still give them money to take care of my little eight year old sister, she is my world. Her birthday is in a couple of weeks and I promised her that I would take her to Disney land which means I need to find a job ASAP.

I hopped in the shower and washed my hair and did my daily morning hygienic rituals then went to my closet to look for an outfit that wasn't too shabby looking. I settled on blue skinny jeans and a blue button up top with a red blazer and grey pumps. I really need to go shopping, I thought.

With mascara and lip gloss applied I left my hair down in its natural curls. I checked my phone and saw it was now 7:30 and took a granola bar from the cupboard and a bottle of water from the fridge and head out. It was about time I look a job that was up to my qualifications. No more being a lazy bum.

My first stop was at an insurance company but the receptionist told me that there were no vacancies. I then went to five other business places that all said the same thing. No Vacancies, Los Angeles is such a big place, how can there be no vacancies? I checked my watch and saw it was now 12:00 PM and I am starving.

I made my way over to Bob's Burgers and ordered a bacon cheese burger with fries and a strawberry milkshake. I may be on the slim side but I love food. I was scrolling through my i********: when my phone pinged noting that I got a message from my mom. I opened it and it was a link showing that Walters Inc had a vacancy for the position of personal assistant to the CEO.

I was desperate for a job but that company gave me chills. Walters Inc was one of the biggest Technology companies in the world. I had heard that you could only get a job there if you attend one of those expensive colleges like Harvard or Yale. There is no way I'm qualified to work there, I attended neither Harvard or Yale and rumor has is that the boss is an extremely over-baring and arrogant man that fires you if you are late by even one minute. Ooooh!! I'm getting chills just thinking about it. I was just about to respond to her message that I am not interested when she video called me. "Yes Ma I got your message and no I'm not interested." I answered in a bored tone.

"Well hello to you to my dear." She responded. "Just cut to the chase ma I'm job hunting today." 

"Any luck yet?" She asked. "Ma if I got lucky I wouldn't be video chatting with you right now would I? I would most likely be shopping don't you think?"

"Then why don't you apply for a job at the place I sent you? They are desperate."

 "Ma, Walters Inc is such a huge company, why would they hire a person with absolutely no professional experience for such an important position?" She let out a sigh.

"Sometimes I wished you believe in yourself as much as I believe in you. You could never be sure of something if you never try Victoria, you have to exert more confidence. I know you can do great things but you always try to find a way to bring yourself down." 

Tears begin to form in my eyes as she continued. She always had a way with words.

  "I love you very much and I would always be proud to call you my baby girl but you need to believe in yourself Vicki or no one else will." I sniffled.

"Your right mom. Thanks and I love you too. I see your convincing skills have improved. I would go over there as soon as I'm finished eating."

 "Okay baby good luck. And call me as soon as you get it." She was so sure I would get the job. I couldn't help but smile.

 "Thanks and I will" I responded and ended the call.

I finished my milkshake and dumped the rest before heading out and calling a cab. I arrived at Walters Inc approximately twenty minutes later and went  inside greeting the receptionist who just happened to be a woman that looked to be in her early thirties. She greeted me with a friendly smile.

 "Good afternoon, My name is Victoria Lockhart and I would like to apply for the position of personal assistant." I said.

She nodded toward the elevator. "Go to the Thirtieth floor and hand your resume to the lady at the desk." I gave her my thanks and went to the elevator.

I Punched the number in the elevator and my hand started sweating profusely and my nerves were a wreck as I waited for the familiar Ding to announce that the lift had arrived. When the elevator doors opened once more, I took a deep breath and walk towards the young lady sitting behind the mahogany desk. She looked to be around my age or so.

"Hi. My name is Victoria Lockhart I'm here to apply for the position of personal assistant." I gave her my file with my resume. 

"Okay have a seat Ms Lockhart, Mr. Walters would be right with you. She then took my file through the huge brown doors while I took a seat in one of the chairs and gazed at my surroundings. The cream painted walls, The little coffee table, the soft cushion chairs, the tiled floors. Everything in this room screamed expensive. I also took some time to look at some of the other applicants, they were all young and were all dressed sophisticated and classy.

I glanced at my outfit once more and criticized myself for my outfit choice. Why couldn't I dress a bit more decent? I looked like a cleaning lady compared to the other ladies. I sighed.  A lady appeared from the huge doors where I'm assuming is the CEO's office with her head down and what looked like tears running down her cheeks. My heart-rate  suddenly increased. That's going to be you in a few! My conscience tells me.

"Miss Moore, Mr. Walters will see you now." The lady behind the desk says. A lady in a short black pencil skirt and plum peplum top stood up from the seat behind me and headed towards the door of doom.

Applicants after applicants went until I was the only person left for an interview. "Miss Lockhart you may go now." With shaky hands I rose to my feet and sent a silent prayer to the heavenly father. I made my way to the huge doors and knocked. 

"Come in" a rough voice said. I swallowed and opened the doors slowly peeking inside. I slowly walked in and closed the doors behind me. His back was turned so I could not see his face. I took some time to admire his office. It was huge and very spacious. His broad desk was in-front of floor to ceiling windows that overlook the city and a potted plant in the corner. His book shelf was in the right hand corner and was packed neatly with books. A black sofa and small coffee table was also in the room. The AC was a bit cold probably like his soul but everything else was impressive. His deep voice rang loudly pulling me out of my trance.

"Are you going to stand there all day or have a seat?" I ran and took one of the chairs in front of his desk nervously and waited for him to address me. After what felt like a full blown minute of silence he finally asked me. "What makes you think you are a suitably qualified candidate for this position?" I stared at his back with furrowed eyebrows. Did he not read my damn resume? What kind of question is that? And who talks to a person without looking at them? I find that downright disrespectful!!

As if he can hear my thoughts he then continued. "You have absolutely no "proper" work experience." 

Well Excuse me? A job is a job! How rude! I was quick to respond "Sir, if I'm not being forward I would like you to know that every position in any company whether big or small is valuable. If it were not for a janitor, this office would have been messy. Also I would appreciate it if you would talk to me while facing me please." I heard a low rumble and notice he was chuckling.

He slowly swung the chair around facing me, his face smug. "I see you've become more outspoken Vic" He said in his amazingly deep voice. Is it normal for a mans voice to be so deep and sexy at the same time?  Wait!! It can't be be. When my gaze locked on his face my eyes almost sprung from their sockets.

"L-Leon?" I asked unsure. All my boldness from before now gone and is replaced by nerves. My hands begin to shake and twiddled my thumbs trying to make it less obvious of the effect he was having on me. I can't believe I didn't do any research on this company before coming here. Leon Walters is a CEO? My first crush is a CEO?

"Hey Vicki" he said with a huge mischievous grin etched unto his face. My shy side suddenly returned and I kept my head lowered, not meeting his eyes, I never could. My tongue was frozen at the moment so I couldn't respond. My whole body had seem to stand still. He slowly made his way around the desk and sat directly in front of me. Looking at me and waiting for my response.

When I didn't respond. He took his index finger and placed it under my chin and brought my face up to look at him. I bit lip and just stared at him. His blue eyes had always captured my heart and apparently they still do. He had become even more muscular and more gorgeous if that was even possible.

"Cat got your tongue now Miss Lockhart?" He teased. I cleared my throat and stood up ready to leave. 

"I I I I-I d-don't think I-I'm q-qualified to work here M-Mr Walters. S-sorry to have wasted your time." I bolted for the door with my head down. Damn I can't believe I failed without even saying anything. Curse you Leon Walters! As my hand reached the door knob, I heard his deep voice stop me.

"Vicki Wait!" I froze with my back still turned, afraid to look at him. 

"You are hired."

 I licked my lips and spun around so fast that I almost had a whiplash, excitement taking over my body.

 "Really?" I shrieked. He just laughed and said yes. I ran and jumped into his arms circling my arms around his neck and locking my legs around his waist. 

"Thank you Leon, thank you so much." His body stiffened before he circled his arms around me also holding me in place and resting his head in the crook of my neck. Okay that's a little weird.

When the reality of the position we were in dawned on me, I abruptly untangled myself from him, hiding my red face which I'm sure he saw and ran for the door again.

"Mandy would give you the details about when to start and what to be expected. And Vicki, not because we are schoolmates. I won't treat you in any special way. I expect a certain behavior from all of My employees and if you do not adhere You will be out the door just as soon as you came through."

"Thanks boss" I smiled and left the room grinning from ear to ear as I called my mom to give her the good news. She picked up on the third ring. "Hey Mom, guess what??"