It's Always Been You

Chapter 2

Recap:

She picked up on the third ring. "Hey Mom, guess what?"

"Hey honey Did you get it?" She asked excitedly. 

"Yes Mom I'm hired" I said, barely able to contain my excitement. The loud scream that came next was unexpected and I had to move the phone from my ear. I laughed at how overly excited my mom was. It's almost as if she was the one being hired. She seems even more excited than I am.

"Make sure you come over for dinner later so we can celebrate okay baby." 

I smiled . "Okay Ma I'll be there at 7."

After we hung up I called up my best friend Maya and gave her the good news. She, like my mom was also excited and gave me a lecture on my laziness. She then agreed to meet up at the mall to shop for some work clothes. As much as I hate to touch my savings I don't want to appear too shabby in-front of my crush. We looked around and shopped for a couple of hours before heading home to freshen up for dinner with my family.

At about 6:50 PM  When we took the ten minute drive to my mom's house. I'm normally too lazy to even drive but tonight is an exception. I was too excited. Maya kept me entertained on the drive too with her non-stop chattering. She was telling me about some guy she just met and thinks he could be the one.

I always laugh when she says this because she thinks all guys could be the one. She even tried organizing a few blind dates for me before. Let's just say, they didn't end well. We soon arrived at my parents house and greeted the family. "Mama Lockhart what's good?" Maya greeted my mom. Ma just laugh at her antics and pulled her in for a hug. "Watch the boobs woman" Maya began mumbling. Fixing her top. My baby sister then came running into my arms. "Vicki I missed you" she said.

"Aww" Maya said behind me, whipping fake tears. We made our way inside where Ma served us some plates and we say grace before digging in. There was mashed potatoes and green beans and chicken with gravy. Not fancy but amazingly delicious.

During dinner Mom asked how my boss was. I kept my head low and mumbled Out. "Quite not what I expected." Mom stared at me for a moment before saying. "Was he that bad? I read online that you two are around the same age." I nodded my head before responding "yeah, in fact we were classmates."

Maya's head popped up at this. She began looking at my facial expression, studying me for a moment. "Really?" Mom sounded excited. Most likely planning something in her head. I just nodded not saying anything and spun my food around my plate while Maya stay digging holes to the side of my head.

"Who is your boss Vicki?" Maya asked taking a sip of her drink. When I didn't answer my mom cut in. "Oh she didn't tell you? His name is Leon Walters, he is the CEO of Walters Inc. Wikipedia says he took over after his dad retired a few years ago." she finished clapping in excitement. Maya spit out the drink she was drinking all over the dinner table and looked at me in shock.

"It can't be. No that's impossible. Didn't he went overseas to study?" She asked me but my mom seemed to have the mic tonight. "Yes I read online that he went over seas to study business management and came back to take over his fathers company."

Maya stared at me with her mouth agape. "Why didn't you tell me?" She asked looking straight into my eyes. I hung my head and asked to be excused and went to the bathroom to wash my face. While drying my face Maya Came and knocked the door and entered asking if I'm okay. I told her I'm fine and she eventually asked the details of the interview.

I told her everything while she held me. "You love him still don't you?" She asked after a moment of silence. Tears formed in eyes. " Its like I never stopped Loving him My. And to think I would be working with him everyday from now on when I could barely form a proper sentence when he looks at me. I'm such a teenager, what should I do? He can't find out."

"Then just go to work and do what you are being paid to do. Be professional. And you really need to start dating if you want to forget him. Speaking of which, I have someone I want you to meet." She said changing the subject. As happy as I am for the subject change. I hate dealing with my non-Existent love life. I rolled my eyes and turned to open the bathroom door.

"Just meet him once Vicki, who knows? He might be the answer to your prayers." I just laughed and agreed because I know she won't stop pestering me until I say yes. We head back to the dinner table and finished dinner properly and helped Ma clean up before leaving to head home. We bid our good byes and I dropped Maya off before heading to my apartment.

That night I laid on my bed researching Walters Inc and sure enough Leon's picture was plastered all over the web page. Shortly after snooping I received an email notification stating that I should show up at the Walters Inc office tomorrow morning at 9 AM sharp. I responded to the email before setting my alarm and heading to bed.

At 7 I got up and took a shower before getting out and get started on my hair. I did little cornrows on the side and added some cream to make my curls more pronounced.

I then head to my closet to look for an outfit . I decided on a maroon body-con dress with yellow pumps and my yellow bag.

While shopping with Maya yesterday she kept saying things along the lines that I have to embrace my inner fashionista. So I decided to give it a try. I swear that chick is crazy but I love her. After getting dressed I went down stairs and grabbed a pop tart and a bottle water for breakfast. I ate then threw out the trash before heading to work.

I took a cab and arrived at the office at 8:50. Whew! That was close. I ain't tryna get fired on the first day. I made my way to the elevator and punched the same floor I went to yesterday and waited in one of the waiting chairs. The lady from yesterday, Mandy, wasn't at her desk as yet so I waited until further instructions.

About 5 minutes later she arrived and greeted me good morning. I answered then she had a look of panic on her face. I just stared at her. "Did you went to Mr Walters office already?" She asked. I responded weakly "Not yet, I was waiting for further instructions." Mandy then grabbed my hand pulling me towards the big brown doors. She knocked before pushing me inside and closing it. Mr Walters was already in his office just casually looking out at the busy streets outside.

"You are late, Miss Lockhart" he said. I slowly looked at my watch and saw 8:58 but didn't respond so as not to upset him. Walking towards his desk, I eased myself in one of the office chairs. He glanced over his shoulder then asked. "Did I tell you to sit?" I sprung to my feet apologizing with my head lowered.

He finally faced me fully. Watching me intently from head to toe. I felt so shy under his gaze that I kept my head lowered and rocked slightly. Like yesterday, he came around to my side of the desk. As he stood In-front Of me, I couldn't help but notice how tall he was. I had only reached his chest, he has to be at least 6 feet 5 inches. Today he was wearing a light blue button down shirt with a navy blue vest and slacks. His shirt was rolled up at the elbows showing his forearms.

He sat on his desk and asked me to take a seat also. He began telling that he expects to have a steaming cup of coffee on his desk every morning at exactly 9 AM and I should always keep his files organized, and ensure his schedule does not overlap. I should also take all his calls and only forward the important ones to him.

I kept my head lowered as I scribbled all my tasks down on my notepad. "Is that understood?" He asked after informing me of all my duties. "Yes sir" I responded and stood up, still looking at the floor. He also stood then slowly tilted my chin up for me to meet his scorching blue eyes. I swallowed as my hazel eyes met his. Something flashed through his eyes as his gaze narrowed in on my facial expression. "Are you...... by chance... afraid of me Vicki?" He asked so soft that I almost didn't hear him. He sounded unsure and.... hurt?

"No sir" my weak response eventually came. His gaze then became firm again as he answered coldly. "Well you should be." Then he went back to explaining that my office would be outside where Mandy is, as Mandy is resigning and I would be taking her place. I nodded and left his office to let Mandy show me the ropes before she has to leave. Which apparently is in two days.

"How Bad was it?" Mandy asked rubbing my back as I took a seat beside her. "I'll manage" I told her. The rest of the day was spent with her explaining different tasks and do's and Don't's of the company. I got off work at 5 and was waiting for the rain to stop when Mr Walters came outside. "Do you need a ride?" He asked. 

Of course I need a ride, it's freaking raining cats and dogs out here. "No, I'm good." I told him.

We both waited in silence until his car pulled up and his driver opened the door and came out with an umbrella. Mr Walters turned and looked at me. "Get in." He said with finality and I just nodded and entered the car. He gave the driver directions to my house and I just sat silently praying that I'm not breathing too loudly and that I would get home fast. I was a bundle of nerves. Leon sat 2 centimeters from me and I could smell his cologne and aftershave and a hint of mint. I could basically feel his body heat and oh I wanna wrap myself in it.

When we arrived at my apartment I internally jumped for joy. I thanked him for the ride and rushed to get out of the vehicle. Due to my rush my purse fell and it's contents spilled in the car. Leon helped me pick up the different items. I was about to close the door when I noticed my lipstick still in the car. I reached inside to grab it and my hand met Leon's. I pulled back as if I got burned. He retrieved the lipstick and placed it in my shaking hands.

His hand was huge and warm as our fingers met. He held my hand longer than necessary, all while looking in my eyes. I gasped and quickly closed the door and ran to my apartment. As soon as I closed the door I called up Maya. She answered after what felt like forever then I asked her.

"How soon can I meet this guy?"