Chapter Twelve
•BRIANNA•
I freshened up and put on my waitress uniform. It had gotten tighter, hugging my curves, and now reached just above my knees. I brushed my hair, letting it fall to my mid-back, and then tied it in a ponytail so it wouldn’t get in my way while working. I applied some lip balm because I didn’t want chapped lips. After picking up my black sandals from the shoe rack and slipping them on, I grabbed my handbag and left the room.
Downstairs, I found Mom watching the news on our small television while Marie was working on her homework.
“Good day, world. You are tuned to America Express Television Network. I’m your host, Camila Lopez, and beside me is…” The newscaster’s voice trailed off as her co-anchor continued, “Michael Collins. Here are today’s top headlines…”
I sat beside Mom, who was completely absorbed in the news. I don’t understand why she finds it so captivating. To me, the news is boring. But I guess it’s the kind of thing middle-aged people enjoy.
“Hey, Mom,” I greeted.
“Hey, darling. Heading to the club already?” She turned slightly to look at me.
“Yeah, I am, but I still have thirty minutes to spare,” I replied, glancing at the wall clock.
“Okay, sweetie. Do you want to eat something before you go? You didn’t eat when you came back from work, and I’m pretty sure you didn’t have lunch at the office today because of the fire incident you told me about. There are some leftover sandwiches in the kitchen. Will you have them?”
I thought about it for a moment. It would be good to eat something now, especially since I hadn’t eaten anything since breakfast. It wouldn’t be healthy to eat only after coming back from the club, which would be quite late. I told her I’d eat and headed to the kitchen.
Finding the sandwiches on the counter, I sat on one of the stools, gobbling them down in no time. Then, I filled a cup with water from the tap, drank it quickly, and let out a loud burp. I hadn’t realized how hungry I was until I’d finished everything. I put the plate and cup in the sink and walked out of the kitchen.
The news Mom was watching was still on, and something the host said caught my attention.
“The CEO of AC Organization, Mr. Carter, announced that Carter Automobile Industry will be launching their latest automobile design with advanced technology next year. However, he declined to disclose the specific month. So, everyone should prepare to be amazed, because we all know that AC Organization doesn’t disappoint.”
I furrowed my brows in confusion. I work at one of AC Organization’s branches, but I didn’t know they also produce automobiles. To be honest, I don’t even know what they produce. I really need to research the company I’m working for. Well, I just started there, so whatever.
I tuned out the newscaster’s voice and looked at the wall clock, noticing that it was already 7:10 p.m. I’d better get going, I thought, sighing. I picked up my handbag and stood up from the sofa.
“I’m leaving now, Mom. Don’t wait up for me; I might come back late,” I said.
“Okay, darling,” she replied.
“And Marie, don’t stay up too late, and take care of Mom till I get back,” I added as I headed to the door.
“Alright, sis. Bye!” Marie said.
“Bye, guys!” I replied, stepping out of the house.
•ADRIAN•
I sighed in exhaustion as I signed the last document that required my attention and pushed it aside. Loosening my tie, I unbuttoned the first two buttons of my shirt and leaned back in my swivel chair. My eyes were closing, and I was about to drift off to sleep when I heard a knock on the door.
“Come in,” I grumbled, and the door opened.
The Sales Manager walked in, her hips swaying seductively with each step. She wore a shirt with the first three buttons undone, revealing the upper part of her chest. Her skimpy skirt barely covered her thighs. She walked over to my desk, holding a stack of files in her hands.
“What do you want?” I asked sternly.
“I came to drop off these files that need your review. I need to know if any changes or corrections are required before I send them to Mr. Rodrigo.” She leaned against my desk, and I noticed she was wearing a black lace bra.
“Couldn’t you have brought it earlier in the day? Why are you bringing it now?” I asked irritably.
“I did come by earlier, sir, but you said you didn’t want to be disturbed,” she replied. I thought back and realized I had indeed said that.
“Well, take them with you and bring them back tomorrow. I’m too tired to review anything now,” I groaned.
“If you need any help easing your tiredness, I’m here for you,” she said, biting her lower lip and looking at me seductively. I glared at her, making it clear I was not interested. Don’t get me wrong—I enjoy being with women, but I don’t cross that line with my employees. I like to maintain a professional boundary.
“What exactly are you trying to do?” I asked, pretending to be oblivious.
“I’m just saying, if you need help easing your tiredness in any way, I’m available,” she repeated, smiling suggestively.
“I don’t need your help. And if you ever try to seduce me again, consider your miserable self fired!” I snapped, making her shiver.
“Now, button up your shirt and pull down that excuse for a skirt,” I ordered, and she complied.
“Get out of my office, and make sure to bring those files tomorrow morning. Also, don’t ever try to seduce me again,” I barked, and she scurried out as though she’d been doused with cold water.
Hissing in frustration, I decided it was time to go home. I didn’t want to miss a night of drinking and... well, let’s say I had plans. Besides, Manuel would kill me if I didn’t join him at the club.
After packing my things into my briefcase, I threw my suit jacket over my shoulder and walked out of the office. At the elevator, I pressed the button and waited a few moments for it to arrive. Once the doors opened, I stepped inside, pressed the button for the first floor, and waited as the doors closed.
A few minutes later, I arrived on the ground floor. Seeing no one around, I exited the building and headed to the parking lot, where I saw my driver, Brandon, leaning against the car. When he noticed me, he hurried over, taking my briefcase and jacket.
“Where are we going, boss?” he asked as he started the car.
“Where else would we go if not home?” I snapped.
“Alright, sir. Home it is,” he replied, driving out of the premises. I planned to freshen up and change clothes before going to the club. Manuel would probably have my head on a platter if I didn’t show up. He may joke around a lot, but the man’s a devil at heart.