Lost in You (#Book 2)

Chapter 16

Okay! I’ve never felt exhausted as I’ve been since taking this new job. I feel like I'm spin drying, in a washing machine. Britney just left, and I'm totally exhausted. I didn't want to show how stressed I was, so I held it in, and now it feels like I don't have an ounce of energy left in me anymore.

I have a lot of respect for Britney. She's my old boss, she's gorgeous, knows her job well, a hard worker and a brilliant woman.  And same goes for Nick as well. They both have worked very well as a team so far. 

Let's just say that I'm very impressed. And well, I can't let them see that anymore… it would be seen as a sign of weakness during our negotiations. Britney told me that Nick was furious when Matt joined my team. I can understand because, even if I joke about it, Matt is a hard worker.

It doesn't seem like it, because he is so nonchalant. But behind all that humor, lies a creative determined asset. Plus, he gets along with everyone. All of Matt's qualities made me want to hire him as head of the internal communications department.

Matt seems very happy about his promotion, and I'm just as glad to have him in my team. Too bad if Nick doesn't like it. Speak of the devil, here come Matt.

"So how did the interview go? Pretty tough, from what I understand…" he gives me a sad pout.

"You heard everything?"

"You don't have a door, so yeah!"

Okay so the entire floor heard our heated conversation. Matt winks at me and gives me a comforting smile. I feel exhausted and… still very stressed out. What kind of image am I giving off, if just a couple of days after my arrival, I already have heated conversations with another manager?

"Don't worry, it's going to be okay. Well, I have to go back to work, if I don't want my boss all over me. I heard she isn't easy…" Matt leaves my office smiling and proud of his home. I can't help but roll my eyes and smile as well. He has the talent for easing up any situation. Thanks to him I'm able to put things into perspective in just a few seconds.

Suddenly I see his dark brown mane of hair peeping through the door frame. Maybe it wasn't such a good idea not putting a door? "Oh and I wanted to tell you, I saw Mark. He really needs to talk to you about the Congo project."

Mark, right! I meant to call him back! "Thank you Matt, I'll get on it right away." We exchange a knowing look. It's crazy how far the two of us have come, since working a few floors below. We laughed a lot, but we also worked very hard as we always got new projects.

"If you need a good-looking guy for anything, I'll be in the back of the open space." He winks dramatically and leaves laughing. I have no doubts about being cut out for the job anymore, but I didn't think it would bring on so much stress and such a huge workload.

If he chose me for this job, it's because I have all the qualities necessary. I don't want him to think he made a mistake. Even if Austin rarely makes poor decisions. There's always the exception to the rule. Let's just hope it's not me, but rather that… Miss Brown!

No! Don't be mad Rach! I don't even know the girl, after all! I have to pull myself together before my meeting with Mark. I stop at the water fountain near the printers for a drink. It's rather quiet.

"Hey, can you help me with the photocopy machine, please?" 

I was so surprised that I accepted without thinking. I take the sheets that are handed to me and photocopy them myself. That's quite an intern! I know this type. For him, hierarchy doesn't exist, everyone is at the same level, you call your boss by his first name, cool…

"So, have you been an intern here long?"

Wait … what? Ha ha… he's a good one! Not only does he not recognize me, he thinks I'm an intern!

"Umm… no." I'm evil, so I don't tell him who I am right away. That way I can talk to this intern without the full hierarchal status. Hell probably be more sincere and talkative, it's an excellent way to get to know my team. Even if it's not totally honest…

"Yeah me neither, I'm just starting. The people are nice here, but I heard the bid was a little weird. A lot of people talk being her back." 

I'm flabbergasted. But I try not to let it show. "Oh really?"

"Yeah, and if I run into her, I have one or two suggestions to make." He gives me a knowing look, as I force myself to stay unperturbed.

"What do you mean?" 

"The vending machine only have things for old people… seriously no one wants to eat dried fruit!" (I'll take note of that. Thank you for your highly strategical input Luke!) "And we should come in later on Monday mornings… Eleven would be great! That way you start off your weak easy, without any pressure."

I smile. He comes closer, thinking I'm his new buddy. He's completely oblivious to who I am! "And also… that way you and I could have a little fun on Sunday nights!" He gives me what is supposed to be a charming smile.

How can I nicely tell you that next to the great Austin William, you have the charisma of a slug…?

"That's very nice of you, but I'm taken."

"Oh, if it's the 'whole co-worker' thing that bothering you, don't worry. Even Mr. William has a thing going on with his assistant!"

The smile on my face fades away immediately. Who does this motion think he is? To think that Tanya insisted on me taking him? Now I understand why… that b***h!

"Excuse me Luke, but I'm going to give you some advice, don't go around talking to just anybody about things like that, and don't gossip with people you don't know…"

He looks at me dumbfounded, surprised by my sudden change of tone. The charisma of a slug I tell you!

"Wow, how do you know my name?" 

I can be friendly and understanding, but it becomes a problem when you don't respect me. "I know the names and faces of everyone that worked for me. I'm Miss Davis, Executive Director."

"Oh shi… sorry mam, I'm really sorry."

Before leaving, I lay out on thick, just so that he'll remember this meeting for the rest of his life. "By the way, thank you for your brilliant suggestions, Luke. I'll take note of them. But if I remember correctly, your internship can be aborted without notice … so you may not be here to see the changes."

I saw his face crumple. Okay maybe I'm a little too cruel. This being said, I turn around and walk away, leaving the young man stunned. Well, this day is starting off like a rocket.

However, what Luke said about people talking behind my back sticks in my head. I've barely just taken on the role of general director, and people are already banishing me… I need to learn more about these rumors and make them stop.

As I head towards Mark's office, to make up for the list time, I can't help but think of Miss Brown, so obsequious in front of Austin. But for now it's Congo time! 

This particular project is dear to me, so I don't want to meet it up. I'll have time too think about the rest later, even if without wanting to, the intern gave me a couple of ideas.

First off, I'm going to meet with all the employees working for the fourth, so that we can be appropriately presented, and avoid any misunderstanding in the future.