Ashley‘s pov
It wasn‘t my first time staring at the massive building. Gregory‘s Publishing Company. But every time I‘m near it I feel an overwhelming bundle of nerves engulfing my body.
It was intimidating and the boss was even more especially on a moody day. So being able to work from home was a blessing to not be in his presence more than six hours a day. I felt bad for those that weren‘t lucky enough to be able to work away from the office. Gregory Smith was a stuck up, two piec
“Ashley Reed!?” A very excited and chirpy voice yells. My eyes fall to the petite brunette rushing towards me. Her red heels were no match for mine, higher than the Eiffel Tower, okay I was being dramatic.
I forced a smile. “Georgia, how nice to see you here. I thought you said you‘d quit?” I asked leaving my car to walk towards her. Georgia was one of my colleagues. No matter how friendly she seemed everyone stayed clear of her because of her backstabbing tactics. She waved a hand and puffed. “Gregory pleaded for me to stay. As a matter of fact not only did he give me a higher position he also raised my salary.” ;
No doubt he would, you were spreading your legs for him. Everyone knew Gregory and Georgia had a thing, they didn‘t keep it so much as a secret even though the forty year old man was supposedly married. I send her a wink walking into the building with her following close beside me. “Then you must be doing a very good job.” I turn to her. She cackles, her lips parting to show off teeth that were stained slightly with the brightest red lipstick. “I am. You know someone had to be good around here. Not everyone can work from home like you can.” And there it was the snarky comment that I was waiting for. I brushed it off like I normally did. Instead I changed the subject. “Has Mr. Smith arrived yet?” I still strided over to the elevator. “Yes he is here. He‘s expecting you actually.” The way her tone turned sour I knew she was not pleased.
Dammit and I thought I was early.
I pressed the button of the elevator and entered. Turning around to face her, I sent her a wink
“See you later Georgia, hopefully not on one of the staff‘s dick like the last time.” I watched with satisfaction as the elevator doors closed on her reddened shocked face. 6 I breathed out a sigh, pressing my back to the cool metal of the elevator. “You got this, just give him the manuscript and leave.” I whispered to myself. The elevator dings and opens, revealing, marble floors, glass windows and very expensive
1/4
looking wood. There were at the very least fifiteen colleagues of mine seated inside their cubicles, typing on computers and signing papers. Today seemed busy since none lifted their heads and noticed my arrival as yet.
Clutching the straps of the bag, I sucked in a sharp breath then stride out of the elevator. “Oh hey Ashley, long time no see.” I turn my head to the voice and gave a soft smile. Peter had been working here for god knows how long, he knows every nook and cranny of this place. Loved working with authors and was always someone you can depend on.
It‘s disappointing to see that he works his ass off only to not get a promotion. Instead the promotion went to Georgia who didn‘t care for authors but only the money they could potentially draw in.
“Hey Peter.” I waved. 1
“The devil is here.” He mouthed. He was referring to Gregory Smith, our boss. I let out a silent laugh and nodded. “Noted.”
I walked past him. “Hey Ashley.” Another colleague of mine greeted. Her pearly whites are on display.
I smiled at her.“Hey Nora.” I waved and continued to Mr. Smith‘s office. This went on a bit until I finally faced the double glass doors.
I stopped and sucked in a breath, my now clammy hands grasping the bag strap for dear life. I could see him through the glass doors. Perched on his leather chair, elbows on desk while his hand tapped a pen on his graying head. He was a slightly plump man with too many anger issues under his belt.
He presses a button on the desk and his voice floats through the entire area. “You do know that I can see you Mrs. Reed? Come in.” He sighs like I had woken him up from his slumber.
I cringe inwardly. No doubt my colleagues heard him. Pressing my lips together I finally had the courage to step through those double doors that closed softly behind me.
“Good morning Mr. Smith.” I greeted him politely, walking towards his desk so slowly as if I was walking on eggshells. He didn‘t lift his eyes, just kept staring at the screen of the computer before him. “What‘s good about the morning?” He asks bluntly, sighs then leans back on his chair.
“Knowing that you‘re alive?” It was more like a question than an answer. His dark brown eyes glared at me fiercely. “You‘re late.” I looked at the clock beside him. It was only two minutes past eight. I was late but not that late.
“Mrs. Reed?” He asked.
I lift my head from the bag, pulling out the folder. “Yes sir?” Was he going to fire me?
His dark eyes scan my figure and I swallow the disgust I felt. My skin crawled and I wanted to run out of the building. “Why do you think I chose you out of so many editors of mine to work from home?”
1 froze. My mind went blank because I never thought about it. There were only ten fortunate editors who had the privilege of working from home. I was one of those ten editors. “Because there weren‘t enough cubicles?” I asked without confidence. He laughs and points a finger at me. “You‘re funny Mrs. Reed.” He chuckles then stands up Involuntarily I took a step back then two when he strides over to me. He stops a few feet away from me and outstretched his hands. I looked at it confused. He rolls his eyes in annoyance. “The manuscript.” He states bluntly.
I hand it to him quickly. He shakes his head and opens the folder. I watch with nerves as his eyes scan over the papers. After what felt like forever he finally lifts his head.
“I chose you because you always get the work done on time, professional and know your place. So don‘t be late again or else.” He grumbles, turns around and walks back to his seat where he plops down softly.
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Bestfriends Shouldn’t Know How You Taste