While you were Sleeping

3. Groundhog Day

It was like Groundhog Day, Juliana thought as she got up at the crack of dawn to get ready for work. She and Karla had flipped for the early shift and Karla had won. The twelve-hour shift the day before had exhausted her but today she and Karla were working eight-hour shifts, which overlapped for a few hours over lunch.

Javier would be there the entire day, he promised to speak to the boss about getting more staff to ease their shifts but Juliana didn't mind the hours; she needed the money. They decided the girls would mostly work eight-hour shifts during the week, alternating the early mornings, at the weekend one or the other would have a day off. Unfortunately, Javier hadn't worked out when he would take time off. He agreed to work full time until the girls were confident to open and close by themselves or at least until they got more help.

Juliana arrived at the door just as Javier was turning the key, "Morning Juliana," Javier did not sound as bubbly as yesterday morning.

"Good morning boss, you okay?" She asked, a little concerned about the man.

"Huh? Yeah, I'm fine. I'm just really tired!" He turned to look at her. "Are you not exhausted after yesterday?"

Juliana smiled; glad it was nothing serious. "I am, I wanted to go straight to bed when I got home last night but my mother insisted I eat something, then quizzed me about my day."

"Mine too! She was very impressed by the calibre of 'celebrities' we served yesterday," he said, using his fingers to emphasise the word celebrity.

Juliana laughed. "That's funny, my mother was very impressed too!" They moved around the shop putting the stools and chairs back on the floor as they waited for the delivery.

* * * * *

Valentina yawned and stretched as her alarm went off, she stretched her arm to hit the snooze button, just in case. "Ugh, It's like bloody Groundhog Day!" She muttered to herself, but at least she wasn't hungover. She lay there thinking of what awaited her, coffee runs, copying, shredding, running around the office after Mateo. Well, the last one wasn't too bad, it was interesting to see what he did all day.

It's funny how you don't think about something until you are actually doing it, she thought. She had no idea what Mateo did before yesterday. And come to think of it, she didn't really know what any of her family did in the company on a day-to-day basis. It might be interesting to trail each of them for a day.

BANG, BANG, BANG.

Three loud bangs on her door made her jump, her hand coming to rest on her chest as Guille popped his head through the door with a wicked smile on his face.

"Jesus Guille!! Are you trying to give me a heart attack?!"

The man laughed as he opened the door fully, to show her he was already dressed in his favourite blue suit, and ready for work. "I just wanted to make sure you were awake, you don't want to be late, again! Hurry up and get dressed and we'll travel in together."

Valentina took a deep breath, her heart returning to its natural rhythm. "Fine!" She pulled the covers off and got out of bed. "Tell Chivis I only want cereal this morning and a coffee to go. I'll be down in ten minutes." Guille nodded and left the room.

Valentina rifled through her closet looking for something to wear. Mateo had told her to wear comfortable shoes, but did that mean a comfortable outfit? Would she get away with jeans? She pondered it for a moment then decided on black trousers, a white shirt, and a pair of black pumps. She'd ask Mateo later about the dress code for interns. She took a very quick shower, applied a little makeup, dressed, and went to join her brother for breakfast.