Subtle Endearment

4. Ice cream

Kira

"I saw Mr. Dewan in the lobby this morning," Daniel says as he distributes files between us. "Good thing I'm prepared today, he's not gonna catch me slipping," I say pulling out a pen from the pencil holder on my desk. "Yeah, but I could've sworn I heard him ask your name," Daniel says flipping through one of the files. "Weird, I don't know why he'd be looking for me," I say as I throw my braids behind my shoulder.

"Me either... Lyla gave us some more files to sort she said these should be the last ones we need to sort before we can move onto creating the weekly report. We have a meeting on Thursday." Daniel informs me. "That's some fun stuff," I say sarcastically.

"Is Kira here?" I hear a familiar voice say. I turn around in my seat to see Violet talking to Lyla. "Never mind I found her, she says as she comes up to me. "Oh, you must be here about the shirt," I say proudly pulling out the top she'd lent me. "Oh, honey no. I'm Mr. Dewan's assistant. He requested to see you." She announces. "Thanks for returning the shirt though." She says accepting the cleaned garment.

"Oh, well did he say why he was looking for me?" I ask hoping to get a glimpse of the situation. "No, he didn't. It's odd for him to request an employee. Actually it's odd for him to even be here today. He's never here for more than once a week and if he is he certainly doesn't stick around long." Violet says stroking her chin. "I guess you'll find out what he wants. Come on he doesn't like to be kept waiting," Violet assures me.

"Try not to agitate him, we have a company meeting coming up and I think we'd all rather not have him angry during it." Violet says brushing my shoulders off. I press the floor number and stand patiently beside Violet. "How do you deal with being his assistant, Violet?" I say watching her hands as she begins to brush my shoulders. "The bills don't pay themselves and this position pays quite the pretty penny." Violet says squeezing my shoulders just as the elevator doors open.

Violet knocks on the door of Ian's office. "Come in," Ian says from the other side. Violet gives me a slight nod as I walk through the door. Immediately upon entering she closes the door behind me and leaves. Don't leave me with him.

"Hello Mrs. Torlei, please take a seat," Ian says gesturing to the seat I'd quickly become accustomed to. I sink into the seat as he begins speaking again. "I have an important meeting to attend in California this weekend. I'd like you to attend." Ian says suddenly intertwining his fingers in anticipation. "Excuse me if I sound rude but don't you have an assistant? Am I even qualified to attend such a meeting?" I ask raising an eyebrow.

"Think of it as part of your training, I've looked through your file and have seen the potential you have. Advancing won't be a problem with a little more training." He states sternly.

Do I really have an option on whether to decline when the order is coming directly from my boss?

"Of course you'll be getting payed overtime for your efforts..." Ian adds.

I'm sold.

"I think the position would be a good way to develop my abilities, Mr. Dewan," I say a smile forming on my face. This money will be great for me especially with Malik's monthly tuition coming up in a week. Maybe I can actually have money for myself.

"I look forward to working with you Mrs. Torlei," Ian says handing me a file for my weekend work. "If that's all, I'll be going," I say waving awkwardly before leaving the room. I had originally planned to sleep in over the weekend but money is money even if it is from Ian.

"What's that you got there?" Daniel asks referring to the file I brought back. "It's for the meeting I'll be attending over the weekend," I say happily flipping through the file. "The CEO didn't cause you any trouble did he?" Daniel asks. "Nope, just gave me an opportunity to earn more money which I really-" I catch my tongue last minute as the words slowly register.