Re: The Assistant

Chapter 2

The agonizing pressure of going to school with a serious job left little room for a social life. Although I had completely ruled out the dating scene I was still aware that this was a pivotal time in my life to be going out and meeting people.

This was a daily thought that I experienced while getting ready for work or while organizing schedules instead of sitting at a bar as anyone else my age was.

Working was my intoxicating drink to get me through the week. The distraction that clouded my thoughts long enough that I could forget my problems.

"What'd you think about Mr. Madden?" Katz asked as we sat in his office exchanging and scribbling on the various papers for the week.

"Seems nice." Was all I could say without blowing my cover that we hadn't spoken at all.

"He's very nice, I've known him since he was in college with my boys. He was a heartbreaker that one. But a very smart man, he's a Yale man." he paused, "or was it Princeton?"

He couldn't remember what college his own sons went to?

I was soon catching on to the fact that this entire boast was eventually going to somehow connect back to me.

"Very rare you find such an intelligent man with a great career at his age. A bachelor too, did I mention that yet?"

I shook my head and passed him the last page he had to sign. "Very good for him, but you know Katz I'm not into dating recently. I've got a lot on my plate."

Katz knew exactly how much I had on my plate because it was he who was serving me.

"You're getting the wrong impression dear, you can't date a partner of mine. Plus I'm saving you for whatever son I become most proud of."

Oh is he?

"He's a man of very few words and I've assigned him to a rather important project of mine. He's never let me down in the past but also never been a very good communicator. I think maybe if you just acted as a correspondent in this project he might be more comfortable relaying the information through a pretty young lady."

A correspondent was definitely a step higher than an assistant and possibly a made up title but I'd be stupid not to take the offer. Sure I would essentially be playing the role of a messenger but on paper this is experience, a new title to add to my list.

Katz was sure to throw in the mention of a raise with the offer. "You'll be perfect, he's already said you're great conversation."

I'd now realized the entire premise of this offer was based on a lie Mr. Madden said in order to make the room a little less uncomfortable. I in fact, was not great conversation, and this job was going to be a lot harder than just playing messenger if that's what we're basing it on.

"Oh-uh make sure you wear that navy blue skirt when you meet him."

I did meet him later that day. It was to drop off some agreement papers he'd have to sign, and I did wear that navy blue skirt. I took a cab to the address Katz told me I'd have to meet him at since he apparently hated meeting out in public. There are a million potential lawsuits in this situation that could make me a very wealthy woman.

I stopped at the lobby of the building and looked around as a small woman approached me in what I could assume was a maids uniform, she also smelled strongly of cleaning detergents. The lobby alone was a sight, classical high ceilings with glass chandeliers and very expensive residents.

I followed the maids direction as she led to me to the elevator and clicked the button to the penthouse. This seemed like a very unnecessary operation for a very quick meeting of paper signing. Nonetheless I was there to do my job.