The Beginning

Chapter 2: A DATE?

Audrey's POV

"So there are a couple of extra rules for high-ranking officials", Mr. Cole said.

"New rules?"

"Yeah, they aren't the same kind of people. Now listen. Don't ever, ever look them in the eye"

"Why?"

"Because if they're angry, it just makes them angrier. Also, if you hear commotion in the VP's office, don't rush to enter", he paused.

"In fact, don't enter at all. Don't question them and always be respectful"

"OK sir".

"Now, you're going to the second to the last floor. You'll meet a bunch of ladies there who'll tell you where to go. Here's a pass, you'll need it to access that floor". I collected it and thanked him before heading out of his office.

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"Hello, I'm Audrey", I say as I step into the floor and the presence of four ladies.

"Hi, can I help you?", a young lady about my age asked.

"I was sent here by Mr. Cole. He said I was to be the vice president's assistant"

"What?", the other three ladies echoed in shock.

"Run along now", the lady who approached me said. They all left leaving the two of us alone. Then she smiled widely at me.

"I'm Arya, nice to meet you Audrey", she said extending a hand. I shook her hand and she continued.

"Grey is not in now but when he returns, you'll have to see him". She led me to an office.

"This is your office. Any questions?"

"You call him by his first name?"

I mean, they had explicit rules for people like him.

"What else should I call him"

I dunno, sir, Mr. Those are other appropriate options.

She must have seen the confused look on my face because she explained further.

"He's my brother"

"Oh"

"Yup. I forgot you were new for a second". And as if she suddenly remembered something, she suddenly turned to me with an eerie smile.

"You met my brother yesterday, right?". I nodded in reply.

"Where did you meet him?"

"In an elevator"

"When you meet him, did he seem odd to you?"

"Odd like how?"

"Like muttering words or just continuously staring at you?"

"I..."

"Ayra", a voice boomed from across the hall. We both looked in that direction and saw, it was the VP.

"What's going on here?", he asked, stopping a few inches from us.

"Just showing Audrey around". He raised a brow not buying her half-truth.

It's almost as if he knew we had been talking about him.

They both stared at each other not breaking eye contact or saying anything until Ayra muttered a 'fine' under her breath.

Why is she fine-ing? No one said anything so why?

"Let's go", he said and led me to his office.

"Have a seat", he offered once we were in. I took a seat and waited for him to start talking.

"I called you here to discuss your job requirements with you". I nodded and he continued.

"You'll be accompanying me to business events like lunches, dinners, parties, and the likes. Any questions?"

"Yes, quite a few...sir". He motioned for me to go on.

"So you're saying my job is basically to be a date?". He shrugged.

"However you see it"

"Why?", I asked and immediately I heard Mr. Cole's words

'Don't question them'

"I don't mean why, I mean...um, you could have any girl you want"

"This isn't a job for just anybody. It isn't just fun and pleasure, these involve high-ranking people and business partners. In need someone I can trust"

"You trust me?"

"No, but he does", he said in a low tone.

Huh? Who's 'he'? And why do I have so many questions today?

He looked like he wanted to say something else but thought better of it.

"You can leave now". I nodded and left the office. On my way to mine, Ayra waylaid me.

"So, what's your job?"

"I'm a date?"

I don't know if that's the best job description but I'll work on it.

"A date?"

"I'll be accompanying him to business dinners and stuff like that"

"That means he trusts you. But he said you're not his...", she trailed off.

"I'm not his what?"

"Nevermind that. You're pretty lucky though"

"How?"

"You get the highest salary, even more than me. It's a pretty important job you know". I nodded in reply.

"Anyway, we'll talk later", she said and left.

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I walked out of my bathroom with a face mask on. I make my way to the kitchen and turn off the heat on the cookies I was baking. I bring them out and leave them on the counter to cool. I went back to my room hoping to get some work done. Ayra had given me some information about our business partners. I had to know them and place a name to a face. Halfway through, my light bulb flickered and went off. As I turned on my flashlight, I smelt burning wires and hurried to turn off my light switch. I let out a sigh and lay on my bed. This apartment was shitty and I needed a better one but I didn't have the funds for it. My mind wandered to Ayra's talk about a higher salary and I smiled.

Word count: 890 words.
Finished: 18/01/2023.

This is chapter two. Please don't forget to vote, like and comment. Thanks.