The Lover Boy Within

CHAPTER SEVEN

Monday didn't attempt being any different from how it was supposed to be, busy, full of work, name it. Nora had not even gotten lunch at the top of the hour because of her schedule and she couldn't complain because she had just returned from a week off her paid leave in which she attended the NBA Finals. Human Capital Management had not yet approved her request to work from home though her direct supervisor had. She initially called to ask why she opted for remote work especially since people felt being seen physically at work would earn them promotions but Nora had explained the toxic environment and needed to be away for her to feel normal at work again to which her manager Doreen agreed.

Just when she thought she was done, an alert on her work laptop indicated Doreen wanted to meet in her office and she didn't know the Milwaukee Bucks management had accepted an interview with their crew for their power forward and star player Giannis Antetokounpo.

"They specifically requested you do the editorial along with the interview and merge all in one, you know we send like three names to them before they make a choice and this time it's you, I'm sure you are happy about this considering it's a first?", Doreen stated and asked as she informed Nora of the recent developments.

Nora appeared shocked. It was the least thing she expected yet that was what was staring her right in the face. In the past she hoped to get picked for an article with a notable sports person to become a mainstay in journalism but currently she was at a loss for words. She was not interested in doing any article on Giannis nor interviewing him and she was more than ready to turn down the offer.

"I dont want do it..!!!", she replied her supervisor. "Please reject the offer and give the opportunity to someone else at Fox", she added. "There have been times I wanted to do a detailed article and interview with him but I was never given the chance, why now? I'm sorry Doreen but I'm not interested..!!!!", Nora stated fearlessly as she looked head on at the older woman.

"Wait a minute this is strange Nora, I for one know it will help your career and it can push you into the limelight, why? Is there something you aren't telling me? Is this personal? ", Doreen queried as she folded her arms across her chest.

The thing was Nora would more than love to do the interview especially after she took to heart what Giannis coach Mike told her in San Francisco, but he hadn't changed, he still refused to define the relationship and to her it was better for it to remain as it was without any member of the general public tying both of them together, it won't stop him wanting to sleep with her or otherwise but she rather it remained hidden why she moved on with her life till she got into a proper relationship.

"There's nothing boss..!!! I just don't want that attention so if you will be kind enough to get someone else here to take on the task it will do me a great favor", she added as she pleaded with Doreen.

"Fine, just hold on, I will call them to give feedback with some excuses just give me a moment", the older woman said after finally giving in to Nora's demands. "But this has to be the last time you will not take on an assignment okay", she further stated with a stern face.

"Noted..!!!", Nora said happily as she attempted going back to her workstation when Doreen called her back.

"By the way your request for remote work has been approved for the next two years, please don't let my calls ring twice or not respond to my mail during work hours okay", she spoke as she looked at Nora who now wore the brightest of smiles.

"Thank you so much Doreen", the girl replied sheepishly and hurried out of the office. Two wins in one day, definitely lines were falling in place.

NBA off season had always been laced with few interviews, photo shoots and some training with kids other than that it was a chill period for teams to have family and vacation time. The Bucks management just finished scheduling a visit to an orphanage in downtown Milwaukee before Giannis' interview in two weeks then a long hiatus in the break. The meeting was over and they all headed out of the court before Barry Baum their Chief Communications Officer called the Greek man and his coach for a separate meeting in the conference room.

"This will be brief, the Fox Sports rep just informed me that N.Lucille will be unavailable for the interview and the other lady we have been constantly using Jackie Willow will be able to replace her since she's already familiar with Giannis, to be honest I wanted something different because I researched on her work and she is quite the writer and editor even though her pieces haven't gotten any break, she's would have been the best fit but where do we go from here guys, it's your choice or we contact another media house if you are not okay with Fox suggestion", the middle aged man explained.

N.Lucille was Nora's print name which Giannis was familiar with and he wondered why she would not be available to conduct the interview. The last time they spoke she had given him her schedule as free around the supposed time for the dialogue and because of that he chose her. For the first time he didn't mind being seen with her in public even though it was on official duties with everyone unable to establish a hidden connection but she had now sort of turned it down which he didn't understand. It was a golden opportunity for her career and she rejected the offer making him get lost in thoughts.

"Giannis?, you haven't said anything, what's your opinion? Are you okay with Jackie?", Mike asked as he observed his players scrunched face.

"Oh I'm sorry, can it be rescheduled to when she will be available? I've never really been comfortable with Jackie, I just wanted someone else..!!!", Giannis suggested to the two men in front of him. He wasn't sure if they put pressure on Nora she would give in but he felt it was worth the try. He was the one constantly in control but she seemed to be gaining grounds over him especially with this development. Like he wondered why she would even turn it down when she was always stylishly trying to get him to define their relationship. He was going to be in Phoenix this weekend with her so he decided on bringing up the topic face to face as he had purchased a condo in an upscale part of town.

"Can we wait a bit before we give the green light to Fox? Let me think about it", Giannis said as he hoped to buy time to be able to convince Nora. Mike immediately knew what he was thinking but pretended like he didn't and turned to see if Barry wouldn't mind.

"Oooh kay", Barry replied but looked a little puzzled. "If that's what you want to do it's fine but let's not let the decision pass this week because the final product needs to be released just before the season starts ", he advised and shook the two men before leaving the room. Giannis tried to talk but Mike hushed him quickly.

"I know what you want to do and I hope it works out, just sort it out on time before Barry puts one and two together, he didn't really buy your explanation but you are the one to decide that's why", Mike said causing Giannis to laugh.

"She will do it Coach..!!! she doesn't have a choice", he replied with a confident demeanor causing the other man to laugh.

"Don't be too sure Giannis, don't be too sure", he responded before both men parted ways. There was no way he was going to let up and allow Nora be in control so the Greek man smiled to himself with his plan on convincing her finally in the coming weekend.

Nora spent the rest of the week setting up her home office as she prepared to work remotely. Devin had earlier ordered a new swivel chair and some other artifacts to beautify her space while she moved her physical files into the cabinets.

"You're all set..!!!", Devin stated cheerfully while he looked over at the room and feeling proud of what he had achieved", he said as he walked and looked round inspecting their work.

"It's perfect, couldn't have wished for something better", Nora replied. "Thank you Devin, Thank you for everything" she added as they hugged and he placed a light kiss on her cheek.

Thanks for reading this Chapter ❤️
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