His Accidental Personal Assistant

Chapter 18: A P O L O G Y

Hurriedly, Amaris pressed the array of documents crammed within her hands against the scanner, her eyes nervously surveying the ticking clock on the wall. Like a song, the printer would hum its tune, whirring as its cogs chugged out stacks of papers etched in sable black letters. Erratically, Amaris shuffled through the stack of papers in her hands, and put another document on the scanner to photocopy.

Still, her mind was in the clouds. Amaris could feel her mind drifting as she struggled to grasp the events that had taken place beforehand. She would be responsible for handling Mr. Ortego-the man who crafted her nightmares, who made her life a living hell, who made her spout into sorrowful tears at a restaurant. When Mr. Castillo had given his approving nod in the cold, unforgiving space of the office, she had felt betrayed. He had seen her at her worst, standing in a puddle of embarrassment. Still, what else could she expect from the man who hid his emotions behind a mask as tough as brick?

No matter how she steeled herself, she could feel her heart clang against her chest in restless disarray. The mere sight of his face sent her into a swell of dread.

"Earth to Amaris," a thick yet warmly melodious voice interrupted her thoughts.

Amaris snapped her head to the side at the sound of the voice. Stood beside was Shyanne, a stack of files placed in her right hand. Amaris had been so lost in her thoughts, she hadn't noticed Shyanne's presence

"Oh, Shyanne, I didn't see you there."

"I realized that." Shyanne replied, a small smile playing on her lips. "You seem so nervous."

Amaris' brows furrowed as she leaned in closer.

"I do?" she asked, her voice a whisper.

"Yes. You seem more... jittery than usual."

The concern on Amaris' face became clearer as she clutched the pack of papers closer to her chest.

"I am?"

Shyanne playfully rolled her eyes.

"Everybody's noticed it, girl!"

Amaris unconsciously touched her face. She hadn't known that her worry was so visible.

"I wanted to invite you to an office party that we're having tomorrow at Le Soufre downtown." Shyanne continued. "It would give you an opportunity to relax and allow you to get to know the people in the office better."

"Oh, I'd love to go! But, I don't have a car..."

Shyanne dismissed her concern with the flick of her wrist.

"Don't worry about it," she said, "I'll pick you up."

"Will Mr. Castillo be there?" Amaris asked, a hint of uncertainty creeping into her voice.

A loud, hearty chuckle burst from Shyanne as she leaned against the printer.

"Honey, we couldn't get him to come even if we wanted him there," she quipped.

"Alright, I'll be there!" she exclaimed, a subtle smile forming on her face.

Amaris turned back to the printer, shoving the next papers into its scanner. Still, Shyanne stayed by her.

"Won't you go to the meeting?" Amaris inquired.

"I have to shove in some of my documents first."

Amaris glanced between the scanner and Shyanne for a few moments, slowly but surely piecing the puzzle together. A flush of red enveloped her cheeks as she realized she was blocking her way.

"Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry!" she said, quickly stepping aside.

Seemingly amused by her confusion, she lent a soft smile as she arranged her files.