Charity Night (english)

1

I let the door fall shut behind me and lean against it. The day just wouldn't end, and I slowly slide to the ground, tilting my head back and letting out a sigh. I have no idea how much longer I can handle this stress. Today is the first day in over two months that I leave the office building before eight in the evening.

My boss sent me home. Well, he actually did it just so I accompany him to this charity event at one of those posh hotels here in London on Saturday night, because there might be some business partners there. Besides, our appearance at such an event will surely enhance the reputation of his company.

I'm completely exhausted and desperately need some sleep, but unfortunately, I have nothing suitable to wear for the gala, and furthermore, I might need to make some improvements to my appearance, which, of course, hasn't escaped the toll of the stressful phase at the company. Right now, I feel like crying, but this is not the time for it.

On my way to the bathroom, I let my skirt slide to the ground and unbutton my blouse, which I then toss carelessly onto my couch, where I also lay my bag. I stand indecisively in the doorway, debating whether to just quickly jump into the shower or to run a bath.

As I bend down to get rid of my panties, the decision becomes relatively easy, as my whole body craves the warmth of a bath. So, I run the water and add the bath salts. A glass of wine will surely help me relax, so I go back to the living room to pour myself a glass. I bring the bottle along... You never know.

A contented sound escapes my mouth as I sink into the warm water, and for the first time in ages, I can really unwind. I close my eyes and imagine myself lying on the beach of a beautiful island in the South Pacific, just letting my soul drift.

I've been working as a personal assistant to the office manager of our company for almost two years now, and for just as long, I haven't had a vacation. There's always something to do, and since my boss never takes a vacation himself, it's quite difficult for me to get more than just a long weekend off.

Our main branch in New York constantly has new ideas for us, and the CEO keeps us all quite busy. Especially since rumors are circulating that he plans to step back soon and hand over his duties to one of his sons.

That naturally entails a lot of work, and as far as I know, he's supposed to be at the event tomorrow to make it all official. I don't usually pay much attention to company gossip, but the girls from the floor below me say that his heir will also be present, and he's rumored to be quite something. I can already imagine... A spoiled, arrogant heir who can't be pleased with anything. I just hope I don't have to work with him.

Tom, my boss, is truly a workaholic, but he's also always fair and really nice. I hope he remains my superior, even though it's already hinted that there might be some restructuring in the future, and since Tom is already approaching sixty, he could naturally be affected by it as well.

Slowly, I take a sip from my wine glass and sink even deeper into the tub. I feel my body getting heavier, and I decide that I should probably start with my skincare routine so that I can go to bed as soon as possible.

I skip dinner and quickly slip into one of my band shirts, which I adore and have been collecting since my childhood. Another quick visit to the bathroom to get ready for bed, and then just hoping that I can fall asleep quickly so that I don't have dark circles under my eyes tomorrow.

Just after 7 o'clock the next morning, I toss and turn for the fourth time, trying to fall back asleep. But since I still haven't succeeded by half past seven, I sigh heavily and get up, making my way to my small kitchen to make myself a tea and then sit down at the counter to answer some emails that Tom forwarded to me.

After another hour, I decide to slowly start getting ready because I have an appointment at my hairdresser's at a quarter past nine, who will create a hairstyle and makeup for me today.

My sister said today would be the perfect evening to get back into the saddle. Did I mention that my family is afraid I won't find a man because I work so much and hardly have time for a proper personal life? No? My mom cried during her last visit because she'll probably "never" become a grandmother since I can't find a man.

I think she forgets that I firstly still have a sister and secondly, that I'm only twenty-eight. So it's not like that ship has sailed already.

At exactly 9 o'clock, I walk into Sean's salon, where I'm greeted with a glass of champagne and kisses on both cheeks. "Good morning, Darling, what can I do for you?" asks the Irishman, and I'm once again struck by his presence.

"I need something particularly elaborate today because I'm going to a charity event that the company is hosting, but I don't want to look too severe. Let your magic work," I grin at him, and I can see immediately from his expression that he already has an idea.

Four hours later, I come out slightly tipsy, £400 poorer, but ecstatic from the salon and really looking like a princess. Now all that's left is the perfect dress, and I'm ready for the gala tonight.

Two streets away, I find myself in the small boutique of an acquaintance, which I like to visit for such events. It doesn't happen often that I get invited to such corporate events, but when it did happen, I always dressed up nicely. Tom has always been very pleased with my appearance and praised me for appearing very confident at such gatherings.