His Drug Of Choice

2 - Curious

Looks like a girl, but she's flame
So bright, she can burn your eyes
Better look the other way. 🎼🎤
- Alicia Keys

Ron's POV

"Good heavens, Attorney Buka! Am I right?" Mr. Vikings asked. All eyes in the room turned to Ms. Buka, their expressions filled with confusion. She looked just as bewildered as they did.

"I—Y-yes, sir," she stammered. "But how'd—" He cut her off again."

Really, how would I not? How could I even forget? I mean, at some point, I wished you were my daughter." His last remark did nothing to calm our scattered thoughts.

Before she could say anything, he had already taken my hand, shaking it as if we were sealing a deal. As confused as I was by the whole scene, I shook his hand. At this point, I was truly a certified clown.

"Mr. Valdez, I believe this should mark the beginning of our journey together. You see that little girl over there?" he said, pointing in her direction. "Her presence alone put my mind at ease. Now, let's do business."

The old man looked so happy that he didn't even want to waste time in the meeting room. Once the meeting ended, I bid Mr. Vikings goodbye and left, leaving both Nate and Ms. Buka behind as she hurried toward Mr. Vikings.

I'm back in my office, but my mind is still in that meeting room. I thought the meeting would drag on, but I guess the heavens had better and bigger plans for me. I don't know why, but I've been curious about her since the moment I saw her this morning. Being alone with her in the office earlier made me a little uncomfortable—but it was the kind of discomfort I felt I had needed for years. There was something about her—a cool and calm demeanor. Thinking about her now, I find myself missing that discomfort.

My thoughts drifted back to this morning.

"Mr. Valdez, let me introduce you to Ms. Lotlhe Buka. She'll be taking over as your secretary," Candice said, giving her a gentle and encouraging pat on the shoulder. I knew immediately that she wasn't from around here, which only made me more curious—but this wasn't the time for questions.

Pronunciation
Lotlhe Buka
Lo-tlhe Bu-ka
"Lo-Clay" "Booker"

"It's my pleasure to be here today. I'm grateful," she said with a slight bob of her head, and I mirrored her gesture. Great—she's well-mannered too.

"Sir, I have already briefed Ms. Buka about today's meeting. If there's anything else, she knows where to find me. So for now, I'll leave you two," she paused, then added, "Of course, unless there's something that needs my attention."

"I think you did great, Candice," I said, giving her a thumbs-up. She smirked and then left the office.

Candice is family to me because she has been nothing but loyal, genuine, and supportive from day one. I find it strangely exciting that I see her duplicate in my new secretary. This company would be blessed to have a double dose of Candice. I just hope she doesn't change—God, I pray she doesn't!

When I arrived earlier, her interaction with Candice gave me a sense of relief. She was attentive, engaging, and asked smart questions. A bright girl right there! There was just something about her that I couldn't quite place my finger on—yet!

Of course, I was deep in thought about her, but I was definitely aware of her stealing glances at me. What an effect she has on me! I was enjoying this a little too much for my liking. I secretly scanned her—she has beautiful hands, and everything about her face looks perfect. Her hairstyle? She's truly a beauty.