Begin Again

Chapter Fourteen

"You grow up and learn that kinda thing ain't right. But while you were doing it, it sure felt outta sight. I wish those days could come back once more. Why did those days ever have to go?"

Salomé's P.O.V

Striding in right at 8.45AM, I smiled to myself at my punctuality. I didn't wake up early to be late and I was getting used to the madness of the morning traffic. I approached the front desk where Mrs V was occupied on the computer. Not wanting to interrupt, I stood waiting for her to notice my presence. I twiddled at my thumbs whilst admiring her neatly packed hair and garnet jewellery. After a while, she peered upwards to look at me and a smile broke out from her face. I mirrored her with my own before speaking.

"Good morning, Mrs V," I greeted. "I'm here to start."

"Good morning, child. Yes, we've been expecting you. Although I must say," She paused to glance over to the clock on the ivory desk. "You're not late! You're even early!"

I watched the elderly, but beautiful lady, give a short chuckle, highlighting the smile lines around her mouth and wrinkles surrounding her eyes. I couldn't help to join in her little joke.

"That is a first, I know," I jokingly agreed, raising both my hands in a faux gesture of surrender. "But this won't be the first and last time, I promise. I'm very serious about this job, and certainly very grateful and lucky for it."

I watched Mrs V analyse my now composed face and she nodded slightly before picking up the maroon landline on her desk.

"Good morning, Trevon..."

My breath hitched slightly at the mention of him. Nerves. My first job in years and I pick such a high demanding one. My thumb twiddling intensed as a way to busy myself in order to calm my fears.

"... Yes, she's arrived," She paused as she listened to what Trevon was saying. "On time, I know."

She peered up at me before giving me a subtle wink, temporarily relieving my nerves.

"... Yes, I'll get right to it right away."

I watched her hang up the phone before alerting another member of staff to 'hold the fort' until she returned.

"Follow me, sugar."

With those words, I picked up my briefcase and hurried to walk alongside her. We approached the opened lift and managed to slip in before it closed. I focused on the lights indicating the floors which we had passed. It was ironic, really, because the lift was ascending but I felt as if I was about to do dealings with the devil. He was civil with me in my own home, but there are always more than one side to people. Especially CEOs such as Mr Trevon Baxter.

I assumed Mrs V sensed my anxiety as we reached the top floor as she gave me a reassuring smile before leading me out. I stepped out of the lift and after a few steps I didn't feel her presence near me which prompted me to turn around, where I could still see her, standing inside, holding the door of the lift.

"I don't..." I started, cautiously placing my briefcase down on the floor. "Are you not coming?"

"I was only instructed to escort you to this point. You'll be fine from here, Kelly."

I glanced around my surroundings, memories rushing through my head from the last time I was here. My blackout, Trevon's story about his ex. I returned my attention to the lift but I was too late as the doors were already closing.

"... Wait!" I scurried to the lift but it was all in vain as the buttons above indicated that she was now below my floor. Instead of facing defeat, I walked to the nearest empty desk in the quiet corridor and placed my belongings onto there.