The Assistant

Chapter One -

Chapter One –

“Hi, excuse me. I’m so sorry. I’m looking for…” I squinted at the scrunched piece of paper in my hand, trying to make out Suzie’s cursive writing. “I can’t tell if it’s Alien or Allen?” I laughed awkwardly as I felt my cheeks redden.

The Starbucks employee giggled. “It’s definitely Alien. You should see his face.” She winked. “Are you the new assistant for Adrian Kingston? You are so lucky. He’s literally the hottest male on this planet! I’ll get Allen for you. He’ll make Adrian’s usual quicker than you can blink! For your benefit, of course.” The teenager giggled again, and I found myself smiling at her bubbly personality. “Thank you. Can I also get a Latté with 2 sugars please?”

“Of course! I’ll brew it myself! I’m a mean latté making machine!” The girl said, followed by a battle cry.

“Lisa, are you making customers uncomfortable again?” A male voice sounded from behind a wall, causing Lisa to run off to the coffee machine and start on my coffee.

“What? Of course not Allen! I bring the customers in with my charm. It’s your face that makes them uncomfortable.” Lisa laughed at her own joke and I couldn’t help but let out a small giggle as well. “By the way, Adrian’s new assistant is here! She needs his usual – STAT!”

“Can you at least try to remember that I’m the one in charge of this place?” Allen’s voice was much clearer now, as he walked out while tying an apron around his waist and caught my eye. His eyebrows instantly shot up in surprise as he gave me a once over. “You’re his new assistant? You look way too smart to consider going for that position.”

I frowned. “What’s wrong with ‘that position’ exactly? I’m perfectly qualified for the job.” I said angrily.

Allen but his hands up as a gesture of defence, and his blue eyes looked at me in amusement. “He picked a sexy and feisty one this time. Maybe you’ll last longer than the last one did. I hope you do. You’re pretty interesting.” He commented, smiling at my attitude in approval.

My frown was replaced with a surprised expression. “Um… thank you?” I asked, unsure of how to respond.

“No problem. What’s your name?” He asked as he mixed milk into the large coffee cup.

“Emily Johnson, it’s nice to meet you.” I said, running a hand down the length of my skirt to straighten it out.

“You know she called you Alien when she first walked in here?” Lisa said, laughing as she came up to the counter and handed me my drink. “I mean, I see why. You’re absolutely hideous; so I don’t really blame her.” Lisa winked at me cheekily before she ducked down to avoid a swat to the head from Allen.

I looked between them both with wide eyes – partly because I was mortified that she had told him I said that and partly because Allen was about to hit a 17 year old girl. Lisa must’ve recognised my look before she burst into a fit of laughter again. “Calm down! He’s my older brother!” She explained while punching him on his right arm.

“Oh…” I trailed off awkwardly as I felt my cheeks begin to burn again.

Allen looked up at me and smiled before he handed over the large cup of coffee over the counter. “Thank you. How much is that all together?” I asked, directing the question at no one in particular as I scanned the price board on top of their heads.

“Don’t worry about it. It’s on me – uh, us – think of it as a good luck working for him present.” Allen said, a slight smirk forming on his lips.

I laughed. “Working for him can’t be that bad.”

“He’s my best friend. I think I know him well enough to know that you’ll have to put up with his bitch fit moods and countless female strangers he’ll invite into his office everyday while you do his boring work. I give you my condolences!” Allen laughed as I bit my lip and frowned in thought.