Too Much Heat

I

"Come in." I said after I heard a knock on my office door.  "What's up?" I asked my ever efficient personal assistant M'kayla.
"Morning Lina, Miss Fran wants to see you in her office." Kayla says placing files on my desk. "And H.R. sent up the resumes for your temp while I go on leave."
Looking at her protruding stomach, I smiled and said, "There isn't anyone to replace you Kayla but I'll try to find a temp by tomorrow so you could rest up."
"Your god-child will be happy to hear that." she smiled. "Don't forget Miss Fran wants to see you in her office."
Sighing, I take up my notepad and make my way up to the Exec's Office to see Francesa Dominic. Everyone seems  to believe that she has a thing for me but I just don't see it. While waiting on the elevator I go through all the tasks I have scheduled for today. When it arrives I enter and click the button for the offices not realising I wasn't alone. In the elevator, Francesa's personal assistant Abigail smirked at me.
"Well, if it isn't the boss lady's lap dog?" she remarks.
"Stop talking to your reflection Abi, someone might think you're suffering from schizophrenia." I retorted sweetly. Abigail Harte was in love with Francesa. I think that's the only reason for her becoming Fran's P.A. She truly believes Fran likes me more than a friend.
"Whore!" she growls out, watching my reflection in the elevator.
"Abi, honey, there's no need to display such degrading behaviour. Listen, we can be friends, just realise that we'd never happen." I said as the elevator doors opened and I exited.
'You little - " she starts as she exits the elevator behind me.
"Decorum Abigail. Decorum." I interrupted her as I walked down the corridor towards Fran's office. I knocked on the door and turned the handle slowly.
"Come in." she said coolly. I pushed open the door and enter her office. "Oh, hey Lina. Come in, come in." she says cheerfully as I closed the office door.
"Good morning, Ms. Dominic." I said politely as I took a seat across from her. "What can I do for you today, ma'am?"
"Lina. Ma'am? How old do you take me to be?" she asks. "I'll let it slide this time."
"Sorry Fran. You wanted to see me?"
"Yes. That boy, uhmm, Alessandro, he's opening a new restaurant downtown. Since he doesn't know you, I'd like you to make a reservation and write up on him."
"Sure. No problem. I'll finish up with Yelena's piece for the August issue. Is Alessandro also being featured in the August issue?"
"Yes. He's the last entry for that issue. I called and told him I'd be having someone in to critique him but I didn't say when. That's all up to you. But remember the deadline. I think that's it from me." she said, dismissing me.
"I'll try for this weekend," I stated, heading to the door, "I'll have a draft of Yelena's piece on your desk by tomorrow morning." I leave, closing the door quietly behind me.
Fran wants me to write up on Alessandro's new place but I know nothing about the man.
"Awww, did Fran disappoint you and decide to let you go? Why the long face?" Abi smirks as I walk pass her station to the elevator.
"Unlike some people, I actually have work to be done. I don't spend my time fantasizing about someone I can't have." I reply just as the elevator doors open I step in. I turn and give her the sweetest smile ever. "Have a great day."
Back in my office, I mull over how to approach this new assignment. "M'kayla, I'm stuck. I don't know what to do with this new piece."
"Why not do it like you've done the others?" she suggests.
"Won't be the same, I knew of those chefs and restaurants before my pieces. I know nothing about this guy or his quality of work. I have no where to start."
"Well, why don't you Google him?"
"I did. There's nothing much to go on. There are alot of reviews but you know I can't use those. He hasn't done any interviews. His social media is done by a team, so there's no personal traits in it. The most I got was his age and a little about his parents. Apparently his dad was a big chef back in his time. Like father like son it seems."
"You know what, you've got this. Finish Yelena's piece for tomorrow then let's tackle this one. Don't stress, you're young and resourceful. "
"Thanks Kayla, you're the best. Take the rest of the day off. I'll be fine here."
" You sure?"
"Quite. Have a great day."
"Awww, thanks Lina."

•
Lunch time rolled in and I was still at my desk proof reading and rewriting my final piece on Yelena's russian inspired restaurant. In my personal opinion, the restaurant needs alot more recognition. It's a great place to dine - the staff is friendly but not overly friendly. The food is delicious - that's saying something. I hardly give this good a review. But I must say, the experience was one worth having. Maybe I should head there for lunch today.
I grab my cell and speed dial Holly's number.
"This is Arkham Asylum. Good morning, oops, afternoon, how may I be of assistance this afternoon?" Mariah Holligan, my best friend of 13 years, answers.
" Really Holly? Arkham? You should be admitted, obviously."
"Awww, where's your sense of humour? Anyways, I've got great news."
"So do I. I'm heading to lunch now. Meet up?"
"Yes, where?"
"Вкусы России (Tastes of Russia), you know Yelena's place."
"The Russian place? Great! I need a repeat of some of those desserts. I'll see you in 20. Gotta become a human." She quips as she ends the call.
I laugh at her ridiculousness and start packing my stuff.