The Insider

Chapter 2

The persistent buzzing of the airconditioner was the only sound in the room as Miranda's boss pores over the letter from HR explaining their reason for hiring the new assistant.

Miranda stands straight as a rod in front of the wide table in the middle of the office. Her boss looked like someone straight out of a magazine shoot as he sits in front of a glass wall showing the panoramic view of the cityscape as seen from their 14th floor office. He has sunkissed skin, one which you get when playing outdoors for long hours. He looks lean, and the prescribed uniform for which he is very passionate about does little to cover his mascular arm.

The boss looked unimpressed as he frowns on the paper once more. Every now and again he would glance at Miranda with his peircing brown eyes which are highlighted by the afternoon sun shining behind him. After stroking his salt and pepper hair, he let out a sigh and addressed Miranda while leaning on his leather back executive chair.

"So, magna cum laude, eh?" The boss asked quizzically.

"Yes, Sir," Miranda replied, thinking that she's been using these words a lot today, only varying her intonation.

"As impressive as your credentials are, I can't keep you here in my office," the boss started as he intertwined his fingers in front of him. He then placed his arms in the armrest and looked away from Miranda, giving no further explanation for his statement.

Randy didn't know how to respond. Is she really going to lose her job just like that? She racked her brain as she tried to recall her labor laws. Surely, her dismissal should at least have a valid ground, right?

She cleared her throat as she starts to speak, "Sir, I respect your decision. I think you have the right to choose your assistant, especially because of the highly confidential nature of the job. However, I believe that, so far, I have not given ground for your loss of confidence. In fact, I have not even earned it yet," Miranda blurted out, suddenly finding courage to speak her mind. "So let me at least have the chance to earn it, Sir, to prove that you can trust me, that you can rely on me. Please Sir, I really need this job," Miranda ended, looking earnestly at her boss and hoping that he finds reason to keep her.

The bosss raised his eyebrow, touching his lips slowly as he looked at Miranda, contemplating what she just said.

"You do have guts, I've got to give you that,  and the smarts, too...

"Don't take this personally Miranda. I have nothing against you," the boss said. "It's just that Glen and I go way back. We have a system of working together.

"The company's on the brink of hitting a major breakthrough and I only want the best people in my team. At this point, I don't have the luxury of time to train you." The boss explained as he stood up and walked to the front of his expansive desk.

He now planted himself in front of Miranda, with hands in his pocket as he half-sat at the edge of his desk.

Miranda noticed how close they were and she can't help but smell his masculine musk wafting towards her. He smelled of soap and freshly laundered linen, she thought.

She swallowed slowly as she attempted to speak once more, "I am a fast learner, Sir. In fact, while you were away I read every file that Mr. Glen left on his desk. I think I can help you, I can assist you in the expansion project."

The boss bowed his head and Miranda noticed a side smile touch his lips. It's the first time that he smiled in her presence, Randy recalls.

The boss slowly lifted his eyes and looked directly at Miranda which made her feel a jolt at the back of her spine. She pursed her lips at the sensation and tried her best to maintain eye contact thinking that she needs to prove her boss that she isn't a pushover that he can bully out of his office.

It took a few seconds before the boss spoke up. "I'll be the judge of that," he said as he gave Miranda another half side smile.

For a moment Miranda forgot what the two of them are talking about. Then she recalled that they are on the subject of her competence.

"Thank you for the chance, Sir," Miranda replied as she gathered her stance confidently.

"I'm not yet saying that I'll keep you Miranda. But you may stay at your desk for the time being while I sort the matter with HR," the boss said as he turned his back to her. "Now go and grab a cup of cofee or something. And please lock the door when you leave."

"Thank you, Sir." Miranda said, turning around to leave the glass walled office.