The Boss Lady

Chapter 1 - New Beginnings

Madison Wood's POV:

"This is it" I say to myself. All my hard work has led to this moment. Looking up at this very modern skyscraper in front of me, so high and tall my neck starts to ache from peering at the top, where bold writing states 'Kingsley, Thompson & Black.'

To say I am nervous is an understatement. Moving to a new city, in a complete different country without my family was daunting enough but I felt ready to spread my wings. Now I'm standing in front of the intimidating glass structure that reflects the bright but warm sun I feel butterflies dancing around my tummy but not the good kind. That is one thing I am pleased about on this clear-skied September morning - the weather. In London, it would have been peeing down with rain and I wouldn't have been able to enjoy the view like I am now.

Unfortunately, the weather isn't enough to calm the fluttering in my stomach. I start to take confident strides, to mask my nerves, past the fountains and hedges surrounding the entrance to the front doors. As soon as they slide open I am greeted with a wide smile and an enthusiastic voice "Welcome to Kingsley, Thompson & Black, how may I help you?"

"Hi, I'm Madison Wood. I'm meant to be starting my first day here as Sophia Blacks new Paralegal" I reply.

"Ahh, yes. Donna Williams will be down for you any moment. She will be giving you a tour this morning and showing you where you'll be working. She is Mr Kingsley's Senior Paralegal so she will be your mentor of sorts over the next couple of weeks. Lovely and smart lady she is, listen to what she says and you'll be the next best Paralegal at the fi-"

"Charlotte, do try and not chew the girls ear off on her first day." As I look in the direction of the interruption, I see as Charlotte would describe as "the one and only" Donna Williams. I could recognise her from a mile off, she was the person to interview me for this position as Ms Black was unavailable at the time. Her auburn coloured hair, pale skin, lightly freckled face and the confident and sassy manner in which she carried herself are unmistakable.

"Good morning Madison, lovely to see you again" she extends her hand in which I shake in return, "I do hope you found our offices easily."

"Yes, the journey here was quite pleasant thank you." I reply almost cringing at my English accent distinctively different from all the American voices around me. As far as I am aware the only other English people at this firm are the three Managing Partners including my new boss Sophia Black.

"Brilliant, now lets get this induction out the way, I am in desperate need of my morning dose of caffeine. Thanks for looking after her Charlotte." She smiles playfully at me as she leads us both to the elevator. "I think you'll fit in great here, Ms Black's last Paralegal was a boring soul. It's refreshing to have someone young and bright join."

"I am really excited but also incredibly nervous, I've never met Ms Black so I'm not sure what to expect" I admit.

The elevator doors "ding" and open for us to step in. Donna presses the button for the 45th floor and we start to rise quickly. "It's understandable to be nervous but you're perfect for this job, I wouldn't have hired you otherwise. When it comes to Ms Black, she's a closed book and doesn't tend to warm up to anyone so if she's frosty with you don't take it personally. As long as you do your job correctly and keep yourself to yourself, you'll be fine."

"Thank you for the advice, you make me feel more at ease." I reply starting to feel a bit more relaxed.

"It's fine, I've got a feeling we'll be good friends so there's more advice to come don't you worry." We smile at each other as the elevator comes to a stop and the doors open once again.

Once we step out I take in my surroundings. Individual pods for different departments, filled with busy people and tons of paperwork, the sound of what seems like a million taps on a keyboard, the constant clicking of computer mice and the ringing of phones. The expansive space is extremely modern and the view from the several windows is breathtaking.