PLAYHOUSE

ELEVEN

Cale's POV

Traffic. It's always like this every damn morning. I look at my watch which read, 7:36 am. My time is 9 am and I still have enough time to get through this traffic. Waking up early and going to work atleast an hour early has been one of my habits now.

My father once said to me that a good leader should set a good example to his followers and going to work early is atleast something that I should practice.

I remember years back when I was in high school and college, I hated waking up early. Actually, I hated the idea of going to school. My parents thought that I was attending my classes not knowing that I was just wasting my time at frat parties and getting wasted. Those were the good old days. They were fun.

Who knew that the Cale back then would change so much and would be running one of his father's company? I didn't even have that thought myself.

The traffic's really taking too long and I haven't even moved a bit. I've been stuck here for 15 minutes and I can't be late for work. I have so many things to finish and I have Iris to teach all the things she needs to know.

And speaking of Iris, I wonder if she's on her way now. Well, knowing her, she probably is. She had probably woken up extra early to do all the things she has to do. And knowing her even more, she always does her best to make a good impression but not in the bragging and annoying kind of way. It's more in a likeable way.

I can still picture the way she looked yesterday. She looked really amazing. I knew she was surprised to see me, it was so obvious but she managed to keep a straight face. I never thought that we would still see each other after our encounter at the mall. And now at Thompson Group of Co. out of all places! Did she know all along that I work at Thompson?

Probably not. Otherwise she wouldn't look for job vacancies at your company. 

But I still can't believe it though I have been thinking of it hunreds of times last night, that Iris would be working for me. How would she act? How should I act around her?

This is going to be harder than I thought, but at the same time working with her feels exciting too.

After the incident and after that fight we had years back, we never spoke to each other again which I really regret, until now actually. I should've spoken to her and tried harder. She hasn't entirely left my mind and maybe now I can explain to her everything even if it's too late.

Or maybe not? She had probably forgotten of it and being friends with me won't be in any of her choices.

But I can atleast try right? It haunted me for years and now that I finally have the chance to see and talk to her I won't waste it. I'll take it nice and super slow. Besides, we'd probably be working for some time so we should atleast have that bond without being so awkward with each other.

I just hope she's not having some second thoughts of working with me though.

I finally see the road once again. The cars started moving and I cranked up my engine and drove away trying to catch up the time. 8:32. I can still make it just in time.

Finally, after speeding up, I arrived at the massive building and quickly walked to the sliding door. 8:56. Hah! Take that heavy traffic of Queensdale street!

I started walking further inside as the employees greet me a good morning. I tried to smile at them though I am searching for someone else to greet me. I made it to the elevator and pressed 3, where my office was at.

I look at my wrist watch probably for the eight time this early morning. 9:04. I do hope Iris isn't late.

The elevator dings and I stepped outside the suffocating elevator and adjusted my suit.

No sign of my supposedly new secretary yet----Oh. I stopped dead in my tracks when someone who was standing at the waiting area caught my attention.

Her back was facing me but I'm sure I know her. She was busy looking at the snippets on the wall and wasn't even aware that someone was watching her.

"Iris?"

She turned around and guess what? I was right. She faced me and dang I'd be lying if I tell you that she doesn't look gorgeous right now even with just simple office clothes.

And that slit, damn you, Iris.

"Oh, I didn't know you're there. I was just waiting-"

"It's okay." I said trying to sound all bossy like but only sounding so gay. "Got stuck in traffic. Have you been waiting so long here?"

"N..no."

I nodded trying to ignore the thoughts forming in my brain. "Shall we proceed to the office then? I have some things to discuss."

"Sure, ofcourse...sir."

Sir. It sounds weird to hear her call me that. But I guess I have to get used to it.

Sir.