Who Is Hiram?

3. Welcome Back

I looked in the mirror and thought to myself, could I be any uglier? No. I couldn't. I was so on top of the world a couple days ago and I can't afford to be nervous today. Why? Well because today was my first day as Hiram Lodge's assistant at Mega Wind Corp. I decided to be myself today, for whatever reasons that first impressions mattered. I still had to work out a few details but in a few days too, I'd be moving to Hiram's villa and into the guest house. This was all part of his promise to protect me.

I got into my car and drove. The whole time I was thinking what kind of work I'd be doing today and if I'd have to work near Hiram. The guy made me nervous. He scared me a little. But that's normal I guess. I hope I got to do some real corporate work and not just sit around in his office.

I passed security who directed me to my own special parking. Seeing as the parking lot was beyond crowded, maybe the VIP parking space wouldn't be so bad. It had my name on it in white. Wow. Hiram really went out of his way.

Entering the building was different this time. I was greeted by many smiles and pats on backs. Followed by many thumbs up.

"Something came for you..." The receptionist says to me without looking up from her computer. I looked at the lovely arrangement of flowers and chocolates. The card was blue and had written inside Congratulations and welcome to the team Cassandra.
- Hiram

Aww. That's sweet of him.

"Oh don't feel special, honey. He sends all his new assistants flowers on the first day." Only when she says that does she look up at me. Annoyed, I grabbed the flowers and candy and started towards the elevator. When I got in, thank goodness I was alone. I couldn't handle confrontation. Not from rude people anyway.

When the elevator door opened and I had finally reached the 10th floor, there was a man in a cap standing beside the door of Hiram's office.

"Ms. Williams," he took his cap off and bowed. "Hiram is expecting you. You also seem to have a visitor..."

I look at Smithers, as it says on his tag, confused. I opened the doors and my eyes widened.

"Caaaaaaaaaasssiekins!!!" The shriek of my very loud best friend made Hiram turn his head a bit to the side. "Omg! Girl, you didn't tell me you got a job!" she ran towards me and gave me the tightest hug.

"I mean I didn't even tell mom," I whispered to her. I set my things down at the desk beside us and sighed. "You should've called, Bee. You can't just show up out of the blue at work..."

Biannca chuckled. "Oh well I was waiting in the lobby and your boss, Hiram, said I could wait in here for you. I missed you booboo. How could you not tell me that you left?"

I was embarrased that Biannca showed up here and that Hiram had let her come up here. Truth was I wasn't ready to tell anyone back home. I felt like taking a break from everyone I knew. Which was why I moved to this city in the first place. "Can we please do this later? I have to work. Please..." I gave her a serious look and her smile suddenly faded. She quickly glanced at Hiram then back at me.

"Fine," Biannca rolled her eyes as she headed for the door. "I will be at the Royal Day Inn if you ever feel like talking to me....ever." As she went out, the sound of the door slamming echoed through Hiram's office.

I looked at him, apologetically. "Sorry about her..."

He shook his head and gestured me to my desk which was 3 feet beside his. "Not a problem at all. Seems like she was about to ask me out on a date so your entrance couldn't be more perfect timing..."

I rolled my eyes. Typical Biannca. She just got her and she was already trying to get in bed with my boss. "Please don't. That'd be too weird..."

He grinned as he watched me take my seat. "Not interested. I have my sight set on someone else."