Yes, Sir

6.9

(To a Certain Person, Don't Read This. You Know Who You Are)

•- Laine Bennett -•

I was welcomed into a home with a high social status. I expected political and professional debates, words of high intellectual vocabulary, formality in addressing one another, but as Chris openly lifts his middle finger to Emily as Eric covers the children's eyes, I realize that even the richest of the New York socialites were as average as the next family.

"It's not my fault you tripped while sneaking out, Christopher. I told you to use the back door," she raises her hands in a defensive manner.

Mr. Wood Sr. was laughing hysterically as his wife and Chris speak of their college days together. From what I gathered, Chris had introduced the two in their higher educational years. Chris and Emily got off rather swimmingly and I could not help but smile as the two reminded me of Brent, Mahalia and I.

"So, Lainey," Austin's father speaks through a stuttered laughter, turning attention to me as I slowly wipe my face clean of all remnants of Chris' appetizing meal he prepared for tonight's dining, "You seem like a bright young woman. Did you attend college or jump straight into the work force?"

The attention that was now on me caused my heart rate to increase rapidly. But with Austin discreetly moving his hand to rest on my knee, everything was at ease.

"I graduated top of my class at NYU with a bachelors degree in Finance and Mathematics."

It amazed me that I managed to stammer my way into Wood Enterprise witha mediocre performance during my interview. I lacked true skills in most aspects of hobbies, and eye contact was all too demanding and formal for me. I hated the idea of someone being able to see right through me, especially with the past few years riding on my chest.

Austin's father nods with an unreadable expression complimenting his aging features. Austin had briefly given me a rundown of how tonight's events could proceed to pan out. It was in their parental nature to do a discreet, or rather not so much, background check in the woman their son claimed to be in love with.

Emily however, portrays her excitement all too visibly and excitedly for my personal liking. Her hands clap together loudly, causing my body to jump at the slight sound of a loud noise, and before I could return to a state of normalcy, she smiles, "A scholar! That's much better than your past assistants, Aussie. I told you the day I first talked to her, she's the one to keep around."

I laugh awkwardly and keep my gaze on my lap where Austin had graciously moved his hand from my knee and into my own for comforting measures.

Hannah Reeves had kept her inappropriate comments off of me tonight and would occasionally chime in only to be ignored or served incorrect. But as it goes, all good things must come to an end.

"A degree of high honors and yet you maintain Aussie's needs when he asks. Why be an assistant when you have such great credentials?"

Her question was fair, but the ulterior motive was definitely fixed in her words discreetly.

Clearing my throat, I gently squeeze Austin's hand in reassurance, "I was working as the financial advisor for my grandmother's store but after the small decline of income, I found it better to search for a job where I can pay for the necessities that my grandmother's income was not reaching. Unfortunately, it was impossible to find a finance position that started at a greater income that could potentially get my Grams and sister back on their feet. The entire store was the forefront of my starting at Wood Enterprise, but I can't say I'm mad about the situation," I laugh awkwardly just as Austin glides his thumb along the back of my hand.