Hidden Trauma

Chapter 3

Kate

*Knock, Knock, Knock*

It's now 5:25pm and I should have left work about a half-hour ago, but I wanted to see how the new boss is holding up before I leave.

"Come in." I hear the deep british voice through the opaque glass door.

I step in to see Andrew sitting at his long dark wooden desk.

He takes a deep breath and exhales, almost relieved to see it was me. He leans back in his black rolling chair and smirks. 

"Hey, it's you again! Where have you been all day?"

"Uhh, right outside your office." I say pointing over my shoulder to the direction of the door with my thumb.

"Oh right. Guess I've just been so busy today I haven't even had a chance to leave this damn office."

"I know. You had a lot of meetings today. I'm sorry your first day was probably very long and tiring."

"That's an understatement. I'm exhausted." He says loosening his tie. I look closer at his face and notice the sleepiness in his eyes.

"Well tomorrow should be better! You only have 12 meetings!" I laugh while he fist bumps the air as his way of saying 'hooray! That's it?'.

"I know, I know. You're first few days are going to be super busy. Everyone wants to meet their new boss. You're father left you some pretty big shoes to fill. People just want to see if you're worthy of the title. That's why you've gotta be yourself, but leave a good impression on people."

"You're right. Very wise words." He cracks a smile.

I look down at my arms trying to hide my sligh blush, and I'm reminded of the second reason I came in here.

"I also came in here to give you this. I was reminded this morning that you might not have everyone's contact information, so I made you this sheet with everyone's name, job title, email and phone number in case you need anything. If you ever need to reach me, just press the little button on your phone that says 'Kate' next to it. I should have told you all this this morning, but I was a little out of it after I hit my head and all. But good job today! I give you a 7.5/10."

Andrew's face drops a bit.

"7.5/10? Why?"

"Your dad always took time to go around the office and chat with us with whatever spare time he had. You know, ask us how we were doing, if we needed anything, and so on. He cared a lot about us. I think he's the only 10/10 in my book."

"Well, we'll see about that."

I jokingly roll my eyes.

"See you tomorrow Mr. Beckham."

"You can call me Andrew you know."

"Ok. Have a nice night... Andrew."

"You too Kate." He smiles.

I gather my phone and purse, and make my way to the elevator. Twenty-one clicks. Must have been a long day. I'm off my game.

"Goodnight Mrs. Strack! Have a good one!"

"You too dear!"

I open the main doors and brace myself for the brisk autumn air that instantly freezes all the parts of my body that are not covered.

The sun is beginning to set and businesses and shops are starting to close for the the day.

The streets are packed with annoyed pedestrians trying to make their way home.