Taming The Lockwood

Four

The next day. 6:30AM

"Good morning, Harry from Riztoz speaking, how may I help you?"

Clutching my phone to my ear with one hand, I make my way out of Florence's, a brown paper bag and coffee tray with two coffees balanced precariously in my other hand.

"Hi, um, I'd like to make a reservation for 12:30 today...?" I ask, pressing the phone between my cheek and shoulder as I hold my arm out desperately, stopping a nearby taxi from almost abandoning me.

"I believe we're all booked out at that time." His tone is apologetic. "But I suppose we could agree on another time?"

Opening the car door, I wince as some coffee from my cup splashes out onto the tray, and I crawl into the comforts of the taxi. "Please, it's for Mr. Gabriel Lockwood," I carry on, "You know, of Lockwood Enterprise..." Resting the tray on my lap, I push the phone away from my ear momentarily, telling the driver the directions to work.

"-I- Well of course we'll have a table for him. Table for one? Or two?" He asks quickly, breaking me off, my eyebrow arching skyward at his sudden change of demeanour.

"Two."

"Perfect, consider it done and a favour, Miss...?" Harry's tone is inquisitive.

"Nora." I reply. "Thank you ever so much!" I cut him off before I can hear his reply and throw my phone into my bag haphazardly, sighing as I slump my head back on the head rest.

This morning, I had decided to pair a simple black body top with a checkered pencil skirt, completely forgetting to bring an umbrella and I was definitely forced to pay the price.

What a nightmare.

***

"Morning Miss Evans," Came Dahlia's raspy voice from behind the reception desk. I almost stop in my tracks at the sound of her warm welcome, surprised at her sudden change in behaviour towards me.

"Morning." Is my curt reply.

Entering the elevator hastily before it closes its doors and denies me access, I tap my foot on the floor to distract myself from the panicking feeling that overwhelms me as the elevator begins to make its way up. Anxiety crawls its way up my neck and my heart feels like it is stuck in my throat. The jerky feeling that comes with its ascent wakes up the butterflies from the dangerous, bottomless pits of my stomach and I instantly feel the hairs on my naked arm stand on end.

I'm taking the stairs from now, I resolve as soon as the elevator comes to a juddering stop, stepping out on the floor that guarded the dragon's lair.

After finding George's desk bare, I make my way towards the glass door at the end of the corridor that I assume beheld Gabriel's office.

"Morning Nora!" Came a cheery voice from where I was headed. "I've just set up your desk and all, in your office as per Mr. Lockwood's request." Giving George a big smile, I place the coffee and breakfast bag alongside a bunch of napkins on Gabriel's desk, noting how impeccably clean it is.

"Thank you!" I squeal at him, sharing the same enthusiasm he gives me. I was extremely appreciative for having someone sort something out for me after experiencing such a hectic morning.

A slight blush tinges his cheeks, but the book he places in my hand immediately tears my eyes away from him. "Well I wouldn't get too excited as it's only the first day. Mr Lockwood has a reputation of firing assistants. Anyways, this is Mr. Lockwood's diary that you will have to fill in daily and brief him on every morning. I have done today's for you as you weren't here yesterday," He continues, gesturing to today's date where a bunch of meetings were scheduled in the morning and afternoon. "You will complete this alongside the other tasks he gives you to complete. Now come, I'll take you to your office."