Mr. Berkshire (Book 1 in the For Better Or Worst Trilogy)

Chapter 2

     The weekend passed painfully slow. Thankfully, I had the bookstore as a way to distract myself from the exciting week ahead. There weren't many people I could share the news with. As expected, papa wasn't very supportive. Actually, i'm darn sure he was more excited when I announced I bought my dress for my coming out party than when he heard that I got the internship. My mama was no better. As usual, she seemed indifferent about the information altogether. The only other person that I could share this exciting news with was Noah, the guy I worked with at A Likely Story, and his excitement was probably not at the extent mine was, but at least his felt more genuine compared to my parents. 

     With or without the support of the people closest to me, I plan to continue to follow my heart. One day they will see that my choices were the right choices for me. And this is why I walk into Berkshire's Publishing on Monday morning with my head held high and a tray of coffees in hand.

     The expected attire wasn't shared with me. However, I took into consideration what I seen previously. I arrive twenty minutes earlier than what was asked of me, wearing a black pencil skirt and a short sleeve white blouse tucked loosely into the skirt. At the front desk, the platinum blonde sits, sipping on her coffee and flipping through a fashion magazine. One look at me and she waves me towards the direction of the elevators. 

     On the nineteenth floor, there isn't a soul to be seen. In my experience, it's always better to be early rather than late. I walk to Mr. Berkshire's personal secretary's desk and set down one of the drinks, a pink drink. She seems like the kind of person who would prefer a fruity drink rather than something with coffee. 

     "You're here early." A deep authoritative voice says behind me, breaking the silence. A scream erupts from my lips as I jump, nearly spilling the coffee cups. Mr. Berkshire's hands steady me and the tray of drinks. "Jumpy aren't you?" 

     "I didn't think anyone was here." I say, using my free hand to rest on my chest as if that will settle my racing heart. 

     "Well, I am the man in charge. It's expected of me to be earlier than everyone else, especially if i'm searching for a moment alone." 

     "Oh, did you want to be alone? I can go." My heart is nearly settled when I notice his hands are still holding me in place. Apparently, he notices too because he quickly removes them and gestures to the drinks. 

     "It's fine. Are one of those mine?"

     "Yeah, of course." I hand over his caramel macchiato. "Did you know that Starbucks had so many flavors? It's crazy. There's so much to choose from. Like how could you even choose only one? And then I heard there's seasonal ones. They make completely different kinds for the specific season. Who even comes up with these flavors? They must be a flavor genius or something." I laugh a bit, meeting Mr. Berkshire's gaze only to be met with that same amused glint that he gave me in our first meeting. "Anyways," I tuck my hair behind my ear, "I've made the executive decision that we will try all the flavors." 

     "I prefer my coffee black." He says while analyzing the drink in his hand as if it's a different species all together. 

     "It's always nice to try something new." I try to remember the wise words of his personal secretary, I must be brave. Mr. Berkshire will not intimidate me. 

     His mouth opens to respond, but then the room begins slowly filling with people. This silences him immediately. Abruptly, he turns on his heels and starts towards his office. I look around the room, unsure of where I fit in here. 

     "Come." He demands, snapping me out of my thoughts. I follow him to his office where he has me sit across from him. 

     He's flipping through some paperwork as I sit there, waiting for something, anything. Without my realization, my fingers are tapping nervously on my own coffee cup. Did I already mess up? Was the caramel macchiato really that bad?