Break Down Your Walls

[11]

~𝘓𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘉𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘋𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴~

I stare out of my wide window, not able to think of anything other than the fact that my goal of getting Mr. Holland to open up to me is starting to work.

There is a part of me that wonders if I should just stay in my lane as his secretary, but the other part of me wants something more. I'm not sure what "more" means, but that's just me. I always seem to grasp for more and I want to see the best in everyone and for them to see the best in me. I guess you could say I hate confrontation, but that wouldn't be completely true.

While I'm left to my thoughts, I realize my desk phone is ringing and I hope it had just started and I hadn't left it for long. I turn around in my chair, picking up the phone and putting my game face on.

"Hello, this is Miss y/n y/l/n with UK Casts. How may I help you?" I ask putting on a smile, although no one can see me, but for some reason I can't help it. I'm awkward, what can I say?

"Hello, this is Miss Ashley Carter again. I would like to speak to Mr. Holland about members coming to the upcoming event." The young woman's voice is more stern today and I wonder what is going on behind the other line. Again, it's just me. I'm a people watcher remember?

"Of course. Give me one second." I easily press through the correct buttons, starting to get a grasp at my new job.

The phone rings for a little as I can just barely hear it through the wall connecting my office and Mr. Holland's.

"Hello, this is Mr. Thomas Holland, CEO of UK Casts. How may I help you?" I was about to cut him off, but his voice is so calm and gentle. I know this is only because he thinks he is speaking to a client, but I wish it was because it was just his nature.

"Sorry, Mr. Holland. This is y/n. You have an incoming call from Miss Ashley Carter about the members you will be bringing to the upcoming event. Shall I ring her through?" I ask after shaking my head, remembering I had to inform him that I wasn't a client.

I hear a soft sigh from his end and I hope I didn't mess up the progress I've had so far. "Put her through." His voice turns to the usual tone he uses with me, speaking as if he is furious yet bored at the same time.

"Yes, sir." I roll my eyes, knowing I most likely won't have the courage to do it in front of Mr. Holland anytime soon.

I'll take whatever I can get to get back at him for his rudeness, even if he doesn't know about it. Call me pathetic, but I dare you to tell me you wouldn't do the same thing.

"I'll put you through right now." I reply to Miss Carter and I hear a quiet thank you before I hear the now familiar electronic crackle of the phone lines switching through.

I put the phone back down wondering what's going on in the other room. I also wonder what sort of event this is. Is it an acting convention? Movie premiere? I have no clue. I hope it isn't something too fancy, though because I would for sure find a way to mess it up.

*Mr. Holland's POV*

"Good morning, Miss Carter. How may I help you?" Inside I feel deeply annoyed. This woman sounds all sweet on the phone but once you actually meet her, she is bossy and demanding and I want to put duck tape over her mouth every second I'm around her.

"We must discuss the Gala, Mr. Holland. Many casting companies are going since their agents' clients are being presented there as well as yours. I need a list of who will be attending the event from UK Casts." I place my fingers on my temples. She knows I know the protocol, so she's just torturing me with the formalities on purpose.

"It will be me, my secretary, Mr. Osterfield, his secretary, and two of my agents whose clients are nominated for awards at the gala. That will be all." I finish harshly, wishing for this to be over already.

"That is six directly from the company. I will make sure your seats are reserved. That is all for today. Thank you for your time, Mr. Holland." I give a short response and put the phone down, taking a deep breath. What the hell am I even doing anymore?

*Y/n's POV*

I no longer hear mumbling from the other room and I can tell that the phone call is over. A few moments later and I hear my phone ringing again.

"Hello this-" I am cut off by that familiar, cold voice. I wonder what it sounded like before he decided to close himself off from everyone.

"Come to my office. I need to speak to you about the upcoming event." He doesn't even allow me to respond as he hangs up the phone.

"Duty calls." I mumble to myself while letting out a soft sigh, walking over and knocking on my young boss' door.

"Come in." Those two words. I don't think there's anything else he can say. I open the door and close it behind me, walking out of routine to the front of his desk where he is sitting with his elbows on the sides of his chair, biting the edge of a pen and looking me up and down slowly.

"You will be attending the event with me along with Mr. Osterfield and Miss Abigail Rain. There will also be two agents joining us. It is an awards gala and some of our clients are nominated for awards. You are to dress formally, but do not look like you are there to work. A simple black dress would suffice. Any questions?" I try to think through any possible questions I could have, but none immediately come to mind.

My mind is racing with shock as I try to remain calm even though this will be the first time I will be out in public as Mr. Holland's secretary. "Not at this moment, sir. If I have any questions later on shall I pass them on to you or Mr. Osterfield?" I ask, realizing that that is basically a question.

"Mr. Osterfield knows the answers to anything your small mind could come up with. We're finished here." He places the pen down on his desk and I realize this whole time he has been very relaxed.

His legs aren't two feet apart as he sits back, they are more like five feet apart, him leaning back as far as his chair would allow him.

My cheeks threaten to turn red, but I am able to suppress the emotions I thankfully can control. He is my boss. He may only be two years older than me, but he is the one helping me pay my bills.

He stares at me with furrowed eyebrows for a few seconds before extending his arm, motioning towards the door. I gladly take my cue to leave. "Thank you, Mr. Holland." I say as I exit his office.

Why does Mr. Holland have to have such an attractive face, but such a hideous personality? It's really frustrating!

I let out a long sigh, taking a few spins in my chair once I get in my office. A gala? I've never been to anything as fancy as an awards gala and a black dress? The only black dresses I've ever seen in the stores are a bit revealing.

I turn on my computer and quickly type in another gala name that I knew UK Casts has been to before. I am able to find Mr. Holland, him actually smiling which for some reason puts a smile on my own face.

I look around him to see the women are all wearing classy yet modern black or white dresses. I'm sure Charlie would get a kick out of this. I guess I have to go shopping in the next few days.
~ ~ ~
Hmmm a gala, huh? What could go wrong?!

I hope you all are enjoying this story! It means so much when I see you voting and commenting, it really does make my day <3

Also, hey to anyone who came here from my Instagram (mxltii._.edit) after I decided to only post here! Let me know if you're one of my insta peeps!

I'm going to keep this little author's note short because honestly my brain is fried, haha!

Have an amazing day/night and I'll catch y'all in the next chapter!

~Aidan