Chapter 2
“No one just holds unto a random item from a stranger hoping they’d run into them again someday. This could be the beginning of something beautiful my dear.” Susan giggled. She rummaged through her bag and took out her blue dolphin key chain “I’m stuck in an office of weirdos when I could be witnessing this love in real time, sigh.” She turned the lock and opened the room door.
“That man’s like a hollow, we even call him soulless at work. Mr Nathan is very disciplined, he already fired two persons from marketing this week. I just want to go about my affairs without issues and hopefully get retained.”Oretta collapsed on the sofa.
“But he ordered you to move into his office, and that to me is like moving into his house. What if it’s a facade and he’s some secret admirer dying for you to get a glimpse into his true emotions.” Susan smiled.
“Susie, please try to separate literature from reality. You’ll have the opportunity to show your prowess as much as you’d like in Prof. Sokol’s class.” Oretta joked.
“Noo! I’ve been reminded of the woes that’s after my life. I need nothing less than a B in that course or I’m finished.” Susan wailed, “Trade grades with me wise one, I beg of you.” She laughed.
“At least you’ve got a headstart, I’m still blank.” She got up, “I need to sort my things and rest, I’ve got an early day tomorrow.”
“The cycle never ends.” Susan followed behind.
***
“This is good, I want you to get the previous data from the analysts and include them in the survey for a more detailed outlook.” Nathan said, “I’m happy with this.” He added.
“I’ll get it done, thank you sir.” Oretta responded. Nathan went on to scribble some notes in a file for several minutes before lifting his gaze towards her again.
“What are you having for lunch?” He asked.
“I usually pack something from home but I was so keen on getting in early enough for the meeting that I totally forgot, I’d just get some snacks from the lunchroom.”
“Just snacks?”
“Yes, I’m not that hungry.”
“In other words, you’re free to accompany me to a coffee shop.”
“Sir?”
“You tend to make it seem like I don’t communicate to you properly, do I need to repeat myself?”
“No at all sir, I was just taken aback. Of course I’m free to come with.”
“Good.” He said. Oretta made sure to tidy the files they were working on before leaving and on their way out, a Senior Associate interrupted for a quick chat with Nathan.
***
“Hey.” Annette whispered from a lounge across from where they stood, “Come over for a second.” She waved at Oretta.
“What’s up?” Oretta Inquired.
“Oh nothing much. I just have a little favour to ask on behalf of us casualties.”
“Who’s us?”
“The unfortunate set of staff made to stay behind after work hours and labour through the night in order to catch up with the deadline. My dear, if you could just speak to him for us it would be nice, true.”
“What makes you think he’d listen to me?”
“You’re in his office, you’re like the teachers pet right now and from the looks of it you seem to be doing just fine.” Annette assessed her face, “Yep, not suffering at all.”
“This is definitely a low success rate venture.” She shook her head, “What if he gets mad?”
“Life is a pot of risks dear. Just toss in a few of those pretty girl smiles here and there and pray for the best.” Annette synchronised her nod with a thumbs up.
“Oretta!” Nathan called, he was done with the conversation, “Coming sir.” She said.
“You’ve got this.” Annette said.
Chapter 3
“I told you he was definitely going to come back.” A waitress said, “The height, his well built body and that handsome face, all of him is simply meant for me.”
“Yeah but this time he came with a gorgeous lady, tough luck.” The other responded.
“Maybe she’s his distant cousin, you can never tell these days.” The waitress continued.
“Just go and get their orders already.”
“Gladly.” She released her braids from the hair band and let her hair down before moving towards the table where Nathan and Oretta sat, “Good day sir, what would you be having today?” She asked.
“Oretta?” Nathan called.
“Oh, for you as well?” He nodded in response to Oretta’s question, “Okay, we’ll have two plates of the red velvet and chocolate cake combo alongside one black coffee and a lemon ice tea.”
“Would that be all sir?” The waitress asked to which she received a glare from Nathan, “Okay.” She left.
“He totally ignored me!”
“Oh gee, I wonder why? So shocking.” The other waitress jeered.
“Laugh all you want.”
***
“Is this a stare fest or have I done something?” Oretta thought to herself, “His hazel eyes truly carries no emotion, just emptiness.”
“How does it taste?” Nathan asked.
“Really nice.” She beamed.
“I wouldn’t usually go for this but it’s better than I expected. I’m guessing this is your favourite.”
“Yes, I like them both. Thank you sir for letting me tag along.”
“Is there something else on your mind?” He inquired.
“Uhmm.” She paused, “Is it possible for you to please relax the night shift on the senior staff a little bit?”
“No.” He said firmly, “Have you always wanted to be writer?”
“Yes, since I was little.” She stared at him, “What about you?”
“I want to sleep peacefully.” He laughed. Between his response and the fact he was laughing, Oretta couldn’t decide which intrigued her more.
“I could write you something.” She offered.
“What? Like bed time stories.” He smiled.
“Maybe, if it’ll help you sleep.”
“Hmm, you really don’t like to pry.”
“I don’t feel the need to sir.”
“I think that’s beautiful.” He fixated his gaze on her, from her neatly pleated cornrows to the little loop earrings that balanced out her oval face. Those dreamy dark eyes that held an ethereal light in them, a light he didn’t want to be far from. Her straight nose, like a river connecting her eyes to her cupid’s bow lips, properly glossed in a clear shimmer lip oil. Her slender neck was adorned with a crescent moon gold necklace that sat on her visible collarbones. Her fair skin, everything about her radiated to him.
He thinks she’s beautiful, that’s what he meant to say but the statement he already made would suffice. While he observed in awe, the silence and his stare was slowly killing Oretta.
“What a pretty couple.” A middle aged woman from the table across theirs said, she was anything but loud yet, it was clear enough for them to hear.
“Whoops, he’s my boss.” Oretta said abruptly, it was unintentional and meant for her thoughts alone. Her eyes were met with a cold expression from Nathan, “Is he mad at me?” She pondered.
“Let’s go.” He ordered.
Such detail. Wow!