Chapter 1
As I was rushing up the stairs to get to the office on time I tripped and almost bashed my head in. I breathed out a sigh of relief as I caught myself before my lips kissed the cold hard stair. ā³ These budget cuts are really starting to get on my nerves ā³ I mumbled as I dust myself off. Since the company was running low on funds, we were reducing the electricity bill to make ends meet, so this meant no usage of elevators.
A couple of years ago I would have probably been in the hospital by now since I had no upper body strength whatsoever. I really should thank Melissa for getting me that gym membership and practically forcing me to go there.
I finally managed to get to the office without any more trouble. I quickly got settled into my normal routine as I restocked the refreshments for the customers and got yesterdayās paperwork to its respective owners. I had just finished my last errand of getting coffee for Mr. Philips when Melissa arrived.
ā³Look who finally decide to show up,ā³ I mocked her. ā³ What happened this time? A raccoon attacked you on your way to the office.ā³ I gave her a cheeky smile and she responded with a glare. Melissa could never make it on time to any event whatsoever and came up with the most ridiculous excuses ever, I had learned this after a month of knowing her and that was almost two years ago. ā³ Haha, very funny Sherlock but this time my mum is visiting.ā³ A shiver ran through me at that. I remembered her mother well, she was the most beautiful 50 years old woman Iād ever seen but her overbearing nature made her a nightmare as well as a force to be reckoned with.
ā³Iām very sorry but better you than me.ā² I replied giving her a sympathetic pat on the shoulder. She shrugged off my arm and pointed towards my skirt. ā³ What happened, you look like you had a run-in with a sidewalkā³
ā³ I did,ā³ She raised her eyebrows but I waved it off. ā³ Doesnāt matter, Iām fine.ā³
Before she could get the story out of me, the landline rang. ā³ Mr. Philips Office, how can I help you?ā³ I got my note pad ready to take any important information that I may have to relay. However, the voice that spoke next wasnāt one that I thought Iād ever hear again. Panic overwhelmed me and stole the air from my lungs.
ā³ This is Adam Brookestone from Stone Incorporation and Iām looking for Mr. Philips.ā³ By now I was hyperventilating and my breath was coming in short gasps. I could see from the corner of my eye that Melissa was getting increasingly worried but I didnāt have the strength to assure her. I didnāt even bother replying to him, I just directed the call to Mr. Philips office and ran out of my cubicle.
I let my legs take me wherever they wanted not even bothering or caring where I went. I ended up in the bathroom. I stood at a sink staring at my panicked expression. My face was flushed in worry, eyes wide and my breathing labored. ā³ Come on Sasha, pull yourself together you already knew youād have to meet him again someday,ā³30 minutes passed and with my little pep talk to myself, I splashed some water on my face, gathered up all the courage I had left and walked out.
The minute I reached my cubicle Melissa pounced on me like a mama bear on her cub. ā³Are you okay, you just panicked all of a sudden and I didnāt know what to do.ā³ I gave her a reassuring smile but with the look she was giving me, I knew she wasnāt buying it one bit. ā³ Iām fine, okay.ā³ She wasnāt satisfied with my answer but she knew that was all Iād give her at the moment.
ā³Mr. Philips said to inform you that he would like to see you like .....,ā³ she glanced at her watch then exclaimed ā³Now!ā³ I gave her a death glare. ā³You couldnāt lead with that ?ā³ She just shrugged and gave me a smile. I just shake my head in mock exasperation and made my way to his office. Straightening out the creases in my skirt, I knocked on the door.
ā³Come in .ā³ Came the response from the office. I walked in and when I had finally reached the front of his desk I politely inquired. ā³ What can I do for you, sir?ā³ He glanced up at me a gave me a courteous smile. ā³Please have a seat Miss Hawthrone, I have an important matter to discuss with you.ā³ I sat down and gave him my attention as I waited for him to elaborate further.
ā³ I believe you are familiar with Jason Williams,ā³ At my nod, he ventured on. ā³ Unfortunately, his father passed on and he has taken a week off,ā³ Sympathy filled my heart, I hope Jason would be okay. ā³ Being that he was currently working on the project with Stone Corp, I need to find a replacement for him so that the deal can be sealed.ā³
I immediately caught on to what he was implying. ā³So youād like for me to suggest a few individuals who can handle the job perfectly. If youād just hold on for a minute sir, I think I have a file that would help me give you a better input of the matter.ā³ I stood up and started making my way to the door when he cut in.
ā³Actually, I want you to take on this project.ā³ I froze in my tracks. The panic that I had just managed to suffocate came back with elephantine fury. ā³What!ā³ I spluttered. This couldnāt be happening, my worst fears couldnāt be coming true. I took a deep breath and calmed down. This was just a dream. I would just pinch myself and wake up on my bed.