Chapter 1

My day-hectic and it hasn’t even begun yet. The day is beautiful, though, with cool winds and clear skies but unfortunately I cannot bask in its glow. I pull myself quickly into a gray pencil skirt and try my best to button my white linen blouse all in the process of brushing my hair. I slept through my alarm now I find myself rushing around the house like a squirrel harvesting for hibernation.
“Easy tiger.” Lexis my roommate says, swatting my backside as I push past him in the hall. I yelp in surprise and stop midstride, pointing my brush at him.
“Mr. Jones!” I scold. He holds his hands up in surrender with a smirk on his lips. I roll my eyes at him and continue with my hassling.
“Fix me breakfast!” I call as I run into my bathroom and close the door. I stop for a moment and stare passively in the mirror at the pale skinned red head staring intently back at me. She smiles and her stunning hazel eyes pops with excitement.
“Today’s the day.” I reassure myself. I lean forward and proceed in smearing a vivacious color of red onto my lips, and popping my eyes with a little eyeliner. I rake a comb through the curly forest of my hair and pull it into a bun. There…I’m ready.
I exit into the kitchen where I find Lexis flipping pancakes. I sit at the bar and stare at him. Blue eyes, dirt blonde hair, packed abs that has to spell HOT! Unfortunately my best friend, Kara has called dibs so I have to lie of the merchandise. He’s shirtless, walking around the kitchen with grace with blue plaid pajama bottoms. All the more reason why I should leave now.
He strolls over and drops a pancake onto my plate which I immediately start to devour. Seconds later my food is gone and I am heading for the door. I stop and turn to Lexis who gazes intently at me.
“Thank you, Lex.” I smile. He returns my gesture with a nod and I am out the door. I rush down the stairs and hop into my BMW convertible. I fix the mirrors and give myself a quick pre-check before pulling from my apartment complex. Another day another dollar.

“Ten minutes late, ten minutes late!” My boss, Gerald shouts as I walk into his office. Luckily, he isn’t referring to me but to his assistant, an elegant blonde named Selene. She gazes shyly at her feet which I doubt could be seen in her skyscraper stilettos and bats her eyes almost like a puppy after being scolded. As Gerald continues to reprimand Selene for being late again I quickly make my way further into his office and set his coffee on his desk.
“Ms. Daze’,” He says his voice softer and more flirtatious. I look at him through my lashes and smile politely.
“Good morning, Gerald.” I reply standing and straightening my skirt.
“I have wonderful news.” He looks at Selene with a frown and she immediately shuffles from the room.
“Have a seat.” I do as I’m told and sit in the white leather recliner which he keeps directly in front his desk. I gaze around the room as he makes his way to his seat. The room was designed to look futuristic with ceiling to floor windows paned with steel colored walls and ironic desks, and tables. The chairs are white and comfortable to touch with no arm rests. It screams the future.
“As you are aware, unfortunately, you are a replacement for our previous editor in chief, Mr. Warner. I’m sure you must’ve met him.” Gerald starts.
I nod, not seeing where the good news comes in. I remember Mr. Warner being a perverted mid-forties man who preyed after his assistants. Thankfully I wasn’t here to endure his perverted stares he usually gives the girls in the office.
“Well we found a permanent operative who will take his place…your place.”
I stare intently at Gerald and wait for him to say that I am not being fired. I mean it’s hard to wrap my head around. I’ve been working here for little of six months. His tired blue eyes flick open with discomfort as I shift in my seat. I inspect his face. For a thirty year old he keeps himself well groomed. He has his jet black hair slicked back to look professional and he wore a white linen top similar to mine but without a tie and two buttons undone which shows his curly hair chest.
“I’ll pack my things, Mr. Francis.” I say trying my best not to sound disappointed. I get ready to stand but he holds out his hand to stop me.
“I’m not firing you. I’m just telling you that you’ll be partnering with our new member. We couldn’t dare loose such a fine editor such as yourself, Ms. Daze’.” He smiles a reassuring one and I drop back into my seat with a sigh. I clutch my chest with my hand and look at Gerald gratefully.
“You nearly gave me a heart attack, Mr. Francis.” I sputter and try to recompose myself. A slight chuckle escapes him and he hands me a folder. I suppose it contains everything I need to know about my mysterious partner. I gaze at Gerald.
I have always thought of him to be my work father-at least he’s old enough to be. We have such a father daughter relationship and I am pleased he didn't throw me out like they would have usually done. I can just imagine him pounding his fists on the conference table demanding that they make space for me. Then again it’s his company. I smile at the thought.
“He’s a charming young man, Elizabeth.” Gerald adds.
“I’m sure he is, Gerald but I don’t fraternize with my colleagues.” I stand and make my way to the door. I wonder when my colleagues would stop pressuring me into getting a date. My career doesn’t adhere to dates or relationships or anything. I’m my own boyfriend. “When is he due?”
“After lunch.”
My eyes shoot open. That soon?

I sit at my desk with a sigh. Such a big room for one girl. I suddenly feel excited to meet my mysterious partner. Maybe then I won’t have to be in here by myself all day even though he’s in the vacant office beside me. We’d constantly be in each other’s office seeing that we’re partners. Right? The room is similar to Gerald’s but slightly smaller, it’s depressing. I walk to the blind and open them allowing the sun to brighten the room immediately. Just as I sink back into my seat my phone rings.
“Lizzy, it’s me, Kara can you do lunch?” Her voice sounds worried immediately making me worry.
“What’s wrong, Kay?” I ask genuinely.
“Can you?” Persistent –Kay that’s what I call her.
I sigh. “Sure. See you in a bit.” Then she’s gone.
I boot up my computer and proceed in working until reception dials me.
“Ms. Persistent here.” Gail says playfully.
“Hey!” I hear Kara scold.
“Thanks, Gail.” I reply grabbing my purse and jacket. I swing my head into Gerald’s office to see him ranting into the phone. He puts his hand over the receiver and smiles up at me. “I’m taking my lunch now.” I mouth. He nods before completely forgetting me and throws himself back into the conversation.
I make my way to the elevators and press the down button, waiting for an elevator to surface. The ping of the elevator sounded and the doors slide open revealing a man. A man I have never seen before… my mysterious partner.

Impressum

Tag der Veröffentlichung: 06.11.2012

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