by Ebony Olson
Chapter Twelve
“We will be back tomorrow morning,” Warren informed me over the phone. Darius’s mother died within twelve hours of his arrival. Today was the funeral. “Darius is keen to get back into it and catch up. Can you organize for a meeting with him and the managers for ten in the morning?”
“Consider it done. I will do up a briefing paper for him and email it through so he can hit the ground running. Anything else?” I queried as I sent the meeting request.
“Organize Clark to pick us up in the morning and make sure there is a clean suit in the wardrobe for Dare. If you could bring one in for me too that would be great,” Warren said. He sounded tired.
“I’ll get Zander to pull one out of your closet for me and Clark will head straight to the airport after dropping me at work in the morning.”
“Clark is dropping you at work?” Warren sounded surprised.
“I’ve been getting into the office early most days. Since Clark usually picks Mr. Rafal up in the morning he offered to give me a ride until our boss is back. I’ll go back to public transport tomorrow evening.”
Warren was silent for a long minute.
I cleared my throat. “Anything else, Warren?” I asked, keeping my voice even. I’d had nearly a week and a half to put my walls back up in place. They were staying there this time.
“No, that just about covers it.” Warren exhaled. “Mora?”
“Warren?”
“You have done a great job. When I get back I am going to give you more responsibility. I know you have been bored.”
“Thank you.”
“So you can stop looking for other jobs. We will not be letting you out of your contract. I told Saint Martin’s that when they called yesterday for a reference,” Warren informed directly.
I pressed my lips tight on my initial expletive response. That explained the call yesterday afternoon from the recruiter. She explained that I did well at the interview and they loved me, but felt it was important I finish my twelve months at Lynwood first. After my contract was finished, though, they would love to hire me.
“Mora?” Warren checked if I was still there.
I hung up the phone. Great, they were going to block me from finding a new job. I could circumnavigate that by working for Marshall, but I wasn’t that desperate yet. If I couldn’t get a different job, then I would just have to move out, create a clear divide between work and personal life.
I wrote up the briefing paper for Darius and went to see each of the managers to check that the details were correct. By the time I got back to my desk it was near home time. Zander was sitting at my desk looking at my computer.
“You should lock this when you are away from it,” he lectured as I approached.
“People can’t get up here without being approved and let up from reception,” I replied, annoyed.
“Yeah, but I can, and the managers can.” Zander smirked. “I could have been surfing for porn. Every key stroke is logged you know. I can look up and see what sites you have been visiting, so can Warren and Dare.” Zander clicked on the screen. “Say you were using your work computer to look and apply for other jobs, I can see that. Or if you were looking at places to rent...”
I glared at him waiting to get my seat back. “Fine. I’ll lock my computer and look for jobs and places to live on my personal computer from now on. Are you finished? I have work to do. Speaking of which, I need a clean outfit waiting here for Warren when he arrives tomorrow morning.”
Zander stood. “Jeez, what has your knickers in a knot this week?”
I dropped into my seat frustrated. “Get lost.”
Zander frowned at me. “No really, Mora. You have been moody all week. I have heard you playing your cello at all hours of the night. You are barely talking to anyone unless the job requires it, and Steffen said you are barely eating. What is going on?” Zander placed a caring hand on my shoulder.
“That is exactly why I need my own place. So when I play the cello in the middle of the night, I don’t cop an inquisition about why I’m playing it,” I grumbled. “Now, unless you have something work related to discuss, I need to get this report to the boss.”
Zander shoved his hands in his pocket. “Talk to me.”
“Go away,” I enunciated.
“Mora?”
I opened up the brief and started making the edits, ignoring Zander.
“Come on, Mora. Talk to me. Is this about what happened the night he left?” Zander tried again.
“I don’t know what you are talking about.” I kept typing.
“Bullshit! Your lips were puffy, your hair was messed, and your shirt was askew. You two were getting hot and heavy before Warren barged in,” Zander bit back.
I pressed send on the email. “Looks like I don’t have to tell you anything,” I spoke sharply.
“You can tell me why you are so angry with him. Did you expect him to take you to his mum’s funeral, or to stay and finish what he started?”
I stood up glaring at Zander. “No. I expected nothing of the sort. Nor did I expect for him to accuse me of being a heartless bitch after I just got through telling him about my first boyfriend.” I turned off my computer and started gathering my stuff to leave.
Zander stood straight. “Did you love Daniel?”
I turned and stared at Zander. “He told you?”
Zander met my eyes evenly. “He had me check out the story.”
I frowned. “Check out the...” It clicked and anger bloomed in my chest. “He didn’t believe me? He thought I would make that shit up?”
“Dare is a very careful man, Mora,” Zander said, trying to appease.
“Not fucking careful enough,” I retorted, my voice growing louder with rage. “I felt like he’d punched me in the gut that night, Zander. That’s how bad he hurt me. I felt physically hurt by his words. I don’t need that sort of relationship in my life. I’ll do my job, but that’s it. There will be no more friendly chats in my bedroom or by the fireplace, or his bed.”
Zander’s eyebrows rose in surprise.
“I’m drawing a line in the sand. He crosses it again, I walk. Job or no job. I will quit and move out of his place so fast his head will spin.” I started marching toward the exit. “Tell him that when you report in next.”
I shoved the fire door open and stormed down the stairs.
***
I ran up the fire stairs and into the entry foyer of the executive office. Dropping my iPad on my desk, I checked my watch as I walked directly into Darius’s office. It was only eight in the morning. I’d been in at work for two hours already and collected the plans for the two major upcoming events Darius would want to see. I set the two complete plans down on Darius’s desk and booted up his computer.
The office door opening caught my attention. I looked over to see Darius in the doorway. “Welcome back.” I straightened. “I have the Christmas Concert and New Year’s Eve plans here ready for you.” I stepped around his desk heading for the door. “Did you eat on the flight?”
“No.” Darius walked to his desk looking at the plans and his open email.
“Then I’ll get you some breakfast and a cup of tea,” I replied. I stepped out of his office, shutting the door after me.
I called the cafe across the road and ordered him a white egg and salmon omelet. I put the kettle on to boil then picked up my purse and phone and ran downstairs to get it. Fifteen minutes later, I was walking into Darius’s empty office again. I placed the omelet and tea on his desk assuming he was in the shower and turned to leave.
“Mora?” Darius’s voice came from the wardrobe.
“Yes, Mr. Rafal.” I turned back.
Darius walked out, pants on but not zipped, shirt still unbuttoned and tie hanging ready to be tied. I hated him.
“We should talk,” Darius started as he buttoned his shirt.
“Did I forget something?” I looked at his desk ticking off ever
y item I knew he would need or been asked to gather.
“No. About you applying for other jobs, looking for another place, about what is happening between us,” Darius grumbled, tucking his shirt in and zipping his pants.
“Warren informed me already you will block me getting another job, so that conversation is done. I think it’s for the best if I find my own place...”
“I disagree. I do not want you to move out.”
“And there is nothing happening between us. Not anymore,” I enunciated the last three words. “I told you from the start, Mr. Rafal, I am not my mother. You want to fool around with one of your staff members, diddle Jenn in reception or Hillary in accounting. I’m not interested in being your good time gal.”
“Mora.” Darius stepped forward, his arm reaching out as if he meant to restrain me.
I stepped out of reach. “No. I let you in and you used what I gave you to hurt me. We are done. You want to stop me finding work elsewhere, fine, but our relationship will be strictly professional from here on out. You can stick your bullshit friendship up your ass.”
Darius blinked at me. I turned to leave.
“My mother just died, Mora,” Darius said, trying to excuse his actions.
I looked at him as I opened the office door. “Didims,” I replied, not even masking my sarcasm. Darius’s mouth fell open. “I’m sorry, was that not appropriate for the moment. I guess I’m just not the person to turn to for comfort. After all, what would I know about losing someone I love?”
I walked out, grabbing my tablet and phone. I marched toward the stairs. Warren came out of the bathroom as I passed, freshly showered and looking professional.
“Mora? Where are you off to?” Warren frowned; my anger was obvious.
I didn’t stop. “We are out of tea and low on shortbread. I’ll be back in an hour.”
It was raining outside. I didn’t care. I walked to the store that sold the tea Darius liked. It was a fifteen-minute walk. In my heels, in the rain, that wasn’t the best decision.
“Mora?” Tabitha’s voice called to me across the store. I turned around to see her with a basket piled high with various teas and biscuits. “I thought it was you. Why are you so wet?”
I shrugged, “I forgot my umbrella.”
I picked up the tea and shortbread I needed and walked to the counter.
Tabitha frowned following me. “Getting supplies for work?”
“Yes. You?”
“Same. I can give you a lift back to your office if you like?”
I looked down at my shoes. “That would be nice, thank you.”
Tabitha smiled, her blond ponytail bouncing with her happiness.
I paid for the tea and stepped away while Tabitha paid for hers. She turned around, her smile wide and engulfing the lower portion of her face. “Let’s go.”
I followed Tabitha out to her car and slid into the back seat with her. Tabitha looked at her driver.
“Jack, this is Mora. A good friend of Mr. Blake’s. We’ll drop her at work on the way back to the office. She works at...” Tabitha stopped and turned to me. “Where do you work again?”
I swallowed the lump in my throat. “Lynwood Corporation.”
Tabitha stopped and stared. “You work for glorious Darius?”
My eyes widened. “Well, I’ve never heard him called that.”
Tabitha chuckled. “Then you have not seen the package he is carrying around. Your boss has the most glorious cock I have ever laid eyes on.”
I frowned. “I didn’t know you were involved with him.”
“I’m not. We have attended some of the same parties.” Tabitha winked at me.
“Are you sleeping with Marshall as well?” I asked placidly.
Tabitha’s eyes widened. “Uh, no. Marshall is very set about sleeping with his staff. I would in a heartbeat; he is gorgeous for his age.” Tabitha lifted a shoulder and dropped it. “I guess he made that mistake already.” Tabitha froze. “Oh my God, not that you were a mistake, just that it was a lesson learned.”
“It’s okay, Tabitha. I know what you meant.”
“Are you sleeping with Darius?” Tabitha asked carefully.
I laughed. “I think I’d have known what you meant by his nickname if that was the case, don’t you?” Tabitha smiled at me. “I actually find him quite frustrating and annoying. I’m not happy there and looking for another job.”
Tabitha nodded. “Darius can be very rigid. He has this rule book he lives by and nothing can make him break it. I like to look at him, but I think working for him would require a lot of patience and attention to detail.”
The car came to a stop. “Thanks, Tabitha.” I smiled. The driver opened the door holding an umbrella over my head.
Tabitha took my hand. “Mora, if you really hate your job here, Marshall would give you a job without question.”
“That’s the problem, Tabitha. I want to earn my job, not just have it given to me because of my genetics.”
Tabitha nodded in understanding and I slipped out of the car. The driver escorted me to the door where Zander was talking to the doorman.
“Thank you, Jack.”
“You are welcome, miss.” The driver nodded and went back to the car.
Zander frowned. “Was that Marshall Blake’s driver?”
I hesitated. “Yes. I ran into his personal assistant at the store and she offered me a lift back.”
Zander looked me over. “You know Tabitha?”
“Yes, she’s a friend of the family. I have to get back upstairs,” I explained, stepping back inside.
When I walked back into the office an hour later, Warren was sitting at his desk typing quickly. He didn’t say anything to me. I walked into the kitchenette and put my purchases away. At my desk I filled out the petty cash claim form and then walked to Warren’s desk, putting it in his in tray.
“That pile of files on the corner are for you.” Warren pointed to a stack of files. “We are splitting our workload. You seem to have a good working relationship with A.K. so from now on you will deal with the event planning reports. I will take the logistics and on-the-day teams. Sound fair?”
I nodded, picking up the files and taking them to my desk. Finally, I was getting some real work. All it took was me interviewing for another company.
***
“Mora?” Marshall Blake spoke gently.
I looked up from my desk to find my father standing in front of me. “Dad?” I stood up. “What are you doing here?” I looked at the time and knew Darius would be back from his managers meeting at any minute.
“Tabitha told me where you work.”
“So?” And I was back to being a seventeen-year-old brat with attitude again.
“So,” Marshall mimicked my attitude. “She told me you were unhappy and looking for other work. Is that true?”
I exhaled. “Yes. Though, I’m hoping it will get better now.” I tapped the pile of folders. “When Warren found out I was looking for another job he decided to give me more demanding work. So I may not need another job now.”
“I see.” Marshall took a couple of cards out of his pocket. He handed me one. “This is Linda Buchanan’s number. She is the recruiter I use for my business. If you decide this is not where you want to work any longer, call her. Linda is the best. Just tell her I recommended you.”
“Dad.” I sighed taking the card.
“Barring that I have another offer,” Marshall interrupted. “Alex has agreed to join me at Blake Industries in the new year. He will be the deputy director and has asked me if you could be his assistant—since you are so determined not to take a leadership role.”
I breathed deep. I loved working with Alex and missed him. It was definitely an option I’d like to consider. “I need to think about it.”
Marshall smiled, he knew I wanted that job. “You do that.”
“Marshall,” Darius’s voice came down the hall. “Did we
have a meeting?”
Darius walked up and shook hands with my father. Warren returned to his desk.
“No, I was here to see your assistant,” Marshall smiled. “Alex Hark has signed on to work for me in the new year and has requested Mora as his personal assistant as part of his agreement. I decided to come and speak with Mora and see what my chances are of securing her employment.”
The smile on Darius’s face vanished. His eyes hardened. “Mora is contracted to me till June next year.”
Marshall smiled. “Not a problem, I will pay out her contract and even pay for you to recruit another accomplished young lady.” Marshall patted Darius’s arm then turned to me. “I look forward to hearing from you, Mora.”
I nodded my head. Marshall smiled and started back down the corridor. Darius glared at me. I met his glare and sat in my chair, returning to my work. Darius turned to the elevator.
“Marshall. I will not give her up easily.”
I heard my father laugh. “I am afraid, Darius, you will not have a choice in this one. I have been headhunting Mora for years now. It just took me a bit longer to find her Achilles. She will choose her brother over you.”
Darius turned back around and stormed into his office. “Both of you in, now!”
I grabbed up my notepad and walked in with Warren who was looking slightly surprised.
“I am not happy with the planning for the Christmas Concert. Some of the performers are not locked in and we are just over a month away. Mora, I expect performance contracts for every named performer by the end of the week. Keep on A.K. till you get them.”
“Yes, Mr. Rafal.”
“While you are at it, ensure all the performers for the New Year’s Eve celebrations are contracted as well. I want the caterers locked in for the Prime Minister’s birthday party by Monday and the seating chart by Friday.”
“Yes, Mr. Rafal.”
“Warren tell Simon to get his act together. He is not half as prepared for the Cocktail Bonanza Event as he should be. I want it sorted by the end of the week.”
