C3 Chapter Three

Chapter Three

Hey young lady, I jerked as Rhoda called from the stairs with her heels hitting the stairs majestically, looking at me fiercely, everyone’s attention in the hall directed to her like they were about to enjoy a movie.

I could see her clearer now, other than the boss's office, she is so beautiful like what I see on television.

Do not repeat that again, she added, I really do not care if that was a mistake or not, You can get kicked out anytime and sorry you will not have the power to do anything about it, You are a nobody,

I have gone through your files,You got your employment on referral, earn your place, young lady.

That hit me like a mantra and kept ringing in my mind,”earn your place”I was on my feet this time staring at her without moving.

You need to work hard to please me even before my Rick. she said announcing her territory, I heard the other staff in the same hall giggling and whispering comments while she was addressing me.

It looked like it was a normal thing, each person felt her venom daily I guessed.

Max will give you the details of your job and boundaries too, you hear me?

Yes mam, I nodded and replied.

Good, get to work immediately. Thank you mam, I replied trying to pacify her.

She dashed to the door, using the elevator that led to her office .

Hours later, Max came to my table and said gently, You can go now,miss Thomas, so you return tomorrow fully settled for work ahead.

Ok Max, I replied, still going through the files stacked on my table.

Charl, Hey Charl, I heard my name behind a fancy tinted car just adjacent to Oak fashion house just as I was waiting to get a cab after work.

Who could that be, the voice sounded familiar, but I couldn't place it, I went forward and to my amazement, it was Ben, he smiled really much and walked towards me with his arms thrown obviously for a good hug, at least I owed him that, I reciprocated immediately and we wrapped around ourselves for few seconds.

Hey, look who showed up again out of the blues,I said chuckling.

Charl, I have always missed you hugely, he smiled more ravishingly.

I'm not sure I missed you,

I chuckled again, Naomi told me about you yesterday, and the job, I really do appreciate it. I smiled faintly,how did you bag this one? I never imagined being a staff here, all thanks to you.

I honestly do appreciate you.

He cuts in, anything for you Charl,I only spoke to few people, I know you are grateful,he said brushing the hair strands covering my eyes back, creating a sensation I wasn't ready for, I immediately pulled back.

He snapped out like he didn't notice what just happened,

Your dad, is he recovering?

Yea I answered and this sudden familiar pain filled my heart.

Come here, he said and gave me another warm hug which I really needed at that instance.

I chose to enjoy the moment. Just then , a car drove off the oaks haven building, with another car right in front of it. The glasses were tinted and I guessed that was the CEO and his lover.

Immediately I pulled back from Ben's hug the moment I saw the cars driving out,I had done enough already my first day at work.

Charlotte I knew you would not reach out to me even after I spoke with Naomi, that was why I showed up unannounced, I'm truly sorry.

I need us back.

I know I messed up a lot because I didn't make us exclusive,I treated you badly and I'm sorry, I wasn't sure of what I wanted but I am now, I also want to be there for you, You can't bear all these burdens all by yourself, you need support.

The only thing I want to do now Ben is to focus on my new job, my dad's health ,my family,not a serious relationship with anyone, I said that looking into his eyes.

You're such a strong woman and rare, I would wait till you are ready.

Hmmm, Ben,I sighed softly, I need to start heading to see my dad at the hospital. I said this just to be out of his sight,he sensed the tiredness and nonchalance in my eyes.

Charl, he said with concern in his voice, let me drive you to the hospital.

Thank you Ben, that will help. I replied as I hopped into the car.

I knew there was no reason to argue, at least,he offered to help, we drove to the hospital in silence, the atmosphere was filled with mixed tensions and emotion.

Phoebe, I messed up on my first day at work,

I narrated the whole story to her plus Rhoda's stern warning,

Oh my love, you went through all that humiliation just your first day at work. Eh, that lady Rhoda, you obviously need to please her and do not go close to the boss.

I retorted, with surety, I have no reason doing that, he is so up there and he can't even notice me, I am not in his league of women.

Phoebe, I have got dreams, to own my fashion line, raise great designers too from the scratch and build organically.

Max told me to take my work seriously and I will be given the opportunity to work with brain stitches. I was the only one among the new intakes that wasn't fixed there, I guess others got theirs on merit.

You have got it girl, I know you will make me proud , I trust in your abilities.

Thanks Phoebe.

She continued, Do you think Ben is serious now about a relationship with you?

I know you don't wanna talk about that now, but if you love him, I advise you to give it a try.

I gave a mindful laugh,the thing is I'm not ready and I don't love him enough for that, feelings can't be forced right?

Yea you can't force love.

Rick stepped out of the bathroom, the fresh scent of the deodorant brought this beautiful aura and he looked more handsome in the dim bedroom light,with his bare chest,he was strikingly attractive, Rhoda sat on the bed like she waiting for him to eat her up,with her legs crossed.

We really need to work extra hard for the Pars fashion week, we are going to have many of our competitors present, so we sure need to give our best, his voice focused but soft.

Rhoda replied looking uninterested, well that was why we recently hired creative and passionate minds, they can get the job done,can't they? she continued, flirting with a lazy voice she was dressed in her silky seductive nightwear, her long hair resting on her shoulders with her skin properly moisturized.

I know you are not in this business for the money, but Rhoda, you are very good at this, you should pay attention to your creativity, you have got the talents,

Ok, my darling, I promise, I will,she said nonchalantly,her eyes fastened on Rick.

Now Rick got the message, he promised her an amazing night, he moved closer and gave her a quick deep kiss and stopped abruptly making her want for more.

You still do not want to take any man seriously? Your dad might want that for you.

He's probably waiting for the day you will introduce a responsible man to him just like your sister.

Rick, we are on the same page, I don't want to be exclusive with any man , you don't wanna be to, or do you have plans of finding love in a woman? she asked staring at him.

That would never happen.

Not me,he chuckled in unbelief.

Are you sure about that?

Now she moved closer to him, pressing herself on him tightly, her fingers crawled to his neck and ears, becoming irresistible.

I fired shonelle the last logistics receptionist not because you had sex with her but I realized she was getting so fond of you, she said softly with a teasing smile,absorbing the moment.

I don't want to share you, not now, so make sure you're not caught, I know your escapades.

Crazy you, always having your way, tonight you have me to yourself, he said finding her lips again, this time more passionate, his eyes closed and his heart lingered on the moment Charlotte Thomas walked in on them making out.

He remembered the innocence in her beautiful eyes, Rhoda's charms stole his attention again and he caressed her more.

The night was charged as they catched each other's breath. You always got what you wanted.Charl he said and snapped out of the euphoria quickly.

Did he just call Rhoda Charl? His new employee isn't his kind of woman.

That moment Rhoda was lost in wild passion and didn't realize the name he uttered.

Even though there was no pure love between Rick and Rhoda, he still couldn't fathom why his lips mentioned that lady's name. Why would he?