Chapter 9
I stood before the mirror in my room, fixing my white shirt”s collar. I grinned at my reflection, feeling thrilled it wasn”t ruined by the laundry staff this time. I almost fired them all after this mishap, but Nehemy urged me to stay calm.
As expected, today is my first day on the job. It wasn”t excitement that I felt. Instead, I felt ready for the challenge. I gazed into the mirror, straightening my belt. Over the past three years, thoughts of Cassie had occupied my mind more times than I cared to admit. Her presence had left an indelible mark on my thoughts, and now, here she was in the flesh.
My golden curls fell into place. They framed my jawline and added magnetism to my features. I smiled once again at my reflection. I already knew my appearance was alluring, but it was my presence and the way I held my head that truly set me apart.
I reached for my polished leather shoes and slipped my feet into them. My mind buzzed with a numb sense of anticipation. What were the odds that Cassie would find her way to my company hunting for a job?
However, if I were honest, SoundEase was by far the biggest broadcasting company in California. It was every broadcaster”s dream place to work.
With a final glance in the mirror, I straightened my posture and strode out of my bedroom. I gave a couple of instructions to my house staff. Then, I headed outside. I couldn”t deny there was more to this fascination with Cassie. Another aspect of Cassandra Evans that I wasn”t willing to admit.
I shoved my hands into my pocket and headed towards the black Mercedes that my driver had brought out. “Nothing beats that dance of power and vulnerability.” A small smirk made its way to his lips.
“Good morning, Mr. Woodrow,” my driver greeted me with a slight bow. I nodded at him and slid into the open backseat. Today was going to be a great day. Somewhere on the other side of town, I had woken up much earlier for two reasons. Firstly, I had to start work early. Secondly, I needed to avoid my landlady. Dealing with one more argument would drive me crazy.
My eyes once again felt like lead. Perhaps it was the weight from a restless night struggling to battle my reluctance to take on the job. I sluggishly rolled out of bed. My body ached. Morning sunlight streamed through the partly drawn curtains. It cast a soft glow on my chaotic and worn-out bedroom.
Letting out a yawn, I stretched in an attempt to shake off the remnants of the previous night. I hopped into the shower, quickly rinsed off, and brushed my teeth. I wasn’t even excited enough to primp myself. I grabbed a pair of faded blue jeans. They openly showed their well-worn and frayed edges. I also took a loose-fitting, slightly oversized sweater in a muted shade of gray. I considered hunting for a top with a brighter color but dismissed the thought.
Turning towards the mirror, I lazily brushed my dark locks, opting for a quick ponytail to keep them out of my face. My eyes fell on the reflection of my own brown eyes, and frustration rolled through me.
”Dammit!”
They were still puffy from all the crying I had done yesterday, staring back at me blankly. I hissed and dragged my feet through the cramped apartment to grab my handbag. Before leaving, I took a deep breath and stood in front of the mirror.
This won”t work unless I set boundaries to protect myself. They are needed for the emotional whirlwind. It could come with any interaction with Leo Woodrow,” I whispered. ”Stay professional, Cassie. Keep it strictly business. Ignore everything else.”
I let words echo in my mind as I made my way through the door, repeating the mantra like a protective shield. I trudged through city streets. I quickly blended in with the crowd of busy commuters.
I boarded the crowded subway train. I made my way to my favorite window seat. I gazed absentmindedly at the passing scenery. I hated how my mind drifted. It replayed memories from college and brought back those horrible words.
The world outside seemed to blur as I retreated into my own thoughts, a gloomy cloud hovering over me. I watched in helpless frustration as the train grew more crowded with each stop. The discomfort of the cramped space added to the scowl that had formed on my face.
Relief washed over me as the train finally arrived at my stop. Even from a distance, I could see the towering SoundEase building. Another sigh escaped me as I trudged along the pavement toward the building.
“Beggars aren’t choosers, Cassie. Beggars aren’t choosers” I muttered to myself. Arriving at the office, I met the receptionist. “Hi, I’m Cassandra Evans, I’m joining today…”
”Oh, you”re the Cassie Evans?” The receptionist”s eyes widened. Then, she quickly scanned me. Her expression shifted to one of strange disappointment. Why did she look that way? After what felt like a long, agonizing minute, the receptionist returned her gaze to mine.
”Please take a seat. I’ll call Mr. Woodrow”s personal assistant. He will attend to you,” she said with a smile that felt a little too sweet. I nodded my thanks before moving to one of the plush seats in the reception area.
My heart pounded in my chest as I glanced towards the elevator. A man, shorter in stature, stepped out, holding a file and a large notepad in his right hand. His steps were fast, almost hurried. He wore a blue suit that seemed too big for him, as if it would swallow him up.
His black eyes peered at me over the frames of thick glasses as he approached. With a warm smile on his lips, he extended his hand in greeting. ”Good morning, Miss Evans. ”I”m Jack Livers,” he said. ”I”m Mr. Woodrow”s assistant.” He spoke with a professional yet friendly tone. It was the kind that could easily put you at ease on an anxious day.
”I smiled back, rising just a bit to shake his hand. “Nice to meet you, Mr. Livers,” I replied. “Great. Mr. Woodrow asked me to show your new office and introduce you to your role as a broadcasting assistant.” I smiled back and nodded. The man moved forward before looking over his shoulder to smile at me. “You should be glad, however. Most assistants don’t get such a space. It’s a nice one. The boss is clearly impressed with your resume,” he remarked.
I almost let out a bitter laugh, but I simply nodded. Impressed with my resume my foot! I masked my nervousness and followed Jack. He led me through a maze of corridors. I couldn”t help but gush inside at the sleek and modern design of the building. It reflected the success of SoundEase.
Finally, we arrived at my new workspace. It was a multi-workstation with a few other desks. But, mine was close to a large window. The window overlooked the busy city below. I tried not to smile at that. Had he picked this spot for me? He still remembers how much I loved to look out the window?
Jack turned to me and gestured at the desk. It was adorned with a computer and a stack of paperwork. “This will be your office. You’ll help the broadcasting team. You”ll handle scheduling and coordinate with guests. You”ll ensure the smooth operation of broadcasting.”
I nodded and struggled to keep up as Jack went into the details of my responsibilities. I resisted the urge to ask him to allow me to record his listing with my phone. I took a deep breath the moment he left and allowed the weight of my new position to sink in.
Sliding into my chair, I grabbed the first sheet that was on the top of the stack. It was an orientation booklet specifically prepared for me. My eyes widened upon the realization that Leo Woodrow was the CEO of SoundEase.
“Impossible!” I breathed.
There was no way. Oh goodness! That just made things worse. I was definitely under his control at this point. I flipped the page in irritation, and my eyes widened at my pay. Why on earth would I get paid $7000 per month? How?
Okay. I was definitely not leaving this job, Leo or no Leo. Lisa was right. It was my best chance to get out of debt. It was also a big chance to prove myself and grow in the industry I had always been passionate about. I organized my workspace, arranging my pens and notepads as the other staff walked in. A couple exchanged greetings and got to know my name. Others simply breezed by, but I didn’t pay much attention.
I was looking through the orientation file when I heard hurried steps. They were running towards the office. A man dashed in, his eyes wide in alarm. ”I think Ben”s in trouble, guys. Mr. Woodrow just arrived. I barely missed him!” He exclaimed, heaving.
I raised an eyebrow in surprise. Monica, one of the women who had introduced herself earlier, let out a gasp, her eyes wide with concern. ”Come on, don”t just linger here,” she urged urgently. ”Hurry up and find your seat, or you might end up facing consequences too!”
”The man hurried towards a workstation at the other end of the room. I was still staring when everyone froze. I frowned, then whipped my head towards the door where Leo Woodrow stood in all his glory.”
A huge lump formed in my throat, and I struggled to swallow it down. Leo looked deliciously gorgeous. He wore a gray blazer that hugged his body and accentuated his jawline. I was certain the Greek gods might have been jealous. As he strolled in, his gaze locked onto mine.
I desperately wanted to look away. But, my fingers trembled under the desk. This made it impossible to do so. He flashed me a mischievous wink, and suddenly the spell was broken. A surge of annoyance rose within me. Despite his charming demeanor, he was still the same man who once caused fear and chaos. I quickly reminded myself of my commitment to maintain professionalism.
I forced a polite smile, refusing to acknowledge the gesture, and turned my eyes back to my laptop. He walked towards my desk and tapped his fingers on the wood. Despite the urge to look up, I kept my head down, refusing to be provoked even the slightest bit. I sensed the lines of his lips tugging into a smile before he turned around.
The room got quiet as Leo turned around. I noticed a young man outside the door, wearing a blue shirt and jeans, his tie all messed up. Everyone seemed tense. The man hurriedly bowed, beads of sweat pooling out of his pores. “Good morning Mr. Woodrow,”
“You’re late.”
The room was filled with quiet murmurs as people exchanged hushed conversations. I glanced around and saw the nervous and horrified expressions on my coworkers” faces. It struck me then that Leo wasn”t just a bully from our school days; now, he seemed to be intimidating his own staff.
“I’m…I’m sorry Sir. The traffic…”
”Ben, I don’t pay you to walk in late and stutter foolishly. I pay you to get here at the right time and get the job done. Your excuses mean nothing if you”re still wasting my money on them,” he hissed.
Ben’s shoulders slumped, and he bowed his head. It was almost as though he wanted to shrink away from Leo’s presence. Leo took a step forward, and the man would take a step back. The atmosphere grew heavy with tension.
Every eye around the room was fixed on them, wide with anxiety. “Do better or I’ll fire your sorry ass” Leo leaned in to yell into the man’s ears.
“I will sir. I will”
“Good” He smirked, walking out of the office.
I watched in mild horror as the man walked towards his station. The other staff stared at him. I could feel the awkward confusion. They didn”t know whether to offer a comforting statement, a hug, or just leave him alone to sulk.
My gaze wandered among them, and I quickly noticed a common thread—an underlying fear they all shared. I could see it in their cautious body language and the way they walked on eggshells. They hesitated to voice their opinions, and an unsettling realization hit me. How on earth would I navigate this kind of environment?
I equally ignored the man, especially since today was my first day, and returned my focus to my desk. I was trying to power on my computer when the shrill ring of my landline cut through the air. I jumped, jolted out of my thoughts. Reaching for the receiver, I heard Jack”s voice on the other end. I maintained a professional smile, but when I heard the contents of the message, my heart sank.
”Cassie, it”s Jack. Mr. Woodrow wants to see you in his office immediately. Make your way to the last floor. It”s the only office on the floor so it shouldn”t be difficult to find,” his voice relayed with an air of urgency. ”I”m not sure what it”s about but be prepared.”
My heart started racing, and I almost bumped my head against the table. Why does Leo want to see me all of a sudden? What does he want to talk about? Then I heard Jack hang up without saying anything, and I shut my eyes for a moment.
Cassie”s heart was racing so fast, it made me feel dizzy. I was frustrated, but I knew I had to go. I headed towards the elevator. I was determined not to lose this job. The salary was so hefty. I”d face whatever was waiting for me behind Leo”s office door.
The elevator doors slid open. I steadied my nerves and walked down the hallway. My footsteps echoed in the silence. The hallway was lined with glass windows. At the end, there was an imposing mahogany door. It had Leo”s name in golden letters. I paused for a moment, taking one last deep breath before facing whatever awaited me beyond that door.
I knocked and entered, finding Jack typing furiously at his keyboard. He glanced up at me. ”Mr. Woodrow is expecting you. Just push the door open and go in. I”ll let him know you”re here,” he said, then turned to press a red button on the table.
”Thank you,” I muttered and moved to the door. Pushing it open, I stepped into the room. It was big and filled with modern furniture. A large mahogany desk dominated it. The desk served as Leo”s command center. He lifted his head from his laptop screen, and his blue eyes locked onto mine.
I felt a rush down my spine, and another lump formed in my throat. Every time I looked at him, I felt it: a sudden rush inside me that caused my butterflies to rise. His face remained unreadable. With a hand wave, he gestured to the plush seat across from his desk. The gesture indicated that I should take my seat.
I muttered my thanks and cautiously settled into the chair. My eyes met his once again, but he turned away. I looked at his face, searching for any clue about why I was called to this meeting. However, he remained silent, engrossed in whatever he was reading on his laptop.
Frustration rose within me. It was a deliberate tactic, I knew that much. He wanted to heighten my anxiety and drive me insane.
”Leo, what made you reach out to me today?”
Leo raised his head and leaned forward with a small smile on his lips. He placed his hands beneath his chin, his eyes showing a keen interest in the discomfort he saw on my face. He enjoyed watching me squirm. Something in him stirred at the chance that I was still the woman he had known 30 years ago.
He shook his head and smiled at me again. “Nothing. I just wanted to stare at the curve of your cheeks and the crook of your neck”I swallowed and looked away. His words brought an insane rush to my body. Frustration and confusion gnawed at me. When I lifted my head again, he had returned his eyes to his laptop. I felt the weight fall on my shoulders.
I did it because I was in a tight spot financially and needed the money urgently. When I reached into my jeans pocket and took out my phone, I felt a surge of desperation. Without hesitation, I quickly typed a message to Lisa, hoping she could come to my aid.
I don’t know if it’s worth itanymore Lisa. I’m losing my mind
I could imagine Lisa letting out a breath the way she does when I get this way. Her response came quick.
”Calm down Cass. What’s going on?”
I had barely closed my door and plunged my key in. When my phone beeped again.
“He brought me to his office Lisa! For no reason! I’m just here staring at him doing other things. He wants me to lose my mind!”
Lisa let out a long breath. I cursed the man internally. Wasn’t it enough that he had hurt my friend all these years ago? Now he wanted to drive me mad as well?
“Calm down Cass. I’m coming”
I dropped the phone and headed to a small eatery to pick up some cookies and a coffee. I was going to visit SoundEase and at least help my friend feel much better. Knowing me, I was already unraveling at the seams and desperately needed all the support I could get. I drove to the company with a mixture of worry. Pulling into the company building, I parked outside and grabbed the bags.
When I walked into the building, I pulled out my phone and texted again.
“Where are you Cass?”
“Still in his office”The disappointing text came back.
Lisa sighed and closed her eyes. How could I get her out of here? I figured I”d wait until the meeting was over and then just take her home. I plopped down in a chair in the waiting area and nervously bit my lip.
Nehemy exited the elevator. He was heading towards the exit when he saw the woman in the reception area. His brows furrowed in intrigue. Her curly black hair cascaded down her back, and her brown eyes were laced with a strange confusion. Her face was oddly familiar, and for no reason he could clearly state, his curiosity was piqued.
He walked towards me with a bright, warm smile spreading across his face, his eyes crinkling at the corners. I kept my gaze fixed ahead, not acknowledging his approach. But, as he drew closer, his expression suddenly shifted, and he paused, his eyes locking onto mine. I sensed a flicker of recognition, like a spark had ignited in his mind.
He remembered the bond we shared through Leo. Leo was a friend from our college days. This memory had been dormant for years. His smile faltered for a moment. It was replaced by a look of curiosity. It was as if he was trying to reconcile the past with the present.
“Lisa? Lisa McClain?” He asked, raising an eyebrow.
I turned cocking an eyebrow. “Nehemiah! Oh my God!” I squealed in realization, rising to throw my arms around him. He smiled at me and gave in to the hug. I looked very different from the shy and quiet woman he remembered. I wore a nice pair of blue joggers and a blue crop top that flattered my slim figure.
He looked at me, his green eyes showing approval, and said, ”Hey Lisa, what brings you here?”
I mustered a small smile in return. “I came in to see Cassie, but Leo got her stuck in his office for no reason!” I groaned, frustration obvious on my face. Realization flooded his face, and he nodded in understanding. “Ahhh. I just think those two have a rift that needs settling.”
Lisa’s eyes flashed. “No, they don’t! He took a bet on me and broke my heart. He’s just trying to create even more issues beyond what he has already done.” Nehemy bit his lower lip. “I don’t know, Lisa. He looked pretty in love with her back then,” he said with a shrug, shoving his hands into his pants.
Lisa rolled her eyes in frustration hoping the twin didn’t really believe that. “Yeah right!” He”s convinced there”s something worth exploring and is eager to dig deeper.
”Nehemiah, I appreciate your kindness. But, I’d rather not listen to ridiculous stories. He is somebody who clearly broke my friend’s heart and wants to make my life miserable,” I said. I pursed my lips and cocked my head to the side, with my hand raised.
Nehemiah nodded. He tried to shift the conversation from the discord between me and his best friend. He appeared more interested in Lisa and might have wanted to unravel something. ”How are you doing? I hope everything is going well for you.”
My eyes lit up and I rushed towards the elevator, ignoring him.
Nehemiah watched helplessly as I turned towards my friend holding my hand. The two engaged in lovely girl talk and when Lisa guided my friend to a seat, he knew he had been forgotten. He let out a breath and headed out the office. Perhaps till another time.