Chapter 25 #2
The days pass, and by the end of the week there’s still no response.
But things between Alexander and me remain calm and professional.
I’ve already helped him several times and started organizing apartments and houses for his employees from the States.
The lists are ready, so I’m in contact with each of them and now know exactly what they’re looking for.
Handling all of this is genuinely fun, and even Alexander has had nothing but praise.
His employees have already spoken positively about me, saying how well cared for they feel—well, that’s nice to hear.
“Ah, that would be wonderful,” says one of the programmers I’m in touch with because of her dog. “And I was already thinking he’d have to be in quarantine for weeks.” She breathes a sigh of relief.
“No, it won’t take long—just a few hours, as long as all the documents are ready.” I’m genuinely happy for her.
“My husband and I have already looked at the options you found for us, and we’re thrilled.
Also, a little scared and nervous, but really thrilled.
It’s going to change a lot and turn our lives upside down, but…
” She hesitates briefly. “Did you know that none of us on the team have ever worked at a big company?”
“What? No.” Actually, I don’t know much about them in terms of work or positions—just what they’ve shared about their family and living situations so I could find and suggest suitable properties.
“Alex gave us all a chance. At first, we didn't even know he was so wealthy. We thought we'd get a small salary at most. If anything. But then he revealed to us that we were earning good money. At first, we thought it was a bad joke.”
“Why didn’t he just be upfront from the start?” I ask, surprised by his behavior.
“He wanted us to join because of his idea, not the money. He has a vision, and we’re making it happen together.
Alex is really an amazing person. And a great boss.
I couldn’t imagine a better one. That’s why my husband and I said yes.
London will be a big adjustment, but we’re on board.
Do you have any idea when we should give notice on our apartment? ”
“It will be a little while. Probably three months at least because everything has to be organized thoroughly first. Alex doesn’t want to rush anything—he wants to make sure everyone is on the right path first.”
She's really raving about him. I'm glad to hear he's made such a good impression.
“Okay, then we’ll just wait a bit longer. You’ll let us know as soon as there’s any news, right?”
“Of course! I’ll keep you all regularly updated. Don’t worry.” I’ve got that covered.
Two weeks have now passed. Two weeks during which Alexander has been my boss. He hasn’t made a single hint, flirted, or given me strange looks. We have a completely normal relationship between a boss and a PA.
Just as I’m about to finish work for the day, a message from Stephanie comes in. I read it, curious:
“Hey, we landed this afternoon. Phew, what a long flight! I’m totally excited to be back in London—I’ve missed the cold, miserable weather a bit, if I’m being honest. And the good food, of course.
” She adds a bunch of laughing emojis. “Would you like to meet up this weekend? I’m sure lots of exciting things have happened in your life?
What do you think about cooking together again? That was really fun.”
Now I’m facing a dilemma.
The question is: why is she doing this? Why is she really doing this?
Pure politeness?
Genuine interest in me as a person?
Or does she want to pump me for information?
I have to remember she’s Alexander’s best friend. Still… the pictures she sent him tell a different story in my opinion. Maybe I’m just overthinking. After all, Alexander did say she was only like a little sister to him.
I sigh. It doesn’t matter now, anyway. Alex is and remains my boss—at least for as long as I’m still working here.
I shut down my computer and pack up my handbag, when suddenly a young man approaches me.
Who is that?
I stand up and address him immediately. “Hi, can I help you?” I ask.
Probably a friend of Alexander’s, since he doesn’t have an appointment that I know of. I just hope it’s not—
“Marc. Hey. You must be London?”
Damn. I take a deep breath and smile playfully at him. Him of all people. Well, it was obvious that I would run into him sooner or later.
“Hi, yes. It’s so nice to finally meet you in person,” I babble, extending my hand while he opens his arms to hug me. So, now I try to hug him, but he offers his hand.
We both laugh and finally embrace warmly.
“So, you’re really not mad at me anymore?” I ask, a little uncertain.
Marc shakes his head as we pull apart. He looks exhausted—surely from the long flight.
“Everything’s fine, really.”
“I’m sure you want to see Alex?”
“Yes.”
“What can I get you to drink? Coffee, Coke, tea?” I step aside so we can walk down the hallway.
“I wasn’t planning to stay long since we’re going out tonight. But… a Coke would be great.”
“I’ll bring it right away.” I knock on Alex’s door, wait, then open it after hearing a “Come in.”
“Your visitor is here.” He hadn’t told me anything about this. Alex should know how uncomfortable this whole situation still makes me—but he probably didn’t think twice about it. “Would you like anything else to drink? Otherwise, I’m about to finish for the day.”
“Nothing for me, thanks. What about you, Marc?”
“Yeah, I’ve already placed my order.”
The two men hug warmly while I leave the office. Better get moving. I go to the kitchen, open a small bottle of Coke, and pour it into a glass with a few ice cubes—that’s how it tastes best. Carrying it on a small tray, I return, knock again, and only enter after another “Come in.”
Alexander and Marc are standing at his desk, laughing and chatting. Alex is holding his beloved USB drive, looking very proud of it.
“This is the key to success. It’s finally finished! I’m about to close my first deal with this! The first offer is already at twenty million dollars!” Alex gloats, barely able to contain his happiness.
Well, that’s good news—even if I have absolutely no idea what exactly he’s created. I’m just glad I don’t have to deal with it.
Alexander’s phone rings. He looks at the screen, grins, and says, “I need to take this.” He holds the drive up to Marc again, which makes them both grin, then sets it down on the desk.
“Here you go, your Coke,” I say, setting the tray on the desk. Marc takes the glass and raises it in a toast to me.
“Thank you so much, I’m quite thirsty,” he tells me quietly, with a polite smile, while Alexander steps away to take the call undisturbed.
“You’re welcome. You can just leave the glass here—the cleaning staff will take it back to the kitchen when they clean later,” I answer just as quietly.
“Perfect, thank you.”
“Have a nice weekend,” I say in farewell, though Alexander pays me no attention at all.
“You too,” Marc replies, then leans against the desk. Alexander is now at the far end of the room, his phone call clearly is important. I’m really glad I don’t have responsibilities like his. I’m more than satisfied with my job and completely fulfilled.
I drive home and treat myself to fast food on the way. I should really go to the gym, since I promised myself I’d turn my life around—but it’s okay every now and then to indulge in burgers and fries.
Sitting on the couch, enjoying the greasy food, I can’t help but miss good sex and intense orgasms. I sigh quietly and install a few dating apps. It’s time to go on some dates. I can’t keep hiding away forever or hoping Alex will come to his senses and something might still happen between us.
Stephanie texts me again: “So, what’s up? If you don’t have time, just let me know :)”
Oh right, there was that too.
“Hey, I’d love to. When does it work for you? I’m home Saturday and Sunday,” I text back. I’m meeting Vanessa then too, but I could cook something with Stephanie beforehand.
"How about tonight?"
What? Now?
I'm still eating my burger and I'm almost full, but if she's so desperate to meet, she probably has something else she wants to discuss.
"I've already eaten, but if you want to come by for tea or snacks, you're always welcome," I write back.
"Perfect. I'll be there in thirty minutes," she answers.
Well, that's quite surprising.
I immediately shove the rest of the burger into my mouth and rush to take a shower. Then, I hurry through the apartment, trying to tidy up a bit.
Only twenty-six minutes later, she rings my doorbell.
Wow, this is definitely not how I imagined spending my evening.
I decided on white leggings with a loose pink top. Comfortable. When I open the door for Stephanie, she immediately throws her arms around me like we’re best friends.
"Oh, how lovely to see you again," she says happily. Well, I can’t be mad at her now. "Look what I brought," she adds, holding up a patisserie box filled with macarons, petits fours, and truffle pralines.
Not bad.
"Well, anyone who brings such delicious things is always welcome in my apartment," I say and let her in.
"Hmm, smells like fast food," she remarks, looking me up and down. "I thought you'd eat more healthily?" I’ll take that as a regular question rather than an attack.
"Usually I do, but today was an exception," I admit. Stephanie, of course, is dressed to the nines as always: white pencil skirt, white high heels, a black blouse, a white jacket, and gold jewelry. She always looks flawless.
She slips off her heels at the door, then follows me into the living room where she sets the delicious treats in their pretty packaging on the table.
"Tea?"
"Yes, please. Do you have strawberry or peach?"
"Yes," I reply, putting the kettle on. "Are all of these vegan?"
"Half of them are, the other half aren't. I admit, the vegan ones taste different, not everyone likes them."
How thoughtful of her!
I sit with Stephanie, who seems unusually keyed up.
"So, tell me. How was your honeymoon?" I ask, pushing aside the images in my head of those photos she sent to Alex. I really don’t want to think about that right now.
"Oh, it was great. But I'm much more interested in how things went with you and Alex."
What?
I’m surprised she cuts her honeymoon story so short. So, she is here to pump me for information. But did Alex send her or is she just curious? I’m not sure.
"Well, we're working together as usual. Marc was there today and..."
"At the office?" she interrupts me. Stephanie looks both shocked and agitated, which makes me suspicious.
"Yeah, they wanted to talk," I say quickly.
Why doesn’t she know about this?
"About what?" She’s acting so conspicuously that I don’t feel comfortable telling her more.
"I was done with work and left them alone. They were in Alexander's office."
"Oh, I see." Stephanie stares off, then quickly grabs the pralines. "Here, try one."
Her hands are trembling.
"Gladly. Thank you." I take one, then ask, "Is everything okay with you?"
The water is done boiling, so I get up and head into the kitchen to pour two cups.
"Yes... yes, um..." She suddenly jumps up. "I just received an important message and unfortunately have to leave already."
"What?" I stare at her in astonishment. Her bag—with her phone still inside—since she's not holding one—is hanging on the coat rack.
"Yes, it’s really important. Sorry. You can keep everything, of course. Enjoy!"
She rushes to the door, slips into her heels, and grabs her handbag. Before I can say anything, she’s already out the door.
"Okay, thanks. Um. Well, if you..."
"See you soon!" And she’s gone.
Okay? What was that about?
I stand in the doorway baffled, peering out into the hallway. Stephanie runs to the elevator—then changes her mind and takes the stairs instead. Someone’s in a real hurry.
"And she just ran off?" Vanessa asks, puzzled, as I sit on her couch and we share the pralines.
"Yeah, as if she was completely shocked that Marc had talked to Alex. I mean, those two are best friends. Of course they talk to each other."
"That is really strange," says Vanessa, taking one of the macarons. "God, these are delicious—even the vegan ones. They're just a bit firmer, but otherwise? Absolutely amazing."
"Yeah, I agree... that it’s strange. And that those are delicious."
What could that mean?
"What if you tell Alex about it?"
"I shouldn't get involved," I answer.
"Probably better that way."
Yes. Indeed.