A Novel By: Danielle Clayton
Lynette
I sat at my desk waiting for the phone call I’ve been dreading since I arrived this morning. Last weeks beating really took a lot out of me but I don’t have a choice but to keep going. The heavy makeup plastered on my face is making me hotter than I already am in this over sized coat. I sighed finishing up the interview report I have been working on for months and soon it would be time to turn it in. I don’t even know why I bother doing anything. I shook the thought of quitting in the most dramatic way possible out of my head when the phone rang.
“This is Lynette Turner.” I said into the mouthpiece.
“Lynette get in my office, now.” said the angry voice on the other end of the line. I hung up and stood feeling a little shaky. I walked down the hall to the elevator, pressed the up button and patiently waited while saying a silent prayer. When I entered the elevator and pressed the button for the top floor, I hear someone scream “Hold the elevator!” just as it was closing. I quickly stopped it. “Thanks.” he said breathing heavily. Kevin Oxford, Head of Security and an absolute dream. I don’t like him the way I thought that, but if I did have even a chance at getting away from my husband he would be first in line. He’s one of Rebel’s henchmen too but he’s different. Sweeter, smarter and so much finer. I must be staring cause he trying really hard not to notice. I averted my eyes to the ground as the elevator stopped on my floor. I got off after him and almost ran into Mr. Stallworth’s assistant holding boiling hot coffee staring after Kevin.
“I’m so sorry.” I said reversing my steps to get out the way.
“Mr. Stallworth’s waiting for you.” he said looking me up and down. I hurried to his office and knocked on the door.
“Mr.Stallworth you wanted to see me.” I said slightly opening the door and sticking my head in.
“Come in, sit,” He said pointing to the chair in front of his desk. He looked at me a crossed his hands. “Do you know why I called you in her Mrs. Turner.” he asked me sounding angry, polite and tired all at once.
“I assume…”I started but he held up his hand to stop me.
“It was a rhetorical question.” he swiveled in his chair to turn away from me. I sat there silently feeling like my makeup was pooled under my feet. He took a deep breath then turned his chair around. “After some careful consideration, I have decided to…” I held my breath., “give you a promotion.” he leaned back in his chair like the cool guy in an 80’s movie. I didn’t know what to say, my brain couldn’t register the words that he just said had been directed at me.
“Sir, I don’t understand. I thought for sure I was going…” I slurred
“To fire you? No, no nothing like that. The fact is, I would like to extend my deepest apologies for the way I’ve treated you all this time. You don’t deserve to be treated that way. And I make a solemn promise that I will never allow anyone to disrespect you like that again.” he said all this with his hand on his chest. But my eyes were in his. I heard his words and could see his sweet gesture. The look in his eyes was filled with sincere kindness and it made me uneasy.
“Well. Thank you Sir and I accept your apology, but if you don’t mind my asking what position am I being promoted to?” I asked surprised he let me finish my sentence. He sat up and leaned on his desk.
“Your my new assistant.” he smiled
I sat there completely dumbfounded. Of all the available positions in the building why would he want me to be his assistant? I’m an Engineer, I don’t get coffee. He stood up walking around his desk to sit in the chair opposite mine and continued.
“I want you next to me, and let me tell you why. I know when I yelled at you last week about the schematics I didn’t give you a chance to explain the results you came you with. Honestly, I never looked at your report,” he leaned closer. “But something told me to look at it after a minor incident yesterday with one of the test. The machine well, exploded. So when I read your report and spoke with the other engineers we realized you were right. So we made the recommended adjustments from your report and the progress that has been achieved is outstanding. Now, even though your “job title” is Executive Assistant you are actually going to oversee all reports, test, and changes to our biggest project. I know you can handle it your very intelligent,” he gently placed his hand on my thigh. I looked at him afraid to move or breath. “I know your having a tough time with your husband. I know cause he’s my friend, you know this. I just want to give you a better opportunity to full fill your potential and expand with horizons beyond being some kiss ass’s maid and punching bag. He doesn’t have to know about your promotion. It’s best that you don’t tell him because with this you get a pay raise of 25% and he’s going to want to get in on that. You don’t have to put up with him. You can leave, and I will take care of you.” He rubbed my thigh slowed creeping upwards. I quickly grabbed his hand and removed it from my thigh.
“Thank you sir for this opportunity, Ill have my things moved to my new desk as soon as possible.” I stood up and walked to the door. He cleared his throat loudly as I opened the door, I looked back at him.
“Your desk won’t be out there. You’re staying in here with me. Congratulations.” he smiled, and I left.
To Be Continued…
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