Chapter 2

"How do I appear?" I twirled around, struggling to maintain balance in these uncomfortable heels. "Like a penguin," Jackson snorted. "Jeez, thanks! That really helped soothe my nerves." "Mark my words, kiddo, if you don't control that sarcastic tongue, you'll get fired today itself." He produced a similar short formal skirt in gray. "Wear this." He extended his hand. "White and gray is much better than this comic combination." Couldn't he have mentioned that before I wasted all my time dressing up? It was too early for such elaborate outfits. "Penguins are cute," I pouted in protest. "Exactly my point. You would only insult them." With that, he closed the door, leaving me with no choice but to begrudgingly change into the supposedly better outfit. "Ready?" I descended the stairs, only to find him slouched lazily on the couch. "Why should I be ready?" He raised a brow. "Aren't you coming to drop me off at work?" "You wanted me to treat you like an adult. Adults go to their workplace by themselves." He nonchalantly flipped through TV channels. I won't lie; I felt a pang of disappointment. This was quite unlike Jackson. Today was my first day, and I wanted him by my side. I had never taken any significant steps in my life without him. But, as he rightly pointed out, I had to start acting like an adult. "Okay, big bro! See you in the evening." I kissed him on the cheek and headed towards the door, but he stopped me. I turned back to find a visibly troubled Jackson staring at me with an unreadable expression. Now we had two extremely nervous people. Great! "Why are you nervous? It's my first day," I said, fidgeting with my fingers. "I.. I'm...never mind. Just take care alright? There are bad people out there. You're too innocent for this cruel world. Don't let anyone harm you." He held my hands in his. "Okay, mom." I rolled my eyes, trying to lighten the mood. "Anything else?" "Yes. Don't be clumsy. Don't run your mouth. Don't attract unnecessary attention. And don't get fired on the first day." He pinched my nose. "OKAY MOM!" "No, but really, take care okay?" His eyes held a never-seen-before seriousness. "I will." He held up his pinky finger. "Pinky promise?" "Pinky promise." •°•°•°• My heart picked up pace with every scanty step I climbed at Brent Avenue. Not more than ten seconds later, I found myself in the spacious open corridor sandwiched between two skyscrapers disappearing high up in the clear cobalt sky. The grey theme added to the level of seriousness packed in this place. Everyone here looked busy with something or the other. Even more crazy was the fact that everyone looked gorgeous. That was insane! And I hadn't even entered the building yet. Maybe this isn't for me. I should head back home. I didn't have a good feeling about this. Calm your nerves, girl. Felicia never gives up. Standing at the entrance of my building on my right, I looked up at the structure of opportunities, closed my eyes, and inhaled a great amount of oxygen. "Alright half naked man, wish me luck," I mumbled at the weird statue standing at the centre of the corridor. I was just about to enter when an insanely gorgeous man dressed in a dark grey suit walked past me, his strong shoulder and long hasty strides causing me to fall right on my ass in the middle of the place for everyone to see. And laugh. But no one did. Gosh! These people were too busy to even laugh. Not that I was complaining. "Watch where you're going. Silly girl," the man hissed at my fallen form, not bothering to even so much as look at me, let alone apologize or help me up. With that, he disappeared into the huge structure before I could even build up a nice insult for him. What an asshole! I readied myself to get up when a gentle hand stretched out for my help. I then registered the dirty blond strands of overgrown hair draping his soft blue eyes. He carefully picked me up, a boyish smile etched over his freckled face. "Are you okay, miss?" All I could do was nod, overwhelmed by his kindness and the fact that he was wearing a baby blue t-shirt in this sea of formals. Wow! I just found my soul mate! "I'm sorry, that was very rude of him," he said, looking over at that man's direction. "Why are you apologizing? It's not your fault. Thanks a lot for helping me," I said sheepishly. "No problem at all." He passed me a friendly smile and walked over to the exit and I rushed inside, afraid to get late on the first day. Hurrying into the tightly packed elevator, I reached up to the 69th floor where I was informed my office was. I mentally scowled at that. Reaching to my destination, I was greeted by the familiar face of Daniella, the receptionist whom I knew from the interview round. "Good morning, sweety. Welcome to S. Frederick Inc," she greeted me with a contagious smile and I returned the gesture. "Come, let me show you the office that you'll be sharing with your colleague." She led me through an exquisite marble-tiled lobby, our heels clicking on the polished floor. She was briefing me about the directions and break timings when an enraged sound boomed from behind, cussing someone on the other end of the phone. "You damn well know how much I hate delays... No... I made that clear. The deal's off." After that, there was silence. I assumed he hung up before even giving the other person a chance to explain. He sounded super scary. And he was here, which meant... As if reading my thoughts, Daniella answered my question. "I don't mean to scare you but.. uh.. he's your boss." My eyes went wide and my heart went into an erratic frenzy. This was not gonna be easy. Gathering all my strength, I forced myself to turn back and look at my boss. Big mistake! Shouldn't have done that. "He's my boss?" I asked once again, just to be double sure. Daniella laughed at my gaping face. "Why yes he is." "What the actual-