AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Riley
Hi Dad. Is it something you could go a little longer without? I was just about to Venmo some money to Mom, but it was for her chemo.
Dad
I know, but it’s so hot here, and it’s hard on your mom when we’re driving to her appointments. If you could send a little extra, that would be great. You don’t want Mom to be uncomfortable, do you?
Riley
Of course not. I’ll send what I have right now.
Dad
Perfect! I have to run, Ry.
I stared at my dad’s message. Great, there went everything I’d made. No delicious pasta or new glasses for me.
Shame rocketed through me at my selfish thoughts, and I quickly sent the money to my mother. The time on my phone caught my eye, and I grimaced. I’d spent the last five minutes doing personal stuff during work time, and my strict work ethic gnawed at my conscience.
I tucked my phone into my purse and turned toward my monitor. Thank God my new boss hadn’t arrived yet. I wouldn’t make a very good impression if he…
My inner monologue died out with a whimper when I saw the man standing only a few feet from my desk. He was about my height, with short red hair, brown eyes, and the pale skin of a natural redhead. His charcoal-coloured suit fit him perfectly, his Gucci loafers had a mirror shine, and he stared at me with undisguised contempt. Oh fuck. How long had he been standing there?
I jumped to my feet, wiping my suddenly sweaty palms on my skirt before holding out my hand. “You must be Mr. Rainer. I’m Riley Gates.”
He stared silently at me, and after a few seconds, I awkwardly dropped my hand and said, “I’m your assistant.”
“I’m aware.” His voice was curt. “What’s surprising to me is that I’ve stood here for,” he glanced at the Rolex on his wrist, “four minutes and twenty-two seconds while you texted on your phone. Do employees here regularly communicate via text messages, or was this a personal call?”
“Personal, but I promise this isn’t something I do regularly. My mother is -”
He held up his hand. “Stop. Let’s make something clear, Ms. Gates. I am not a friend or acquaintance. I am your boss, and your personal life does not interest or concern me. Keep your interactions with me limited to work discussions only. Do you understand?”
“Yes,” I said as embarrassment rolled across me like a hot wave of sand.
He studied me silently as I fidgeted and tried to ignore the scorn radiating from him. After an eternity, he said, “You will work an extra four minutes and twenty-two seconds of your lunch to make up the time you wasted this morning. Is that clear?”
“Yes, sir,” I said.
“Good.” He strode into his office and closed the door.
I sank into my seat, tears pricking at my eyes, my guts churning, and my legs rubbery as noodles. Could that have gone any worse?
* * *
I knocked briskly on Mr. Rainer’s door, opening it as his curt “Come in.” Richard, the company’s controller, sat across from Mr. Rainer’s desk, and he gave me a friendly smile as I hovered near the doorway.
“What is it?” Mr. Rainer asked without looking up from his laptop.
“Your meeting with Mr. Wright starts in fifteen minutes,” I said.
A scowl crossed his face. “I know. You interrupted my meeting with Richard for that?”
“You asked for a reminder, so I -”
“You have an email, do you not, Ms. Gates?”
“Yes,” I said.
