I hurriedly searched through the clothes scattered on my bedroom floor, feeling frustrated by my own carelessness. I had overslept because the alarm I had set didn't go off. Today was my first day at work, and I couldn't afford to be late. I had worked so hard to secure this job, and I couldn't let it slip away.
"Chloe!" I called out, growing more anxious by the second. Where is she? I rushed out to the landing and leaped over the banister. "Chloe!"
Chloe appeared at the bottom of the stairs, a wooden spoon in her hand, the sound of it tapping against a ceramic bowl filling the air. She looked tired, a familiar expression on her face. It was a look I had grown accustomed to lately.
"What?! Why are you shouting my name like I've been abducted by aliens?" she exclaimed, clearly annoyed.
"Have you seen the documents? The ones I mentioned last night that I needed for today!" I let out a heavy sigh.
"They're on the coffee table where you left them last night," she replied, rolling her eyes. With that, she returned to the kitchen, continuing to spoon the cookie mixture into various tins.
Feeling flustered, I darted across the landing and found my files buried under a stack of books. "Hiding again," I muttered to myself. Grabbing my phone and heels, I made my way downstairs, where Chloe was now complaining about the mess in my room.
"You need to tidy that room, Raine. It's a mess," she grumbled.
"Oh, my organizational skills are terrible, especially considering I'll be working as the CEO's executive secretary, responsible for coordination and organization all day, dipping my finger into Chloe's cookie mixture. "I can't be brilliant at everything." I admitted with a chuckle
Chloe playfully swatted my hand away with her spoon. "Get out of there! And why do you need those files so urgently?" she asked, leaning down to smooth the mixture over, her tongue resting on her bottom lip in concentration.
"I was told to bring them today, but honestly, I have no idea why. But who cares as long as I secure this job," I replied nonchalantly.
"You need to give this job everything you've got. Andrew trusted you enough to give you this position, and you need to prove him right by giving it your best," Chloe advised as she adjusted the cookies in the oven.
"Of course, I will," I assured her with a smile.
Chloe had been a constant presence in my life, supporting me through various changes and challenges. She was like a steadfast rock, always there when I needed her.
"We always behaved like a couple of university students.
"I heard the CEO of Glimmer Corporations is incredibly attractive too."
I hope things work out for you.
"You never know what's going to happen," she said, giving me that familiar smile.
Nothing is going to happen, Chloe. It's not my top priority right now, and besides, I've had enough of men. You know what happened in my previous relationship. "So don't even think about it," I told her firmly.
I'm just looking out for you. You know I want what's best for you, she said sincerely.
Okay! Whatever I said, checking my watch and pushing a stray curl away from my brown eyes. When it refused to move, I used my pinky finger to pull it back and tuck it behind my ear. I gathered my too-long blonde hair into a loose braid, but it was already falling apart.
I applied lip gloss and pressed my lips together as I put on my heels.
I kissed her on the cheek. Don't miss me, it's going to be tough, I know it. Love you!
Ditto, see you later, Chloe laughed without looking up from her work in the kitchen.
I stepped outside, feeling the cool breeze on my face, and locked the door behind me.
I lived only a short walk away from the train station, which was convenient for my daily commute. I strolled down the tree-lined streets, taking in the sights and sounds of the awakening city in New York. The gentle hum of cars and the chatter of pedestrians filled the air.
As I approached the station, I joined the throng of people waiting for their trains. The station buzzed with activity—businesspeople in suits, students clutching backpacks, and
parents bidding farewell to their children. I checked the electronic board to confirm my train's arrival platform.
When the train arrived, I boarded and found an empty seat near the window. I settled in, observing the passing scenery as the train smoothly glided along the tracks.
As I embarked on the long commute to work, my mind went back to the previous week when I had interviewed for the job.
The interview with the head of the family had scared me, but I discovered that he was actually a very decent person. He was kind, and if I had met him at a café instead of his extravagant mansion, I wouldn't have guessed that he was wealthier than royalty.
When I arrived at his place, I had anticipated a serious and formal interview. I was pleasantly surprised by reality. He welcomed me into his home and seemed to care more about me as an individual than about what was on my resume. That was a good thing, considering I had recently graduated from college and my previous jobs had been far from corporate.