I take a moment to collect myself, not wanting to scare her off on day one. I have no issues playing with her while at work, this ismycompany after all, and if anyone can hide something like this, it’s me. But it’s her first day, she’s dealing with a lot, and I need to take it easy on her. Besides, anticipation always makes the end result better.
“I thought it best you observe for today. See my routine and how I do things. I have a meeting in an hour. You will attend it with me and keep notes. You know how to do that, right?”
“Yes, of course. I completed all the online trainings you sent.”
“Good.” I leave off thegirlat the end that I really wanted to tack on.
Too much, too soon. Take it easy on the young girl, Elliot.
One day, though.One day.
Pulling my attention from her, I bring it back to my computer screen. From my peripheral, I see her watching me, and find I enjoy it. I like that her attention is on me and only me. Now and then, she switches the legs that are crossed or shifts in her seat, but she doesn’t say a word. So well-behaved.
When it’s time to leave for the meeting, I get up. Her eyes follow me as I walk toward the door.
“Are you ready for your first meeting?” I ask.
She gives me a bright smile, those green eyes lighting up. “Yes.”
I pull the door open, sweeping my hand out in front of me. “After you, Miss Sinclair.”
Seraphine gains too much attention in the meeting. Each man who walks in gives her a glance, some linger for far too long. Partially my fault, as I didn’t warn them I would have someone new with me. Once everyone is seated around the table with a mix of questioning looks on their faces, I get to my feet.
“Good morning, gentlemen. This is Seraphine Sinclair. She is my new assistant. Before you ask, no, Michelle was not fired. She is still here, and quite happy with her promotion.”
“Good for her,” Peter says.
“Quite,” I add with a nod. “Miss Sinclair will be taking over the meeting notes, so she will attend all meetings until further notice. At this time, nothing should go through her until she is fully trained. Michelle will continue those duties.”
A glance around the room tells me everyone understands, so I take my seat and look at Jonathan.
“Right,” he starts. “I haven’t gotten much from the city yet, but I have a meeting with them on Thursday. I’ve already prepared my team, and I’m getting them ready to start immediately.”
“Wonderful,” I say, bringing my attention to Jack. “Jack, remind me when we’re signing contracts.”
“Tomorrow, Mr. Caldwell. Our meeting is at ten am.”
“Perfect.”
From the corner of my eye, I see Seraphine typing away on the brand-new laptop I purchased for her, keeping track of everything we’re talking about.
“Jim, will you be attending the meeting with Jonathan?” I question.
“Of course.”
“Well, it seems we have everything for this on track so far, so it’s a quick meeting this morning. We can reconvene next week, after the meetings have taken place and we have more information. But before we part ways, I just want to thank you all for your hard work and dedication to Caldwell Enterprises. You truly do an amazing job and without you, I can’t say my company would be where it is right now.”
I get to my feet once again, pulling envelopes from my jacket pocket and walking around the table to hand them out.
“Just a small token of my appreciation,” I add.
“You didn’t have to do this,” Jim says as he takes his envelope.
“Of course, but if I don’t give you bonuses now and again, another company may snatch you away.”
The guys chuckle, and Seraphine smiles at me from her spot in the corner. I wink at her just as I pass out the last envelope.
“If anyone speaks with Riley, don’t spoil the news. I’ve put his in the mail,” I explain.
