CRESSIDA
On Monday morning,when I walk into the office, Soren’s assistant informs me that he’s in a meeting. She then shows me where my office is, which is conveniently located right near his. Pushing open the door, I spot a large box sitting on the desk.
“You have a meeting scheduled in an hour to get to know your staff. I’ll come back and remind you.” She leaves without another word, and I move over to the glass-topped desk with a black office chair behind it. I survey the box. It’s closed, but the lid has my name written on it. I know I didn’t order anything, so maybe this is something to do with work.
After pulling the lid off, I remove the packing material to find a vase. It’s just like the one I threw at Soren. But this one is a little larger and costs thousands more.
He bought me a new vase to replace the one I broke.
I’m not even sure how to feel about that.
Last night, while Oliver was eating spaghetti, I was searching online for another vase like the one I had. The only one I found was this one. However, it was too expensive, so I kept on looking. I could have bought a knockoff, and I considered it. Now I guess I don’t have to worry about it. Smiling, I reach my hand in and lightly run my fingers over it.
“Now, if I could just get you to smile and touch me like that.” I look up to find Soren leaning against the doorframe, watching me intently.
“You got me a new vase.”
“I did. Do you approve?”
“I do. It’s beautiful. Thank you,” I tell him, and pull my hand back out.
Soren pushes off from the doorframe and comes to stand beside me. He lifts the box from my desk and places it on the floor. “I know something that’s even more beautiful,” he says, and I don’t ask him what. “Are you ready to meet your staff?”
“What have you told them about me?” I ask, opening my bag and pulling out my notepad and pen.
“They already know about you.”
“How?”
“You may not be aware of this, but your name is actually quite well known in media land.” He winks. “They are thrilled to be working with you, and know that you haven’t been in this type of role for a while, but that you have experience with the job.”
“Okay.” I step from behind the desk, and his gaze scrolls over me. I can tell immediately he approves of what I’m wearing.
“You sure did a lot to stop a story,” I comment.
“Hmm… Let’s go.”
For the rest of the day, Soren ushers me around and introduces me to everyone. At first, I’m greeted with a warm welcome, but I soon come to realize it’s Soren who excites them. He must not personally show new employees around very often.
By the time we get back to my office, it’s almost eleven. “Join me for lunch later?”
“No, that would look weird.”
“You’re a new employee. How would it look weird?”
“So, you have lunch with all your new employees?” I question.
“Never.”
“Then, no.” I wave him off. “Now, please leave so I can start the day.”
He grins as he shuts the door.
I’ve been working in my office for a couple of hours when there’s a knock on the door. I tell whoever it is to come in, and Layla pushes open the door with a bag in her hand. I can immediately smell the food, and it has my mouth watering.
“You shouldn’t have. Thank you, Layla.”
“It’s from Mr. Nixon.” She smiles as she places it on my desk.
