A beautiful Monday morning, best way to get the second week on the job started was to keep being early.
I walked into the sales department and most of the cubicles were still empty.
Maybe I’m a little too early today. I smiled and moved to my own desk ready for whatever the day has in store.
A few minutes later, Ama and Promise arrived together.
Happenings of the past few days since I’ve been here have confirmed my suspicion, these two are dating but since they’re not saying anything about it, I’m not going to probe them. I no dey work for EFCC abeg!
We chatted about what went down during the weekend before each person departed to their respective positions.
About an hour later, a team leader approached my cubicle. Her name is Haleema. We never say more than good morning to each other so why would she come to my desk?
“SM asked me to come and call you.” She announced and turned round walking away stiffly like she had a rod in her back thanks to her extremely high heeled shoes.
How can someone be so rude? She didn’t even wait to hear if I have anything to say.
I slowly got out of my seat and made the trip to the extreme end of the crowded hall where the SM’s office is located.
My legs trembling as I took every step. Uncertain of what the next minute holds.
Did I do something wrong? I’m I getting fired? But I have not done anything wrong. Could it be the analysis I submitted on Friday?
So many thoughts and questions ran through my mind as I prayed for God to help me out.
I knocked on her office door and I heard her voice from the other side of the door telling me to come in.
My face went pale with horror as my gaze landed on the second person in the room.
It wasn’t just any person, it’s Alex the general manager.
He was sitting on the Sales manager’s swivel chair while she appeared to be searching for something on her bookshelf.
I’ve only been in her office once for departmental regularization or so they call it.
“Good morning ma, Good morning sir.” I greeted nervously.
Alex didn’t respond but the sales manager did and ordered me to take a seat without even looking at me. She was too absorbed with whatever she was looking for.
Alex’s demeanor was unreadable. Every now and then, he’d steal a quick glance at me but I’d catch him everytime since my eyes were constantly fixed on him the whole time. He was acting as if he’d never seen me in his entire life.
Could it be that he’s here to victimize me in some way? But I’ve not done anything to anyone.
I swallowed hard and fidgeted in my seat feeling intimidated as Alex kept swivelling slowly in the chair. It felt like I was going to have a fever.
“Found it at last!” She exclaimed and turned round dramatically grabbing a book to her chest.
“You owe me more than one Lexi.” She joked with a low chuckle handing the book to Alex.
God! This guy is so full of himself. I was doing my best to resist the urge of an endless eyeroll.
“I sure do Vicki.” He said with a smile that would have looked cute if he wasn’t so conceited.
For a second it was as if I wasn’t even in the room until they both turned to look at me with serious expressions on their faces. I was just too nervous that my palms began to sweat. What on Earth are they going to say now?
“You’re Folake right?” It was the SM who spoke and I nodded.
“Yes ma.” I answered slowly shifting uncomfortably in my seat.
“I called you because I have a very important assignment for you. Lexi’s… ah! I mean the general manager’s secretary is going to be away on a maternity leave for the next two months and three weeks so I’ll need you to stand in for her. Can I count on you to do that perfectly?” She concluded and my gaze shifted from her to Alex who had a small smile that he was trying to conceal.
“I’m sorry to ask, but why me ma?” I protested, lightly rubbing my sweaty palms together.
How will I possibly survive being this guy’s secretary for almost three months?
“Don’t question my authority Folake, as your superior, when you’re given an assignment, all you should think about is effective delivery.” The SM said sounding like she was going to fire me next. Alex seemed to be enjoying himself.
“Okay, I’m sorry ma, it’s just that I’ve never been a secretary. My best fit is always in the sales department where I applied.” I said feeling halfway embarrassed and halfway annoyed.
It’s the job anyway, I’ve got to put up with stuff like this.
“It’s either this or nothing Folake.” She said a lot more calmly this time and I kept my head down slightly rolling my eyes. This is injustice!
“Follow me.” Alex finally said getting up from the SM’s swivel chair with much swagger, flashing her a quick smile and making his way out of the office with quick steps.
I almost had to run after him while he kept going without looking back to check if I was even following him. Does he always have to walk with such fast paces?
“This will be your desk, you can go and get your stuff. When you’re done settling, knock on my door.” He stated and walked away without waiting for a response.
Guess I should be glad that he made such a long page of sentences or upset that I’m being forced to pal up with this egotist against my will.
Reluctantly, I returned to my cubicle at the sales department, cleared the little I had and a very confused looking Ama waved me goodbye as she was talking to someone on the telephone. It looked like I was getting fired after just one week.
I made my way back to the secretary’s desk outside Alex’s office and dropped my handbag, my phone and a couple books on the desk before taking slow steps towards the main office door.
Two feeble knocks, and I heard him telling me to come inside.
His office is pretty nice, well furnished, spacious with a small conference area, a big screen on the wall and smells like some fruit. Must be the air freshener on the table. I tried not to inhale the sweet inviting scent, since it would seem weird.
He didn’t even offer me a seat as he just started blabbing about his rules and my roles.
I like how full his beards look complementing his shaved head and how his kissable lips moved as he spoke. But I hated him with a passion because of his pride and arrogance. Now I’m gonna deal with him from eight to five, everyday for nearly three months.
Praying that I don’t snap and just break a bottle or something on his head or give him a slap in the face one of these days.
My first task was nearly unbearable; drafting his schedule for the week. I just can’t stand him. Uh!
I needed tips on how to actually survive working directly for him.
***
“Girl I’m so relieved! I thought for a second that you’ve gotten sacked after just one week in.” Ama exclaimed breathlessly holding her chest like one who’d just run a marathon.
“God forbid bad things!” I said with a chuckle.
We’re currently in the restroom where I’d called Ama to meet me up so I could tell her the situation on ground.
“SM assigned me to Alex. I’m supposed to be his secretary for three months.” I stated with my hands thrown in the air.
“What?” Ama screamed like she’s just come face to face with the devil. Just then, the door opened and two girls walked into the restroom laughing loudly so we just stayed quiet and waited for them to make their exit.
“Tell me it’s a lie.” Ama spoke up as soon as the girls were outside.
“I’m dead serious babes, how can I joke about something like this?” I countered.
“Eiyah!” She said over and over again as she shook her head slowly in pity as I gave her a lowdown on the whole thing.
Ama gave me some useful advices and info on how to actually cope with him for the next three months.
Rule number one, I must act the fool and play off any insults or the likes of whatever he’s gonna heap on me. That’s a good start.
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