Page 2 of The Boss

“He took risks when others played it safe,” she continued, the esteem plain in her voice, “and somehow, they always paid off. That’s why Nova Systems is where it is today. He has high standards and can seem a bit intimidating, but he’s fair. You’ll see.”

We reached a desk near the corner windows, where Alicia set her clipboard down. “This is you. Great view, huh?”

It was. The window overlooked the city skyline, the late morning sun glinting off distant rooftops. For a moment, I letmyself imagine what it would feel like to belong here, to climb the ranks and make my mark.

“Here are your onboarding materials,” Alicia said, handing me a stack of papers. “This packet covers everything from company policies to emergency procedures. Your computer is all set up, so you can log in and get yourself familiar with your tasks. Feel free to look around, chat, and get to know your coworkers. The cafeteria is on the first floor when you feel like taking a lunch break. I’ll come by and see how you’re settling in later, but right now I got to take care of something with our marketing department.” She gave me a reassuring smile. “You are now officially part of the Nova family. Are you ready for the big leagues?”

I laughed nervously. “I hope so.”

* * *

The first few hours flew by in a blur of introductions, logins, and learning the quirks of Nova’s systems. A couple of coworkers stopped by my desk to say hello, confirming Alicia’s words about the team being a mix of seasoned professionals and younger hires like me. One of them, a cute-looking guy named Darren, leaned over my desk with a grin.

“Newbie, huh?” he said. “They’ve got you on Alicia’s onboarding speed-run?”

“Something like that,” I replied, chuckling.

“She’s great, but watch out. She’ll have you signing up for committees before you know it.” Darren smiled and gave me a wink.

“Noted,” I said, grateful for the easy companionship.

By mid-afternoon, I was settling into a rhythm. The work was straightforward but engaging, and I could already tell this was a place where I’d learn a lot—if only I could keep up. I washalfway through reviewing some code when Alicia reappeared at my desk, trusty clipboard in hand.

“How’s it going?” she asked, her tone brusque but kind.

“Good, I think. Nobody’s yelled at me yet, so that’s a win,” I said with a smile.

She smiled in return. “That’s the spirit. Listen, I was supposed to run this report up to Mr. Steele, but I’ve got a situation in accounting that needs my attention. Think you’re up for it?”

I hesitated, the earlier nerves creeping back. But this was my chance to prove myself. “Absolutely,” I said, standing up and taking the file she handed me.

“Perfect. You’re about to meet the man himself. Come on, I’ll walk you to the elevators.” Setting a brisk pace, she talked while I strode beside her, trying to keep up. “I wouldn’t normally ask you to do this, but Melissa, his PA, had to leave early for an appointment with her obstetrician. She’s eight months pregnant, and she’s wrapping up her last week in the office before maternity leave. We’re already a little lost without her, but Mr. Steele has a firm health-first policy. His office is on the top floor, end of the hall. Big mahogany double doors. Since Mel isn’t there to announce you, just knock and go in. Don’t worry—he doesn’t bite. Usually,” she added with a grin.

My stomach flipped as we reached the elevators. “Any advice?” I asked, trying to sound casual.

“Just be yourself,” she said, pressing the buttons. “And maybe don’t spill coffee on him. It’s happened before.”

“Got it.”

As she stepped into an elevator going down, I took the one going up. The ride to the executive floor felt endless, the soft hum of Muzak doing nothing to calm my nerves. When the doors slid open, I entered a quieter, more refined atmosphere. Plush carpeting replaced the commercial covering below, and the wallswere adorned with tasteful art. I took a deep breath, steadying myself. It was just a report. Just a quick delivery. How bad could it be?

2. Zac

I liked order. Not the sterile, obsessive kind of order that turned people into punchlines, but the kind that made the chaos of running a company tolerable. On a good day, the rhythm of meetings, emails, business calls, and deadlines felt like a symphony I conducted from my office on the top floor of the Nova Systems building. On a bad day, it was more like herding cats with MBA degrees. As for today… the jury was still out.

I sat behind my desk, the city skyline stretching beyond the glass wall to my left. A single folder lay open in front of me, its contents meticulously highlighted and annotated. Numbers. Projections. The lifeblood of a business I’d spent over a decade building from the ground up.

When the phone buzzed, I almost reached for the big one on the desk. But it was my cell phone, which meant only one person: Chantelle. Her picture lit up the screen as I glanced at it before answering—lustrous dark hair and smiling red lips on a face that could easily grace aVoguecover or a silver screen. Still in her early thirties, she was ten years my junior, and a successful corporate lawyer to boot. I really hit the jackpot when I started dating her. Which is why last month I finally proposed. Yes, the sworn bachelor was finally ready to tie the knot.

Hitting the speakerphone button, I leaned back in my big leather chair. “Shouldn’t you be dazzling a courtroom somewhere, Counselor?” I drawled.

“I dazzled them this morning,” came Chantelle’s reply, smooth and confident. Her voice had the same sharp precision as her legal arguments, cutting through any noise. “Now I’m in the office, prepping for tomorrow. Thought I’d check in on my favorite CEO.”

“Flattery this early in the day? You must want something,” I teased, a corner of my mouth lifting.

“You caught me. I need you to pick up a bottle of that Bordeaux I like for dinner tonight,” she said, her tone playful. “I’ve got a late meeting, so you’re on wine duty.”

“Anything else, Your Honor?”

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