Page 10 of Forever After All

Chapter 6

Alice

Iam so out of my depth in this job.

Why did I think it was a good idea to take a job in sports marketing when I don't like sports?

Ah, yes. It's because I'm a fucking idiot. I've tried to learn what I can in the past year but I still struggle, and my god, there is so much to learn.

"Holy fuck…do you know who that is?" Brenna, one of the other secretaries, leans in and whispers, nudging me in the ribs as she does.

I adjust my specs, narrow my eyes and scrunch my nose as I try to make out the back of the man walking towards to the first-floor meeting rooms. All I can tell is that he’s tall, looks good in a suit, and has shoulder-length curly black hair.

I shrug. "Not a fucking clue, Brenna. In case you didn't already know, I have no idea who any of these people are because I’m a twat who thought applying for a job she knew nothingabout would be a good idea." I sigh and slump back in my chair, contemplating my resignation letter. It would be a real shame because this is the first job I've had in a very long time that I really like. I have been here for a year now. I thought this would get easier, but it hasn't. Every time I think I know stuff, something comes up that I’ve never even heard of, or maybe that’s just the imposter syndrome rearing its ugly head.

"Well,THATis Macaulay De Luca. Goaltender for the Springfield Seals." Brenna beams at me like I should know who she is talking about. "He's the guy that all of you hot, single girls lust after. Alice, don't worry. You're an amazing secretary. Everyone loves you. Half of the reason why you're doing so well is because you're not trying to fuck the football and hockey players."

I remind myself why I like this job. Brenna is a scream. We've become firm friends. The athletes, despite popular rumours, have all been lovely. My boss, Anna, is great. It's so good to work with a female lead team in a male-dominated environment. My job title is secretary, but we get involved in anything administration related—reception, hotel bookings, taking minutes at meetings. We also get to attend functions, rub shoulders with sports people, and organise charity events. Rubbing shoulders with sports people is a huge draw for some of my colleagues, but because I have no idea who most of themare, I have no desire to embarrass myself trying to fit in.

As much as I like Brenna, I have yet to tell her I'm friends withtheCarter Green. I want to keep that part of my life away from this part of my life. Not that I think it would be weird for her to know, but I do know he is quite a big deal around here, and I don’t want people to think he’s the reason I got this job to begin with—because he isn’t. Brenna is a huge hockey fan and will undoubtedly know who he is.

Like he can read my mind, my phone pings with a message from him.

Carter: Hey, Alice. How is work today? I'm in the area. Do you want to meet me for lunch?

My tummy rumbles at the thought of food and I rub it through the fabric of my skirt. I skipped breakfast today as I woke up late, so food seems even more welcome than normal.

Me: Sounds good. My lunch break is at 12:00. Does that work?

Carter: Perfect.

Before I have chance to respond, the Friday morning phone rush starts.

"Good morning, Calder Marketing, Brenna speaking. How can I help you today?" Brenna's dulcet tones fill my ears. "Ofcourse, I'll connect you. Hold please." Her professionalism knows no bounds.

The phone next to me rings.

"Good morning, Calder marketing, Alice speaking. How can I help you?"

"Good morning, Alice. It's Anna. I'm running late today. Can you cancel my first two meetings?" My boss sounds stressed on the other end of the phone.

"Sure thing, Anna. Are you okay?" I ask, slightly concerned as my usually cool, calm, and collected boss sounds quite fraught.

"I'm fine. Really. My fucking car broke down, so I'm going to be later than planned."

"Do you want me to send a car? I forgot to say, Macaulay De Luca is already here."

"Of course he is. The one time he shows up early, and I'm going to be late! Can you delay him for me? If you can send a car, that would be great." Anna sounds a little annoyed at the guy showing up to his meeting on time.

"Absolutely. A car is on the way, it'll be ten minutes. We'll keep Macaulay busy." I say as I tap on the keyboard, sending a message to one of the company chauffeurs.

"You're a lifesaver. I owe you." Anna disconnects, and Brenna shuffles in her seat, practically vibrating.

"So…how much do you love me?" I shoot her a grin.

"Please tell me that when you said ‘we'll keep Macaulay busy’ you really meant ‘I will send Brenna to keep Macaulay busy’ because if youdidmean that, then you've just shot to the top of my best friend list. Seriously, Jake will be SO jealous if I get to meettheMac De Luca."

"Brenna, I've never met someone who wanted to make their own husband jealous of their job before, but have at it!" I laugh in response and wave my hand at her, trying to usher her towards the doors.

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