Page 23 of Devil in the Details
Olive
Iwas terrified, not just scared I’d screw up my first day, but afraid I wouldn’t be able to keep my emotions in check where Pope was concerned.
I got off the elevator and smiled at Grace, who sat behind the desk in the front lobby. I’d picked up two cups of coffee, one for me and the other for Pope.
Maybe it was overkill. I was sure he had coffee at the office, but I figured it was a nice gesture, would maybe even help in breaking the ice this first day on the job.
I kept my focus down as I headed toward my desk, which was located across from Pope’s office. It was early, and I knew he probably wasn’t in yet, but I wanted to be prepared and give myself time to get composed.
I looked up and spotted my desk, an older woman already sitting behind it. I slowed, confused at first. Was I in the wrong area? I looked at the double doors across from my desk and saw Pope’s name sprawled across it. My brows were knitted when I faced the older woman once more.
She was focused on the newspaper spread out on the desk, her salt-and-pepper hair tied up in a severe bun, and the wire-rimmed glasses perched dangerously close to the end of her nose. She slowly glanced up at me and gave me this pinched-lip expression, as if I were late even though I was here half an hour before Pope.
“Hi,” I finally said, because this staring match between us was getting weird.
“Miss Morris, I presume?” Her voice was as stiff as her bun.
I nodded. “You presume correctly.” I held up the two cups of coffee. “If I’d known I was working with someone else, I would have brought a third cup.”
She didn’t respond to that. “I’m Mrs. Hartley, and I’ll be training you for the next week to make sure you’re fully versed in how this office runs and how Shelby likes his daily schedule to be prepared.” She pushed her glasses up the bridge of her nose, her expression tight despite the wrinkles around her mouth and eyes.
“Of course,” I responded.
“Mr. Shelby likes his day to run smoothly.”
“I understand.” I cleared my throat. “I assume you were—are—his former secretary?”
She nodded tersely. “You assume correctly.”
This woman was stressing me out more than Felix Brookwood did, and that was saying a hell of a lot.
I set the cups of coffee down and smoothed my hands down my skirt.
“By the end of the week, you’ll be versed on how everything runs, and I’ll be confident in leaving my position knowing someone is capable and intelligent enough to follow the routine that’s been in place for years.”
I licked my lips and nodded, feeling like a petulant child being scolded.
“Now, I have some copies to make, but I’d like you to sit down and get comfortable with the layout and surroundings of the desk. I’ve brought up the directory on the computer, which I’d suggest you skim through to familiarize yourself with your coworkers and their positions.”
“Talk about pressure,” I teased, but she wasn’t amused.
“Everything runs like a well-oiled ship here, Miss Morris. Everyone works together to make sure things are accomplished.” She had a stack of papers in her arms and gave me another sharp nod.
And I stood there wondering what exactly I had gotten myself into.
I exhaled slowly and looked at the desk. “Okay, let’s get this done,” I muttered to myself as I walked around the desk and sat down, the seat warm from when she’d been sitting there. The computer screen showcased the company directory right down to the little thumbnail images of the workers. Although this was a multimillion-dollar corporation, I was surprised to see there weren’t very many employees.
I was already so damn overwhelmed, but I told myself everything would be okay. I’d been so lucky to get this position, and no matter what was thrown my way, I knew I could handle it.
I sat there for a few minutes, looking at the names on the directory and seeing what their positions were within the company. But it was the sound of people greeting Pope that had my body tightening and had me straightening in my seat.
He had his focus down and on his phone, a briefcase in his other hand, and his jacket slung over his arm. I couldn’t not stare at him, couldn’t help but let my emotions rise up and take over.
No. Be professional.
He glanced up and went to look away, but as our eyes locked, he did a double take, stopped, and I saw this slow smile move across his lips.
God, that smile could’ve had my panties dropping to the floor if I hadn’t been sitting already.
