“What? No.” Actually, I don’t know much about them in terms of work or positions—just what they’ve shared about their family and living situations so I could find and suggest suitable properties.
“Alex gave us all a chance. At first, we didn't even know he was so wealthy. We thought we'd get a small salary at most. If anything.But then he revealed to us that we were earning good money. At first, we thought it was a bad joke.”
“Why didn’t he just be upfront from the start?” I ask, surprised by his behavior.
“He wanted us to join because of his idea, not the money. He has a vision, and we’re making it happen together. Alex is really an amazing person. And a great boss. I couldn’t imagine a better one. That’s why my husband and I said yes. London will be a big adjustment, but we’re on board. Do you have any idea when we should give notice on our apartment?”
“It will be a little while. Probably three months at least because everything has to be organized thoroughly first. Alex doesn’t want to rush anything—he wants to make sure everyone is on the right path first.”
She's really raving about him. I'm glad to hear he's made such a good impression.
“Okay, then we’ll just wait a bit longer. You’ll let us know as soon as there’s any news, right?”
“Of course! I’ll keep you all regularly updated. Don’t worry.” I’ve got that covered.
Two weeks have now passed. Two weeks during which Alexander has been my boss. He hasn’t made a single hint, flirted, or given me strange looks. We have a completely normal relationship between a boss and a PA.
Just as I’m about to finish work for the day, a message from Stephanie comes in. I read it, curious:
“Hey, we landed this afternoon. Phew, what a long flight! I’m totally excited to be back in London—I’ve missed the cold, miserable weather a bit, if I’m being honest. And the good food, of course.”She adds a bunch of laughing emojis.“Would you like to meet up this weekend? I’m sure lots of exciting things have happened in your life? What do you think about cooking together again? That was really fun.”
Now I’m facing a dilemma.
The question is: why is she doing this? Why is shereallydoing this?
Pure politeness?
Genuine interest in me as a person?
Or does she want to pump me for information?
I have to remember she’s Alexander’s best friend. Still… the pictures she sent him tell a different story in my opinion. Maybe I’m just overthinking. After all, Alexander did say she was only like a little sister to him.
I sigh. It doesn’t matter now, anyway. Alex is and remains my boss—at least for as long as I’m still working here.
I shut down my computer and pack up my handbag, when suddenly a young man approaches me.
Who is that?
I stand up and address him immediately. “Hi, can I help you?” I ask.
Probably a friend of Alexander’s, since he doesn’t have an appointment that I know of. I just hope it’s not—
“Marc. Hey. You must be London?”
Damn. I take a deep breath and smile playfully at him. Him of all people. Well, it was obvious that I would run into him sooner or later.
“Hi, yes. It’s so nice to finally meet you in person,” I babble, extending my hand while he opens his arms to hug me. So, now I try to hug him, but he offers his hand.
We both laugh and finally embrace warmly.
“So, you’re really not mad at me anymore?” I ask, a little uncertain.
Marc shakes his head as we pull apart. He looks exhausted—surely from the long flight.
“Everything’s fine, really.”
“I’m sure you want to see Alex?”