CHAPTER 4 MY BOSS

It wasn't really hard for Melissa ti blend with the new company she now works for. They are people who love minding their business. Only few people acknowledged her and those were the ones introduced to her. Drew hasn't come to work for some days now, so Melissa has quite a breathing space. She had time to go to the department heads to put her through some stuffs and guidance. She do enjoy her new job even though it seems stressful and require lot of Brian work and that makes her love it the more. She loves her office wears, especially her heels and how they make her feel when she walks. There is no day she isn't learning something new. It seems to her like she's on another planet entirely.

She heard from the other staff (when she asked after Drew) that he do pop in and out anytime he wishes. He doesn't inform anyone about his schedules except for his personal assistant who do prepare the schedules. Melissa finds it amusing while others finds it annoying and proud. She knew he did that so as to control discipline in the operation of the company.

The door to Melissa's office opened and she looked up quickly knowing her secretary would have informed her if anyone was to come in. Then Drew appeared and that made her smile because no one will do that except him. She quickly stood and bowed.

Drew ignored her greeted and gave her a plain look, so it made her smile.

"What's so funny" he asked in his usual manners.

"Well sir you are so unique in your bad manners and I'm really good with it" she replied broadening her smile.

Drew shove his hands in his pockets, looking sternly at her but her smile didn't quiver.

"I've you been getting yourself acquainted with the necessaries?" He asked bossily.

"Yes sir".

"I don't have much time with you, so get your things and meet me in my office now" he ordered.

"Sir, I have a business tutorial in twenty minutes" she said.

"I know and I've postponed it till I'm done" he said blankly and moved out.

Melissa quickly gathered the necessaries and followed him. She made sure she was some pace behind him. As they were going he was talking business with his assistant.

"No wonder he is so mean. He doesn't have enough time to rest" she thought.

When they got to the office, Melissa quickly took her seat.

"Don't you know it is unethical to sit before been offered a seat?" His husky voice was firm.

Melissa quickly bounced up expecting him to offer her the seat but he didn't. He beckoned on her to stand by his side while he sits on his chair.

"I'm going to show you some vital information that you need to know about your work and also the organization" he said moving closer to his computer system.

Melissa knew he intentionally want to make her stand while he talks because he could easily project it for clearer view while she sits on the couch. Poor Melissa got no choice than to comply with her mean boss.

Drew's way of explaining things was quite different from everyone's. He definitely knows what he is doing. Melissa couldn't understand how a man could have two huge profession and still manage them so well. She gave that to him. He is indeed a guru.

In his few words, she could understand everything he was saying very well but she was tired of standing. She is on a six inch heels and her legs are killing her already. She stamped her foot on the floor and Drew looked at her.

He gave her a stern look and went back to what he was doing. Melissa stamped her foot again but this time harder.

"What the heck is wrong with you?" He asked.

"Standing" she groaned.

"What did you say?" He frowned.

"I'm on heels and I've been standing for over thirty minutes. My legs are killing me" she complained.

Drew raised an heartless brow. "Miss how does that affects me?" He asked crudely.

"I never said it affects you but it does affect ma and if you don't let me have a seat, I might fall off any moment from now".

She replied between gritted teeth so as not to retort knowing fully well that his answer won't be favourable to her.

"Fall off lady. Do I look like I care? So far you are listening to me, I'm good" he said haughtily not even looking at her.

"That's exactly where you got it all wrong sir. How do you expect me to concentrate when I'm busy minding not to fall and injure myself. If you like you can continue" she said showing her discomfort.

He looked at her sharply. "Did you just insinuate that you've not been listening to all I've been saying all the while?" He raised his voice.

"I didn't insinuate sir. I just made it so clear" she replied calmly.

He looked at her and entwined both his fingers with force.

Melissa knew those fingers were figurative for her poor neck. She knew he felt like to strangle her.

"Am I to stand while you sit?" He asked after he calmed himself.

"I never said that. All you just need to do is put the projector into use and everything will be good for the two of us" she replied casually.

"You can't tell me what to do" he glared at her.

"I know but it is to the best interest of we both. Your time is precious to you, so also sir, my legs are equally precious ti me" she replied.

"Got sit" he said.

Melissa didn't wait another second before finding her seat. She removed her shoes immediately to massage her feet.

Drew looked at her as she massaged her feet and felt a sting of guilt. He really felt sorry but never voiced it out.

"Why pull your shoes in my office?" He asked instead.

Melissa closed her eyes and released a breath. She didn't know why he must complain about everything.

"It's not as if I'm going to leave without it" she grumbled and focused on the screen that came up.

Throughout the time they spent together, she didn't even try to take a glance at the guy talking. She has never met such annoying person in her entire life. Immediately he called it a day, she stood up.

"Thank you sir" she said and left without waiting for his reply.

Just as she left Mayfield entered.

"Hi dad" Drew said cheerfully, standing to greet his father.

"Hi boy. How have you been?"

"Never better" he replied hugging him.

"I met Melissa on my way. How is she coping?" He asked with excitement.

"She's doing fine".

Mayfield gave him a suspicious look. "Hey! Hope you've not been making that girl uncomfortable?"

"I've not been around for days, how then will I make her uncomfortable?" He smiled at his father.

"I know you Drew, if you want you decide to, it wouldn't take you a minute" he said still looking at him suspiciously.

"Dad come to think of it, the girlnis so rude".

"When did you start criticizing boy?" He mocked.

"I'm not criticizing here. She just told me I have a unique bad manners. She's not even showing me respect" he said with a frown that shows he doesn't like her.

Mayfield didn't understand his son's dislike for the girl. Drew isn't a critic at all. Ni matter how bad someone seem, he still tries to see the good out of them. So this Melissa's dislike was baffling him.

"Son, what's wrong. All we heard about this lady is that she is well cultured and smart and I also know you to be a good boy. How come you two are different color?" He asked looking so serious.

Drew shrugs. "I don't know. She doesn't know how to chose her words. She's got a pretty bad mouth" he complained with an irritated look.

"To me you are the masterminder of the issue on ground" he said firmly.

"Dad are you taking her side?"

He frowned at his father's words. It's a rare thing for his father to blame him for anything. The only thing they do quarrel about is marriage.

"I know you too well. If you have treated the lady with respect and care, she would have reciprocated" he gave him a fake stern look.

Drew burst into laughter. "You think so?"

"It's not funny. The way you do treat that lady is unfair. She didn't want to appear pliable to you" he scolded.

"Dad don't be too sure. She just resumed and you don't know her that well" he said with immensed derision.

"I know but one thing I'm sure of is that you are the villain here" he snapped.

Drew laughed out loud. "Villain!" He exclaimed and laughed again.

"Moreover I didn't bring her here for your tyrannical display. Just let her be" he added.

"Dad why all these brutal names. You are painting it as if I do treat her that bad" he cackled.

"That's exactly what you are doing" he eyed him and hissed.

This made Drew laugh the more.

"Well that's not what brought me here" he frowned the more.

"I think I know where this conversation is heading" he reduced his smile.

Mayfield raised his brows. "So you know?" He asked.

"Not totally" he denied.

"Firstly let me ask if you are really OK".

Drew put his hand on his forehead. He didn't like where the conversation is heading.

"She came to you right?" He groaned.

"Yes!" He retorted. "She has no one to tell except me. What the heck is wrong with you?"

"Dad, I've done nothing wrong here. I'm just on my own" he said innocently.

"Why end things with Regina?" He asked sternly.

Drew sighed. "I knew it" he murmured. "I didn't end anything. She did it herself" he replied insouciantly.

"True but right after you suggested it to her" he said in a calm scolding manner.

"Dad don't blame me here and don't get mad at me for no reason. I was only telling her to be patient and she said it seems I'm not interested in...."

"Were you?" He asked. "All the ladies you've tried to have a relationship with ends up walking away becai you don't give them attention be it small" he said blankly.

"Dad, I'm a very busy man. Any lady who can't understand that don't need to stay".

" when will you be free son? Every woman need attention even if it a little. Drew how can you claim to be in a relationship and she only do the calling? "

"She's the one with free time" he replied foolishly.

"What!" Mayfield gave him a dour look. "That's so irresponsible of you Drew. You don't even pick her calls most of the time and you expect her to be happy?" He asked tired of his son nonchalant attitude.

Drew rests his elbow on his table and place his palm under his jaw.

"How is it possible that the only place your so called girl is allowed to come is your office and hospital. I'm sick and tired of seeing different ladies trying to please me just for you. Just one and let me have my peace" he yowled.

Drew covered his ears.

"Dad you have to calm down for me. If you think I'm taking too long in getting a woman, you are free to go get yourself a beautiful wife. You are still too handsome for anyone to ignore" he said frigidly.

Mayfield's countenance fell. "How dare you talk to me like that" he said dryly.

Drew knew that moment that he said it wrong.

"I'm trying to get you the best and you are being ungrateful" Mayfield's voice shows pain.

Drew quickly stood up and went to his father hugging him from behind.

"I didn't mean to be rude" he said politely soft.

"I'm only trying to avoid you from fathering a child at old age" he said palely.

"Dad, old? Remember I'm still in my twenties" he smiled.

"Silly boy. Don't you know how time ticks fast" he hissed.

"Dad, I'm sorry. You know I can never be ungrateful to you. It's just that I don't love anyone except you" he said grinning in his ears.

Maybe quickly jacked away from him.

"Wait, even if you are homosexual, it is totally wrong to fall in love with your father. This is not ordinary. I need to see my pastor first thing tomorrow morning" he said in agitation.

Drew couldn't help but laugh. "Dad what have you been feeding your mind with? I said I love only you, please tell me how that explain me gay?"

"Your issue is up to that boy. This I don't love. That I'm not interested. What else do you expect of me huh?" He said bluntly.

"So you've been thinking me gay?" He couldn't contend the laughter.

Mayfield frowned. "Not funny boy. This issue has been bothering me for years" he confessed his fears.

"What! Dad years!" He was surprised as well as amused. "Why on earth will you think of such thing. Have I ever done anything to rouse yir suspicion?"

He couldn't get why his father will think to that extent.

"Yes boy. The way you take care of your skin got me worried"

"Dad you know I lobe to look good" he smiled flashing him his white teeth.

"Yes that's the exact reason. I've been thinking you to be the female guy" he added.

"Who wanna look good for my man right" he laughed the more.

"It's not funny boy" snapped.

"Of course it is, that's why I'm laughing".

Mayfield gave him a plain look but he never cared. He never in his life expect someone to think him to be gay not to talk of his own father. It was indeed hilarious to him.

"Dad sometimes I think you should be a comedian not a busi man". Now he was slouching on his table facing his father.

"Look at this brat making jest of his father" Mayfield pulled his ear.

"Whoa! That hurts. Don't you know I'm an adult to be treated like this?" He said rubbing his ear.

"Adult huh" he mocked. "You are still my kid, boy"

"Then why bother me about getting married? That will be child abuse. Let me wait until I'm grown up".

Hw wanted to use that leverage to get his father off the marriage pestering but his father has his right answer at hand.

He eyed him. "You are not young anymore Mr man but to me , as long as I'm your father you will forever be my boy".

"Yes dad" he smiled.

Drew love laughing but only when he is with his beloved father. It is rare for people to see him smile talk more of laughing. His father at times do wonder how he do manage to maintain a calm face no matter the joke outs but laugh at any slight things he says. He is very playful but only his father knows that.

It was one of the reason Mayfield is insisting that he gets married so that he can share this his happy side with his family.

"Do you know Romeo?" Mayfield asked suddenly.

"Yes of course. Romeo and Juliet, William Shakespeare" he replied nodding his head.

Mayfield eyed him. "Not only William Shakespeare but Wilberforce shakeaxe. Idiot" he hissed and Drew smiled.

"I thought you were asking of the book Romeo and Juliet. That's the only Romeo I know" he said playfully.

"You are not serious" he laughed too. "I'm talking about my friend Romeo".

"Romeo Cletus?"

Mayfield nodded.

"What's up with him?"

"He is coming to town".

Drew looked at his father for more information.

"With his daughter" he smiled.

Drew gave him a suspicious look.

Mayfield smiled knowing his son's thought. "Don't get worked up son, I'm not match making" he laughed at him.

"I didn't say you were" he denied.

"Your look said it all boy" he mocked. "Well they are staying with me, so I want you to accompany me to go receive them at the airport" he announced.

"Why go through that stress. You can just send your driver to go pick them up" he suggested.

"No I want to go myself".

"Then why include me" he grumbled.

"Don't question me. That's what I want" he dictated.

Drew frowned. "Is he coming here for business?"

"No. He wants his daughter to come complete her education here" he answer.

"Why the transfer?"

He was suspicious of the change of schooling thing. He knew there is more to it.

"I don't know".

Drew twisted the edge of his lips. "When are they arriving?"

"It should be Friday".

Drew smiled. He was glad he is fixed already for that day. "Oops, sorry dad can't !ake it".

"Why ?" He snapped.

"I already booked an appointment with Dr Kent for Melissa and you know the process takes days to accomplish" he replied with a feign apologetic smile.

"Can't the date be changed?"

He snorted. "You know that's not possible. Dr Kent isn't that free for us to cancels and rebook. You also know that my schedules are incredibly tight. So, since your friends aren't leaving soon, I'll catch up with them".

"What's wrong with Melissa's skin that you want to treat? I even thought her skin is perfect" he asked.

"I don't think she has ever treated it. If she do, it will look more good and healthy" he replied casually.

"But I thought you don't care about her" he said cynically.

"Treating her skin doesn't mean I do care. It's just me avoiding skin disease and it's communication for future purpose" he defended himself.

"Boy, she's got no skin disease and the skin disease she didn't have before meeting you won't surface when she now start working for you" he gave a ridiculing smile.

"Skin react to environment most times, so I'm taking precautions" he said with pride.

"Do it your way I'm less concerned with your skin thing" he said nonchalantly.

"Dad you should go get in touch with Kent. You need to go check your skin. Or what do you think is hiding your aging".

"Again? Didn't I see him some months ago?" He asked lazily.

"That's been over a year now" he corrected.

"That long! I don't think so" he argued.

"Who booked the appointment? I dad, so I know exactly when. You know this treatment helps avoid sickness and disease. So dad go get it since it is not something that includes pain. It's just some herbs and cream" he said looking mocking at his father who father who immediately looked stressed with his words.

"I'll go" he said reluctantly.