Work

"Hi, good morning. I'm Kanalaa Reese, today is my first day and I was asked to come here." I politely approached Ms. Davids. She was also the one who assisted us during our internship.

She gave me a welcoming smile.

"Yes, Ms. Reese the intern, I remember you. Since you're still preparing for your bar exam, you'll be assisting Mr. Manning." She started to lead me as she says that.

"I'm sorry but is he new here? I didn't hear about him before, Ms. Davids." I can't help but ask because he's not familiar at all.

"No, you were working on the lower floor that's why."

Ah yes, I realized that only a few upper floor workers mingled or sometimes passed by lower floors. Hierarchy really works here though people here are nice.

I nodded then stopped asking questions.

Working is not new to me. I used to have part-time jobs before. My dad oftentimes arranges me with his acquaintances whose industry is similar to mine. Though those jobs only lasts for 3 to 5 hours a day, I got accustomed to them. The first-day jitters are no more for me.

We stopped in front of a glass door with its blinds down so I can't see through it.

"This is Mr. Manning's office. He's kind don't worry."

Then Ms. Davids knocked on the door that I didn't know if he heard it but she opened the door and stepped inside after gesturing for me to follow.

"Mr. Manning, this is Kanalaa Reese. She'll work under you until she passes her bar. Have a great day!"

Ms. Davids patted me on the shoulder before leaving me behind.

"Good morning, Mr. Manning. I was informed I'll be assisting you with papers but not to be your secretary. I'll be happy to assist and work with you, just let me know." I greeted.

"Kanalaa Reese is a pretty good name but I don't think Ali is your nickname." He replied out of context. His tone is a bit off which I kind of do not understand. I mean, people lie.

"Yes, Mr. Manning, I lied. And it can be helped, let's talk about it outside work. For now, it's best if we'll work in harmony and peace."

I paused and looked around. I saw two desks with papers but no one sitting neither of the tables.

"May I know where will my desk be?" I asked.

He pointed to the desk closest to his. I went there and fixed my things. There are already papers lying.

"What will I do with these papers, Sir?" I asked respectfully which he returned gladly with instructions.

We started working in silence and I noticed that his secretary is nowhere. It's not that awkward but he's making it with his glances even though it's rarely but still, for a couple of times? Really?

This setup really bothers me to be honest, it's just that I have to pretend that I'm not bothered at all. I see no problem with office romance or what but what's working me up is the fact that I haven't replied to his messages after that night. I admit that I purposely not replied but I was also busy.

"It's time, grab lu–"

He didn't finish his words when my phone rang, Kein's calling. I answered it without asking for permission because obviously, he's about to tell me to have lunch.

"Yes?"

"I'm about to have lunch, wanna come?"

"Yeah sure. Where are you?" I asked while already fixing my things.

"Two blocks away from your firm. Your internship company, right?"

"Yup," I nodded even though I know Kein can't see me.

With my passing gaze, I saw that Mr. Manning is still looking at me.

"I'll pick you up. See you!"

"Take care!"

After dropping the call, I grabbed my purse and looked to bid so I wouldn't appear rude.

"I have to go. Have a happy lunch!"

Without waiting for his reply, I walked out. As I'm waiting for the elevator it suddenly dawned to me the off expression I saw plastered on his face. It seems to me it was annoyance or some sort of it but I can't say for sure for it was just a passing gaze. Whatever, I shrugged it off making a mental note of dropping it as it is not that relevant.

I remembered my lunch with Kein. Although my relationship with him is nothing romantic, we still treat each other right. He sometimes used to pick me up on my internship and send me to university or wherever I have to be. I can't just suddenly drop him because of work.

Just like the plan, we had lunch. I learnt that he also started working. We are both well-off not going to lie but what I like about Kein is we are similar. He was part-timing with his dad before and while reviewing for boards. Also, now he's working. While I also did but with other companies and some of dad's friends. I did jumped from one company to another every year not until I started my internship.

After lunch, I dropped by a coffe and bought coffee. It's nice to have one after meal, well, at least for me. I bumped with Mr. Manning as I entered the company.

"Hi!" I greeted.

"Coffee," I added as I hand him the coffee I bought which he gladly took from hand.

"Thanks, you had a great lunch?" He asked with an off tone, I guess.

I ignored his tone.

"Yes, how about you?"

"Likewise, come with me tonight." His monotony invited me.

"I have to review." I excused which is half true.

"We will meet a client." He told me like saying I should stop assuming.

"Oh, ah, alright." My embarrassed reply.

The rest of the day was spent the way half of the day was spent. I made some retouching to my makeup to look more decent.

"Are you ready?" He asked when I put down my makeup.

I looked at him, "Yes," I answered while puting my make up and phone in my bag.

"Let's go." He said before picking up his things.

I followed his tracks, walking on his side. It's kind of a question why his secretary isn't here. I don't think I should be with meeting a client; however, this is a training ground for me.

"What will I do there?" I asked while we're driving over the location.

"Just listen, it's nice if you can take notes. If the client asked you a question, answer it." He replied nonchalantly.

"Alright, I can handle that."

For the second time, I checked my appearance because I don't want to look haggard in front of a client. The impression does matter during a client meeting.

"You look beautiful." I heard him say which startled me. I didn't know he was looking at me.

"Thanks, I was just checking." I almost whispered.

"Stop being too conscious. You're fine as it is." He said again.

"It's my first time meeting a client. First impression matters." I explained.

Though I've had part-time jobs, I've never met a client. I was always working behind the scenes. I do the paper works in the office and never did fieldwork. Meeting a client gave me jitters which I don't usually have. After all, there's always a first time to everything, huh?

"You'll not be selling your looks, Kanalaa. It's your intellect which I think you are confident about."

I do not know if it was a compliment or an offense. Whichever it is, I think he means well.

We pulled up on a fine dining restaurant which I do not understand. I mean, is it a big deal? Though the restaurant is the usual restaurant of businessmen. Gladly, my outfit matches the place.

We sat at an empty table. I guess the client hasn't arrived yet and it is okay.

"You really ditched me like that, Ali?"

I raised my head from my phone when Alistair spoke emphasizing the name I gave him, mocking me.

I wanted to tell him straightforwardly that yes, I did but I don't want to offend him. After all, he kept me company that night and I'm never gonna lie that I enjoyed that night that I even looked forward to talking to him again but my personality isn't like that. I can't commit. That's the reason why Kein and I put up with each other. That's what we want and that's our comfort. Chail was up for the challenge at first but I know better that even though he was carefree, he's after commitment which clearly, I can't give to him — I don't want to rob him that.

"Why, isn't that how it works?" I shrugged at him.

"Is that how it should work?" He asked in disbelief.

"Why are you so sentimental? It's only one night of talking." I stressed.

"I really might have lost it. I was looking forward to something more, to be honest." He faintly uttered. He's more like talking to himself than me.

"I —" I was cut off when he raised his finger looking far behind me.

"Let's talk some other time."

He stood from his seat and walked past my seat. The client must be here.

"Mr. Stewart," Alistair greeted even before I could stand from my seat.

I hurriedly stood from my feet to greet the client and to my surprise, "Kein,"

"Reese," he replied with a grin.