Perfect For The Job

Kathryn

I walked through the bustling streets of New York City. Even weekends are busy here.

I slowed down as I reached my destination and brought out my I.D card as I entered the building. I swiped it on the platform and trotted into the building.

Entering an elevator, I headed for the 6th floor. Stepping out of the elevator, I was immediately greeted with "Heys" and "How you doing's" from my co-workers.

I waved them a response and strolled towards my desk. "Ah..." I sighed.

It was good to be back in the office. During the last mission, I got injured badly and wasn't able to come to work for a week. I was forced to listen in school, but now that I'm back, I feel so alive.

While I was lost in thought, I didn't notice a figure heading towards my desk.

"I see you've resumed,"

I jumped in fright, turning to look at whoever it was. Turns out it was just the "Office Playboy", Darren.

He had dated AND played almost every girl in our department, yet no one learns their lesson, all because he's "hunky". He had taken a liking to me a month ago after one of our missions and wouldn't stop bothering me. It's frustrating.

"Oh. It's you."

"Aren't you happy to see me?"

Why should I be?

"Should that question have an answer or not?"

"Well..."

I didn't have time for this. I shuffled through the files on my table trying to re-arrange them according to importance since it looked like I had a lot of work to do.

But he was still talking. I turned to face him properly before speaking. "Look, Darren. Thank you for your concern, I appreciate it, but can you please go, I have a lot of work to do. "

"Do I have to go, I can just stay here and watch-I mean-"

I wasn’t taking this shit. I need peace. I put on my most stern face. I probably looked ridiculous.

"Go, now. And stop acting creepy."

He complied. Thankfully.

"Yes ma'am. I'll see you during lunch break. "

Phew. Finally.

I looked at the files on my desk that didn't have my name on them. They were labeled 'Zak'. I can't believe he dumped all his work on me. Wow. I have an asshole for a best friend.

As I moved to his desk, sitting to drop the files on it, I heard the 'ding' of the elevator. Craning my neck to see who had stopped on our floor, I saw my best friend, Zak, stepping out.

Speak of the devil and he shall appear.

•••

”What are you doing on my desk?” He asked looking at me with his face scrunched up.

I was on his seat, my legs on the table with my hands on my head. Perfect lounging position.

He looked annoyed that I was rolling his chair around, creaks echoing throughout the office.

”What? I can’t lounge on your desk anymore?”

He plopped his bag on the table pushing the files away. ''You can’t. Your boyfriend would kill me.”

“I don't have a boyfriend, what are you talking about? Even if I had one, he wouldn't kill you just 'cos I'm on your desk. You're my best friend." I argued getting up from his seat rolling mine over.

''You know very well who I'm talking about. Don't act stupid.” Zak pointed out claiming the seat I had just left. “Besides, he would say I'm too close to you and all that stuff.”

“I know he's talking about Henry.” I thought.

“Seriously, you guys need to stop stirring up rumors. Henry's gonna be pissed when he finds out.”

”Chillax, you're his boo from the Undercover Department, he won't do anything. I'm sure of it.”

Zak has a really bad.....habit. He's sorta like the matchmaker of the office except his services are unwanted. It still doesn't stop him, plus he's very very persistent.

''So, how was recovery?''

''Kathryn. Zak. You're needed in the Board Room. ASAP.''

Before I could answer his question, Kylie, Walter's secretary, informed us that we were needed for a meeting. ''Couldn't they have informed us earlier. We're late now. And where did you come from? I didn't hear the elevator.''

''I used the stairs. It was Henry that proposed we bring you two in for the meeting. Specifically Kathryn.'' As she said that, I immediately knew how Zak was going to react.

''Kyaah!''

There it was.

''Aww, he was missing his boo-boo bear and couldn't wait to see her~. This makes it so much better~. Come on, let's go so you can meet your babe~''

The only thing I could do was shake my head knowing there was no point in arguing. We got up and followed Kylie to the Board Room so as not to waste any time.

I wonder what the problem is.

We walked on in silence towards the Board Room. The tension in the air was so thick that you could cut it with scissors. I couldn't blame us though; this situation was nerve-wracking.

Walter only called for meetings in the Board Room unless it was really important. Henry is sorta like his right-hand man so it makes sense he granted his request. Still, why'd he pick us?!

Kylie slowly opened the doors letting us in. About a dozen heads turned towards us and I and Zak froze in our spots. We hardly came to this room when it was full of this many people. But then, the weirdest thing happened.

Walter smiled.

Genuinely.

I know you're probably thinking -” what's so bad about smiling?''- but this is Walter, our usually stonecold and stoic boss. He hardly smiles and it's usually when he just wants to make sure the agency isn't found out. All his smiles until now were fake.

''Ah, there you are. We've been waiting for you. Please, take a seat'' He greeted with a smile still on his face.

Zak and I slowly trudged to our designated seats next to Henry. We were still trying to process what had happened when Walter began the meeting.

''Hey, guys. Pay attention. Walter's talking.''

We broke out of our daze and Zak asked Henry the question that had been in my head for so long.

''Hey, Hotshot. Why'd you invite us to the meeting?''

''One. Don't call me hotshot. Two. I invited you guys for the meeting because both of you were perfect for the job.''

''What job?!''