Struggles

I looked out the window next to my desk, it was small; considering it was a cubicle. I saw the cars bustling and honking.

It was a busy day today, Christmas.

I sighed and continued to type away on a file that needed to be handed in today. I was the secretary of a very influential man. But I've never seen him in my stay here.

Though it seems I'm the only person who works overtime.

"Amanda!"

I jumped in my seat and turned my swivel chair to see Rachel approaching. Her features held a deep frown as she carried a stack of papers and folders thick enough to make someone cry.

If they had to do it.

A sick feeling told me it would be me; it's always me.

"Yes, Rachel?" I called sullenly. I had just finished this file and would return to my desolate apartment, which is ten times better than working here. I mean, I love the work. I just don't like the people.

"I need this done tonight, Mr. Donovan is coming tomorrow at six!" She called, smacking the papers on my desk. A normal secretary's desk would be at the front, but apparently, this company prefers their secretary hidden.

I opened my mouth to decline, but Rachel left before I could speak. I sighed again and groaned; leaning into my hands.

I'm going to be here all night.

***

I frowned as I drove to the office. It was Christmas and traffic was awful. I honked my horn, before turning into the parking lot. It was empty except for a single car. I assumed it was cleaning services.

I quickly parked at the entrance, and briskly walked inside. I was notified that our systems had shut down and needed a manual reboot. No one was near enough to ensure no risk was acquired.

My feet echoed against that freshly polished floor. There was no secretary desk in sight; Which was strange. It was unfortunate because I couldn't use the computer to access the location of the affected system.

I ran my hand through my hair and picked out my phone. But before I could berate my travel secretary, I heard the clicking of heels.

Shouldn't everyone be out by now? I checked my watch, it was six hours past closing. A feminine figure appeared from a small corner hidden out of sight, she wore a long black skirt that lightly formed her slim shape, with a grey blouse.

Her face was scrunched, and she didn't seem to notice me. I cleared my throat, and the women jumped, clearly startled. She dropped some paper and bent down to hold them, still not bothering to look at me.

I raised an eyebrow, as she straightened; sighing under her breath, "Ms. Rachel I can't stay another moment". The woman said with weak conviction. Her eyes finally met mine and she sucked in a breath. Slightly stumbling back.

Her eyes were dim in the dark lobby, but she was not expecting and man of my caliber. Or looks. I couldn't tell.

Her silence compelled me to speak," I need to see the technology center".

She frowned, "I'm not authorized show you that"

I chuckled, "I am the authorization, Louis Donovan," I said holding out my hand. Her eyes widened and she looked down, briefly accepting my hand.

Her hands were cold but soft.

"Of course, can...I see and ID...to be sure," she finally responded. I shrugged fishing out my wallet, showing my ID. Her eyes squinted and then looked back at me.

"Very well, take the elevator down to level one, it is the first red door on the right. You'll see the sign, Mr. Donovan, unless you would like me to show you?" She asked, looking as if I wouldn't ask her to. 

"No, what you gave me is enough... Thank you, Ms.?"

"White, Amanda White" she called, tucking her hair behind her ear. Which made her look adorable. Soft.

"Thank you, Ms.White," I said, walking past her. Her figure turned slightly stiff. I almost asked why, but realized I had bigger fish to fry.

I'd have to keep my eye out for her at tomorrow's meeting, I was only in for next week, and then I would head back to headquarters.

***

My heart beat against my chest like a set of drums. My stiff figure left me frozen in the lobby for what felt like a century. My breath came out in short pants as I tried to collect myself. That was my boss! He was beyond what I expected.

I expected an old white man, not a gorgeous man; looking in his late twenties. I shook my head and forced my legs to proceed. It was already near nine in the afternoon. As I reached the door, I looked back for a moment. Still wondering if it was a good decision to leave. I bit my lip and continued out; Hoping this would come back to hunt me. 

Louis Donovan, don't cause me trouble.