Chapter 3 – Grace
I wake up the next morning with a pit in my stomach. The nerves of starting a new job start flying every which way as I get dressed. I stand in front of the mirror and inspect my business casual ware. Upon approval and several deep breathes, I leave the house.
I pull into the parking lot of an extremely large building. It’s covered floor to ceiling in windows, giving off a vibe of high importance. After sitting with the car idling for a moment, I gather my courage and walk into the building.
I walk up to the front desk and meet the eyes of the receptionist. She smiles warmly at me. “Can I help you?”
“Hi,” I say, looking around. Several conference rooms catch my eye with men and women dressed to the nines. I suddenly feel dangerously underdressed. I make a note to step it up tomorrow. “I’m the new…”
“You must be Grace,” she says and I nod my head in confirmation. “Welcome to Ainsley. Someone will be right with you to show you around. You can take a seat.” She gestures behind me and I see several cushioned chairs. It has the feel of a doctor’s office waiting room, but with less anxiety flooding the air. The only anxiety in this particular waiting room is my own.
I sit down, and cross and uncross my legs several times, unsure of how to come off as someone who’s calm. This being the first job that I’ve had, I’m not sure how to act. Although, I don’t think the nerves can escape even a veteran worker. I’m uncrossing my legs for the 4th or 5th time, when an extremely handsome man suddenly appears out of nowhere. His dark hair and impressive stature take me completely off guard. Having spent the last few years surrounded by church-goers and voices in my head telling me to avoid sinful thoughts, I can’t help but think what my Pastor would think of the situation. Actually, I know exactly what he would think and I know what he would say. However, the lust I’m suddenly feeling doesn’t go away.
His eyes trail along my legs as I uncross them for the umpteenth time and follow along my entire body. He eventually meets my eyes. I feel myself blush at the notion that this extremely attractive man has clearly just checked me out. Thank God, I’m wearing underwear.
“Grace?” Even his voice his is unexpected. It’s low and gravely. Not quite southern, but close. He smiles a wide smile at me and I feel myself blush harder. “I’m Boyd Ashdown. You’ll be working for me. Would you like a tour?” He holds out his hand to me and I shake it hesitantly. Damn, I had been told to always have a firm handshake upon greeting new people. I make another mental note and store it for later.
“Doesn’t an assistant usually handle things like that?” I ask, getting up from my seat. I pull my skirt down ever so slightly, conscious of his eyes on me. He silently watches me shift the fabric against my legs. “Who am I to receive such a special privilege?” I fall into step beside him as he heads toward the elevator bank. I surprise myself with how upfront I’m being. Mr. Ashdown, however, seems to take it in stride. I try and hide my embarrassment.
“I run things a little differently around here. It’s not as daunting or as corporate as you might think,” he says, pushing the button on the elevator. It takes a few moments before it reaches the bottom floor and I stand silently beside him. Neither of us make an effort to continue the conversation.
The elevator doors open and we walk in together. Several other employees get in after us and we’re pushed to the back of the elevator. His hand grazes my own for a moment and I look over to catch his eye. He stares straight ahead but I notice the small smirk on his face.
An employee turns around and notices us. I avert my eyes in the hope they don’t notice how uncomfortable and awkward I’m feeling.
“Hey, you’re the newbie, right?” he says, looking directly at me. “Mr. Ashdown, you didn’t have to show her around. I would have taken care of that for you.”
“Thank you, Noah,” Mr. Ashdown says. He crosses his arms and looks at me. “I don’t mind showing Ms. Bower around. She is going to be working under me. I should at least be giving her the attention she deserves.” He smiles at me in a friendly manner, but it’s a smile that says so much more. Noah turns around, a curious look on his face.
The elevator dings at the 30th floor and several people file out. I make a move to follow them but Mr. Ashdown gently puts a hand on my wrist to stop me. “We’re the 40th floor.”
We reach the 40th floor a few short minutes later and emerge into an extremely large and well put together office space. There are several large close-doored offices lining the walls and an open floor plan in the center. We reach the receptionists desk and Mr. Ashdown leans over the top of the desk to speak with the young man seated there. I stand awkwardly for a moment.
A young man walks past and looks me up and down, a smile on his face. For some reason, his attention doesn’t feel as welcome. He turns around and comes over to me, confidence and what I can only assume is entitlement, coming off him in waves.
“You seem new,” the young man says, leaning his elbow on the reception desk. His face is much too close to mine and his cologne is overpowering. I back up as calmly as I can. “Who are you working for?”
“Mr. Ashdown,” I say, quietly, hoping that this conversation will soon be over.
“Oh, good luck with that,” the young man says, puffing his chest out. “You’ll need it.”
“Why’s that?”
“Let’s just say, I know some things.”
I nod my head in response, forcing a smile and trying desperately to face away from him and his potent smell. Amongst other repulsive things. He leans closer, however, causing me to back up further and bump into Mr. Ashdown.
Mr. Ashdown turns around and notices the awkward position I’ve been put in. He comes around and stands beside me.
“Gabe,” Boyd says, addressing the young man, his tone forcing him to meet his gaze. Gabe, immediately drops the flirtatious act and stands up straighter, his face ashen. “Don’t you have work you should be doing? I believe Chelsea has been asking for those production reports for several days now.”
“Apologies, Mr. Ashdown,” Gabe says, crossing his hands behind his back like a boy scout. “I didn’t see you standing there.”
“That’s obvious. But regardless of my standing here, you shouldn’t be harassing any of the employees,” Boyd says. “Go and report to Chelsea with what she’s asking for before I report you to HR.” His tone is stern and commanding and Gabe would be an idiot to not follow his orders.
“Yes, sir,” Gabe slinks off without another look in my direction.
“I assure you that we do not tolerate harassment of any kind here,” Mr. Ashdown says, turning to me. “You are alright?” He looks at me with genuine concern. With Gabe gone, I feel immensely better.
“It’s alright,” I say, hugging my arms around myself. “Really, it’s fine.”
“You don’t seem fine,” he says, taking in my demeanor. “Let me take you to my office. We can continue the tour if you’re feeling up to it.”
I nod my head and I follow him into his office.