The Secretary ; A romantic tale

The next day i walked into the office, feeling a bit apprehensive after the confrontation with Sir Brian. As I settled at my desk, one of my colleagues approached me.

" Emily, Sir Brian wants to see you in his office" she said and left.

 I took a deep breath and made my way to his office pondering what was the reason he wanted to see me so early in the morning.

As i entered, he looked directly at him like he was waiting for me to walk through that door.

" Good Morning Sir, i was told you wanted to see me" I said. 

"Actually yes, sit" . he said 

" I'm fine like this sir". I responded 

" I'm telling you to sit, I'm not asking" he said. 

I wanted to protest but i decided not to, it was clear he enjoyed making me mad. I reluctantly sat down crossing my legs. 

" You left the office early yesterday ". he said. 

" I was done with everything sir and there was no point of me waiting behind ". I replied 

" See Emily, that's exactly the problem. you don't get to decide when to leave, you're not the boss". he said. 

" But Sir, you didn't have a problem with me leaving quite early before ". I defended. 

" Well things has changed. As my Secretary, from now henceforth you'll close only when i do. understood"? he said and i nodded. 

" I believe you can use words". he said. 

" Yes sir " I said. 

" You can leave " he said. 

Immediately i left his office, my nerves were on fire, I felt so angered , what sort of boss is this? 

why did he have to be so controlling?

l returned to my office and started the days work. When it was lunch break, I decided to go to Josh office so we could tag along. I got to his office and he was packing up some documents. 

" oh great. you're ready for lunch already " I said standing at the door. 

" Oh, Emily, whatsup"? He greeted. 

" Not so well, but I'll be fine " I said.

" Let's go" I added. 

" For lunch "? he asked 

" duh!! what else " I teased.

" um. I'm so sorry i won't be able to join you, something came up". he said.

I raised my eyebrow surprised. Wasn't he just putting some documents away just now?

" what came up"? I decided to ask.

He hesitated before responding. 

" Just some work stuff, I'll make it up to you soon. don't worry " He said .

" How about our dinner this week"? I asked.

" I won't be able to make it Emily, so sorry " he replied. 

I knew he was lieing, i literally saw him putting away the documents and Josh never misses lunch. something was off. And then it hit me! Did sir Brian threaten him? That would explain his behaviour. 

" Josh can i have a minute? I understand you're busy but just a minute " I said.

" sure Emily " he said.

" I want to know what's going on " I demanded.

" I don't understand " he said. 

" don't play dump Josh, you won't go to lunch with me and you're suddenly cancelling our dinner plans " I said. " What did Mr Brian say to you"? I asked. 

His expression changed and that confirmed my suspicions.

" Don't be ridiculous Emily, He didn't say anything to me" He lied. but i knew better 

" Don't lie to me Josh, I know he said something! what was it"? 

Josh sighed, rubbing his temples.

" Ok, fine. He told me to keep my relationship with you professional. He said we were unprofessional about it and I've decided to focus on my work".

I raised an eyebrow...." And you're just going to do what he said "?

Josh shrugged. " I don't want to rock the boat Emily, I need this job. 

I looked at Josh feeling a mix of disappointment and surprise. 

"That's it? you're just going to give up on our friendship because Mr Brian says so"? I asked.

Josh shrugged, avoiding eye contact. 

" I don't want to loose my job. I need it".

I felt a bit pain and felt disappointed. 

" So, our friendship means nothing to you"? I asked and he sighed.

" I didn't say so Emily, it's just... Sir Brian is my boss. I have to do what he says".

I shook my head, realising that i didn't know Josh as well as i thought i did.

" I see. Well, i guess I'll just have to respect your decision then " 

Josh nodded, still avoiding eye contact. 

" I'm sorry Emily".

I turned and walked away heading to the reception downstairs. I felt too disappointed. I had thought Josh was a better person than that.