She nods and scurries off.
“Cate?” the guy asks when he comes to a stop in front of me.
He holds out his hand. I take it and give it a quick shake.
“That’s me,” I say brightly, unable to risk a glance at the twenty-something receptionist who acted more like my mother.
“Jeff,” he says and adds conspiratorially, “And don’t mind her. She’s a bit of a bitch. She likes to think she’s like the gate keeper in World of Warcraft.”
I have no idea what that is but am grateful I’m not the only person she probably doesn’t like.
“Follow me and I’ll show you to your desk and introduce you to the team.”
We end up in an area filled with cubicles, which are like mini offices with moveable or knock down walls. They are tall enough to give you privacy while sitting, but when standing, I can see the vast number of them that spread throughout the large open room. Through one of the openings, I spot a woman filling a banker’s box with stuff. She lifts the heavy cardboard box onto the desk using the nifty handles on the sides.
Jeff pauses and waits. I have the uncomfortable feeling that I’m replacing this woman.
“Don’t worry. She isn’t being fired or anything. Rumor has it she’s dating the boss. Because of a non-disclosure agreement, she can’t confirm or deny that. But she can’t work for him because of it.”
The dark haired woman glances up and she’s beautiful. If the rumors are true, I can see why any man would want to date her. She flutters her eyes before hefting the box and exits without a word.
“Bye Miss Thing,” he mutters at her back. To me, he says, “So this is your seat. And I’ll be the one to train you.”
He holds out a hand like he’s a game show host. I sit because it’s easier than the alternative.
“You log in this way.” He begins to show me what to do and produces a paper with all the pertinent information. He pulls it from somewhere in the middle of stack of papers he holds. I’m surprised by his organization. A while later into our training session, a voice startles us both.
“Ms. McKnight, I found these at reception and was told they weren’t delivered to you by mistake.”
Jeff and I turn as one. I’d seen the small vase full of purple and lilac flowers when I’d walked in. I wonder if they hadn’t been delivered because the woman I’d replaced had still been in the office or if the hateful receptionist is paying me back. For all I know it’s both.
I take them from his awaiting hands. “Thank you Mr. Caine.”
“It’s Ted.”
The weight of the smile on his handsome face is almost too much to resist.
“He’s no cuddly bear, I tell you,” Jeff mutters quickly. “Quite the opposite, to be exact.”
“Jeffery, just because we’re related doesn’t mean I can’t fire you.” Jeff rolls his eyes. “Please give Cate and me a moment.”
Jeff’s lips purse and he wisely says nothing as he heads out of my cube.
“Thanks for the flowers,” I say.
“Everyone gets them.” Jeff’s disembodied voice passes through the thin walls.
Ted sighs. “Yes, it’s company policy to make all new employees feel welcome.”
“Some more than others,” Jeff voice croons.
Ted’s jaw tightens and I want to stop Jeff because he seems like a really nice guy and I don’t want him to lose his job over warnings to me.
“I hoped I could take you to a welcome lunch today.”
Jeff’s voice is clearer and I realize he’s standing in the cube behind me leaning over. “I’m afraid she can’t. We’re taking her to lunch as a department.”
Ted is barely holding back his anger as he says, “Tomorrow, then.” He manages to make it sound pleasant before he tips his head to me and walks off.
Jeff sighs loudly and several other heads pop up all around me.
“He is so dreamy,” a cute blonde in glasses breathes.
“I know, he is,” says a woman with a thick Latina accent.
“I would so do that,” from another woman whose caramel skin makes her hazel eyes stand out in her pretty face.
“You are full of crap,” Jeff says to the last woman. “He hit on you and you turned him down.”
She shrugs. “My man would kick my ass.”
Jeff shakes his head. “Back to work, people.”
Everyone, including the two guys who say nothing, disappear again behind the brown walls.
“This desk is cursed,” Jeff says. “Don’t fall for him. Promise me. I don’t need to lose another employee.”