Chapter 5: The quarrel
We ordered our food and sat down, chatting about everything from our favorite stuff to what are dislikes and likes were. It was amazing how easy it was to talk to Josh, how comfortable I felt around him and how he made me feel I could talk to him about literally anything. We continued our little chit chat as we ate through our meal.
We finished our lunch and headed back to the office till talking about how much fun we had at the cafeteria. We stopped at the entrance of my office smiling to each other.
" I want to ask you something before i go" he said.
I raised my eyebrow curious. " what is it"? I asked.
" Since we both had so much fun, would you like to grab dinner with me sometime this week "? he asked.
" We could get to know each other better outside of the office " he added.
" Of course, sure, I'd love to " I replied sounding very casual.
Josh grinned as he returned to his office.
" Emily "!!
I heard my name and turned abruptly only to find Sir Brian staring at me. As usual i couldn't read his expression, does that mean he has been standing there listening to Josh and i conversation?
" Sir"? I replied finally finding my voice.
" Lunch break was over ten minutes ago " he said.
I checked the time and it was true.
" I'm sorry sir, but I've prepared everything you need, you don't have any appointments today. I'll just quickly bring the documents to your table right away" I said and went into my office immediately gently carrying the files and taking them to his office.
As i walked into Mr. Brian's office, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease and nervousness anytime I was around him, he was sitting behind his text his eyes fixed on me with an unreadable expression. I placed the files in front of him trying to compose myself as best as I could.
" Emily "? He called and my heart skipped a bit.
"Sir"? I answered.
He leaned back in his chair, steeping his fingers together.
" Actually, I want to discuss something important with you ".
" I'm all hears sir"
" I think it would be best if you focus on your work and avoid any.... distractions". he said sharply not even looking up at me.
" I understand sir", i replied trying to keep my tone as neutral as possible. " But I'm not sure where you are getting at". I added.
He paused at what he was doing, his expression still not readable.
" Emily, I've noticed your closeness with Josh which I'm sure everyone has too. And I'd like for you to know that you should keep it professional".
I felt my heart raced at what he said suddenly knowing what he was implying.
" Sir, I don't think that my work is interfering with anything, I understand that you're concerned about my work but i can assure you my personal life won't affect my performance. Besides Josh and I are just friends".
Mr.Brian raised an eyebrow, his expression skeptical. " Friends? I've seen the way you two look at each other Emily. you're not fooling anyone ".
I chuckled surprisingly, as I felt my whole body heat up in embarrassment and anger. How dare he?
" Is this just about me or there's something that has to do with you in it? And even if what you're saying is true sir" I said trying to remain calm as possible " I'm an adult, I can make decisions on my own. My personal life has nothing to do with you as long as i deliver my services to you, it's none of your business".
He leaned back in his chair, a cold smile spreading across his face. " You're an employee of this company Emily not just any employee but my Secretary that being said, you'll do what's best for this company and most important what works in my interest. And if that means staying away from Josh... then that's exactly what you'll do".
I felt a surge of defiance at his words, who did he think he was trying to control me this way? I straightened up, my heart pounding in my chest.
" I don't think that's fair sir".
" Fair? he repeated " You're an employee Emily. My Secretary so i suggest you do what you're told or face the consequences ".
I felt a chill run down my spin as i realised the extent of control he had on me. Was he always this demanding and manipulative? I wasn't going to back down easily either, i looked him in the eye backed away from his table.
"I'll do my job sir, but i won't let you control my personal life. That's not part of my employment contract".
I said and walked out not waiting for him to respond.
As i walked out of Mr Brian's office the cold aurora that was all over me immediately left my body although i was still feeling a bit intense over what happened earlier. As i made my way back to my desk, i still couldn't shake the feeling off of me. I knew that Mr Brian was not a man to mess with, moreover i had just challenged and questioned his authority.
I packed up my things and headed home, i was already done for the day. My mind kept racing with the thoughts of Brian and Josh. I knew i had to be careful inorder not to loose my job but i was determined to stand up for myself if need be.