Chapter 6 6

"Charlee, good morning. I see you've already been briefed. You got your stuff, right?" Mr. Philips, a graying middle-aged man with a sturdy build sweeps into the hall in his usual manner, never having enough time to stand still. I know him well enough to not waste his time.

"Yeah, I... I've got all my stuff. Wait, can you please explain what's happening? At least, tell me where I'm going and what I'm going to be doing there." I walk up to him and try not to look as scared as I feel.

Mr. Philips studies my face for a moment.

"You should be happy, Charlee. A few last-minute changes were made and you've been given a much bigger role at a subsidiary company. Come along now, we've got little time this morning."

He's already heading for the exit before I have a second to process his words. God, what's happening?

Mr. Philips holds open the door to the company's official employee conveyance car and I get in, with him in tow. We are chauffeured in silence for a few minutes. I try to think about what Mr. Philips had said. I should be happy. A double promotion means a huge pay bump. I can finally get all the fancy new things I want. This is good.

The tension morphs into excitement and rumbles low in my belly as we drive six blocks from BB27. Bridges has a few subsidiaries and I wonder which one I'm heading to. We're still in the Financial District, literally a short walk away. We pull up at another building that looks like a smaller HQ of Bridges. There's no sign out front but I can see hints of ongoing finishing touches.

The exterior is just as classy as the parent office, but it's a little less intimidating. Classy in a welcoming, warm kind of way.

"Let me help you with that." Before I can say no, Mr. Philips grabs my box and heads for the entrance. Gee, thanks, man.

Walking through the front door leaves me feeling dazed and excited at the same time. Wow! What is this place?! They went for the exact opposite energy as BB27, bringing the homey Gen-Z interactive office setting into a formal space. It's super warm and very welcoming, designed to make you feel at ease instantly and trust them with whatever business you've brought.

The reception area is immaculately spotless as the smell of white tea rose and soft lavender fills the air. Stylish colorful couches and round sitting plumps dot every corner. There's a reading shelf with colorful books of all sizes, a swinging chair off to one side, a large round table with lots of rolling seats, and an open self-serve area. I can see fancy snacks, drinks, and a whole kitchen in there. BB27 has a lunch area as well but it's too... formal. Too stiff. The energy here is homely and gentle. Amazing. This might not be bad after all.

Oh no.

God, no. No. No. This is not happening right now. God, please.

Facing the other end of the room, I recognize the broad back standing at the window, writing on a notepad and talking to someone.

Harrison Bridges.

I would know that back anywhere. I mean, just last night I was clinging to it for dear life and digging my fingers into it. My attention finally catches the stenciled sign on the front wall, in gold lettering with the fancy coin logo: "BUILDING BRIDGES".

Lord, no!

Harrison spins on his heels just then and I watch as the color drains out of his face. He's wearing a simple Tom Ford jacket on jeans and a white T-shirt, looking even more handsome than he had last night. We stare at each other briefly, like a ghost seeing a ghost, and memories of the previous night come flooding back as my gaze drops to his lips.

Mr. Philips clears his throat dramatically.

"Good morning, Mr. Bridges. I take it you know Charlee from the marketing division at Bridges. Ms. Lesley should have been reporting for duty here today, but she's on medical leave now due to complications from her last myomectomy. Ms. Fox is the next best-qualified and has been re-assigned to take up the role of Marketing Director, effective immediately."

Wait. So, basically, I'd just lost my virginity to my new boss the night before our first day? Goodness! Why?

Flashing a smile, Harrison collects himself quickly and speaks up. He doesn't seem pleased at all.

"Uh, thank you, Mr. Philips. Funny that I wasn't informed of this change. I've barely taken over and my brother and father are already micromanaging me. Well, not that it's a bad decision anyway. Welcome, Ms. Fox. We've worked well over the years. I'm confident you're more than qualified for the task."

His voice still has such a strong effect on me and I hate it. I hate how good the timber sounds. I haven't forgotten how he abandoned me last night. Why is my life always intentionally messing itself up?

Well, not today. I'm not about to let one night of hot sex ruin my career climb.

"Thanks, Mr. Bridges. I'm happy to be here. I'll keep putting in my best effort." Turning slightly, I face Mr. Philips.

"Mr. Philips, can you please come help me get set up?" I know I'm being cold and curt to Harrison, but if we are going to do this working together thing, I have to set some boundaries.

"Right this way," Mr. Philips says, and we head up the short flight of stairs.

Eventually, I'm ushered into my own corner office, briefed on my new responsibilities, new quarterly objectives, and huge pay bumps. It's not as bad as I thought. Heck, this is actually amazing. The start of a new phase of my life. I could really build my career and grow in my field in this new company. It's all I've wanted for so long.

I just have to block all thoughts of Harrison Bridges out of my head.