Chapter 3 The Uninvited Guest

Chapter three

Emily walked into work wearing sunglasses, her eyes baggy from lack of sleep. She headed straight to Alex's office, laptop in hand, and silently dropped it on his desk. Alex wasn't paying attention, so Emily spoke up, even though she had promised herself not to say a word to Alex.

"Would you like me to come back later when you're less busy?" Emily asked breaking her promise to herself. No need for that, just send the data through my email," Alex replied. "What? You should have told me that before," Emily said, frustration evident. "I'm telling you now," Alex said, finally looking up at her. "And what's with the glasses?"

"Are you going to tell me to pull them off?" Emily retorted, but Alex ignored her. "Just send the data and get back to work," Alex ordered. "Whatever," Emily muttered, sending the data and leaving his office.

Alex sighed. "Gosh, that lady sure knows how to get on my nerves."

At her workstation, Emily slumped into her chair, swiveling listlessly. "What's with the sunglasses?" Sarah asked, laughing.

"You don't want to know," Emily replied lazily. "Try me," Sarah urged.

Emily pulled down her glasses, revealing dark circles.

"Wow," Sarah breathed. "Is it that bad? Mom had that look too when I showed her," Emily said. "Yeah, I mean no, it's not that bad... the glasses make you look cool," Sarah backpedaled.

Emily huffed. "Liar. Whatever, I blame that jerk for this. I cant believe he told me to have a good night's rest after making me work through the night."

Sarah suggested, "Instead sitting here all day cursing our boss, Why don't we grab some coffee?"

"I don't think I can take any more," Emily replied, remembering the copious coffee she'd consumed all in the name of staying awake.

"How about something sweet, like muffins?" Sarah asked.

"Sounds cool. At least that'll take away the bitterness," Emily agreed, letting Sarah drag her out of her chair.

****************

Mr. Adam chuckled loudly as he strolled alongside the Minister and his daughter. "I'm sure they'll make a perfect match," he said with a smile.

"When do we meet?" Diana asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

"You know my son is the busy type," Mr. Adam replied. "I'll send across a date to you when I meet up with him."

The Minister nodded. "I have matters to attend to. See you later, Mr. Adam."

As the Minister departed with his guards and daughter, Mr. Adam headed to his son's workplace.

Alex was engrossed in his computer when his father arrived. "I can see you're working hard," his dad said, approaching Alex's desk.

"What brings you here, Dad?" Alex asked, still focused on his screen.

"Can't I visit my son?" Mr. Adam asked, attempting a lighthearted tone.

Alex looked up, his expression urging his father to get to the point.

"Fine," Mr. Adam continued. "I arranged a date for you with the Minister's daughter. I came to inquire about your availability."

"Sorry, but I have other plans," Alex replied curtly.

"I didn't give you an option," Mr. Adam said firmly. "Attend this date."

"I told you and Mom to stay out of my life," Alex said, his voice rising. "I decide who I date. Leave, Dad. I have a meeting to attend."

Mr. Adam's face fell, taken aback by Alex's assertiveness. He departed, his silence punctuated by a scornful glance.

(After the meeting)

Ethan walked into the office and dropped the documents Alex had requested on his desk. Alex had been busy lately, which had been putting Ethan on edge. Alex has a tendency to immerse himself in work when he's trying to escape from overwhelming personal issues."

"Are you okay?" Ethan asked.

"Why are you asking me that?" Alex replied, still focused on his work.

"Just asking out of care," Ethan said.

Alex looked up at him. "What's with the brotherly attitude?"

"Nothing really, just wanted to make sure you're okay," Ethan replied.

"Oh, okay, I'm fine," Alex said, then returned to his work but glanced back at Ethan.

"Ha! That reminds me, I'll be packing up today," Alex said.

"You said that the last time," Ethan reminded him.

"I know, I just said it out of frustration. But I'm ready to move in now," Alex replied.

"Okay then," Ethan said and began walking out.

As he reached the door, Alex handed him another file.

"Get me information on this. I need it by tomorrow," Alex instructed.

"Okay, sir," Ethan replied and walked away.

*******************

Emily got home feeling famished. She washed up and dressed in a singlet arm short gown, making her hair into a bun. Then, she went to the kitchen to get something to eat since the maids were running late with dinner and her mom wasn't around. She helped herself to some cornflakes and milk.

Next, Emily went to the parlour, picked up the remote, and scrolled through channels before settling on her favorite TV show. Minutes passed, and she was still watching when suddenly there was a knock on the door. Emily called out to the maids, but they were all busy. With a sigh, she walked to the door and opened it.

When she opened the door, she froze at the sight of her boss, Alex, standing on her doorstep. Emily's mind wandered off, questioning herself. What had she done wrong to make her boss come to her place? Was this some kind of dream or prank? Either way, she couldn't wait to wake up. Words were far away from her; she wasn't sure how to begin the conversation. She just stood and stared at her boss.

"Is this Miss Tessa's apartment?" Alex asked with a straight face which snapped her back to her senses

"Yes, that's my mom. Why do you want to see her?" Emily asked sharply.

"To get my apartment key," Alex replied.

"Keys? What keys?" Emily asked before it finally clicked that her boss was the new tenant her mom had mentioned.

"What? Wait, you're the new tenant?" Emily asked, shocked.

"Is Miss Tessa home or not?" Alex asked, ignoring her questions.

"Such an arrogant brat," Emily muttered under her breath. "No, she isn't home right now, but you can come in and wait for her."

As she invited Alex in, Emily thought to herself, "Why on earth would I invite my boss inside my house? Yeah, it was a good thing, but not my boss." She regretted her decision instantly.

Without a word, Alex walked in and took a seat, leaving Emily feeling on edge.

"How long will you keep still like a statue?" Alex's voice disrupted her thoughts as she snapped back to reality and took a seat.

Moments passed, and Emily kept stealing glances at her boss. What was she to do? Start a conversation or offer him something? These thoughts were eating her up. But what could possibly go wrong? It's not like they were strangers. So, here goes nothing.

"Should I get you something?" Emily summoned the courage to ask.

"I'm OK," Alex replied with his usual stern look.

"Okay," Emily replied, feeling awkward.

One failed attempt, one more to go - starting a conversation. Hopefully, something would come up, like an employee-boss bond. But what conversation could that be? Gosh, this is harder than I thought, but let's do this, Emily encouraged herself.

"So, Mister Alex, when is.........

"I have a lot of work to attend to, when would your mom get here," Alex interrupted.

Two failed attempts in a row; this bonding thing was never going to work between them. Hell no, she is going to try making a bond with her arrogant boss.

"She should be here soon enough," Emily replied.

Immediately, the doorbell rang.

"I guess she's here," Emily said, hurrying to the door.

"Where the heck did you go?" Emily questioned.

"What's up? I heard the new tenant is around," her mom inquired.

"Yes, but mom, hear me out..." Emily started.

Miss Tessa walked into the parlour, cutting Emily off.

"Oh my, hope I didn't keep you waiting," Mrs. Tessa apologized.

"I'm sure my PA informed you about my moving in today," Alex said.

"Yes, he did, but it slipped my mind. Pardon me," Mrs. Tessa replied.

Emily glared at her boss from the corner then huffed at his indirect reply.

"Can I have my keys, please? I have a lot to catch up on," Alex asked.

Mrs. Tessa handed him the keys.

"I'll take my leave," Alex said, exiting.

"Stay for dinner..." Mrs. Tessa started.

"I'm sure he won't want to. Like he said, he has work to do; we wouldn't want to distract him," Emily interrupted with a creepy smile.

"Good night," Alex said and left.

Emily rushed to close the door.

"What was that for?" her mom asked, seeking answers.

"Nothing. Let's go eat; I'm sure you're hungry," Emily replied, dragging her mom away to dinner.

*******************

Alex stepped into his revamped room, feeling a sense of satisfaction. Exhaustion overwhelmed him, and he sank into the couch, eyes fixed on the ceiling. "I feel so tired" he muttered. But with a heavy workload looming, rest would have to wait. Alex slowly rallied, brewing a fresh cup of coffee to propel him through the night.