Chapter 4 S

A week had passed since Rachel's phone conversation with Ashley. Rachel was now sitting in her bedroom, laptop open, searching for new job opportunities. As she scrolled through various job listings, one particular offer caught her eye. Ryan Thompson's company, Thompson Industries, was looking for a secretary. The job description and salary were appealing. Rachel's heart skipped a beat as she thought about the possibility of working with Ryan's company. Just then, Rachel's husband, Mike, walked into the room. "Hey, what's up?" he asked, noticing the look of excitement on Rachel's face.

Rachel showed him the job listing. "Look at this! Thompson Industries is hiring a secretary." Mike's eyes scanned the job description. "That sounds perfect for you. You should totally apply." Rachel's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. "I was thinking the same thing." Mike smiled, supporting her. "You'd be great at it. Go for it." Rachel smiled, feeling grateful for her husband's support. "I will. And I'll tell Ashley about it when we meet up later today." Rachel's fingers flew across the keyboard as she submitted her job application to Thompson Industries. She felt a sense of excitement and nervousness as she clicked the "submit" button. With her application sent, Rachel turned her attention to getting ready to meet up with Ashley. She showered, styled her hair, and put on a bright smile. As she finished getting ready, Rachel's phone buzzed with a text from Ashley. "Hey, girl! Can't wait to see you today!" Rachel grinned, feeling a surge of enthusiasm. She grabbed her purse and headed out the door, ready to meet up with Ashley and share her exciting news. ****************** Rachel walked into the trendy coffee shop, scanning the room for Ashley's familiar smile. She spotted her friend sitting at a small table by the window, sipping on a latte. Rachel made her way over, dropping into the chair across from Ashley. "Hey, girl! You look fabulous today," Rachel said, giving Ashley a warm hug. Ashley grinned, returning the hug. "Thanks, Rach! You're looking pretty great yourself. What's new with you?" Rachel's eyes sparkled with excitement. "I have some news to share. I just submitted my application for a secretary position at Thompson Industries." Ashley's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "No way! That's amazing, Rach. You'd be perfect for the job." Rachel beamed with pride. "Thanks, Ash. I'm really hoping to get it." Rachel leaned in, a hint of hesitation in her voice. "Ash, can I ask you something?" Ashley's expression turned curious. "Of course, what's up?" Rachel's eyes locked onto Ashley's. "If I get the job, I'll be working with Ryan Thompson. Are you cool with that?" Ashley's expression remained neutral, a small smile playing on her lips. "Ryan? That's okay, Rach. We've been over for ages." Rachel nodded, expecting a bit more reaction from Ashley. But Ashley just shrugged. "Besides, I'm happy for you, Rach. You'd be great at the job. Go for it." Rachel sipped her coffee, changing the subject. "So, how's the Smith Annual Gala project coming along?" Ashley's expression turned professional. "It's going great, thanks for asking. We're just finalizing the details." Rachel's curiosity was piqued. "That's awesome. Will she be attending the gala?" Ashley's eyes narrowed slightly, and she shrugged. "Honestly, I hope not. I just want to focus on work and forget about high school memories." Rachel raised an eyebrow, sensing a hint of tension. "Okay, no problem. I was just curious." Ashley's expression softened. "No worries, Rach. Let's just focus on the gala and making it a success." Rachel's eyes sparkled with excitement. "You know, I've always wanted to attend the Smith Annual Gala. It sounds like such a fabulous event." Ashley smiled knowingly. "It is! But I'm sure you'll get your chance soon." Rachel's face fell slightly. "I don't know...I don't have an invite, and I don't think I can just buy a ticket." Ashley waved her hand dismissively. "Don't worry about that, Rach. I'll make sure you get in. I'm helping plan the event, after all." Rachel's eyes widened in surprise. "Really? You can do that?" Ashley nodded confidently. "Of course! I'll make sure to add your name to the guest list. You can be my plus one." Rachel grinned, feeling relieved and excited. "Thanks, Ash! You're the best." Ashley smiled back. "No need to thank me, Rach. That's what friends are for." The two friends chatted for a bit longer before parting ways. --- Ryan's office, later that day Ryan sat at his desk, phone pressed to his ear. "I don't want someone who's going to snoop around my office," he told his HR representative. "I had issues with my last secretary, Emily. She was always searching through my files." The HR rep's voice was apologetic. "I understand, Mr. Thompson. We'll make sure to find someone who is discreet and professional." Ryan's tone was firm. "See that you do. I don't want any repeats of Emily." The HR rep's voice was reassuring. "Don't worry, Mr. Thompson. We'll find someone who fits your requirements. I'll send over the first batch of resumes tomorrow morning." Ryan nodded, feeling a sense of relief. "Alright, thank you. I look forward to reviewing them." He hung up the phone and leaned back in his chair, feeling a sense of anticipation. He was determined to find the perfect secretary, someone who was efficient, discreet, and professional. Ryan's assistant, Mark, knocked on the door and entered the office. "Mr. Thompson, I have something for you." Ryan looked up from his computer, a hint of curiosity on his face. "What is it?" Mark approached the desk, a sleek, black envelope in his hand. "This was delivered to the office earlier today." Ryan's eyes narrowed slightly as he took the envelope. He recognized the Smith family crest embossed on the seal. "The Smith Annual Gala," he murmured, a small smile playing on his lips. Mark nodded. "Yes, sir. It's a VIP invitation." Ryan's expression turned thoughtful as he opened the envelope and pulled out the invitation. The gold seal and intricate lettering sparkled in the light. He scanned the invitation, his eyes lingering on the details. "The Smiths always know how to throw a party," Ryan said, a hint of amusement in his voice. He looked up at Mark. "Make sure to RSVP for me, will you?" Mark nodded. "Of course, Mr. Thompson. I'll take care of it." Ryan's gaze drifted back to the invitation, his mind wandering to the gala. He had known the Smiths for years, and their annual gala was always a highlight of the social calendar. He wondered who would be attending this year. As he pondered, Mark cleared his throat, interrupting Ryan's thoughts. "Is there anything else I can do for you, Mr. Thompson?" Ryan shook his head, focusing on the present. "No, that's all for now. Thank you, Mark." Mark nodded and turned to leave, closing the door behind him. Ryan's gaze lingered on the invitation, a small smile still playing on his lips. He knew the Smiths well, and he was familiar with their charity work. The gala was always a spectacular event, with prominent guests and high-end auction items. Ryan had attended the gala several times before, and he always enjoyed the evening. With a sense of satisfaction, Ryan leaned back in his chair, the invitation still clutched in his hand. He knew that the Smith Annual Gala would be an evening to remember.