The Billionaire's Passionate Assistant

A phone buzzed under the counter and Rhia Bloomberg picked it up. It was a text, she tap-opened the message and read it. Disappointment flickered across her face.

"Hey, don't get caught." A feminine voice said, approaching the counter.

"I'm careful." she returned the phone back to its former position.

"You don't seem happy, bad news?"

"Yeah, I'm about to be dead soon."

"Stop saying that Rhia"

"My parents want to meet this weekend."

"I mean that's a good thing, right? At least they're interested in you."

"I wouldn't view it that way." She blew a raspberry. "Remember I haven't told them I lost my job and I'm working here."

"But you have to tell them soon."

"I'm trying, Emmeline. You know, I'm not their favorite. It's not going to be easy. They will be disappointed."

"I was really hoping I'dl get a call or text from the company I applied to be an assistant in but instead I got this. What am I going to do now?"

"Lose no hope, you still have until the weekend before the dinner. Surely they will reach out to you before then"

"Thank you, I'm hopeful but just too scared my parents will find out Jay and I broke up and I left his company to work here before I have something decent to present to them."

"You did the right thing. Jay was an ass who didn't deserve you." Emmeline assured her.

"My parents won't understand. He has always been a sweetheart to and before them."

"Being a waitress ain't that bad. It's just for the main time. They should understand."

"I wished it was that easy." Rhia let out a sigh of frustration.

"I'll -"

"I don't pay you to gossip. Go over there and serve tables. That's what you're being paid for, cheap rats." A voice boomed out and cast fear upon them.

"Sorry, Manager Dimmy." Those words rolled out both their mouths simultaneously. Their hearts were in their throats. They knew the boss meant business - he was known for being a hard taskmaster, and he didn't have space for any sort of tolerance. It didn't matter to him whether they had something to do or not. He just wanted them to be busy.

As the day wore on, an order was initiated. Rhia carefully carried the drinks and seafood platter over to the customer as he had requested for himself and his friend, however, disaster struck. Just as she was about to place the meal on his table, the customer's hand due to excessive talking and demonstration state hit the drink, causing both the drinks and platter to spill all over himself and a bit of its content on Rhia. The customer began to shout, this attracted the patrons attention and Rhia was mortified. She could feel the hot liquid seeping through her clothes, and she knew she was in trouble. All she could do was apologize but the customer didn't care.

"Who is your manager? What kind of clumsy animals does he employ here?" The customer roared.

Here comes the rampage boss. "I'm sorry, sir. I'll handle it from here. Your order is on the house tonight."

"Now, you're talking because I was not going to pay for that." The customer smiled at Manager Dimmy and then wandered his eyes at Rhia who was standing there like a terrified cat, "make sure she gets the treatment she deserves."

Manger Dimmy turned to Rhia, "I pay you to work not to cause me problems, you dumb ass!"

"Sorry, Sir" Tears welled up in her eyes.

"Now clean this up. It's your mess."

Instantly, Rhia bent down to handle her mess, a hand grabbed hers and she turned and looked up to see a handsome man standing above her.

"Let me help you," he said, his voice soft and kind.

He pulled her to her feet, his eyes never leaving hers. In that moment, she felt a spark of electricity pass through her body. It was as if the air around them was charged with a force she couldn't explain. Her heart began to race, and she felt a flutter in her stomach. For a moment, everything else seemed to fade away, and all she could see was him. The look in his eyes told her that he felt it too. They were connected, bonded by something more than words could express. Then, reality came crashing back as her boss' voice cut through the silence.

He cleared his throat. "What's going on there?" he demanded, his eyes flashing.

Rhia's heart sank as she saw the look on the boss' face. She knew she was in trouble now. "I-I'm so sorry, sir," she stammered, still holding the handsome man's hand. "This gentleman was just helping me -"

"Enough!" the boss barked. "Get back to work, both of you." He referred to Emmeline as well who had run to rescue a friend in need.

Rhia and the handsome man exchanged a glance, their eyes full of unspoken words. Then, reluctantly, they released each other's hands and she went back to her respective tasks.

"How about we talk over there." He pointed to the counter and the boss agreed.

"Is she also a cleaner?" He asked as he sat down.

"No." Manager Dimmy replied nonchalantly.

"Then why does she have to clean up the mess? Isn't that the cleaner's job?"

"Gentlemen, whosoever you are, you don't come here and tell me what to do. This is my kingdom."

"Then manage it well."

"What do you mean? I won't just let you insult me."

"But you will let your customers bully and abuse your workers?"

"I can't favor the worker over my customers. This is how I pay my bills. I'm sure you understand."

"I recorded everything that just happened in here," he referred to his phone as he spoke. "How about I submit this to the police and you guys can talk about how abusive you are to your workers or we negotiate a deal." His tone was serious and determined.

"No, it hasn't gotten to that. I'll do anything. Please, this business is important to me. I have to feed my family with it." Manager Dimmy was already shaking. He was scared.

"And your workers are not? Listen, man, they are also part of the reason your business is up and running. How about you start treating your workers well?"

"Sure. That's very easy. I will do just that."

"Then we have a deal."

"Of course."

"I might not be here but I'll be watching." He zoomed off.

After their shift was over, Rhia and Emmeline got home. She couldn't stop thinking about the man back at the bar. His kind eyes and gentle hands were burned into her memory. Her head was full of questions - 'who is he? And why did he help me?'

"Today was really an eventful day." Emmeline gushed.

"Sure it was, Em"

"I really loved how that gentleman took care of Manger Dimmy. It was so good to see that look on his face. Manager Dimmy is no different from his customers."

Rhia let out a laugh, "I guess."

"Anyways, do you happen to know that gentleman?"

"No."

"I wondered why he helped."

"Same." She said it with no energy.

"He was brave and sweet. To add to it, he is handsome as well - that's obviously undeniable. Every girl's dream man."

"I don't want to dream, I'm just curious."

"Try to have a little fun girl." Emmeline gently nudged her.

"The last time I tried, where did I end up? These things have passed by me now. I don't want to embarrass myself any longer. Love is not for me." As she said the last word, her phone buzzed in her pocket. She quickly fished it out with a mixture of curiosity and trepidation. She wasn't expecting any exciting news, but you never knew what might happen. As she read the message, her eyes widened in disbelief. A smile spread across her face, and she let out a squeal of delight. She couldn't contain her excitement.

"What's the news?" Emmeline asked with curiosity.

"I'm scheduled for an interview tomorrow." She sang the words with happiness.

"Oh my! Finally, I'm so happy for you."

The both hugged and danced around the room and suddenly, Rhia paused and sank down into the couch.

"What happened?"

"It just occurred to me that I might end up being a waitress forever and I'll end up squatting in your house forever."

"Don't say that Rhia. You're going to jinx it. But I don't mind you staying here forever. What are best friends for?"

Emmeline had been Rhia's best friend for years now. They grew up together and have always been there for each other.

"It's the same time as my shift tomorrow. Manager Dimmy is going to lose it."

That's right, Manager Dimmy was not going to take it easy if she missed her shift and showed up the next way. No excuse would soften his heart.

"We are on the same shift so I can't cover for you. You really need this job, how about you risk it?"

"Seriously, I'm trying to play it safe. What if I don't get the job? It's a highly competitive position based on the company involved. I might just end up jobless. Maybe Jay was right, there's no nothing much to me." Her voice was low with a touch of sadness.

"Don't listen to that jerk. I have a suggestion. Trust me, it will work out just fine."

"What's that?" Rhia seemed more interested and curious.

"How about you asked Richard to cover for you. He's always had a crush on you so he will do this for you."

"Em?"

"I'm just trying to provide a solution. I don't want you to regret anything afterwards."

"Okay." Rhia sighed. "I can't do it, no."

"You have to do it. Give it a try."

"I really don't want to inconvenience him."

"No one wants that. I'm sure he will understand."

After a few minutes of persistence and convincing from Emmeline she accepted. With trembling fingers, she typed out a message and hit send.

THE NEXT DAY - MORNING

The door slid open, and Rhia stepped into the building, her heels clicking on the marble floor. She glanced around, taking in the lavish furnishings and expensive artwork. It was clear that this company had money to burn. But as she waited in the reception area, she couldn't help but notice the other candidates sitting nearby. They were all fidgeting and looking anxious, whispering to each other about how difficult the interview process was. Her stomach turned. If the others thought the interviewer was hard to please, what did that mean for her?

"Any advice?" She asked the candidate who was just interviewed.

"None that I can think of. The man is nothing but a jerk. I tried all my charms on him, but it still didn't work. He just threw me out and said I was not the right fit. This was a complete waste of time. He is clearly not serious about getting an assistant." She walked away angrily as soon as she finished her sentence.

"Luckily I didn't get the job. Whoever gets to be his secretary will regret it." Another chimed in.

The candidates comments were really discouraging but that didn't make Rhia back down on this life changing opportunity she had wanted. She believed her experience would be different.

As she was called into the interview room, by the passage before she could get to the room. She could hear the man complaining, "Where did you find all these people? This is the last one. After this, I'm done. You can't convince me further. No one seems to understand what it means to be an assistant anymore."

"Calm down. Your last candidate is here. I'll leave you to it." The man who was with the interviewer said as he saw her standing by the door and excused himself.

"Come in," the interviewer instructed.

Rhia's heart was pounding in her chest as she went inside. The interviewer sat behind a large, imposing desk, his eyes hidden behind dark glasses.

"Please, take a seat," he said, gesturing to the chair in front of him. Rhia sat down, her palms sweating.

The interviewer leaned forward, his hands folded in front of him. "So, tell me why you're the right person for this job," he said, his voice cold and clinical.

Rhia swallowed hard, trying to gather her thoughts. Then, he removed his glasses and Rhia's eyes narrowed as she recognised the gentleman from the bar yesterday. "You!" She exclaimed in shock. "Who are you?"

"Miss Waitress?" He asked with surprise.

"Are you stalking me?" Those words popped out of Rhia's mouth like a reflex action. She was surprised to see her savior here and so was he.

"I should be asking you that. You brought yourself here. I didn't invite you." He said nonchalantly.

Oh, could this be fate? Maybe it was. First, Whiskey's End bar, then, Whittle Enterprise.

"What do you mean? I'm here for the interview."

"If that's the case. Let's get right into it, Miss Waitress."

"Rhia!" She corrected him confidently.

"What?" He asked, not understanding her.

"My name is Rhia, Rhia Bloomberg and I'll love for you to address me that way."

"Sure, Miss Rhia."

"So what should I address you as?" She asked politely.

"Jerry Whittle." His voice was filled with pride.

"Oh my God!" Rhia gasped. "You're the famous Mr Whittle. I've heard so much about you. I didn't know what you look like. So you own this company?"

"If you're asking if I'm the CEO of Whittle Enterprise, well yes, I am but that's not why we are here."

"Sorry, Mr Whittle." Rhia folded her friendly energy back in. His words made her realised the real reason why she was seated before him. Not to chat but for a job interview that could save her almost destroyed life from her family.

"So, let's see what you got." Jerry said with a serious tone.

Rhia sat nervously as she faced her intimidating interviewer, Mr Whittle, a successful businessman, who was known for his cold demeanor and high expectations. And Rhia was really hoping to land this job as his personal assistant.

He began with a barrage of questions, and his icy tone left Rhia feeling uncertain. But despite her nerves, she remained composed and answered each question to the best of her ability. As Jerry Whittle went on, his tone softened and he seemed to be a bit impressed.

Finally, he asked the question that she had been dreading; "why do you think you would be a good fit for this position?"

"I think I would be a good fit for this position because I am detail-oriented, organized, and a quick learner," she answered confidently. "I have a strong work ethic and I am eager to take on new challenges. I also have excellent interpersonal skills and I know how to work well with others."

"How about the bar scene?"

"That has nothing to do with this interview. That was a different situation, time and place." Rhia answered boldly.

"That's right. I simply don't think you're the best fit." His voice was without emotions.

"Why? Because of our encounter at the bar? I thought you understood the situation and that's why you came to my rescue but clearly you don't."

"You can't blame me for saving a lady in distress."

"Whatever. I can't believe you pretended to be such a good person."

"This is not personal. You are simply not what I'm looking for at the moment." Declaration of his certainty.

"Why?" She felt a wave of anger rise up inside her.

"Do I need a reason to tell you why? I know what I want. That's why I'm handling this phase myself." His words were a clarion call, ringing out with clarity and determination.

She stood up abruptly and said, "You're wrong! I am more than qualified for this job, and I am not going to let you tell me otherwise!"

Jerry looked taken aback by the outburst but Rhia didn't care. To her, the others were right. Jerry Whittle is a very difficult man to please.

"Goodluck finding the right fit. I can't tolerate this nonsense any longer. I'm not sure you know what you're looking for." She stormed out of the office, tears of frustration and disappointment welling up in her eyes. She knew she had just blown her chance.

As she left the building, she felt her anger and disappointment turn to regret. "Why did I react that way?" she asked herself. "I could have handled that so much better."

She regretted letting her emotions get the best of her, and she wished she could go back and start the interview over. But it was too late, she wished she had kept her emotions in check and stayed professional, even when things didn't go her way. Maybe in that way, she would have somewhat convinced him. Now she is left, somehow useless as her mother and sister would have loved her to be.

With a heavy heart, she walked home. Upon arriving at the door, her phone buzzed and she pulled it out from her bag and swiped it opened. A message from her mother - "I hope you're not planning to stay back. Make sure you prepare, it's going to be a big day."

She scoffed, "This is misery and now everyone is after my life."