Vera’s POV.
Since I’ve known David, both as my former ward and now a lover, this is literally the first time I’ve taken the liberty to tour his company.
THE TRUMAN EMPIRE.
True to its name, it isn’t just a company, no. It’s an empire, one where every damn corner drips wealth.
As I take a walk around the building, marveling at the finely crafted art, paintings, desks, and walls, my heart blooms. Most of the offices here have rustic designs that provide comfort in the littlest way.
Did I talk about the hundreds of thousands working here?
Oh, that’s really a true definition of a throng of people.
How in hell does David manage them? I think to myself, waving and sending a cable of greeting to those I pass by.
Some look at me in wonder, as if I’m an alien.
Hushed whispers feather into my ears as I pass by most cubicles, some of their words getting to my ears.
“Who is she?”
“She looks beautiful, is she an employee? A new one?”
“I don’t know but if she ever is one, that means the competition silently going on, on who will win David Truman’s heart will triple.”
“Oh, God, no, I certainly don’t want someone like to work here. I mean, it’ll limit my chances of getting the CEO’s attention.”
My ears perk at the person’s words and I pause gazing at the painting on the nearby wall, just to ensure I hear all they have to say.
Folding my arms across my chest, I pretend to zone my attention on the painting. The painting reflects the beauty of a rising sun as it peeks through the cloud, shadowing the turquoise blue of an ocean.
It holds my interest for a while until those ladies begin another round of banter, clearly not aware of my eavesdropping.
“Isla, don’t be ridiculous. Do you even think David Truman will pay you any heed?” Another one butts in, chastening the girl who admitted crushing on David.
Not to lie, knowing that they crush on my lover makes me feel a flood of jealousy. Honestly, I wish there was a way I could stash David away from prying eyes.
‘There is definitely.’ The voice of reason in my head suggests. ‘I know once he makes it clear you’re his woman, all these creatures will put their eyes off of him.’
Right! Making our relationship known. I bet that’s going to work things out. I bubble a little in the hope that rises to my chest, only for it to be doused when I remember David saying he needs to solve some things.
That sucks, actually.
My ears tune back into the hushed whispers of the lady.
“Spare me that! Don’t you know David is a womanizer? All tabloid knows that. So, I might be lucky and worm my way into his precious heart, hmm?”
That’s it. That’s literally my undoing.
How dare they talk about my man like that?
Sure, David was once like that but not anymore.
I make a resolved decision to address the girl who just said that. Twirling with gracious ease, I walk towards in calculating steps towards them.
However, before I reach their spots, Charlie, David’s assistant pops out of the office a few steps away from me.
His goggles sitting with finesse on the bridge of his nose.
“Ms. Vera?” He calls, making me take a pause. “Are you lost?” He asks.
I breathe out a short laugh. “Not at all. Just… taking a little tour around.” I say with a smile in my voice.
“That’s perfect. I’m actually free now, how about I take you around?”
What?
That offer! Fuck it makes me mentally shrug.
It’ll look weird if I reject it considering Charlie knows this place more than I do.
“Alright, lead the way.”
At my decisive words, Charlie smiles and shooes me away from the floor.
Even as I go, I still hear the ladies asking.
“Who the hell is she?”
Another new voice chimes in. “Oh, the girl? She’s David’s foster daughter. I heard she’s into modeling now…”
That’s the last pointer I get before the elevator door slams closed.
*
*
*
Charlie shows me around the building with practiced ease.
“This is conference room A.” He says, pointing at the extreme of the second floor.
“Actually that’s where the HR department holds their mini conferences. You wouldn’t want to go there.”
His last words make me burst into laughter.
“Why?”
Turning slightly, Charlie says. “They’re having a meeting now and if you step in, all their focus will be pinned on you. And before you leave, rumors will go around that I have gotten a girlfriend.” Charlie babbles. “I mean those guys are purely created to gossip.”
I cackle none stop at Charlie’s babble, doubling over.
“Holy smokes! Are they that bad?” I burst again into another round of laughter when I heard Charlie labeling curses at them.
“My God, Vera. They are. I mean, I’ve gotten my first-hand experience about their harsh rumors.”
“What did they say about you?” I ask, obviously curious.
Shaking his head he says. “That I’m a gay.” He gushes, wrinkling his face.
Oh, believe me, I’m surprised too because Charlie looks every bit like one.
“But you’re not?”
My question makes him cease walking.
“Darling, I’m anything but that. I tell you, I love pussies. Just that…I’m kinda attracted to some guys. But I don’t fuck them.” He rambles.
That means he’s bi. I guess Charlie doesn’t know his sexual orientation yet.
“Is there any espresso room here?” I ask, diverting the topic.
“Ahh, oh course. Darling, that happens to be my best.”
At that, he briskly drags me in tow with him and we enter into the spacious espresso room filled with espresso machines.
Pastries line on the table too.
“I love spending my break here. I’m a lover of caffeine.” Charlie says while I busy my hands making and pouring some coffee into my cup, and picking up tortillas from the cluttered pastries on the table.
“Hmm…this tastes good.” I hum around the bite.
Charlie follows the cue, picking one and stuffing his mouth full.
We spend the time there in obvious joy until I get my full.
Charlie then leads me out and into the elevator.
“I have one last place to show you. And trust my ass, you’re gonna like it.”
That sprinkles my anticipation alive and I fiddle my fingers together until…
The elevator dings on the last floor.
To be continued…