Page 3 of Playing Pretend

“You ready?” she asked, closing her office door. “The meeting with the heads of departments starts in fifteen minutes, and I’m jonesing for a scone before we start.”

I grabbed my notebook, and a pen, and followed her to the boardroom where we’d had my interview. The room was already filled with a low hum of conversation, and I was grateful when Macy introduced me to the other executives. Gregg Attrige was the Head of Media and Advertising, and from the formal way he shook my hand, I deduced that he was a few years older than every one of his colleagues. His silver hair was coifed to the side, and he dressed well. We spoke briefly before I was introduced to the next executive, Annabel McCain. She too was immaculately dressed with her black hair in a pixie cut, and pale green eyes. She was only three years older than me, putting her at twenty-five, and was the chief editor of Callahan Lifestyle Magazine. It was unheard of that someone her age had such a prestigious title, but she explained that the magazine was her brainchild, and Caleb had provided her with the funds, and the platform to get it off the ground. Her bubbly personality, and easy sense of humor made me feel right at ease, and I knew we would be good friends. The last two executives, Anthony and Julian, were two (very obviously) gay gentlemen who I learned were the masterminds responsible for Callahan Industries’ newest procurement: Callahan Couture. They studied me, dressed in their designer clothes, their manicured hands flicking the air dramatically, and after a brief assessment, engulfed me in a hug rather than the customary head nod or handshake. They were ostentatious, and ridiculously over the top, but like everyone else in the room, they belonged, and added a unique flare to an already diverse team.

Once the introductions were over, Macy and I sat down, and I prepared myself to take minutes and any additional notes I thought would help me for future meetings. I hadn’t realized that I was anticipating Caleb’s arrival, until he blew in through the door, ten minutes late. My breathing shallowed, and I watched with eager eyes as he stood at the head of the table, exuding both power and a sense of subdued supremacy. He’d always been that way, only now it seemed far more…intense.

His angular jaw, and high cheekbones were covered in a spattering of light brown scruff that only added to the severity of his expression. I couldn’t risk looking him over any further, for fear of getting caught, so I kept my gaze fixed on his face.

He frowned, his brows arched, and his lips tilted into a frustrated scowl. “Sorry I’m late,” he muttered. “Something came up. We’ll need to cut this meeting short since I have another pressing matter that requires my immediate attention.”

“I’ll take notes for you, and drop them off at your office later,” offered Jennifer. Annabel, Anthony and Julian all rolled their eyes, not bothering to hide their disdain for Jennifer’s over-zealousness. Rather than respond to her, Caleb placed his hands on his hips and looked at Macy.

“I’ll have Kadence send you the minutes and the notes,” she said easily, unaware of how her request made me freeze.

Even so, I wouldn’t dare look up. Instead, I found that scribbling mindless nothings on my notepad was a far safer option. By the time I looked up seconds, maybe minutes later, Caleb was gone and the meeting had officially started.

By five forty-five, I was done with everything on my to-do list and ready to head home. I was tired, and overwhelmed, but couldn’t help the sense of accomplishment that had me beaming.

Macy came out of her office, her purse slung over her shoulder. “I have to leave early for my OBGYN appointment, will you be okay here on your own for a few more minutes?”

I smiled, and grabbed my own purse from my desk drawer. “I’m about to head out myself. Is that okay?”

“Of course. Did you remember to give Caleb the notes you made from today’s meeting?”

“No, but I can drop it off on my way out? I heard him on the phone earlier so I think he still might be here.”

I felt like kicking myself for forgetting, but it had slipped my mind while I was trying to find my footing. Part of me had deliberately put it off and focused on the other tasks Macy had asked me to complete, but now I had no choice.

With a smile, Macy walked past reception, and then quickly backtracked. “You did a great job today, Kadence.”

I nodded once, and preened under her appraisal, a small grin of my own playing at the corners of my lips. I powered off, making sure that I had everything, and then walked down the hallway. Standing outside Caleb’s office door, I heard him murmuring from the other side, and considered slipping the printed papers in my hands under his door, rather than face him. I felt foolish after the meeting today; hating the way I’d been unable to even look at him. I wanted to smother the small flicker of hope that he’d remember me, and the only way I could think of doing that was to remind myself that he was, for all intents and purposes, my boss.