Page 6 of A Bossy Roommate
After that, I’ll figure something out.
With rock music blaring and me singing along to Destiny’s Child’s “Survivor,” I plug my new work address into the GPS and peel out of my parking spot. The sun is warm, and the sky is the brightest blue I’ve seen in a while. No need to plead with Kiki’s temperamental windshield wipers like I did the day before when an unexpected shower forced me to pull over and wait patiently until it passed.
Everything looks great. Sure, the traffic is terrible, and there are some daredevil drivers out here, but it gives me a chance to familiarize myself with the road and nearby businesses.
Unscathed by any obstacles, I reach the office building.
3
EDEN
After parking my Kiki in the large parking garage, I grab my purse. With excitement and first-day jitters, I get out of my car and follow the other people headed inside. The garage elevator takes us to the main lobby, and when I step out, the sight renders me speechless.
The atrium ishuge. I’ve never seen an entry like this outside of a museum or church. With lofty ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows along one side, I’m blown away by the stunning view. So much so that I have to remind myself to keep walking and stop acknowledging the constant soreness between my legs. An imposing receptionist desk dominates the center of the room, manned by a woman with a tight low bun of honey hair who looks like she means business.
When I approach, she offers me a bright smile. “Good morning. How can I help you?”
“Hi, I’m Eden Ryan. It’s my first day, and I’m supposed to meet Gretchen…” The last name of the woman I’m supposed to ask for suddenly slips my mind. “Er…sorry, I forgot her last name. She’s the head administrative assistant.”
Noticing me flounder, the elegant receptionist chuckles, peering at me over the rim of her glasses. “I got you.”
“Oh, okay, thank you.”
“Why don’t you have a seat over there, and I’ll call Gretchen.” She gestures to the left. “Welcome to Legacy Builders.”
“Thank you,” I say graciously. “I’m excited to be here.”
I take a seat on one of the empty chairs, eyes wide as I observe the hustle and bustle around me. Even with it being early in the morning, the place is buzzing—just like the city around us. Any lingering nervousness is buried beneath my excitement. This is exactly what I’ve been looking for: the kind of fast-paced challenge I’ve been dreaming about. I’m sitting for less than a minute before a woman about ten years older than me, dressed in a form-fitting pantsuit, approaches me. Her makeup is flawless, and her blonde hair is pulled into a twisted knot like mine. The round red frames of her glasses complement the welcoming and approachable nature of her face and match her bright hair color perfectly.
“Eden?” she asks.
I smile and stand, extending my hand in greeting. “Yes, that’s me. You must be Gretchen.”
Gretchen shakes my hand. “I am. I’ll be handling your training for the next week. I’m the administrative assistant to Mr. Huxley, the Executive Branch Manager-slash-CFO, as well as the supervisor to the other admin assistants.”
“Wow, impressive.” Her boss holds significant decision-making power here in NYC, positioned just below the CEO in the hierarchy.
“Thanks, I like to think so too.” She chuckles and motions for me to follow her past the receptionist. “I’ve been here a long time. Stick with me and I’ll show you the ropes.”
I like her already. She has a cool confidence about her and a warmth that instantly puts me at ease. “Great. I have experiencein the position, but this is definitely a bigger business than I’m used to.” I don’t get into any detail about how my admin experience stems from working for my sister’s small mom-and-pop operation.
“Legacy Builders is one of the most prestigious construction firms in the city,” Gretchen explains while we walk. “My boss, Mr. Huxley, is one of the senior partners. He’s the only one who works out of the New York office. The CEO sits in Connecticut, and the others run the offices in Massachusetts and Vermont.” Gretchen leads me to another set of elevators, and we step on as soon as the doors open. “So, is this your first time in New York?” she asks while the elevator climbs.
“Yes, it is. I just got in late last night.”
“Well, I know it can be overwhelming. I’ve been here for years, and it still can be daunting at times. If you need anything, work related or otherwise, I’m right here.”
“Thank you, I appreciate it.”
The elevator stops at the 12th floor, and I follow Gretchen through a set of glass double doors. “In my interview with Human Resources I was told I was going to be the assistant to Mr. Bancroft,” I explain. “I take it he’s not one of the partners?”
“No, Mr. Bancroft isn’t a partner yet. But he honestly should be. He’s smart, and as our COO, he plays a key role in the company’s strategic direction and handles most of the major jobs that come through.” She leans in close and whispers, “Not to mention he’s quite easy on the eyes.”
I laugh softly. “At least that’ll be something pleasing to look at.”
She gives me a “Girl, you havenoidea” smile.
We’ll be best friends, I can already feel it.