Withholding nothing

Mrs Shalom and I went back happy because of our flawless success.

We went our department office and met the others.

"We're back." Said Mrs Shalom

They all gave a heavy sigh, then said "welcome back ma'am".

Sheesh. The mole really sent the whole firm into turmoil.

"Report?" Mrs Shalam said while heading towards her desk to put on her furry slippers.

Abeedah stood up and said "We managed to keep the pioneers and main investors. Some minor traders who trade stocks based on what they see online, dropped out. However, it should not cause much damage."

"Good work, team"

"Thank you ma'am" they chorused.

"But..." Peter said "we could not reach Mr Ekene..., I hope all went well?"

"Well...things were shaky at first..."

Abeedah, Sola and Peter furrowed their brows and pursed their lips.

"He has always been a difficult man to convince." Sola murmured

"Things were shaky at first, but our newest recruit convinced him to keep his investment."

"Ah?" Abeedah exclaimed

"Her, not you?" Peter asked.

"Yep. She's proved herself competent, no?" Mrs Shalom said

"Indeed" Sola murmured.

Sola didn't seem like he spoke much and only spoke in murmurs mostly.

I gave a smile and said "Thank you for the praise, but I could not have done it without Mrs Shalom."

Mrs Shalom chuckled "Mr Ekene did say you were sweet with words. Looks like his words are being proven true."

The phone on her table rang. She said "one moment" and went to answer it.

Abeedah walked over to me "I'm impressed." She said "Mr Ekene is not one to swayed easily. How did you do it?"

"I simply reminded him of the benefits of remaining in the business his old friend has long built and one he had grown from. I showed him the upsides and promised him results."

I continued "Results...we need to get in order to keep all our investors."

"Yeah...I'm sure we will get them." Abeedah said with all confidence "I have been working with REACH for almost 4 years and we have results everytime, no matter what."

"...and that the company I have be hired at. Amazing!" I smiled

"Davina." Mrs Shalom called.

"Yes ma?"

"Mr Douglas called for you. He is waiting in his office."

"Oh. Okay ma"

As I made my way to his office with was directly beside Mr Igwe's, I felt oddly nervous. How would he be now? Had he changed? Would he still be on friendly terms? Lots of questions, with the only way I could get answers being me walking through the door.

The door had "Douglas Kumashe, Executive Assistant" written on it.

Aside from the thought of whether or not our curt friendship would remain, there was this underlying feeling. One too strange, as though something that would rattle my expectations was soon to happen.

'Calm down, me. We've got a good job here, just stay on track' I thought

I brushed off my nervousness and overthinking.

*knock* *knock*

"Come in."

I pushed the door open and walked in.

He was sitted behind his desk with his brows furrowed. He had taken off the jacket of the suit his was wearing and was rubbing his temples, indicating stress.

My guess is, he had to soothe a lot of investors, partners, clients and even just family members associated with this firm.

Of course he would be stressed.

"Good Afternoon, sir."

He looked up from the phone in his hand and stared at me.

He is still staring.

"Douglas?"

He snapped out of his thoughts "Yes?"

"Uhm, sir, you were...staring."

"Sorry about that. You called me "sir". That's why."

"I am supposed to address you formally though."

"I know but since the meeting and you saying sir, I thought you just did not remember me."

"Really? I thought we were not friends anymore, your expression was not the best earlier."

"Yes well, because of the situation, my mood was not the best."

"That's understandable."

"we ARE still friends though,right?"

I chuckled "Yes, we are."

"For many reasons though," I continued " we should address each other formally in public."

"That's a given." He said, smiling.

I was happy that our friendship was retained. He was really a good guy, then and now.

"Anyways," He said " You have been called for two reasons."

I shifted my stance to one more formal "Yes sir."

"Firstly Mr Igwe is grateful that you were able to retain Mr Ekene. He sends his thanks"

I was unable to hide my happiness and plastered a huge grin on my face.

"Secondly, because this is the second time you have shown you expertise is social handling, negotiation and communication. You have caught the interest of someone to take on a new duty."

Now I was a bit confused. Douglas read my reaction and said "Yes, sudden. But this is a great opportunity and you will not put your office responsibilities down but rather have another one in addition to them."

I was hesistant .

"Plus, salary increase." He said.

Douglas was not aware of my desperate and deprived situation and simply saw this as given a youth a chance for more money.

For me though, this was a mouth watering chance.

But, I kept a rational head.

"May I have details please"

"Do you know Mr Canaan Igwe?"

"We...we've met."

"At the meeting?"

"Yes sir."

"Great. He is the son of the chairman and an executive director. Soon enough though, he is to be promoted to president of the firm."

"I see. But where do I come in?"

"You see, because this business has such a deep association with family, there are many family members,acquaintances and In laws Mr Canaan has to please to garner favour from. However, he is not so...talented in that area. In order for him to take up his new position with no qualms, he must be approved by the majority."

"So I have to guide him on what to say?"

"In theory, yes."

"If I may ask, how was I chosen?"

"I recommended you."

I sighed "Shima." His middle name, I called him that when I teased him or when I was upset.

"It is a good opportunity for you."

"Yes but if word gets out people will talk. They will say I am being favoured by the chairman's assistant and will claim that is the way I got here." I said almost groaning at the situation.

"Well it isn't. At the restaurant I saw you but it was Mr Igwe you noticed you and chose you, not me. You proved yourself to him, not me. And you sure as hell can go even further with your abilities."

His words assured me. But...

"Will you accept the job?" He asked, very hopeful.

Hmmmm.