Escape

Catherine spent the whole of Sunday talking with Jennifer in between napping and taking care of herself and her boy; yoga, pedicure, manicure, skincare and hair, so when she showed up for work on Monday she was looking as refreshed as she felt really hoping that James won't complained about how she ditched their date again. She greeted everyone with an office in the third floor and chatted with Mrs. Wilson, the friendly broadcaster and head of television in their fast growing media company. Her office is never out of Lily flowers.

As the managing director and public relations officer, Catherine is constantly busy during working hours, often have lunch on her desk and closes last and late. She's always complained to James about how he needed to hire a PRO as the work is much, but he's claimed that no one can do the job better than her, so she stopped complaining, apparently James is stubborn. Today is like any other. Catherine was engrossed when the intercom on her desk beeped, she lifted the handset to her ears, it was James.

"You can't believe what just happened!" she immediately turned her head away from the handset for a second, James practically shouted. "Is Lucy not on her desk?" "She is, but I'd rather give you the good news myself." "Okay?" she asked lamely. "Cat, at least pretend to be excited." "Boss, I am really busy.." "You are a mood killer! Anyway, PW Harvey did not only rescheduled like he promised - oh you were not there to remember - but he's coming in today. We have two hours to prepare before he gets here, so I want you to round up what ever is it you are doing. I'll be expecting you in my office in the next thirty minutes. Oh and please, bring your manners this time, we could really use some." He hung up before she's got the chance to say something.

Catherine held her breath as she slowly dropped the handset into it's cradle, like a newly laid egg. She was sweating, this can't be happening, she thought, she can't see that devil again, she has to do something about it. Pacing to and fro in her office and constantly checking her wrist watch, she wished time could just fly because the thirty minutes she was given seemed like days. When it was finally time and she was about to head to her Boss's office, she realized that she hasn't come up with any logical excuse to skip this meeting, naturally as the PRO and the managing director , she has to be there.

"Good morning Lucy." Catherine greeted the secretary and head in without waiting for an answer, knowing very well she wouldn't get a nice one and today of all days, she hasn't gotten the energy to start lecturing her about manners considering her position as a secretary.

"Ha! Just in time. I was about to remind you in case you'll get carried away." James said immediately she entered. "I am here." "Of course you are." "May I?" she asked pointing to the sofa opposite to his. "Yes, please." This office is abnormally big and comfy, she thought. "Um..." "Yes?" James asked when she hesitated, looking at her questionably. Knowing Catherine, she was about to drop something off. "I was thinking, seeing as I already made a bad first impression to our today's guest, it'll be better if I stay out of the meeting, to avoid having him change his mind." Catherine chose her words carefully, she doesn't want to give James the room to suspect more than he already has. "I understand, but that is not going to be necassary because the incidence is not going to repeat itself, is it?" James asked, giving her his questioning stare. "I don't know." She answered sincerely, no point in lying. "What is your problem with this guy, Catherine?" "Honestly, he's got this irritating aura around him that sets me off. That's the truth and I expect you to please understand, I don't want to mess up again because I know he's important to us and we need him." "Catherine," resting his forearms on his knees as he slightly leaned forward, he asked her with all seriousness, "Do you know this guy from somewhere?" "Can I choose not to answer?" " No." "Okay, Yes, for a short moment sometime back in my life." "Before you became off men or after?" "Somewhere in between." "Phew!" he sighed, "What do I do with you?" "Just let me skip this meeting." "But seriously how I can do this without either a PR officer or MD? Unfortunately you happen to be both. This is your work in the first place, you are supposed to be organizing this meeting I am doing your work for you." "And you'll continue to do it until you finally decided and agreed to hire a PR officer!" "Okay, before you start again. Now who do you suggest I take to meeting?" "Your secretary." "My sec? Seriously?" he asked in disbelief. "Okay take Patty, she's the head of TV after all that's why he's here." "Fine. You can skip the meeting. I'll have Patty forward the memorandum to you after the meeting." Catherine stood up, "Thank you Boss, I know I can always count on you." James eyes followed her until she disappeared, "Anything for you cat." he whispered to no one in particular.