Page 4 of Jack Frost, CEO

Stella refocuses on me with a smile. “So. You need Martha. She’s on the fifteenth floor. Why don’t I just show you? I have a break coming up anyway. Hey, Jer? I’m going to take my friend here down to see Martha. If you see Mac, let him know, okay?”

Jeremy waves a hand to us, and Stella gets up and leads me back over to the lifts, pushing the correct button before we step inside.

“So. What do you do? Analyst? Accounting? Runner?” Stella pops her gum as the car descends.

“Um, I’m going to be Jac—Mr. Foster’s assistant. Apparently, the last one went into labor early, and he’s been unable to find a replacement.” I tug on my curls, unsure if what I shared was privileged information.

“Oh, lucky! Mr. Foster is considered the most eligible bachelor in town, and you get to work with him daily!”

The lift opens onto the fifteenth floor, and I follow Stella into an office with a line of doors.

“That accent is different. Where are you from?”

“Oh, I’m from Australia. I’m here temporarily. I’ll return home at Christmas, but this gives Mr. Foster time to find a suitable replacement. Apparently, he’s been in the weeds.” I pull my bag closer to my side, trying to pay attention to the turns we’re making.

“You’re going to have every guy in a five-mile radius chasing you with that accent. It doesn’t hurt that you look like a Disney Princess either.” Stella twists a lock of hair around her finger, almost like she’s up to something, but then she twines her arms through mine. “I’ve decided to be your unofficial welcoming committee. Anything you need, let me know. This is Martha’s office. See you Monday!”

I watch Stella walk away for a few minutes. She pauses, turns back, and waves before I can’t see her anymore. Swallowing, I pivot on my heel and knock on the door in front of me. I’ve learned my lesson: Always knock.

“Come in.”

I open the door to a tastefully decorated office. Martha, the lady behind the desk, is older with laugh lines gracing her face and a friendly smile. I instantly like her.

“Well, hello! Mr. Foster told me to expect you. Did you get lost?” She pushes up from her chair and comes around the desk, ushering me into her office and over to a seat.

“Oh, well. Mr. Foster didn’t tell me where to find you, so I had to ask for help. Stella brought me down here.” I gesture behind me as if the girl’s still standing there instead of several floors down by now.

Martha chuckles. “That imp. She’s a handful—that’s for sure. She runs rings around all the other analysts. You could do worse for a friend. Now. Let’s get you situated. Mr. Foster said you were here on a work visa? I assume you have all of that with you?”

I nod, gesturing to my bag, and the woman beams.

“Fantastic!” She takes my employment packet from me and starts copying the documents. “Fill this out, dear, and we will set you up with a badge. Do you have a car?”

My eyes widen. Am I meant to have a car?

But Martha just continues to smile. “No? Then we will get you a pass for the subway. It’s company-provided, so no worries. I’ll show you the canteen, which is accessible to employees 24/7 so help yourself. If you take the last of something, please do not leave the empty container. That is just good manners, my dear.”

My head is spinning as Martha prattles on about the amenities. I don’t plan on needing any of them, so I’m not too worried about absorbing the information right now. I could also always ask Stella when the time comes.

“Here is your compensation contract. Please read over this carefully, and if everything is as you discussed with Mr. Foster, please sign.” She hands me a clipboard, and I nearly swallow my tongue.

This number cannot be correct.

“Excuse me, I think there’s a mistake.” I show Martha the clipboard, pointing to the section where my monthly income is listed.

She picks up a pair of spectacles and perches them on the end of her nose. “No. That’s correct. That’s the going market rate for this position. Is it not enough? Did you discuss a different compensation target?”

“No. Mr. Foster said it would be the market rate for the position. I just wasn’t expecting the number to be that high.”

“Ah, well. Mr. Foster is very demanding and pays top dollar for talent. Don’t get me wrong—you will earn every penny—but he is also very understanding.”

I sign and pass over the compensation contract and receive my badge and a packet of paperwork in return.

“Now, everything we went over is in that packet and you already have your badge. As Mr. Foster’s personal assistant, your start time will be seven sharp. He’s usually here around six. When you arrive, you should immediately print his daily schedule. Go over it with him and then make any adjustments he requires. Throughout the day, there will be last-minute accommodations, which means you will need to change the schedule accordingly. However, this initial meeting first thing in the morning is the most important and will set the tone for the rest of your day.”

I stare at her like a deer in headlights.

She pats my hand comfortingly. “You’ll get it quick, dear. Promise. Now, you’re done with me, but if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out. My email and extension are in your packet as well. Enjoy your weekend!”

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