Page 10 of Seventeen Years Ago

I looked at my laptop to confirm I wasn’t missing something. “I’m sorry Mr. Pintino. Are you sure your appointment is this morning?” Reesa’s schedule was blocked off till noon, but there was no information as to why. “I do see you have a meeting with her on Friday at two.” It was possible he had the date and time wrong.

“Yes, I have that one as well,” he replied.

Reesa, I wish you were here to confirm Caydan is right.

“I’ll let her know you’re running late.”When I see her because she’s late too.It was totally unlike her, and I hoped everything was okay. As I hung up the phone, Reesa entered the office.

“What a morning,” she sighed.

“Is everything okay?” I asked, noticing that she didn’t look as though she felt very well.

“I don’t know. I am just so tired. I feel like I can sleep all day and not be rested.”

“You’re pushing yourself too hard. I bet you worked all weekend,” I said. She nodded. “Even though you’re the president, you still need to take time for yourself. I believe I’ve heard you telling your husband the same thing about spending too many hours working at the hospital.”

“It’s so much easier to give advice than to follow it,” she said.

“Not to add any more stress on you, but Mr. Pintino just called to inform you he’s running a few minutes late. I don’t see him on the schedule,” I said.

“Sorry. I had to rearrange a few things this week and haven’t had the chance to update you. I’m glad I’m not the only one late this morning. I’d have felt bad keeping him waiting,” she said.

That made no sense. “You’re the most important person in Tabiq. You should never worry about keeping anyone waiting,” I stated.

She shook her head. “I’m no more important than anyone else. I just have a different job, different responsibilities.”

Reesa never ceased to amaze me. It was why people loved her as president. She didn’t look down on anyone. Her open-door policy was real and her hope of and passion for making Tabiq a better place was contagious. I was so happy to be a part of it, even if only as her secretary.

“I guess I should go into my office and prepare for my meeting,” she stated.

“Would you like me to bring you a cup of tea?” I offered.

“No. The lack of sleep seems to be playing havoc on my stomach as well.”

“I’ll buzz you when they arrive,” I said as she went into her office and closed the door.

It wasn’t long before Caydan arrived. “Hello, I’m Caydan and this is my wife, Allyson. We are here to see Reesa.”

I hated how informally he said her name.No respect.

“I’ll letPresidentO’Connor know you’re here.” I buzzed her phone and she said to show them in.

“We are waiting on Steven. He is on the phone, but will be coming inside shortly,” Caydan said. “Allyson and I would like to begin if you don’t mind.”

“Not at all. I’ll show him inside when he arrives,” I said. I brought Caydan and Allyson into Reesa’s office, then closed the door behind them.

Once I was back behind my desk, I watched the clock waiting for Steven to make his grand entrance. This wasn’t a casual meeting. They were meeting with the president of our country. It was taking a lot for me not to walk outside, find him, and give him a piece of my mind. She might not be offended, but I was for her.

When he finally entered, I was taken aback. He was tall and very handsome. The anger that I had been trying to keep in control subsided slightly. “The meeting has already begun, Mr...Mr...”

“Morse. Steven Morse.”

There was something in his voice that sent a chill throughout me. I instantly tensed. It was like I knew that voice, even though I didn’t know that name.No time to stand here to figure out if we’ve met before. Reesa is waiting for him.

He must have noticed, and he asked, “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine.” I picked up my phone and buzzed Reesa’s phone. When she answered I said, “Mr. Morse is here.”

“Please, send him in,” she said.

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