I woke up early today, thanks to my alarm that’s blaring continuously and almost broke my eardrum at 6.30 in the morning.

I got ready for work and this time I reminded myself to wear a lot more normal attire. So, I decided to put on a baby blue suit for the day since I’m going to meet with Mr Judgemental, Mr Collen, and I don’t wanna get attack for my appearance this time.

I made my tie which I chose a plain blue since my shirt already have flowery pattern on them, and put on my ID card early from home. As a precaution so I didn’t forget. I’m trying to lessen the possibilities for the jerk to roast me.

I left my house at 7.13 am. It’s pretty ahead of time from my usual routine but like I said, I’m removing every possible way he can use against me. He had me yesterday and today I will proof my worth to him.

The morning sun is rejuvenating as it touched my skin on my walk, so different unlike yesterday. The journey to office was relaxing without a rush, savoring the Vitamin D from the early sunrise. I got time, might as well enjoy it, right?

Since I’m in a good mood, I’m going to stop by the Starbucks to grab a quick drink. While I’m in there, suddenly a brilliant idea pop up in my head.

What if I bought him his favorite? Maybe then he’ll be less grumpy. That’s how I ended up walking out the store with two completely opposite drinks in hand. An iced caramel latte on the other side and a hot black coffee on the other hand.

It didn’t took that long this time. I only have to wait maybe about five minutes max since there’s only a few customers at the moment.

I looked at my watch as soon as I arrived my desk. It’s only 7.38 am. The office is still quite empty with only less than half of the employees. Usually people will start coming consecutively at 7.50am and those time will be crowded as hell.

Thus, I determined to go to the CEO’s office at 30th floor in advance and prepare myself for whatever reason he called me. I’m sure Ms Tara will grant the access to his office. He’s the one who made an appointment after all, not me else I wouldn’t want to step on that floor ever again.

Took a sip of my own coffee, putting it down and grabbed the other coffee before heading out the exit. He didn’t mentioned about bringing stuffs so I didn’t brought anything. Confidently pressed the top button of it all and went all the up.

As I arrived the top floor, I walked casually to his office and saw Ms Tara was already busying herself on the computer screen. She didn’t notice me so I went and greet her.

“Good morning, Ms Tara. Sorry to interrupt you this early. Is Mr Collen’s here yet?”

She jolted before fixing her posture back, clearing her throat. “Oh, Mr Kian! Good morning. I didn’t see you there, not expecting anyone this early.” she chuckle. “Hm, no, he’s not. He usually comes around 7.50.”

“Oh, sorry I surprised you. Mr Collen said to come to his office at 8 yesterday so I was thinking if I can come in advance and wait here.”

“No, no, it’s okay. You can wait inside and is that coffee for Mr Collen?” she said pointing at the thing in my hand.

“Yes, it is.”

She sighed in relief, “Oh, thank god. You saved me. I totally forgot to buy him one since I’m rushing this morning to office and finish some work to pass to a client. Thanks to you didn’t need to get out again.”

This time it’s my turn to chuckle. “No worries, Ms Tara. I got you. I only do this to ingratiate him so he’ll be less grumpy towards me, you know what I’m saying. Simply said, I’m saving my ass here.”

Ms Tara burst in laughter, “I like you, Mr Kian. What’s your name again? Drop the ‘miss’ and just call me Tara.”

I nodded. “You can call me Cody.”

“Okay, Cody. You can wait inside. He should be here any minute.”

“Thanks, Tara.”

She replied with a nod before I proceed walking inside. I knock on it before mentally slapping my face. He’s not here yet. I got inside slowly walking to a large desk made of fine wood at the other end of this huge space.

Okay, here’s my thought. I’m pretty sure he’s not here but I promise you, I can feel his presence as soon as I entered. How the heck did he do that? It’s like he’s leaving his pheromone filling up this entire room purposely, suffocating every people that entered with it, marking his territory. Indirectly announcing he owned this place even during his absence.

Told you this man’s charisma is no joke. Compared to him, I’ll be like a recessive alpha while he’s a solid dominant alpha.

I put it on the coaster, disappointed a little as I saw my palm was wrinkly due to the cup’s sweat before flopping on the chair in front of the desk. Battling to myself to either sit on that chair or the sofa but it would only be polite to take on my first choice since it’ll be more formal. We’re on some business here, Cody. Okay, okay.

Waited for a few minutes, frequently checking my watch due to butterflies that started to dance as it slowly nearing to 7.50 am. It almost felt like my first time interview for this job.

I don’t know why I’m nervous. Maybe because I didn’t know his intention of calling me here so I’m nervous he’ll make me do something stupid or make me look dumber than I already am.

8.09 am.

“Well, well, guess who’s late now.” As I said that, I heard a clicking sound of the door which made me spring up from the seat immediately in my surprised state.

The mahogany door pushed, revealing a tall masculine figure of Mr Collen in a navy blue three piece suit with a slicked back hair and briefcase in hand. His presence scream dominance.

As we made eye contact, he displayed his infamous smirk and close the door behind him. Why did I suddenly felt trapped?

He gracefully walked towards me with those long legs of his, still wearing that smirk. “Did you waited long for me?”

“Perhaps I remembered our appointment was 8 o’clock but now it’s already,” I checked my watch, “11 minutes past 8. Maybe I misread it last night, sir.” I said laced with sarcasm.

He laughed, “I’m sorry I kept you waited. I have to stay up last night to do some ‘work’.” He put down the briefcase in one of the drawer and sat down. “Make yourself comfortable.”

I sat back to the seat and waited patiently as he settled down with everything. He glance at the coffee and I saw his eyebrows lifted slightly. “Did you bought this?” pointing at the drink.

“Yes, I did, sir.”

He didn’t reply and took a sip on it. I swear I saw him hiding a genuine smile behind that cup but then acting nonchalant as he put it down on the coaster which I chose to shrug it off. Back to business.

“What can I help you, sir?”

He took out the same notebook I used yesterday and pushed it until it’s in front of me. Sat back on his leather chair, elbow on the armrest and chin rest on his knuckle. “Remember the notes you wrote yesterday?”

Oh, I’m so screwed. He’s either want to judge or made me explain it to him. Considering how bad my notes was yesterday, I don’t think I understand a damn thing but I simply nodded to him.

“I want you to unfold what we’ve been discussing yesterday with the aid of your own written note to me.” he said.

I gulped an amount of saliva I didn’t realize I was holding in my throat. What am I going to do now? I’m definitely gonna get roasted by him. I exchange from looking at the book and at him who’s staring at me with a hawk eye.

“It’s not a homework. I’m saying to do it now.” he said, indifferent. Chill, man. I’m getting my heart ready for your rant.

Took the book with shaky hand but I try to hide it. I stood up to regain my composure, at least be confident even if I’m gotta get scolded later. I flipped through the pages.

Wait a minute. This is not how I remembered I did yesterday. It’s still messy but more, hm, organized and full of information. There’s numbering on the points, arrows and some additional point I don’t remember writing. The question marks before was replaced with an ‘equal’ (=) sign followed by the actual meaning of the abbreviation written in red pen.

Did he do this?

“Sir, did yo-”

“What are you waiting? Just start already. I'm not waiting all day again for this.” he cut my word but for the first time, I didn’t get annoyed by it. He might acting all cocky now but he did care for me. My heart’s fluttering.

“A-Alright, sir.” I said and started presenting according to the fixed note in my hand.