Once she picks up her cup again, I say, “I’m nervous about meeting the CEO and director.” I’ve been memorizing the hierarchy structure. Byrne Enterprises is owned by Liam Byrne. His younger brother, Finn, is a director.
Denise gives me an encouraging smile. “Don’t worry. They don’t talk to us, lowly employees.” After finishing her coffee, she adds, “Just remember Liam’s the CEO. He should be back in a week or two. Finn is the younger brother. He–.” Suddenly she stops and moves her cup out of sight.
I do the same while following her line of sight.
“That’s Finn Byrne. Just smile and let me do the talking if he stops at reception.”
“Okay,” I murmur as I watch a man in his early thirties get out of a red Ferrari. He checks something on his phone as he steps into the lobby, then he casually glances in our direction. For a moment, he turns his attention to his device, but then his head snaps back toward us, and his eyes lock on me.
My insides tighten with nerves when he changes direction and heads toward the reception counter.
I take in the pristine Armani three-piece suit he’s wearing, his ruffled ginger hair, and once he’s close enough, his brown eyes. Finn is taller than average with a slim build, and even though he’s attractive, I can already feel the arrogance coming from him in waves.
Just smile and don’t put your foot in your mouth.
Stopping on the other side of the counter, he tucks his phone into the inner breast pocket of his jacket while glancing from Denise to me. “Where’s Julia?”
“She resigned around the same time you went on vacation,” Denise answers before introducing me. “Kiara joined us two weeks ago.”
Standing up, I hold out my hand. “Kiara Murphy. It’s a pleasure meeting you, sir. Thank you for the opportunity. I’ll do my best.”
Finn wraps his fingers around mine, the hold not too tight. “Welcome, Kiara.”
Just before things start feeling awkward, he lets go of my hand. There’s a sharpness in his gaze as he stares at me for a moment longer, then he walks toward the elevators.
Sitting down, I release the breath I was holding. “That wasn’t nerve-wracking at all.”
“Yeah, but at least it’s done and over with.” Denise frowns at Finn’s back, then turns her attention to me. “I’ve heard he’s not the most pleasant person to work with. At least we’re safe down here.”
Curious, I ask, “By not the most pleasant, you mean?”
She shrugs, but before she can answer the phone rings. I quickly take the call. “Byrne Enterprises. Kiara speaking. How can I help?”
“Put me through to Mr. Byrne,” a man snaps in my ear.
“Which one, sir?”
“Liam!”
“He’s currently out of the country. Can I transfer–.”
“Fuck, I forgot. Is Finn back from vacation?”
“Yes, sir. Please hold.” I press the extension for the executive floor to transfer the call before giving Denise my attention.
She’s busy digging a chapstick out of her bag. After putting some on, she says, “I don’t like spreading rumors, but I’ve heard Finn’s short-tempered.” She scrunches her nose. “Then again, apparently Liam’s worse. He barks at anything that moves. He once had Julia in tears because she accidentally transferred a call through to his office while he was in a meeting.”
Okay. No accidental calls.
After making a mental note, I ask, “Why did Julia resign? Did she get a better job?”
Denise shrugs. “I have no idea why she left. It was sudden, and she didn’t even give any notice, so I can only guess it was for personal reasons.”
“Shoot, I hope she’s okay.” Picking up the two mugs, I get up from my chair. “I’ll be right back.”
Walking across the tiled lobby floor, I spare Mark, one of the security guards, a smile where he’s standing by the entrance. Just as I reach the small kitchen, the door opens, and Kevin grins at me while he holds the door open so I can dart inside.
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
Kevin and Mark have also been very welcoming. It’s been easy making friends with the staff working in the lobby, but then again, it’s just the four of us down here. The other personnel on the upper floors, not so much. Everyone’s too busy, scurrying around like ants.
After rinsing the cups and placing them on the drying rack, I quickly stop by the restroom to relieve myself. While washing my hands, I inspect my appearance, making sure none of the wild strands of my auburn hair are out of place.
I don’t have a huge selection of clothes and have pretty much been switching things up with the two suit pants and one skirt I have. Nobody seems to notice the lack of variety in my wardrobe, but as soon as I get my first paycheck, I’ll buy a couple of items so I’ll look more professional.