Chapter 6 – Pests of the Past

Mia's brief was apparently a summary of what her job precisely is. She was to be present at work before him, he arrives at the office by 9 so she has an hour HeadStart. His breakfast should await him, hot of course, why fetch breakfast himself when he had a personal assistant. He has a secretary but she was always behind her desk, he never really wanted anyone that close to his personal space except Theo, and now Mia. She would also be present with him on occasions, meetings, conferences and all sorts of conventions, even if it meant traveling. She would be done for the day when he's done for the day and if he persists beyond 10 PM, she may leave. And it's a long list that goes on and on. Although, her pay was rather handsome, and very fat at that. On her first day of work, Mia got his breakfast from his usual joint. " Iced coffee and cupcakes for today" she said as she looked through his schedule for the day and just then, the Telephone rang. "Good morning, Mr. Garcia's office speaking, how may I help you today?" "Oh Wow, he's finally got someone to pick his calls. I'm Mr. Miller and I would like to speak with Noah please" "He's not around at the moment Sir but he'll be with you shortly" Mia responded. "Okay. I'm sorry, but who are you?" He asked. "I'm personal assistant to Mr. Garcia" "I see. And your name?" "I'm... " "Kindly ignore all calls for now, we have urgent business to attend to" Noah echoed as walked in his office with Theo following after. Mia hung up the call and handed him his breakfast. "Thank you Mia. Who was that?" "Mr. Miller" "That cunt. What else did he say?" "Oh wow, he finally got someone to pick his calls. What's your name?" "See why I call him a cunt" he said, taking off his suit and settling for breakfast. "Well then, I'll be leaving" Theo said and left. Once the door closed, he took a pause from his breakfast and looked at her carefully. "How are you, Mia?" "I'm fine boss. How are you?" "Really? Boss?" "Aren't you my boss?" "Is that all I really am to you? Lady with the pretty acrylic nails" "Oh please, just let the acrylic nails go for heaven's sake" He almost choked on his food with laughter. "Okay, fine. I'll let it go" "Thank you" she said and took a seat in front of him. "I like your dress, less revealing" he said as he took another bite of his cupcake, his mischievous smile still on his face. "I thought we talked about this Noah" she said and he bust out laughing again. "But then, yet again, I don't expect you to wear a swim suit and a satin robe" "I have no idea what you're talking about, I don't even understand what's so funny" "Okay fine. I'll drop it..." He took a sip of his coffee. "... Like how I dropped down on my knees in the bathroom" he muttered under his breath, Mia heard him and acted like she did not. "So, you're expected to be in Texas tomorrow noon for the Men of Valor convention" Mia announced, as she walked him through his schedule. "I'm not part of any men of Valor whatever" "Senator McCain sent an invite as of last night and I accepted the invite on your behalf. I have checked carefully and your schedule within that time was free, making it perfect" "Hello, there's something called rest time. Can a man have some?" He protested. "No, a man cannot. A man shall go for the convention, rather than dazzle about, learning about acrylics and satin robes" Noah lost it and laughed so hard, he had to hold his belly and hold his desk for support. "I see what's going on here" he said, trying to control his laughter. "As I was saying, your flight is scheduled for tomorrow morning at 10. We should be in Texas by 1 or at most, 2 in the noon. The convention starts at 7 in the evening, thus, giving you enough time to rest. That is your schedule for tomorrow, Noah Garcia" "Yes ma'am. Your wish is my command" He said and she stared into his eyes, remembering those words from the very first time they met. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I must make haste and prepare for tomorrow. If you need anything, call me" she said and walked out the office. She went on to pick up his laundry with Theo driving, then she went to a store to pick up something for herself. It was mandatory to look good. Just as she was admiring the gown in the mirror, she felt a hand on her waist and she turned around to see James, she gasped as she staggered back. "Hello Mia" "Get the fuck away from me James" her breath trembling. "Listen, I know you probably hate me and you never want to see me again..." Mia didn't let him finish, she began walking away and James dragged her back. "You don't fucking walk away when I'm talking to you, you bitch" Theo dragged him from behind and punched him hard across the face. He groaned in pain, clutching his broken nose which was now bleeding. "Are you done here Mia?" "Yeah, I've gotten everything I need, let me just return this" she said pointing to the dress she had on. "Okay I'm waiting here" She quickly changed and got back into the car with Theo. "Please don't tell Noah about that" she pleaded. "Who is he? If I may ask?" "He's a story I don't want to talk about" After a moment of silence, Theo spoke, "I won't tell Noah as you asked, but that's me jeopardizing your safety. What if he comes at you again?" "I'll be fine Theo. At least I have you" He kept mute throughout the rest of the drive. The next day, Mia was at the office with a couple of bags packed, a little suitcase for Noah as he didn't carry many things and a bigger suitcase for her, oh well, she's just a girl. Theo helped her with the bags placing them in the car. He drove them to the airport and Mia was continually looking at Theo to know if he said anything to Noah, but it didn't seem like he did. Noah and Mia got to their destination at exactly 2:45 noon. They had a car waiting to pick them up and take them to the hotel where they would be lodged. "The same room? What do you mean same room?" Mia asked the chauffeur that accompanied them. "We had no idea Mr. Garcia was coming with a plus one, but perhaps, if you could..." "Don't worry yourself Sir, I'd just get another room for myself. Mia, you stay in this room, I'll be back for my suitcase" "Okay" And she closed the door behind her. Noah eventually got himself another room and he came back for his bag. "See you later in the evening" he said as he was walking out the door. "See you later" she closed the door and got comfortable. She made sure to have nice little nap before the event, also waking up in time to prepare for the occasion. It was 7:10 when she heard a knock on the door, "Noah?" She asked, "Yeah, it's me" she opened the door and at the sight of her once again, he was struck in awe.