Ugly Duckling

Ugly Duckling

By Jessica G.Rabbit

© Copyright 2017 by Jessica G.Rabbit- All rights reserved.

In no way is it legal to reproduce, duplicate, or transmit any part of this document in either electronic means or in printed format. Recording of this publication is strictly prohibited and any storage of this document is not allowed unless with written permission from the publisher. All rights reserved.

Respective authors own all copyrights not held by the publisher.

Dedication

To everyone who prefers beauty over smarts...

Ms. Invisible

Agatha watched wide-eyed as the crying, glamazon, brunette stormed out of her temporary boss's office and forcefully pushed past her, making her drop the tall stack of manila envelopes she had been cradling in her arms. They were now strewn out everywhere on the carpeted floor of the office lobby. She knelt down and instantly began retrieving the envelopes. She heard a muffled male voice cursing through the wall that was her new boss's office. She looked up just in time to see her new boss, Heath Brockston storming out of his office and in her direction. He was unconventionally handsome to her. He looked powerful and very pissed off at the moment. Her eyes scanned him from his perfectly trimmed, sandy blonde hair to his well-polished shoes. Her mind felt like it was sputtering. She felt her heart pounding inside of her chest.

He was so handsome and viral looking to Agatha, and in no way, shape, or form looked as if he should be the Chief Executive Officer of any company. He looked like he should be wearing a Spartan warrior outfit leading his troops to some Roman victory. She swallowed hard and stood up quickly, trying to shake the image of him wearing that skimpy, yet masculine outfit out of her head. She was too clumsy, however, and ended up dropping the envelopes she held once more, and almost fell on her face in the process. She felt herself falling, but he caught her just in time. She smelled how delicious he was and could feel how strong his hands were as he helped right her and her many envelopes. She fixed her thick blue glasses on her slender heart-shaped face. They had gone askew.

Th..thank you, she said nervously.

This was the second time she had seen him today. He said nothing and walked past her into the open bay area after the woman as if their brief encounter had never occurred. Agatha was used to that as well. She seemed to be invisible to the opposite sex. However, in this case, she needed to be because this particular male was her boss for the next six weeks, or at least that's what the temporary agency she was employed by had disclosed to her.

She rolled her eyes and picked up the envelopes once again. This time being sure to place them securely on her desk. She had two more envelopes to go when she observed her boss storming back in the direction of his office. She moved swiftly this time and made sure she was not in his way. He walked past her once more and slammed his office door shut so hard that Agatha was sure everyone on the block had heard it. She was correct in that assumption when she saw some heads turn in the direction of his closed office door.

Today was her first day at Brockston Shipping Company, and from what she could assess it wasn't going very well. She had arrived ten minutes early, as she had done with all of her temporary work assignments, and was immediately told by Mr. Brockston that she was late. Then, he began his mysterious meetings with various gorgeous women. Agatha assumed it was normal since no one in the office seemed to pay it any attention.

Agatha had to admit that the lady she was filling in for was very organized and had sticky notes on everything for her. She had even placed a white envelope on the desktop computer keyboard. It contained a list of memorandums and emails that needed to be sent out on a daily basis. The crying brunette had been the sixth appointment of the day. She couldn't wait for her day to be over. She had a chilled bottle of wine at home with her name on it.

Several minutes had passed. She was sitting at her desk when Mr. Brockston came out of his office. He had his suit jacket back on and looked as if that scene hadn't just taken place. She looked up from typing the memorandum she had been working on to try to take her mind off the fact her boss had completely ignored her. He walked directly over to her. His expression hard and all business.

What was your name again? He demanded bluntly.

Agatha, Sir. She spoke the words quietly.

I am leaving the office for the rest of the day. If anyone calls tell them I am in meetings all day.

Yes Sir, she said as she pushed up her large glasses that kept slipping off of her heart shaped face and went back to the task of typing. His gaze seemed to look through her and it bothered her.

Those outdated glasses seemed to take up the majority of her face, Heath thought. She reminded him of a baby owl with her large glasses and oversized gray sweater dress she wore. She completed the outfit with black tights and gray, knee-high, suede ankle boots. He couldn't decide whether she was attractive or not, and the fact that he was even trying to make a determination irked him. He kept walking, and she was once again left with her office duties. She thought it was all a bit strange. Today was her first day. She had expected to leave a lasting first impression that would possibly land her an administrative position here after completing this assignment. It didn't go that way. Her new boss was preoccupied and it wasn't with work. These interviews with gorgeous supermodels only made her feel even more self-conscious and invisible. Her internal drama was starting to become a pain in the neck. It could in no way shape or form interfere with her duties at work.

The phone rang.

Brockston shipping. Mr. Brockston's office. This is Agatha.

Agatha, hello, this is Marilyn, Marilyn Deets.

Hi, Mrs. Deets! It is so good to hear from you. How are you enjoying your vacation?

Marilyn had interviewed her for the temporary administrative position. Both women had enjoyed meeting each other immensely. They both found out that they shared a common interest in youth outreach programs and became fast friends during the interview process. Not only was Marilyn kind to Agatha, but she also reminded her of a younger aunt, one she wished she had had when she was growing up all alone in foster care.

I've told you a hundred times Agatha please, call me Marilyn. I feel like you're speaking to my mother.

Agatha could hear the smile in Marilyn's voice at her admission.

I apologize.

No need. I am enjoying my time off. Although, I am beginning to run out of things to do. It's only been a day! I think I may need to come up with another hobby. So tell me how's your first day going?

Everything is going well, I think. I mailed out the contracts for the zoning department. I called the florist for the memorial service. Agatha hoped she sounded confident. She didn't want to worry Marilyn.

Sounds like you have everything under control. It feels good not to be needed.

She heard the relief in her superior's voice.

That is the idea. She jested. I want you to try to enjoy your vacation. From what you told me, you need one.

It had been over four years since Marilyn had one.

You're right, Marilyn admitted cheerfully. And I will. Have you met your boss yet?

Yes, ma'am, I have. He was here before me and let me know I was late. I checked the time. I thought we agreed I was to be here at eight-thirty.

Darn it! I forgot about today. He has some... interviews going on. I'm so sorry. I will be sure to tell him that this was my fault.

Agatha wondered why Marilyn hesitated. What was Mr. Brockston up to?

It's o.k., he didn't beat me or anything, she said sarcastically.

He must be having a good day then. Marilyn shot back jovially.

Agatha laughed.

I don't think so. His eleven o'clock appointment stormed out.

What ! Marilyn sounded shocked.

Yes, stormed out.

I can't recall who I scheduled as his eleven o'clock appointment.

Agatha scanned the large appointment desk calendar.

A Ms. LeCrew.

That gold-digging snake!

I'm sorry? Agatha had never heard that kind of contempt in Marilyn's voice,until now. It alarmed and intrigued her.

No, don't be. Marilyn sounded as if she had regained her composure. I'm sorry. Let me guess, Mr.Brockston stormed out after her?

Yes...but how did you know?

She heard Marilyn make a loud sigh through the receiver.

It's a story for another time. Where is he now?

He said he was leaving the office for the rest of the day. I was given strict orders to tell everyone who calls that he was in a meeting.

He is the boss. Around two o'clock feel free to leave.

Alright Marilyn. Thanks again.

What are friends for. I mean, I hope you consider me a friend now.

Of course! She answered back without hesitation.

Okay then, it's settled. I will let you get back to it. Call me if you have the slightest problem.

Agatha rolled her eyes in mock irritation.

Goodbye, Marilyn.

She disconnected the call. Another came through as soon as she had ended the first. It rang two times, letting her know it was an in-house call.

Mr. Brockston's office.

Austin Brockston speaking. Where is my son?

Agatha swallowed hard. She didn't think she would have the pleasure of speaking to the founder, and original CEO of Brockston shipping, Austin Brockston, on her first day of the job. He had only spoke a few words to her, but he sounded mean as nails.

When Marilyn had interviewed her, she had told her about the tumultuous relationship Heath and his father had retained throughout the years. She spoke with her about how Austin thought his son needed to take the business more seriously and settle down. Heath, however, never wanted to forgive his father for the death of his older brother Reginald. She could only wonder what it was like to have a parent in her life. It was something she had longed for since the day she found out she was an orphan.

He is in an important meeting Mr.Brockston. She recited the words Heath had told her to say a half hour earlier.

What could be more important than speaking to his father, founder and chief CEO of the company he is in charge of?

He did have a point in she had to admit to herself, but she still had to adhere to what Heath had told her. She tried to placate his father. It was to no avail.

I'm sorry Mr. Brockston, but your son gave me strict orders to hold all of his calls while he is at this particular meeting. I will let him know immediately when he is-.

He interjected obtusely Who the hell do you think you are talking to girl! Listen to me, and you listen well. You have less than twenty minutes to produce my son on the phone, or so help me you will be out on your can so fast it will make your head spin.

Agatha had never been talked to so abrasively in her life. She wanted to hang up on him and run crying like she had seen the pretty brunette do earlier that day. How dare he talk to her like that !The only thing that kept her from doing just that was that she needed this job and knew Marilyn was counting on her to do it while she took a much-needed vacation. After this conversation, Agatha could see why.

Yes sir, was all she said.

He hung up on her as she said those words.

She took the headset off of her ash blonde hair and set it down atop the dark mahogany desk. She then grabbed her purse and pulled out her cell phone. She locked the desk and walked out of the office while dialing Marilyn's number.

She answered on the third ring. Hey, that was quick.

Uh, Yea. I need to locate Mr. Brockston. He left the office. Where would I find him?

He doesn't go too far. Try the cafe across the street.

Agatha was in the elevator.

Ok. Thanks.

Bye.

She heard a smile in her friend's voice.

She walked out the elevator, past the front desk, and towards the cafe. Once inside, she located him in a far corner in the back of the cafe, reading a newspaper and sipping a latte. He looked approachable, for the most part. He had his jacket resting neatly on the back of his chair. His sleeves were rolled up on his forearms. He was perfect to her. She walked over to him and stood there in front of the table. It was as if he didn't even notice her, and then when he did he thought she was a waitress.

I don't need anything else, thank you.

Sir, um, It's Agatha. Your secretary for the month.

He looked at her again. I didn't recognize you.

For the second time today she thought to herself. It's o.k. she lied. Sir, your father called and said he needed to speak to you immediately.

He always needs to speak with me immediately. He was still calmly reading the paper as if her job wasn't on the line.

She was still standing.

Please, sit down.

Agatha looked around the busy coffee shop. She pulled out the chair and sat. It felt awkward to her.

Sir, I need my job.

What are you talking about? He put the paper down and looked directly at her.

Agatha felt her tongue grew thick. "Your father said if I didn't have you call him in the next