Safe with My CEO

Nicole

The alarm came too early, as it usually did most mornings. Nicole's eyes shot open, and she let out a tired groan as she rolled over and hit the clock.

It can't be five already, she thought as she dragged out of bed and headed toward the bathroom.

She showered and changed into her uniform before grabbing her bag and heading out the door.

As she stepped out of her building her eyes darted around, making sure she was aware of her surroundings.

After taking the bus to the diner, Nicole stepped through the door warily. It was a quaint family place with mementos lining the walls and warm conversations and colors around her.

She walked to the back of the diner and into the small break room. Nicole set her things down just as the door opened.

“Good morning, sweetheart!” Maggie's voice chimed. Nicole turned and was greeted with a warm smile and a cup of coffee.

“Bless you, Mags,” she grinned, accepting the mug and taking a sip. Maggie was a lifesaver. At sixty-five, she was the kindest and hardest-working person Nicole knew.

When Nicole arrived at the diner a year ago, Maggie had taken her under her wing. She had even let Nicole stay with her until she had found an apartment.

“How was closing last night?” Maggie questioned as she rummaged through her purse.

“The usual,” Nicole shrugged in reply.

“I can’t believe Sam had you close and then open,” Maggie shook her head, her short gray hair bouncing as her head moved from side to side. “Is that man trying to kill you?”

Nicole laughed. “I asked for the shift. I need a bit of extra cash.”

“You’re going to run yourself ragged, hon.” Maggie hugged her shoulder as they both walked out front.

The morning was busy with the breakfast rush. Maggie usually worked behind the bar while Nicole took the tables.

They bustled around the diner until about 10:00, when things started to slow down.

Nicole went in the back to grab a drink of water when the door chimed and she heard Maggie welcome them with, “Good morning, darlin’, just sit anywhere you like.”

“Thank you.”

Nicole walked out and Maggie handed her a menu. “He sat down at the far table.” She nodded her head toward the man in the furthest booth.

As Nicole walked up to him, she stared at him in surprise before quickly hiding it behind her service smile.

He didn't exactly look like the type to set foot in here. He had dark hair and a very expensive-looking suit.

“Good morning,” she smiled warmly. “Can I start you out with anything to drink? Coffee?”

“Coffee is fine,” he said dismissively. Nicole poured him a cup and smiled again. “I'll give you a moment to look over the menu.”

She began to walk away, but stopped when he spoke.

“I’ll have an egg white Denver omelet with fruit on the side.” The man didn’t even look up.

“Will do. It’ll be out in just a bit.” She tapped her pen on her notepad and walked off.

“Jerk,” she mumbled to herself as she put in his order. She brought him his order and refilled his coffee.

“Can I get you anything else, sir?” she asked, using her best customer-service voice.

“No.”

“Okay, then, enjoy your breakfast.” She walked back to the counter and stood next to Maggie.

“He’s a real chatterbox, ain’t he?” Maggie muttered.

“I hate it when we get these big-business types who can’t be bothered.” Nicole rolled her eyes. “Ten bucks says he doesn't tip.”

Maggie chuckled and turned to her. “Fifteen says he just leaves the change.”

They both laughed and continued with their work. Nicole checked on him periodically and was usually ignored or met with a grumble.

When he got up to leave, Nicole walked over to the table to clean up and gather her tip. Lying on the receipt was fifteen cents.

“Figures…” she said a little too loudly.

The man stopped, his hand on the door. “Excuse me?”

“Hmm?” she asked, offering her fakest smile.

“If you have something to say, then say it,” he challenged her.

Nicole knew she shouldn’t. Sam would be so pissed if he found out she’d talked back to a customer.

But…

Technically he had been served and paid, so was he really a customer anymore?

“I said, it figures,” she said, throwing in some sass to make her point.

“What is that supposed to mean...” The man glared down at her, his eyes flashing to her name badge. “…Nicole?”

Nicole put her hands on her hips, summoning all her confidence. “I’m just curious how a man who can afford such a nice suit can’t seem to afford to pay a simple tip.”

“Is this the way you treat all of your customers, Nicole?” He stepped forward.

Nicole was less sure of herself as his movement forward sent her into flight mode. But she decided to stand her ground. “No, just the bad tippers.”

She glared at him and then gave him a sickeningly sweet smile. “Have a nice day!” With that, she turned and walked quickly to the break room, hearing the front door slam behind her.

“WHAT. ON. EARTH?!” Maggie boomed as she entered the room.

“What?” Nicole asked. “We were all thinking it!”

“Girl, what is going on in that head of yours? You better hope Sam doesn’t find out about this.

“You’ll get a real earful. Or even worse, he’ll fire you." Maggie shook her head, walking out of the break room. “Crazy girl,” she muttered.

The rest of the day was business as usual. By the time Nicole got home, she was exhausted. She collapsed on the bed without taking off her uniform and passed out.

***

She woke up an hour later to the notification sound on her phone. She opened the email and squealed as she read it.

Ms. Winters,

We are pleased to have received your application for Executive Assistant at Jackson & Holman, L.L.C.

We wish to have you in for an interview along with the other candidates. Please be at our offices on Wednesday, August 12 at 8am.

Thank you,

James Hanson, Human Resources

“Yes!!” She danced around her small apartment in celebration.

***

The next morning, Nicole skipped into work, giving Maggie a kiss on the cheek.

“Well!” Maggie chuckled. “What’s with you?”

“Guess who has an interview as an Executive Assistant at Boston’s largest architecture firm?!” Nicole teased.

Maggie screamed, wrapping her in a hug. “Oh! Sweetheart, I’m so excited for you!”

“Hopefully I can find something to wear,” Nicole said, rolling her eyes.

“Just put on whatever you have that’s best.” Maggie cupped her cheek. “They’d be fools not to hire you. You deserve this, Nicole. You deserve to have so much.”

Nicole was giddy the rest of the day. Things were finally turning around. She would finally have the security she wanted. She would finally move on to the next chapter of her life.