The week was so busy that it passed away in a blur. Ethan and Alex were huddled inside the office going over different books, department performances, and leads. There were constant meetings with various department heads and I was tired of sitting in meetings and taking down the notes.

In between, I would steal a glance towards Mr. Grumpy. He was intently listening to everything and questioning ferociously. I could see various sides of his personality. 

He was angry in between when some budget pointers were discussed. The department heads were a bit scared of him too. Sometimes he would bring up a point no one had thought about and everyone would be surprised. Once I saw him laugh too. The marketing department had put forward a suggestion for an advertisement campaign. Apparently, he found it so funny that he laughed out loud. Others were dumbstruck, not sure if they should join him or not. I was dumbstruck too. No would think that he is the same Mr. Grumpy who was irritated and vexed just a few minutes back. He looked so happy! His eyes were crinkled and joyful and the rich sound of his laugh caught me off guard.  I had an irresistible urge to touch his face and then I remembered yesterday's event when I smiled at him and he glared back emotionless. With that, my urge was mercilessly squashed.

After every meeting, the respective departments would send me the minutes of the meeting along with action items and tentative dates which I would collate and take to Ethan and Alex for approval. Once approved, I would email the pointers to the department heads. There were a few rejections too and then, the whole meeting cycle would continue.

Though I learned a lot about the company, the past week was a hectic one. Our CIA couldn't even have a single meeting as I would miss lunch. Ethan was, however, always considerate. The lunch was served in the conference hall and I was allowed to join it. Despite a good spread of food, I could hardly eat in peace as the meetings continued throughout the lunch hour. The others happily munched their food and talked. Poor assistants like me were the casualty. Note-taking and bite-taking couldn't happen simultaneously.

For the past one week, Ethan & Alex were in office before I come and they remain in the office while I leave. The only proof that they were going home is the different suits they wear every day. Well, God knows if they sleep in the office and have used the backup suits in the Chamber of the office.

Thank God today is Friday. I've never been so happy for a Friday. After this back-breaking week, I just wanted to rest. As I decided to call it a day, I knocked on the door to let Ethan know that I'm leaving for the day.

Ethan was on a call and so, I decided to wait. Alex was sitting on the boss's chair. Oh! I forgot; he is the boss. Thinking about it makes me a bit worried. I hope we started our acquaintance on a good note. Not only did I giggle at him and kind of embarrassed him, but also ogled at him and kind of embarrassed myself. Urgh! 

Alex was glaring at me and I tried to smile. As usual, he did not return my smile.

'At least learn some manners'

"...but babe, I love your choices and you know that. I have absolutely no choice on the flavor of the cake...." Ethan gestured me to wait and hurriedly moved to the Chamber.

"Okay" I whispered and looked at his vanishing back. This was awkward. I stood there like a statue and Mr. Grumpy was just staring at me. I looked at him and he arched his brows.

"Tired much Ms. Wilson?" Why does his voice make me jump? I guess it has to do with his baritone. I also don't like the way he addresses me. I really don't like people being called with their last name. It creates an invisible wall between them.

"Yes. Aren't you? Eh, Mr. Holden?" I replied and tried to smile again. It faltered and died on my lips, again.

"So, what's the weekend plan?" He wouldn't answer my question anyways.

"Eat, sleep, and a nice looong hot bath" I instinctively replied and smiled. His eyes darkened. Did I say anything wrong? Oops! I guess he is pissed as he might be working hard while I will be enjoying. The smile died again.

"No boyfriend?" His tone was still flat.

How do I tell him that its none of his business without offending him? I already irked him a couple of times and I don't want to increase that count. "Err... yes. But he is not in San Francisco" I have no idea why I lied.

"Ah! Long-distance love birds" he observed. I didn't comment. I just stood there uncomfortably, waiting for Ethan to come back.

"Would you like to show me around San Francisco?"

'What? Why? Yes...No? I mean why me?'  The questions popped inside my head as I stared at him. I guess my gaping mouth gave him a glimpse of my confusion.

"Ethan was supposed to give me a tour but the way the call is progressing, I believe he'll be in NY this weekend. I wanted to check some of our properties and a company will be much appreciated. Is that okay with you?" How can someone be so emotionless especially while asking for someone's company?

"Umm Okay." I didn't know what else to say. 

Just then Ethan came out. He looked flustered.

"I might have to leave earlier than I thought Alex. The wedding is after six months but I can't believe there's so much to be done and somehow Sam is not ready to do it all herself. God! That woman manages a chain of boutiques but can't manage her own wedding!" He ran his fingers through his hair. He turned to me "Amelia, I might be leaving for NY tonight. Sorry for the short notice but I guess I have no choice." He finished.

Mr. Grumpy smirked and raised an eyebrow towards me as if saying 'I told you!' 

"Sure Ethan, Take care and all the best to you. I was leaving for the day. So, I guess it's a Good-Bye then!" What else could I say? 'Don't go?'

"Ah, c'mon! It's not as if we'll never meet. And anyway, Alex is here. I will get updates about you. Will visit this office too" He smiled. I turned back to leave. They were already in some discussion. I went back to my cabin to pack my things and then picked up my bag. As I walked towards the elevator, I heard my name. I turned to see Mr. Grumpy striding towards me.

"I'll pick you up tomorrow morning at 9 Ms. Wilson." It wasn't a question. It was a statement.

"Oh! Okay, Mr. Holden" 'There goes my eat, sleep, and looong bath.'