'I'm a whole damn cake and the cherry on top'

~doja cat

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One year ago
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"Old McDonald had a faaarm, eeeaaaaa eeeaaaaa oooooo....And on his farm he had a duck eeeeaa- "

"Stop it Thunder, stop it, or I swear I..I'll..."

"Here a quack there a quack everywhere a quack quack, Old McDonald had a faaa- "

"I swear, I'll shove you on the ground and...then delete your designs. Yes..."
He yelled as he lifted his butt a little from where he was sitting, his hands slowly coming towards my desk.

"Hey! What is wrong with you?" I snapped at Rick as I shooed away his hand.

"What is wro- I should've been asking you the same question. What is wrong with youu?" he scoffed, glaring me with complete and utter irritation.

I've been doing this since last three and a half hours, in order to distract him. We've been working on a same cover design, but there is only one cover which will be selected. And I, wanted it to be mine. Because, why the hell not?

Shrugging, I winked at him and with a smirk I turned my head back to the screen.

Shaking his head, he turned his attention to the screen. "Seriously, if this goes on, trust me, I'll be not the one to throw you out, get back to work Thunder, I'm almost done."

My smirk grew wider as I change the font design, "Well, maybe your work is done but...ehhem" I pointed my thumb at my screen, "take a look at this masterpiece here, my cover will blow off and it looks way better than yours. I can bet on it."

Throwing me a challenging look, he cocked his eyebrow, ready to argue, "Don't be kiddin- "

Our little friend to friend chat, was blissfully cut off by the slaming of the door.

Mr Williams, the manager of advertising department, stood there, followed by a middle aged man wearing a dark neat suit.

I haven't seen him earlier, when Mr Williams had given us the instructions and requirements which the firm expects from their interns and handed us a project, more like an advertisement designing for one of his hotel in Chicago.

Rick's eyes shot with recognition and immediately stood up from his chair, looking down at me, he tugged my sleeve a little.

What? Did he expect me to stand?

Rolling my eyes, slowly stood up but did not forget to lean on the desk.

Rick straitened himself and stretched out his hand for a shake. "Good afternoon Mr Jones, I'm Rickard Ball and it is my pleasure to meet you, Sir."

The man named Mr Jones, eyed his hand like it was an onion peel under a microscope, figuring out how many cells it has, and then finally gave a crisp nod. When he didn't shook his hand, Rick slowly retreated his hand back.

"And who are you?" Mr Jones spoke eyeing me in a cold stern tone, a voice which can make you work ten times faster. Scumbag.

I was just about to give my best comeback when Mr Williams hurriedly interrupted. "That" glancing at me, '
"is one the acquaintance of Mr Ball. She'll be accompanying him as well as working with him as an intern."

"Hm." Mr Jones gives him a tight nod, as he looks behind us. Mr Williams took that as an indication, "Oh, apology for the delay Sir," he continued, now looking towards us, "I assume that the cover of the brochure is already designed, is it?"

Beside me, Rick shifted to stand in front of his desk, "Yes Sir, absolutely, take a look sir, I've mentioned all the requirements, images and also added a tagli- "

"Here here, now, gentlemen," I spoke, letting out a low chuckle, "...sorry for the interruption but, my masterpiece is almost done and..." I trailed off to the desk to add one more sticker, "...yess, done!"

Mr Jones narrows his eyes, giving a questioning look to me, "I can see that, Miss, and what exactly are you trying to say."

Clearing my throat, I started, "So, what I'm telling... you all, here is to take a look at this cover design, impeccable work, isn't it? I can assure you that- " he interrupts, while I tried my best to sound superior.

"Well, for that we have to see the designs so, move."

Earlier, when Mr Williams had directed us to our cabins, yes, actual cabins for interns, he also mentioned work we have to put on the existing cover for the prospectus.

While Mr Jones examined our designs, I shifted towards Rick and nudged him.

"What?" He gave me an annoyed look.

"Who's him?" I hissed, pointed to Mr Jones.

He spoke, looking back and forth,
"Who? Mr Williams? I thought I to- "

"No, you idiot. The bald one."

"That is Mr Jones."

"Wow, that is very helpful, indeed."

He shifted his weight from one leg to another, rolling his eyes, he whispered as low as possible, "Mr Jones has the major partnership with Mrs Conway of this firm and owns almost fifty percent of the shares including debentures. Today, he is inspecting the working environment under different departments."

My lips formed an 'o'. So, that explains the name. Conway & Jones. Classic.

Then I remembered something, "Hey Rick!" I whispered, "If I'm not wrong, her biggest competitors is Mr Andrew Scott, right?" I questioned, but it came out more like a statement.

With a look of indifference, he hissed, "Yes. Now shut up."

So..what I'm thinking is true. Mrs Conway is the same Mrs Conway whom Maze was talking about.
This is getting interesting.

Keeping aside my internal plans, I glanced in the direction of Mr Jones, who was rubbing his chin, eyes glued on the screen.

"So, what do you think Mr Jones?" I beamed.

Mr Jones eyed both of our work one last time before turning and giving us his full attention. "Well, with the consultancy and opinions of both of us, I hereby declare that the design which has been select- "

"Yes, yes, go one."

"Well, Miss, I'm afraid that you'll not very excited after hearing that."

I waved my hand in dismissal, "puff! Why would that be?"

Mr Jones started, "Yes, right. Both of the cover designs are quite impressive..."
I smirked as I stuff my hands on either sides of my pockets. "but, only one cover has been chosen" I further leaned towards the chair. "...and that belongs to Mr Rickard Ball."

"What?"

"Yes" Mr Jones confirmed.

"Yes." Rick wiggled his eyebrows.
Mr Jones proceeds, "Miss, don't disappoint. Your cover is also very...remarkable. I highly appreciate it. But Mr Ball's cover is what the firm requires. You can do much better under the guidance and supervision of Mr Ball. Although you can still work as an intern."

Being under some balls was the last things I wanted right now. If it is not about the money, I wouldn't even spit on this place.

I faked a smiled and nodded, "Thankyou so much Mr Jones, I feel content and happy like never before."

We were working on another presentation on our last hour of the day. Out of the corner of eyes, I notice Rick as he rested his elbow on the desk and his chin on his hands.

"You know Thunder, it's not that hard. You can always ask me for the guidance. Besides, what they said was right. I'm better than you." a smirk started forming on his lips, "You're not as good as me but you can do better, with my help, of course."

"Thankyou dick, for you concern. I feel so much better now. But please, don't flatter yourself" I snapped at him, letting out a sharp chuckle, "the majority of fool doesn't count. Now excuse me, I'm going to use the washroom."

Standing from the chair and tripping, in the process as my foot stucked behind the leg of the chair and strode out of the room.

I began to roam around, taking in the environment. People were hurrying with bulk of files in their hand surrounded by the constant tick-tick of the keys and phone rings.

I glanced at the corridor to my left, where there was a counter with several people already waiting in line.

What? Do you really think I was going to the washroom? Nice try.

I idly glanced at the corridor. From where I stood, I can only make out a coffee machine on the counter slab and office door with a posh white leather sofa infront of it.

Hmm...why would someone keep a sofa infront of their office. Unless...the office belongs to an important person who can keep people waiting on the sofa.

Deciding that the sofa looks pretty comfortable and a lovely lady with a hot cup of coffee would be definitely adding to it's beauty, I walked towards the counter.

There was pictures of fruits and coffee beans on the walls with some motivational quote to make the employee get even more inspired while drinking coffee.

The window was open and letting in the cold breeze, as the golden sun was dipping into the horizon like the chocolate cookie in my coffee right now.

I was thoroughly enjoying it, smiling to myself and thinking maybe working here was not a bad idea.

But, very extraordinary things happens when I stay quiet. My mind was automatically programmed to eavesdrop at others conversation.

I have ears of a wax moth and eyes of an eagle, I can't help but let these abilities take advantage of me.

Like right now, my eyes instinctively drifted towards the faint noises coming from the other side of the door. There was a slight chance that I can get an information about Mrs Conway.

Curiosity took the best of me, as I shifted, getting as close to door as possible. That's when I heard Mr Jones sturdy voice.

"Do you have the file?"

"Yes Sir, here." said Mr Williams, as much as I can make it out of that voice.

"Did she asked you any questions?"

"N..no Sir."

"Good. Don't get yourself noticed and if you whispered about this even to a single soul then Mr Williams, consider yourself a dead man."

Okay, maybe things are getting heated.

"That I can assure you Sir, I would never think of betraying you." Mr Williams quickly reassured him, "but Sir, may I know what is so important about this file?"

There was a moment of silence on the other side of the door.

What is in the file? Tell me you scumbag, fast.

I turned my head to look at the door, checking in case anyone was watching me, then again pressed my ear at the door.

"In this file Mr Williams" he finally proceed, "is the fate of Andrew Scott."

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Heyyaaa!

How's it going so far?

I know I still haven't introduced the male main character but I swear he'll come around soon.

The story has some important parts before him so I'm currently working on it .

Stayyy tuned! ;)

Lovexyou. ❤

*Curtsy*