“Don’t go to the basement.” That’s all my boss said before hanging up. At first, I dismissed it as another odd demand from a man full of it. But when I stepped into his house and his daughter mentioned what — or who — was downstairs, I couldn’t stop myself from looking.
If you had told me six months ago that my career in architecture would involve more latte runs than floor plans, I’d have laughed in your face. I was top of my class, after all. But then I started working for Mr. Miles. He’s a genius in his field, sure, but being his assistant is a whole different story.
Wealthy man in his office | Source: Midjourney
Take last Tuesday, for example. The day started with him tossing his keys onto my desk and barking, “Kara, I need you to take the Porsche to the mechanic again. And don’t let them swindle you this time.”
I hadn’t even sat down yet.
By lunchtime, I’d dealt with three phone calls from his ex-wife and delivered a pair of cufflinks to a dry cleaner that he insisted was “the only one who doesn’t ruin silk.” Oh yeah, I also attended a meeting where I had to present his designs while pretending to be his “junior partner.”
Young woman doing a presentation | Source: Midjourney
I was halfway through presenting Mr. Miles’ latest luxury condo project to a very impatient client when my phone buzzed. Usually, I’d let it go to voicemail, but when the screen lit up with Boss, I knew better.
“Kara,” he said the moment I picked up. His voice was strained. “I need you to drop everything and go to Chloe’s school. She has a stomach ache and needs to come home. Take her to my place, and stay with her until I get back.”
“Wait, what? Mr. Miles, I’m in the middle of —”
“Now, Kara,” he snapped. “Straight home. Don’t go to the basement. It’s, uh, under repair. Got it?”
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