Irrevocably HIS

Chapter Three

Like clockwork every single day for the past two months, I rise and make my way into the office to do an overload of work for Tatum, and unfortunately find myself at the end of the work day heading home to collapse into my bed without even having the strength to change into pajamas. Adulting isn't what it is cracked out to be. I get it. Im supporting myself and surviving through a shitshow that is my life but I don't even think I have a life anymore. Everything revolves around work for me. I am literally giving my everything to this position and what do I get in return? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. A simple thank you would suffice from the powerhouse CEO that is my boss but whoever Tatum is now is definitely a different version and one I don't quite care for. I know I shouldn't be complaining but it seems I need to vent.

I get that the position I took on was for this kind of work, especially it being for the CEO himself, but it is like he is giving me more and more to do knowing that it will keep me occupied and drained to even consider ever doing something besides work, much like have a personal life. I'm not sure how to take the massive workload and not think that he wants me focused primarily on him and not on anyone else, especially Kaden.

Ever since the day Tatum practically dragged me back into the office after taking a lunch break without informing him, even though he was busy entertaining his whatever she is to him, he has been on my case. I'm only putting up with his arrogance solely for the purpose of enjoying my bank account when it doesn't have the little negative sign next to the available balance. Tatum is lucky that I don't seek employment elsewhere, not that I could even find something remotely good paying like this job, and even if I did try and do just that, I'm sure he would make sure every place would deny me. He's an all out possessive man child and it is beginning to drive me out of my mind. Can't he act this way solely with his arm candy? Why do I have to be the one he controls?

So, here I am. In my seat, typing away yet another document for Oscar the Grouch. At last, I am finally finished typing up the quarterly expense report when the door to Tatum's office is open with such a degree of force that I nearly believe the door will come off its hinges.

"Are you seriously telling me that you forgot our board meeting that is literally in five minutes Ms. Erickson?" He says eyeing me with annoyance. That and the look of just the plain f**k off are the only two faces he usually makes at me while he stares at Cassandra with such love and devotion that I want to punch a wall. The prick really does make me regret choosing this job, but I have to remind myself of the positive available balance that lies in my account, and the fact that I am no longer surviving on only Ramen. I try my hardest to bite my tongue, to not issue a response but, my conscience decides for me.

"I guess an apology would be in order right about now, that is, if I were actually sorry, sir. Don't go having a childish fit when I am certainly ready to go and listen to an overly drawn out board meeting, again. Got my trusty company phone and perfectly fine hands to type out your necessary minutes that will no doubt be forwarded to you by end of day." I say without a hint of regret. Honestly, even though I may deem it necessary to not provoke my boss, no matter the history between us, I just can't placate his demeanor towards me any longer. I've been a civil employee, and a pretty damn good one also. I'm not going to bite my tongue when it comes to his hostility. He may be the CEO but he is a total man child.

The eery silence between us as we ride the elevator down is unnerving to say the least. We step off the elevator and head into the meeting room where he takes his seat at the helm and me behind him in the corner as if I were a mere peasant in quite literally a man's world. Every board member is a male and I find myself wondering if this isn't the most sexist work environment ever. Couldn't they have at least thrown in a woman or two to maybe round out the room?

"Welcome gentleman. I have read all criteria submitted to me about the new building we have just acquired and it is now time we vote on something. I have it on good authority that converting this broken down building into something practical and functional is in our best interest in order to see at least some profit. Gentleman, if you will." Tatum says in his mild yet authoritative voice as the board members all begin to say their peace. I just sit there wondering if any of them could possibly think of something other than a luxury hotel or resort. How many of those do we possibly need? I don't think anyone in that general area would be able to afford that. They aren't thinking outside the box. This is going to be another property that will just ultimately fail.

As for my opinion, which means didley squat around here, I propose turning the building into a community center for children and teens. It would allow families the opportunity to go somewhere that offers activities and counseling while also benefiting the neighborhood and boosting the corporations image. Not everyone around that area has money coming out of their asses. This would be the perfect solution. A place that could be a safe haven for those that need the economical help, instead of a money hungry development looking to cater only to the rich and famous, would be perfect.

I sit here restless, typing everything I deem important for Tatum when I get this feeling that I need to throw my two cents in. I mean come on. I have a business degree. I should be allowed to swim with the big sharks. I rise and stand beside Tatum, knowing I will most likely make an ass out of myself but if I don't find the courage now, I never will. I can feel Tatum's eyes on me and they are probably full of annoyance and if I look at him now, I'll lose my nerve. I clear my throat but it garners nobody's attention, which I knew would happen.

"Gentleman!" I say, my voice raising a bit too loudly which now gains everyone's attention around the room. They all look at me with wide eyes and I want to shrink into myself but don't. It's now or never.

"I have sat and listened to all of your ideas and while I may find them interesting, none of them are what should be built there. Did anyone look at the general area and the income stats? You all are gunning for the Richie Riches of the land but what about the ones that are living paycheck to paycheck just trying to keep afloat? If you open a giant ritzy hotel or resort, you risk having people losing revenue or heightening their land value which will ultimately drive up costs in rent. The sensible idea for this property would be to turn the building into a community center. It would be beneficial to the neighborhood as well as benefiting you as a whole. Your image would be elevated and the center would help the economy which you should be well aware isn't made of multi millionaires in that area." I say having the room still remain silent until an uproar of laughter is sparked making my shoulders fall.

"My dear girl. Who might you be to even suggest we lower ourselves when we are a corporation looking to thrive. A meaningless community center? Are you absurd?" One board member says while everyone around him nods in agreement. I stand there with a facial expression that does not display my embarrassment but on the inside, I am mortified. I am mortified by my own actions as well as the reply from the geriatrics that run this company. How can they not have a soul? It honestly sickens me. I shift my focus to Tatum who just remains sitting, rigid. Him and I are both cut from the same cloth so he should know what suggesting a community center means to me. We were both orphaned. Left to live a life in the system until both our fates changed. I thought for a second that he would be open to the idea. How wrong I was.

With the meeting continuing as if I hadn't uttered a single word, I find myself just seeming to not care at all what is said. I record the remainder and once it is over, I make my way out of the room and straight for lunch, not wanting to report my lunch time, needing to be far away from here as possible.

"Take it your day isn't going too great?" Kaden says to me, coming out of nowhere, once I find a seat with my food. I look at him and he must see something along the lines of a wounded bird that the next look he gives me is one of sympathy. I release a sigh, knowing that Kaden has been the only one to even remotely take notice of me. He was right. I am ostracized because of my position.

"I thought that today could be my chance to show everyone that I am more than just an assistant. I mean for god sakes Kaden, I have a degree in Business. I get that I took this job knowing fully well what my position was but I just wanted to spread my wings but I got shot down cruelly. If I ever become as successful as I thought I would, even though those are my wildest dreams right about now, I would never demean someone so horribly. I'd make certain every voice was heard. Even the janitors. I don't know. I can see that I am not cut out for this world but damn do I want to be. One day." I say before taking a bite of my overly priced sandwich. Kaden, true to his word, got me the cards I needed for this place when no one else would give a damn about what I needed. He has been nothing but a solid friend. He's the only one I trust around here.

"There aren't many people to even garner up the courage to even speak at a board meeting so give yourself a round of applause for that. You saw an opportunity and you took it. So what if they pissed all over your idea. The whole point was that you took a chance. You took the initiative to find your voice. I'm pretty damn proud of you Annie." He says which makes my heart swell from his kind words.

"Thank you Kaden. I really needed to hear that. I may have very well failed but at least I tried." I say with a smile as he just returns one of his own.

"Ms. Kennedy. Are you about done? I need a full report within the hour and then we are taking a trip to survey the building that was spoke about during the meeting." Tatum says as he stands before us with a no nonsense look plastered on his face, hands in his pockets, eyeing me then Kaden.

"Um, yeah. Sure thing Mr. Kennedy." I say as I rise out of me seat along with Kaden, coming to stand right by my side. At least I know I have someone in my corner at this hellhole.

"Need you shadow her constantly Kaden? She is my employee not yours. Kindly refrain from any attempt of an office relationship, because we both know that this is where you are looking to wind up. I have just sent out a memo stating that it is forbidden within my company. Please see the memo in your email." Tatum says with authority making me agitated. All I wanted was to have a friend. After everything I have been through, all I have endured, the hostility from left to right, the least I could want is someone that's on my side for once.

"Let's go Ms. Erickson." Tatum says as he begins to walk expecting me to be right behind him but I stand my ground.

"I believe I have ten more minutes to my lunch seeing that you want to abide by office code and conduct, enforced my you no doubt. I am allowed to have a full lunch period. I will be upstairs shortly sir." I say as I take back my seat, with Kaden doing the same. A look of all out anger shines through Tatum as he looks to us and then heads out without so much as a retort.

"Looks like you are not done finding your voice here Annie. Rebel looks good on you." Kaden says as I laugh wholeheartedly.