First day at Rubical reminds me of the first day at college. I am expectant and nervous at the same time. I think Devan can hear me vibrating in my seat because he sends me a polite look.
"Aren't you going to tell me to take deep breaths?" I tease.
"And here I thought I was wrong." he smirks. I shrug.
I am surprised when he stops by a cafe. Perhaps he's one of those people who ride on coffee every time. I wouldn't be surprised seeing he's a workaholic. One needs some caffeine to keep them going for long hours.
A few minutes later, Devan returns with a cup of coffee and a paper bag.
He hands them to me when he settles back in his seat. I crease my brows.
"Did you think I wouldn't notice that you skipped coffee this morning?"
"You did?" I didn't mean to verbalize my inner thoughts.
"I am nervous about today. Coffee makes me more nervous."
"It's a good thing I got you a hot chocolate."
When my heart beats against my ribcage, I have to convince myself it is the nerves. Whatever is in the paper bag smells so good.
"Thank you." I mutter.
Devan smiles before he drives away from the shop. I open the paper bag to find donuts. If I didn't know Devan, I would say he is on a mission to get me fat. I am not complaining in the least because the donuts looks absolutely delicious.
"Thank you for the hot chocolate again and the donuts. Oh yes, and the drive."
"It's my pleasure."
"A good day."
"A good day Nellie."
I watch Devan speed away schooling my face to stop from smiling.
"Good morning." I greet as soon as I reach the reception desk.
"Good morning." Douglas replies.
"Let me guess. You're the new engineer." he mentions.
"Is it very obvious?"
"Yes honey. You reek of newness in this place." he mutters.
"Is that a bad thing?"
"Abso..."
"No." A feminine voice interrupts.
"Lainey Stokes." The blonde woman introduces.
"Good morning Lainey. Good morning Douglas." The raven haired woman I assume is Mr. McCain's secretary greets.
"Good morning." she stares.
"Nellie Jacobs. Good morning."
"Nellie. You're the new girl." She mutters.
"Yes. That is me."
"Good to see you all. I would love to stay and catch up but I have a lot of work to do. See you later." Debbie walks away.
"Welcome to Rubical, Nellie." Lainey smiles.
"Thank you."
"I think it's time I introduce you to your team."
I follow Lainey into a board room that is occupied by seven people. I take a deep breath. I sure as hell look ridiculous with my cup of hot chocolate and a paper bag as well as my bag.
"Good morning everyone." Lainey greets. The occupants of the room greet one at a time.
"I smile every time I see you Mrs. Stokes. I always hope I am going to get that raise." The guy in a crisp white shirt and round frames mutters.
"Very funny Connor. If you would only improve your signing in time, maybe I would consider taking that up with Mr. McCain."
"Ow Mrs. Stokes. You wound me." Connor winces.
"Everyone, this is Nellie Jacobs, the newest member on the team." she introduces. The whole room erupts in an applaud. I am smiling too hard.
"He's Roderick. He's the team leader."
I look up at Roderick who offers me a polite smile.
"Your employee card will be delivered to you this afternoon. Don't hesitate to pass by my office for any other inquiries."
"I sure will."
"With that, I'll leave you all to get acquainted." Mr. Lainey sends me a polite smile before she disappears out of the room.
"Come sit next to me." A woman with a cute dimpled smile offers. I quickly take up the seat next to her.
"Carla." she introduces.
"That's Parvin, Anushka, Jacob, Halima and the talkative one is Connor." Carla introduces. They all kindly wave to me. Connor rolls his eyes at Carl's introduction before he smiles.
"Welcome darling."
"And Roderick of course. He's our team leader." Carla mutters playfully.
"If we are done with the pleasantries, we can get back to work." Roderick says.
"Welcome Nellie. Welcome to our team. We always have morning meetings to brainstorm a few ideas or build on the old ones. Let's get started."
I like my work station already. I don't know if it is the fact that it is next to Carla's. Either way I like it.
"What do you want Patrick?" Connor hollers at the guy that just entered.
"My computer is acting up again." Anushka mutters.
"I am warning you Nellie. Stay away from the IT people." Connor hollers.
"I can hear you." Patrick glares.
"I know genius." he retorts.
I look over at Carla when I notice the tension between the two.
"It's a long story." Carla whispers.
"I'll tell you later." she adds.
I can't wait to hear about all the office drama I have missed.
By the time it clocks five, I am ready to get back home.
"Are you leaving?" Roderick asks.
"Yes. I am done for the day."
"How would you rate your first day?"
"Five stars. It was amazing for a first day."
"I am happy for you."
"Are you still around?"
"Yes actually. I am trying to figure a few things out. I will hopefully be done in the next one hour."
"Do you need any help?"
"I am fine. Catch you tomorrow Nellie."
"Goodbye Roderick."
No sooner had I walked outside the building than my phone rang.
"Hello."
"I am assuming your first day went absolutely well." Sal murmurs.
"Yes Sal. Everyone was nice to me."
"That's what I hoped to hear. Otherwise it's good to know you're fine."
"I am okay. How are you Sal?"
"I am good baby."
"And Phil?"
"He misses you. We miss you Nellie."
"I miss you too guys."
"Phil got a replacement yet?"
"Yes. She started today. Clumsy but she'll get the ropes."
"Wonderful news. I'll pay you guys a visit soon."
"We'll be waiting."
"Take care Sal."
"Okay love. Take care."