Chapter 28: Privileges and Threats.

KIKI.

All my life I had worked as a sales associate in Calisto's building. I didn't go beyond attending to the customers available, trying to convince them to buy a product and make them satisfied.

That was what I was used to.

The kind of job that paid in peanuts.

I never knew the position of an EA in Calisto's is worth all the years I've spent as a sales associate. I couldn't believe the pay.

It was huge that I thought it was extravagant. But still, it would help me a lot. I would be able to take care of Jojo better and pay off dad's huge debts that he owes.

I followed the Lady I had met the last time I was going to see the big boss, Giovanni. It was how comfortable I could call him his name in my head for me but didn't dare to say it out loud.

So, this lady though not the head EA had been instructed to teach me the basic skills. And now, I was trudging behind her, trying to quicken my pace to meet up with hers, especially with how quickly she moved.

She suddenly stopped in front of an office. It wasn't an office per se, just a group of workers clustered together discussing. I strained my ears to get their topic of discussion and found out it had to do with a project they were working on.

The Lady spoke to one of them who seemed like their boss. I couldn't hear what they were saying since they were speaking in hushed tones.

“So, Sir, this is Ms. Kiki Ajayi. She's the new EA.” She introduced herself, and this displeased look appeared on her face. I couldn't care less. That was her problem.

“Oh!” The man I was being introduced to, was an elderly man. Not too old, just a bit older than I am. Maybe twice my age, I didn't know. He took a lingering look at me, dismissing my outstretched hand for a handshake with a look of despair in his eyes.

“Guys,” The man called out to his colleagues or whoever. They clustered around him as bees cling to honey.

“This is the new EA, Kiki.” He introduced, this bored tone accompanying his words. The ladies among them cast me looks of despair, each accessing me in my old wears. I watched them giggle among themselves, laughing at me, mocking me to my face.

The men among them cast me this lustful gaze that made my blood boil. The few who didn't were looking at me with this despairing look.

Okay, I didn't understand again. Was there something on my body?

“Didn't she work as a sales associate?” One of them suddenly asked, snapping her fingers at me like she didn't know all along but decided to just say it now to gain their attention.

“Really?” Another asked giving me a once over.

“She looks like one. I wonder why she would be employed as an EA.” One hot blonde muttered.

“Probably because you will never attain that position in your life. Can you fucking mind your business?” I demanded, pissed.

Before they could speak, I spurned around on my heels and began to walk away. The lady that took me there was quick to catch up with me.

“What the hell is your problem?” She asked, pulling at my arm. I flung hers away from my body.

“And what is your problem? I used to be a sales associate, so?” I demanded. “ You know, if I tell the boss this, it won't end well for you.” I pursed my lips to act cutely.

She hissed, sounding pissed as she stomped her feet on the floor. “Don't you dare threaten me?” She told me, wagging a finger at me. I smiled.

“It's not a threat baby girl. I meant every word so stop taking it as a threat. It's a fucking promise.” I deadpanned.

She looked pissed off, maybe even furious. I wasn't bothered. I just went on with her as she introduced me to some departments. This time, I couldn't care less about what they thought of me.

“So, the big boss, Giovanni doesn't like a lot of things.” She started when we got back to her office. The scowl was still on her face though.

“I'm sure Matteo must have told you.” I wasn't surprised by how easily she could call them names.

“Excuse me, aren't they your boss? What right do you have to address them that way?” I asked suddenly pissed.

She smiled and leaned back on her chair, swirling it around with a triumphant look on her face. It was like she had been waiting for this moment.

“I'm Judy.” She began, smiling widely. “I have many privileges with the bosses. One you will never have. Don't think because the big boss asked you to work for him on the top floor, you are open to such privileges. No, dear. In everyone's mind, you will always be a sales associate and nothing more.” She finished nodding her head like she just won a lottery. I found myself shaking my head at her.

“So, suddenly, having those privileges is an accomplishment?” I tsked. “Wow Judy, you have certainly shown me how well you reason.” I hissed.

She opened her mouth to say something, and that smile wiped off her face. “Can we just get to what the boss like and dislikes, please? That is what you are supposed to be telling me, not this crap.” I snapped.

Furious, she gulped trying to even her breath. She was so easy to walk over. I smiled.

“Giovanni doesn't like tardiness, dirtiness. He always wants his staff to be right on time to work.” She started, keeping her voice in control.

“He prefers his coffee hot. A steaming hot cup of espresso. He hates bugs and every insult at all. The big boss doesn't like an enclosed environment such as wardrobes, closets, and places like that. He likes hardworking staff too. He doesn't enjoy being...”

I stopped listening to her, surprised at all she had been saying. Giovanni doesn't like bugs?

Really?

He doesn't like enclosed spaces? Was he claustrophobic? I was surprised cos he didn't pass off as someone who would be scared of such things. He didn't like insects. I still couldn't understand.

If he was claustrophobic, could this be linked to his childhood?