Chloe POV
I am up way too early, but I have so much to do before I leave for work. I want to make a good impression. I go into the kitchen to make coffee and breakfast for myself. Joelene is already here and in the kitchen.
"I did not expect you to be here so early. I came in here to make some coffee and breakfast," I say. I rub my eyes. I did not sleep well.
"Cane asked me to come in earlier this morning and every morning from now on. It works out well for me. I will get home earlier every day," Joelene says.
"I am happy it works for you. I would not want to put you out in any way," I say.
"No, it is great. I can get home earlier to my kids. This job is really a blessing. Cane is a great boss, and the money is good. I will cook and make coffee. Go get ready for work," Joelene says, ushering me out of the kitchen.
"Thank you, Joelene," I say. I leave her to make breakfast and coffee.
I picked out clothes last night according to the dress code. This company has an odd dress code. I can only wear black or white, no colors. Jewelry is allowed but modest. No high heels that is a problem, most of my dress shoes are heels, but I have one pair of flats. I will go shopping after work. I need to pick up a few things, and it will give me a chance to explore the small town.
I do my hair and makeup modestly. I do not want to cause a stir on my first day. I tone everything down and try to look more natural. I have never worked somewhere with so many dress code stipulations, and I do not want to get in trouble on day one.
I pull my hair up in a bun and go into the bedroom. I take a look at myself in the mirror. I look cute and professional. I am so nervous. At least I do not have to drive to work this morning. I wonder who will pick me up for work.
I go into the kitchen and grab a bite to eat and a cup of coffee. "You look tired, Joelens. Sit down a minute and take a break," I say as I take a seat at the table.
"I will have to get used to the earlier mornings," Joelene says.
Joelene sits at the table with me. She has a cup of coffee and makes small talk with I eat my breakfast. I have never had a housekeeper or a maid.
"I will clean your bedroom and bathroom on Friday. If that is okay?" Joelene asks.
"I can do it, and you do not have to wait on me. However, I do appreciate the breakfast and coffee," I say.
"No, it is my job. Trust me, you will be too tired to clean up after working long hours," Joelene says.
"I appreciate it," I say.
A car pulls up in the driveway and honks the horn. "I hope that does not wake up Cane. He is mean in the mornings," Joelene says, laughing.
"Well, if it did and he is mean to you, let me know. I will kick his ass," I say.
I put my plate and coffee cup in the sink. I smile at Joelene as I head out the door to start my day. I walk around to the passenger side door, and the back door opens for me. I look inside to see Mr. Arden in the car.
"Good morning," Mr. Arden says.
I was not expecting Mr. Arden to pick me up. I get into the car and sit down next to him. I put my purse in between us. "Good Morning," I say.
"This is Randall, my driver. If I ever need you, he will be the one to pick you up," Mr. Arden says.
"I was not expecting you to pick me up this morning," I say.
"Well, I thought it would give us time to talk on the way to the office," Mr. Arden says.
"I see," I say.
"You can relax. I knew you were nervous yesterday, and Cane told me you had concerns. I wanted to talk to you about your concerns before we get to the office," Mr. Arden says.
I shift around in my seat. I am going to kill Cane for telling my new boss too much about me. "Mr. Arden, I assure you I will be fine," I say.
"I know you will, but I want you to know that the building is secure. We have security. No one knows you are here, and I will keep it that way. Your ex cannot bother you at your job, and if he does, I will handle it personally," Mr. Arden says.
I smile at him. I am grateful. I thought maybe Cane told him about our parents. That is not something I want to talk about either. I like to keep my life private. Cane, on the other hand, likes to talk about his life and personal problems. I do not.
"Thank you, and I appreciate you looking out for me. I do not think he will bother me. At least, I hope not. I only want to go to work and do my job," I say.
"Your brother also told me that you are afraid of wolves," Mr. Arden says.
I sink down in my seat. I feel like I am two inches tall. "I do not have a problem with wolves or you. It is just that..." I stop; I cannot say it. I do not want to talk about it.
"I know what happened to you and your brother. You should come to the Shadow Creek Pack and meet some of the wolves. My father is a great man. We would welcome you into our pack," Mr. Arden says.
"Thank you for the invite. I will think about it. It is hard to talk about, and I would prefer we changed the subject," I say.
I look forward and try not to think about my parents. It is my first day on a new job, and I have already had to think about two things I do not want to think about, my parents and my ex.