The second week brought even more changes. Mr. Raymond started traveling for business and he told me I had to go with him. My first trip was to Los Angeles and I was so nervous I could hardly sleep the night before. The driver picked me up very early and we went to the private airport where the company jet was waiting. When I saw the jet my mouth fell open. It was shiny and beautiful inside with comfortable seats and even a small table for working.
Mr. Raymond arrived looking calm as always. During the flight he explained the meeting we were going for and asked me to prepare some documents. I worked quietly while he rested. When we landed, a big car was waiting for us and we were taken to a very expensive hotel in the heart of the city. My room was next to his and it had everything — big television, beautiful bathroom, and even free food service.
The meeting went well. I sat beside Mr. Raymond and took notes like a real professional. The other businessmen kept looking at me with surprise, maybe because I was the only young lady in the room. After the meeting Mr. Raymond praised me and said I made him proud. That night he took me to a nice restaurant for dinner. We ate good food and talked for a long time. He asked about my dreams and I told him I wanted to go back to school one day and help my family more. He listened carefully and said "You have a good heart Bella. I like that about you."
On the flight back the next day something small happened that made my heart beat differently. The plane had a little turbulence and I held the seat tightly. Mr. Raymond noticed and gently placed his hand on mine for a few seconds saying "It is normal, don't be afraid." His hand was warm and strong. I felt something I could not explain — a mixture of respect, gratitude, and a strange new feeling. I quickly removed my hand and looked out the window, but the feeling stayed with me.
Back in New York City the days continued with more closeness. Sometimes after work we would sit in his living room and discuss the day. He started sharing small personal things — how he built the company from nothing, how lonely it could be at the top, and how he admired people who worked hard like me. I also opened up more and told him about my struggles growing up and how I used to help my mother sell things before I came to the city.
One evening after a long day he said to me, "Bella, you are becoming more than just an assistant to me. You are becoming someone I trust completely." I smiled and replied "Thank you Mr. Raymond. I will never disappoint you."
But deep in my mind questions kept coming. Why did he choose me among all the staff? Why did he allow me into his house and his personal life so easily? And why did my heart beat faster every time he smiled at me or said my name softly?
I pushed the thoughts away and focused on my work. This was my chance to rise from poverty and I was not going to lose it with silly feelings. Still, every night when I lay in my bed I remembered his warm hand on mine during the flight and I smiled quietly to myself.
The weeks were passing and I could feel that our relationship was changing slowly. Whether it was for good or bad, only time would tell.
TBC