I was late really late. I hurried along the sidewalk as fast as I could. It was my second day on the job and I was already late. My boss was going to kill me! I nodded to the doorman as I raced into the door of the Eastman building. I hurried to my desk and sat down hoping no one would notice. 

 

“Maberry” I heard the loud growl of my boss as I set my purse down. I bit my lip as I turned and there he was looming over me. Luckily we weren’t the lobby secretaries only 3 other people could hear him. I was struggling not to cry, it had been an awful day if this man started yelling at me I was going to lose it. I felt my entire body steeling as he glared.

 

“Yes Sir?” I said and his started yelling. Rather harshly about my lateness and all the calls I missed in the time I was late. I just stood there and nodded my head, I felt like a wimp but I needed this job if I had any hope of paying for Noel’s surgery. My boss was in the middle of telling me what an awful employee I was when a loud cough sounded. He looked and blanched, I was afraid to turn knowing it would someone with the power to fire me right then and there. I turned slowly expecting a grouchy menacing superior. I was pleasantly surprised, a man around my age, blue eyes, tall, he obviously smiled a lot but right now he looked concerned. In fact he looked at me first almost as if asking if I was ok. He seemed so genuinely concerned I almost burst into tears again. I managed a small smile; he smiled back just a little and looked at my boss. He could probably read the situation just fine, frazzled scared looking young secretary comes in plainly late, boss is angry. I tried to tell him to please leave this alone, if he tried to step in my boss might bite his head off; apparently I wasn’t as good at facial expressions because he jumped right in.

 

“Everything ok in here” He said stepping closer and looking my boss straight in the eye. They were the same height but my boss had more weight on him while the man was tall and thin.

 

“Just fine sir anything we can help you with.” He said sounding polite, more polite than I had heard him sound since I got the job interview.

 

“Heard the yelling and I thought something might be wrong” He said his face looking concerned but his eyes said he would not tolerate anyone yelling at a lady. I almost smiled it felt good having someone stand up for me and he had to be a pretty big deal to make my boss sweat like that.

 

“Just new secretary being late.” My boss said

 

“Harry we have only been opened for 5 minutes. It is not company policy to yell, at anyone, especially a lady.” The man said and I could have hugged him, but I didn’t because I could feel my boss becoming angry.

 

“I need you to enter this files into the database.” He said handing my boss some papers. My boss waited a second because usually he could assign someone else the work after the person left. This guy stayed, standing, watching, and waiting. It didn’t take my boss long to get the message and he nodded and closed the door to his inner office. The entire room seemed to breath again.

 

I sat down slowly in my chair and breathed deeply. I sat trying to stop from jittering as my computer powered up. The man finished talking to the secretary a few feet away from me and came over.

 

“Are you ok?” He asked and I nodded because I really couldn’t say anything. A small grin light his face 

 

“Shaken?” He asked and I finally felt a little better

 

“A little, second day” I said and then I remembered my manners

 

“Sorry, I’m Rose Maberry, thank you for you know…” I said dropping off the last part because I didn’t want to thank him for reprimanding my angry boss, that didn’t seem right.

 

 

“No problem I’m Brady Eastman.” He said shaking my hand. The name seemed familiar

 

“Eastman your not…” I started to say and then looked at the folders he carried. Eastman Company.

 

“One in the same” He said with a light chuckle. I let go of his hand and sat down.

 

“So Mr. Eastman what can I do for you?” I asked looking at him. He was young to run a company this big. 

 

“Oh right well Mrs. Maberry” He said handing me back the packet

 

“Please it’s Rose” I wasn’t sure if had said Mrs. Or Ms. so I didn’t know what to say about that.

 

“Ok, Rose, here are the packets. Jane told you everything about all of this right?” He asked

 

“Yes she did.” I said and he continued to explain the information and what I needed to do with it.

 

I pushed the cart out of the ladies bathroom and rolled it down the hall. I had found a second job still with the Eastman Company, Unfortunately, cleaning lady was all they had that still fit with my schedule. On Thursday I did the bathrooms but otherwise it was just vacuuming and tidying up by midnight. The hours were awful but the weekends and the savings towards Noel’s much needed surgery made it all worth it. I walked into the hallway, 2 more offices left, I told myself. I walked down the hall and then suddenly, Brady rounded the corner. I wanted to try and run before he looked up but I had never been good at track and he ad already seen me. Confusion registered on his face seeing me in a maid’s uniform but he immediately wiped it away and nodded with a smile

 

“Hi” He said

“Hi” I said with a cordial smile and hurried past as I felt the blush creeping into my cheeks. I was probably a mess; I walked faster down the hall and rounded the corner. I stopped as soon as I was out of eyesight and stood. I hadn’t wanted anyone at work to know and now… I stood up and straight and walked into the office. Brady… Mr. Eastman isn’t the kind of person who would go around telling everyone right?

I argued with myself as I tidied the final offices ad then gathered my supplies and left. I was standing in the elevator when I heard a voice call out

 

“Hold that please” 

 Instinctively put my hand on the closing doors until I realized who was coming. Brady was hurrying up to the elevator door. He stepped in and I stepped back into the elevator. 

 

“Thank you Rose,” He said pushing his floor. Lucky for me we were both riding from the top to the bottom floor.

 

I smiled, nodded, and then turned back pretending to be extremely lost in thought but instead trying to get my jacket to cover the hem of the maid outfit.

 

“So how has your first week been?” He asked after a very long moment of awkward silence

 

“Great, I love working here.” Probably a bit to quickly

 

“That’s great.” He said and the silence rushed back

 

The elevator door slid open and I stepped out as quickly as I could without seeming rude. 

 

“Ok well see you… “ He trailed off as I waved and hurried to the door. I think I heard him chuckle as I scurried off.

 

 

The weekend didn’t last near long enough and I was back at work. It wasn’t too bad Monday was easier but Tuesday I started to get pretty tired, Wednesday was pure torture, Thursday oh Thursday. 

 

Thursday felt like the longest day of my life. I finally got around to cleaning late at night. It was bathroom night and one janitor was only working half a night so I picked up half of his route. I had only one more office left to go, Brady Eastman CEO. I unlocked the office with my key card. He knew how to decorate an office, I hadn’t seen him all week but there were no rumors about the secretary/cleaning lady flying around so I figured I was safe. A huge couch along one wall called to me, I finished cleaning and I just couldn’t resist. I sat down and oh my goodness I don’t think I could have gotten up if I tried. It was so comfortable I laid my head down and fell asleep before I even knew what was happening. 

 

 

 

“Rose, Rose” I heard a voice saying, I moaned, I was so amazingly comfortable. I opened one eye to tell Noel 5 more minutes but that was not what I saw. I jumped nearly smacking Brady with my failing hand. I sat up and looked around. I was in Brady’s office on the couch! It was morning, I had fallen asleep here!

 

Brady had a smile creeping up the corner of his mouth as he looked at me. I probably looked crazy! I lifted my hand to my mouth.

 

“Oh no Oh no Brady, Mr. Eastman I’m so sorry, I was cleaning, I was assigned this office to clean and I’m so so sorry. Please please don’t fire me I need this job please Noel she is and I’m so sorry oh no” I said all in one breath. Brady just stood back studying me, I was so so fired!

 

I looked up again and Brady looked a little concerned. 

 

“Rose, Rose” He said kneeling down in front of the couch, “I’m not going to fire you.” He said worry in his eyes, probably because a crazy hysterical young lady was sitting on his couch in her cleaning uniform.

 

“You should though” I said keep in mind I just woke up

 

Brady just smiled a little but he still looked a little worried

 

I lifted my hand to my mouth again “ Mr. White I have to go and change and then I.. oh I’m late.” I said muttering Brady just sat there watching

 

“Harry isn’t going to fire you either” Brady said reassuringly

 

I opened my mouth and Brady supplied for me

 

“No he shouldn’t” Brady said 

 

“I am so sorry about this really, I will go, and I will,” I said about to get up before Brady put his hand over mine and I stopped talking. He took it off quickly and moved to the couch

 

“Who is Noel?” He asked concerned, it was that face again that made me just want to blurt out all my problems.

 

“Oh you heard that.” I said biting my lip again.

 

“ I was just wondering if everything is ok?” He said and the look in his eyes I could of hugged him right then and there.

 

I was about to say fine when he looked at me again.

 

“Noel is my mother in law” I said and that caught him off guard a little.

 

“My husband died 2 years ago and the company I worked for closed 3 weeks ago. So we moved here to try and find a job.” I said and Brady nodding understandingly. I figured I was in this far I might as well tell him. I felt the tears slip out as I told him everything him and he just listened. 

 

I didn’t get to my shift until 2 hours later but Brady called Mr. White and apparently I was completely pardoned. I went to work again to both jobs the next week but when I came to clean Brady’s office I found a surprise. He knew it was the last on my route and I found a note with my name on it taped to the inside door handle. 

 

 

Rose

 

I set an alarm on the desk if you decide to fall asleep on my couch again it will only let you sleep for 15 minutes. Sorry union rules I guess.

 

Brady

 

 

 

He left notes every night different things a few times they were just a knock knock joke across a few nights. I finally got up enough courage to answer his notes before I left at night. Jane who I replaced must have been a sort of personal secretary to him considering the number of files he hand delivered to me.

 

I was walking out of the building 2 weeks later grateful for the weekend when I bumped into Brady. He had come to drop off more papers throughout my first two weeks and had talked briefly to me in staff meetings. Jane must have been a personal secretary to him of sorts since he came to my desk so often.

 

“Oh hi Rose” He said with his usual wide smile.

 

“Hi how are you?” I asked smiling back

 

“I’m great actually I was hoping to run into you.” He said holding the glass doors open.

 

“Really?” I asked wandering what he would need.

 

“Do you have time for coffee? I have a business proposition I hope your going to like,” He asked

 

I looked at my watch and then felt pretty silly because I knew I had nothing on my schedule.

 

“Sure” I said and followed after him.

 

We got to the Starbucks and ordered. He was a funny guy not uptight like I imagined CEOs to be. After we talked for almost half an hour Brady remembered his business proposition.

 

“Sorry the business proposition I forgot.” He said 

 

“Yes I’m pretty curious.” I said because I really was the suspense was killing me.

 

“It’s pretty simply actually, you have only been with the company for a short amount of time, you’ve done an amazing job and I would like to promote you.” He said

 

“A promotion! Really wow that’s wow.” I said trying not to squeal.

 

He grinned at my enthusiasm. 

 

“To my personal secretary, if that’s ok with you.” He asked 

 

“Yes that’s fine that’s great! Why?” I asked wondering why he could possibly want to promote the newbie to his personal secretary.

 

“There is a large pay raise, insurance, benefits, some vacation.” He went on and I could tell he was intentionally trying not to tell me why.

 

“That’s amazing and I can’t thank you enough but why?” I asked again and he finally looked me in the eye again.

 

“You’re a great secretary and you know you deserve this and…” He began

 

I cocked an eyebrow because I knew I wasn’t the greatest secretary in the building. 

“Most of our secretaries who are struggling, just get a pay raise unfortunately Jane said that wouldn’t work on you, she said you told her you want to earn your keep. So you are going to be promoted, it won’t be easy, I’m a horrible person to work with.” He said a little smirk lifting the corners of his mouth so that I couldn’t help smiling a little bit too.

 

“Thank you.” I said 

 

“I enjoyed the evening. See you on Monday by my office and we’ll get you started.” He said

 

“Thanks again. Good night.” I said smiling one last time before I walked through the door.

 

“So where were you?” Noel, my sweet mother in law said as I walked through the door. She had a mischievous look in her eye and I wouldn’t doubt if she had been watching me walk home.

 

“My boss took me out to dinner and gave me a promotion.” I said and I felt the blush creeping into my cheeks.

 

“Oh how nice of him. He seems like a nice man doesn’t he.” She said a smile glinting in her eyes as she sat on the couch.

 

“He is a very nice man.” I said and she just smiled wider.

 

“Good night Noel” I said with a sigh and dropped a kiss on her white hair.

 

“Good night Rosey.” 

 

 

“Ok this isn’t much different from working downstairs. Meetings are filed here; take messages if I’m not available on the phone. Only interrupt a meeting if one of these people calls. It’s urgent then so your going to have to interrupt me, or wake me up depending on what meeting I’m in.” Brady explained pointing to the different things on my computer and desk.

 

Everything was very official looking but functional and I sat up a little straighter hoping to do well on my first day.

 

“Oh here is your company card, use it sparingly, business lunches, things like that but I don’t think you will need to use a lot of that. Clock it into the system on the wall before you leave, it works as a time card, and we don’t let employees leave with it. I think that’s it, I will be in the next room if you have any questions.”

 

“Thanks again so much.” I said as he turned to walk into his office. Brady just turned and smiled with a thumbs up.

 

I logged in to the computer, I was ready.

 

“Quitting time” Brady called from his office.

“OK” I logged out and straightened up my desk. I turned quickly and faced Brady. Literally right there. 

 

He chuckled and stepped back quickly.

 

“Sorry just checking your notes. How was the first day? Think you’ll be back tomorrow or have we officially scared you off.”

 

“I enjoyed it actually and I will be back tomorrow you aren’t getting rid of me that easy.” I said with a light laugh

 

“I hope not you did a great job,” Brady said opening the door to the office.

 

“Thanks” I said feeling enthusiastic about the new job.

 

“So there is this, employee gala or ball or dance, on Friday at 7.  Black tie fancy and I am required to be there. Since were are both employees would you like to go with me?” He said trying to look confident but his eyes were filled with nervously.

 

“Sure that would be great.” I said probably a little to quickly.

 

“Really” He said his eyes lighting up with joy.

 

“Are you trying to talk me out of it?” I asked with a laugh

 

“Not at all. I’ll pick you up at 7 then, see you tomorrow.” He said with a wave and a happy smile

 

“Bye. Good night.” I called and turned with a sigh, I couldn’t stop the blush, and I felt like I was in high school all over again.

As soon as I walked in Noel was standing there smiling. 

 

“You heard it all didn’t you.” I said as soon as I closed the door but her smile told me as much even before I asked.

 

“Enough to know you need to go dress shopping” She said with a grin.

 

“Naomi it is a work thing and we don’t have money for a new dress.” I said trying to stop the blush again

 

“No we don’t humm you know what I have just the thing.” She said and moved as quickly as she could to her room.

 

I followed and she opened the closet. 

 

“It should be somewhere back there.” She said pointing to the back of the small closet.

 

“A blue box” she added as I rummaged around curious about what had her so excited. I finally came up with a worn blue box, no labels just a sturdy box.

 

I stood up and walked over to her bed. With trembling hands and shining eyes she opened the box. She pulled out folds and folds of sky blue fabric. It shimmered as she laid it in my lap.

 

“I wore it to the Christmas Dance where I met Frank and I want you to wear it.” She said and my jaw dropped a little. I carefully touched the silky fabric and held up the dress.

 

“Well don’t just stand their go try it on.” She said waving me off.

 

I closed the door and felt the smooth fabric slip into place perfectly. The skirt flared out a little at the waist and hung down to my toes. The sleeves clung to my elbows and it all fit perfectly, I felt like Cinderella. I swished in to show Noel and couldn’t resist a twirl. She clasped her hands together and sighed.

 

“Oh Noel it is really beautiful but I couldn’t, I might mess it up.” I started

 

“Oh just so long as you have it back before the next ball I’m invited too. You look stunning and it isn’t doing me any good in this old closet. You go and have fun. Now for the hair.” She said looking at me. I laughed she was having as much fun as I was.

 

My stomach was tying up in knots as I heard a knock at the door. The dress was perfect and Noel had twisted my hair. I felt like a princess a very nervous princess. I heard Noel open the door and invite Brady in, one last twirl and I was ready. I stepped out and quickly closed the door hoping to hide the mess I had made getting ready.

 

Brady was talking with Noel when I came in. He looked at me and his jaw dropped just a little. I hope I smiled but I don’t remember, he looks good in a tux.

 

We both finally recovered when Noel said

 

“Cinderella, Charming, Charming, Cinderella.” She said pointing in between the two of us. I could tell the secret message this one is a keeper.

 

She stood up again, “Now hurry before your carriage turns into a pumpkin.” And we both laughed. I took Brady’s arm and walked out the door. I turned just before we reached the door,

 

“Thank you.” I whispered to Naomi.

 

She smiled and gave me a thumbs up. She pointed to Brady and gave the ok sign and winked. I couldn’t resist the laughter bubbling up inside me. The car ride was actually very fun, a bit awkward for the first few seconds but we were laughing as we got out. We stepped into the hotel and all eyes turned. I could have run out the door, we were both completely overdressed, all the women wore nice dresses but no floor length and only a few of the guys wore suit jackets. Brady coughed, smiled, and quickly led me to the drinks table. I thanked him a million times in my mind because I didn’t know what to do.

 

“Well it appears we are over dressed” He said with a laugh pouring me punch.

 

“Yes very” I said

 

“Well I guess me have to roll with it. From now on every year we have to overdress. It has to become a tradition.” He said handing me the glass. I laughed because I normally would have left mortified and he wanted to do this every year.

 

“Alrighty then to overdressing” I said lifting the punch in a toast and deciding to go with it.

 

“To overdressing,” He echoed and we drank.

 

After about 30 minutes of hiding out and talking Brady got up.

 

“Well Cinderella it would be quite a shame to leave the night without a dance,” He said offering his hand. 

 

“Brady I only know the waltz and this is not Waltz music.” I said smiling because I could see the idea forming in his eyes.

 

“Lucky for you I only know the Waltz too and as for the music we will just have to imagine it is Waltz music.” He said with a mischievous smile taking my hand and pulling me to the dance floor.

 

The music was upbeat and fast but he just began waltzing as if the symphony orchestra was playing. 

 

“Your pretty good.” I said trying to focus with the loud music and I was pretty sure every one was staring again. This time I didn’t care.

 

“I learned in a class next to choir room, you learn to dance in rhythm while listening to the middle school choir sing, you are prepared for anything.” He said and we twirled.

 

I could almost hear the imaginary music and we didn’t even notice as each song turned into a new song. 

 

 

Brady was walking me to the door talking when I looked at the window. No Noel she always sat in the window seat, that’s where she sat all day. I tried to see if she was in the living room but I couldn’t see her. Brady stopped mid comment sensing something was wrong. We both hurried up the steps and I unlocked the door. 

 

“She might be just asleep.” I said but Brady walked past me and hurried toward the bedrooms checking as he went.

 

He opened Noel’s door and hurried in.

 

“Rose call an ambulance” he called, “and hurry”

 

 

I had been trying to save for her surgery, with the secretary job I finally had insurance and a substantial amount of money her surgery was scheduled in 1 month but it wasn’t soon enough. The blockage had become too much. I paced up and down in the hospital lobby, Brady and I were still dressed up and we probably looked out of place as we waited to hear from the doctor. As walked past Brady caught my free hand and gently tugged me down to the seat beside him. I held on to his hand trying not to cry.

 

“Let’s pray” He said the worry filling his eyes.

 

I nodded, I was so glad he was here, I hadn’t even remembered to pray for Noel.

 

“ Lord please help Noel as she is in surgery, be with her and the doctors, we want her to come through this but we are trusting in you let your will be done.” Brady prayed. I flashed back to 2 years ago when I had prayed that prayer for my husband. Noel had not been happy with me. We were both so worried and she was still bitter about her husband’s death. A lot of healing went on that night for her and I realized I hadn’t given all of my grief to God either. I held on to Brady’s hand a little tighter and prayed. 

 

Noel was saved; the surgery went through only a few minor complications. We always stayed together; I don’t know what I would have done without her. She was right beside when Brady asked me if I would accept another promotion, Mrs. Brady Eastman, best job offer ever. Noel walked me down the aisle and she was there for the delivery of our son, Owen Eastman. I think of her always. She died when Owen was 15 after a long full life, and we all miss her so much. I think of her a lot and her inner beauty. She was the one who gave Brady and I the idea for the vows. We did traditional vows and then told each other the verse from Ruth 16-17.  And we are living happily ever after.