People glared at each other unhappily. The phrases "here we are!" and "why don't you sit at home?" were heard more and more often. However, there was still some order. The general flow brought and carried people into the cars. It was only necessary to get in at the right time. Only I didn't have such talent and could only get into the third train and then, with difficulty, fall out of it. During the trip I had been stomped on all my feet and elbowed in the stomach.

Feeling as if I had survived the unequal struggle, the first thing I did was hop into the restroom and try to clean myself up. Turns out I wasn't the only one. So while I was wiping my shoes with wet wipes, I got to know half the office.

When I learned that I was Andrew's new secretary, people rejoiced, but they wished me good luck in my new job. No one seemed to believe that I would stay for long.

Deciding not to pay attention to them, I went to Ms.Adams 's office. Since yesterday I forgot to specify where I should sit, but on the way I met Julia. The blonde, rushing somewhere down the stairs, seeing me, happily splashed her hands and immediately grabbed me under the elbow.

" Hi! I'm glad you came. Come on, I'll take you to the reception!"

" Hi," I said carefully, not thinking of objecting.

" You're good, you got it right. There's hardly any makeup, and the dress is modest. And that before you was a whole circle of secretaries, with battle coloring and skirt belt!"

Julia spoke contemptuously, which was strange. The blonde herself had plump bright red lips. And she was dressed in a white blouse and a narrow blue pencil skirt. And the heel was so high that if you stumble, you are guaranteed a fracture. And a concussion on top of that. A fall from that height is not without consequences.

" Andrew… the office is separate from the deputies. He doesn't like to be around a lot of people. Look: coffee maker, cups, and this is your desk."

I looked around, the room was small. The secretary's desk was against the wall, and there was a corner leather sofa for visitors. The table with the coffee maker, cups and all, was hidden behind a sprawling ornamental palm tree.

" Don't forget to water it," Julia nodded at the flower. " When he comes, wait fifteen minutes and bring coffee. He drinks black without sugar. Don't forget yesterday's letter, it's on your desk. Submit the translation with the original. There's a folder for him to sign. He'll tell you what he wants from here. Oh, I forgot! When he comes in, go up and introduce yourself!"

Julia gave me another approving glance and took off. I, dumbfounded by the instructions and "valuable information", did not have time to say a word. Deciding not to waste time, I turned on the dictionary on my phone and started translating. The working day started at nine in the morning, and half an hour should be enough for me. However, I couldn't concentrate. People would look in the reception area and see me, snickering and whispering questions:

" Did his come?"

I shook my head negatively. And once again leaned over the text. Judging by the excitement, Andrew was a tyrant. So my first task should be done quickly and well. You can get acquainted with your colleagues afterwards. In time I stopped paying attention to them, having realized that they come to look at me only. And animals in a zoo don't have to pay attention to the audience.

The man's hum was the only thing I reacted to. I looked up to see a man in his thirties. He was dressed in a blue suit, a white shirt with a carelessly unbuttoned collar, slightly disheveled hair, and a brutal daytime unshavenness.