He kept watch over each of them, counting every round they made; he appeared restless, glancing at his watch frequently. An hour and a half had elapsed, and they were far from finished.
"Is there anything I can get for you to drink or eat?" I inquired.
"No, we'll grab something once they're done. Today I won’t be able to show you the selection process, but we'll come back tomorrow," he replied, turning towards me and glancing at my feet. "I recommend comfortable shoes for work. Are you no longer in pain?"
"No, I'm fine now. Thank you for asking, Mr. Jasper."
It hurt like hell, but I wasn’t about to complain on my first day.
"It's not the first time this has happened, which is why I ask you to speak up. If anyone bothers you, don't hesitate to tell me. I'll handle it. Besides, I must warn you, the job won’t be easy. Be prepared for intense pressure; things get rather high-strung here, especially during the beach season."
Two models stopped, and Jasper turned to them.
"You're still missing one, what are you waiting for?"
"We'll tell you who it was, but we can’t run anymore, Mr. Jasper," they said, exhausted.
"Who was it?" Jasper listened carefully. "Alright, now go for the last lap."
"But, sir…"
"You've kept quiet until now, so accept the penalty like the rest," he said, turning his back, ignoring any further remarks.
I must avoid provoking him; I can't imagine the punishment he'd dole out. This man is serious about his rules. He waited for them all to return. Each one looked utterly drained, and to top it off, it was the hottest part of the day. Some returned without their heels.
"Kiara, Nina, and Lucy, step forward," he commanded sternly.
The three stepped up and lowered their heads.
"There's no need to mention what just happened, is there?"
They looked at each other and shook their heads.
"What are you waiting for? Apologize."
They looked at me and apologized in unison. I felt uncomfortable with the situation, yet internally, I was satisfied to see the 'three musketeers' didn't get off too easy. I accepted their apologies and Jasper looked at them again.
"You've wasted a lot of my time, and that's something I can't stand. I won't tolerate such detestable, pathetic behavior. I don't give second chances, especially when you've gone this far. I expect your things to be gathered by the time I return tomorrow."
"But the event's in a month, and we've been preparing, Mr. Jasper."
"Did you consider the event when you pushed my assistant? Be thankful nothing worse occurred, or it wouldn't just be the event you'd be losing now. The others may continue rehearsing; the instructor will be here later, so be ready."
"Yes, Mr. Jasper."
They all left, and Jasper walked toward the car, so I followed. I opened the door for him, and he smiled.
"How gallant of you, but there's no need for door-opening; you're the one boarding now," he said, holding the door as I climbed in to avoid further delays.
Once I started the car, I saw him trace a smile.
"I feared it wouldn't start after everything it took to get it going."
"I take it you enjoy mocking me."
"Did I hurt your feelings?"
"Yes, you did. How was I supposed to know the car starts with a button? Maybe you haven’t noticed, but I'm not wealthy and don’t usually drive cars like this."
"The lack of wealth isn't funny; it's that you're wearing spectacles around your neck you haven't used once. How would you have noticed?"
Is this jerk calling me blind to my face? This car should come with a button that, when pressed, ejects him into the air, seat and all.
"You're very observant, Mr. Jasper," I replied through gritted teeth.
"Yes, and a mind-reader too. You should be cautious with your thoughts," he said, glancing sideways with a smile.
That truly frightened me. I fell silent and looked through his agenda. He had several appointments for the afternoon. It seems he's perpetually busy. Presumably, I’ll accompany him everywhere. Working in a medical office is quite different from working for him.
He stopped in front of Cassell' Hamburgers and got out. I never imagined he’d visit a spot like this, given I'd assumed he frequented places that charge you just to use the restroom. I've often dined here with my colleague; it's my favorite restaurant.
"Are you not getting out?"
"Yes," I said, exiting the car and following him.
When he ordered, he produced his card intending to pay for both meals, and I handed money to the cashier for mine. Jasper glanced at the cashier, and she then looked at me.
"Keep that as a tip and charge the bills to my card," Jasper instructed her.
"Are you sure, sir?" asked the cashier.
"Yes."
"No, miss," I began to say more but Jasper’s firm gaze silenced me.
"Clause 7.1?" he said, awaiting a response as I tried to recall which one that was.
Without a clue, I merely apologized. We moved to a table and took our seats.
"The agency, me in this case, is responsible for providing the necessary provisions for my employee, which includes meals. If I let you pay, whatever you'd earn would just go towards food. Keep in mind you'll be dining out during work hours. Unfortunately, I can't send you home to cook and then come back. Do you understand?"
"I do."
"Did you quit your other job?"
"I have to go in tomorrow to get my documents and submit my resignation."
"Did you like it a lot?"
"Yes, I loved it."
"Was it a doctor?"
"A female doctor."
"That’s great!" he cleared his throat. "I mean, it's good you took this opportunity. I pay my employees well, which is why I demand a lot. It's quite a sacrifice."
The waiter brought our order, and he examined his dish.
"Do you often eat at places like this?" I asked, noting his use of a fork.
"Yes," he replied, unconvincingly.
"Do you come here often?"
"It’s my first time here. Do you?"
"Yes, which is why I was surprised you brought me."
"You mentioned burgers were a favorite during your interview, so that's why we came."
"That wasn't necessary, Mr. Jasper."
"I wanted to. Enjoy your meal."
His method surprised me; it was the first time I'd seen anyone eat a burger with a fork. I wanted to laugh, but I held back, not wanting to face a punishment that included running in heels. After eating, I stretched.
"I'm as stuffed as a pig," I let slip loudly, and Jasper glanced at me.
That’s how Claudia, my colleague, and I speak, and for a moment, I thought I was with her. Embarrassment at speaking so in front of my boss overwhelmed me, and my hand flew to my face. Then Jasper's laughter erupted, as if he couldn't stop, amused.
"It's funny to see your expression right now. You're quite entertaining," he chuckled even louder.
"Do you normally eat burgers with a fork?" I ventured.
"Do you like to run, Miss Nichole?" he asked with a mischievous grin.
I understood him perfectly.
"If I say no, would that make a difference?"
"Who knows."
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