He smiled.
“After sleeping in my car, I think I can worry a little less about your safety. I’ll give you a ride.”
I should have said no.
But walking alone in the city at that hour was not a good idea.
—Okay. But if it turns out he’s a serial killer, I’m going to be furious.
—Noted.
He banged on the glass separating him from the driver.
—Ricardo, we can go
The car glided through the avenues of Mexico City with a smoothness that no shared Uber could match.
“Why are you so tired?” she asked.
—Full-time career. Two jobs. I sleep four or five hours if I’m lucky.
—That’s not sustainable.
—Life is not the same for everyone.
—No. But you shouldn’t destroy yourself either.
When we arrived at my modest building, I noticed how he was carefully observing the streets.
I was about to go downstairs when he said:
—I need a personal assistant. The salary is high. Flexible hours.
I froze.
“What?”
He pulled a card from his jacket.
“Someone to organize my schedule, answer emails, coordinate my house when I travel. And you clearly need a job that won’t kill you.”
—I don’t need charity.
—It’s not charity. It’s a fair deal.
I took the card
Gabriel Albuquerque — CEO
That night, my best friend almost screamed when she read the name.
—Gabriel Albuquerque? The billionaire? You slept in a billionaire’s car?
I tried to ignore the card for three days.
But the rent was overdue.
I called.
—Albuquerque.
—It’s Helena… the girl who invaded your car
He laughed softly.
I didn’t think you’d call.
I need money more than pride
—When can you start?
—Tomorrow.
What begins as work…
The house in Lomas de Chapultepec looked like something out of a movie. Three levels. Impeccable gardens.
He was behind a huge desk, wearing a white shirt with his sleeves rolled up.
“You didn’t run away,” he remarked.
“I need the money.”
“I like your honesty.”
The salary was triple what I earned in my two jobs combined.
—It’s too much.
—It’s fair.
When we shook hands, I felt something electric
But we pretend not to.
It was work.
