Business or Pleasure

[_precious_1__]

ooc: This is an open thread. Please feel free to join!

“Business, or Pleasure?” His question jolted me back to reality as he sat the Vodka Martini in front of me.

“Business.” I said, flashing him a thankful smile, as I pushed a bill in front of me to pay for the drink. Of course the rest of me was thinking, ‘people come here for pleasure?’

I was in Buffalo, New York, early January, cold as hell. Outside the snow clung to the sidewalks in hard, icy patches. The sun was just beginning to set on a grim, gray day. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m certain that this city is perfectly lovely, but under the circumstances, I would be hard pressed to see that.

At 27, I was one of the youngest managers for 1st National Bank, headquartered in Buffalo, and this was my first Manager’s Summit. The company had booked a local hotel, and to my surprise I found the accommodations quite luxurious. The first day of the Summit had been uneventful. There was absolutely no one I knew. So, the 1st day out of the way, I had made my way to the Hotel Bar for a little libation.

The Summit was supposed to be a casual affair, but I choose to wear a charcoal gray suit jacket with a silvery gray silk sheath dress beneath. The dress ended mid-thigh, but it would have been a longer dress on a lot of women. My long legs were clad in sheer gray stockings with just a hint of shimmer to them, and 3 inch pumps to complete the ensemble. Unfortunately no one but I knew about the matching shimmery gray bra, panties and garter.

I sipped my martini and surveyed the room from my seat at the bar via the large mirror behind the bar. I recognized a few people from the Summit, but the room was still empty for the most part.

Feeling a bit cliché, I called out to the bartender, “So what do people do for fun around here?” He came back over to where I sat, took a look around the room and said, “ It may not look like it now, but give it a chance, this place gets hoppin’.”

Description:

Julia Bishop
A leggy 5’9”
125 lbs.
Thick, chestnut brown hair, that falls just below her shoulder blades
The ultimate hourglass figure

 

[darrenfate]

Steve

Steve came in, shaking the snow off of his coat and boots. Lake effect snow again. Even colder than usual he mused. Time to mingle and get to know people here. Steve was not looking forward to this. Steve was new to 1st National having come up from Mellon bank in Pittsburgh. He had been brought in to revitalize the bank's sagging commercial loans department. Still new to the city, Steve literally hadn't talked to any of the rest of the management staff. He knew them by sight only.

He needed something hot to drink. He headed right over to the bar. Steve was tall 6'4" and lean. At 33 he looked older than that since he conservatively dressed well, partial as he was to wearing black Brooks Brothers suits. As he walked up to the bar, Steve stopped cold. There, cooly surveying the crowd was a vision. She was classy and sophisticated, her eyes sparkling with intelligence and humor. Judy or Julie, some J name, Steve wracked his brain trying to think of it, but he just could not remember. Trying to remain calm, Steve approached and said -

"Hello, my name is Steve. I know we met but once before but I cannot recall your name. Once you tell me, I shall never forget it again"...

 

[TexasAngel28]

Alexa

She'd already checked into the hotel and made several notes about changes that would have to be made in the meeting rooms before tomorrows conference's began. She'd been in the PR department of 1st National for several years now and it was her job to make sure the Managers Summit went off without a hitch. With her planner still in hand, she walked into the bar and stopped for a moment to see if anyone else she knew was inside. For the evening she'd dressed in a silvery-blue silk pyjama type suit that flowed with her every movement. Her jet black hair was pulled back into a french braid and dark blue eyes shimmered slightly. She saw two people there for the Summit and made a mental note as to who they were. Julia Bishop and a newcomer named Steve. Shrugging to herself, she offered a quiet hello to both as she passed them, sitting at the opposite end of the bar. She waved the bartender over and smiled as he approached.

"Yes mam. What can I get you this evening?" Alexa thought for a moment.

"Red wine please, and tell me, have you seen a young man in here this evening about 6'4 with dark brown hair, probably wearing a dark black suit and leather jacket?" She pulled out a picture and showed it to the bar tender. The bar tender looked at the picture and nodded, handing her the wine glass.

"Yeah, just saw him actually. Are you Alexa?" The woman nodded and the bartender smiled.

"He said to tell you he's waiting for you in the lobby." Alexa smiled and left a payment and tip for the bartender before sliding from the stool, glass and planner in hand, and headed for the lobby. She felt a shiver go down her spine as she spotted him standing and speaking to another man. And so, she thought, the week begins once more...

 

[Thor's Hammer]

CEO Thor

I had been CEO of the 1st National Bank of Buffalo for about nine months. I came from California and only the challenge of running my own operation attracted me here. A friend of mine who grew up in the East told me that 'if you want to give the world an enema, Buffalo, NY is a good place to begin'. It was brutally cold and the city was 'northern rust belt.' I was approaching 60, fit - as only people from the Golden State understand (it was a way of life in California). I glanced at myself in the mirror of my suite. Laser blue eyes looked back from behind fashionable glasses, the masculine features were crowned by a full head of silver hair. I was dressed in comfortable but fashionable 'business casual' attire. I was a big believer of 'mixing' with the troops, so I decided to head down to the bar for a couple of drinks and see which of my managers enjoyed people. I noticed that the hotel lounge was featuring someone who featured 'oldies but goodies.' If nothing else, I would enjoy some of my favorite music. I made it a practice of not mixing business with pleasure, but there was a side of me that might be styled as predatory.......

 

[_precious_1__]

Julia

OOC
Thor, I might have known you’d be the CEO. Everyone here is a manager, but you have to be CEO! *lol*

IC
I saw Steve approaching me from the mirror, and turned to meet him face to face as he began speaking. He had been introduced during the meeting as someone who was here to “fire up” the commercial loan department and really grow 1st National’s revenue. It would have been hard not to notice him, he had to have been 6’4” if he was an inch, and what I’d call a tall cool drink of water.

I took a moment to set down my martini before extending my hand, giving Steve my most fetching smile.

“I’m Julia, Julia Bishop. I’m managing the Rochester branch on 5th Avenue. Very nice to meet you Steve.”

I waited a moment before extracting my hand from his, chancing a lingering glance into his eyes. As I looked away I caught a soft and hurried hello from another colleague Alexa from PR. She had helped me make my travel and room accommodations, but she rushed down to the end of the bar before I could even get out a “hello” in return. She was already talking to the bartender.

I turned my attention back to Steve, but I couldn’t help but notice 1st National's CEO, Mr. Thor, enter the lounge. I was surprised he would come mix with us mere mortals. 'Well,' I thought, ‘you’d better watch your step tonight Julia.’

 

[TexasAngel28]

Alexa

I noticed Mr. Thor entering the lounge behind me, and even though I desperately wanted to talk with the man I'd been watching, I sighed, knowing it was my job to make sure the CEO was happy with his accomidations. His secretary had also called and left word with me earlier that she would not be joining us and so now I'd have to give him that message as well. I sighed and turned to walk back into the lounge and over to Mr. Thor.

"Mr. Thor," I said quietly. "I'm Alexa from PR. I just wanted to make sure your accomidations were all right and also to let you know that your secretary called earlier and said she would not be able to join you for the Summit due to family problems." I stood there waiting, hoping this wouldn't be too much of a shock. In my opinion, the woman didn't do anything anyway. She was always late or screwing up his appointments, but, like I was trained to do so, I always made sure things were corrected and that he was never left to be made looking foolish, late, or out of the loop. I hoped he was not going to need much from me this evening. I was looking for some excitment and he was standing in the lobby at this very moment...

 

[darrenfate]

Steve

People came and went. Steve said hello to a passing hello to Alexa. Eschewing the banker's credo of glad handing all breathing creature within arm's length, he ignored everyone else. Dressed elegantly yet simply, Julia exuded class and self confidence.

He ordered his drink, Bevedere vodka and cranberry, a smooth drink with no aftertaste. Steve noticed that Julia held his hand just a tad too long, and he in turn held her gaze just long enough to get her to notice.

Steve shook his head, as if to clear his mind from his silent reverie. He looked at the shimmering grey fabric that barely contained her breasts. Try as he might continued to he stare, knowing that this was totally the wrong thing to do. Julia looked up and caught him in the act. The quick smile let him know he was had. Steve wondered what she would do next ....

 

[Rupali]

Jeanette

I walked into the bar as fast as I could with my high heels on and rushed behind the counter. "I am so sorry I'm late" I mouthed, as I put an apron on over my little black skirt and tried to avoid snagging my fishnet stockings. I just got a quick wave and a smile as the bartender covering me left for his break. I took a quick look around. Things weren't too busy yet. Interestingly enough, everyone at the bar was a hottie tonight. The evening might get better after all. The man and woman sitting at the bar seemed to be doing all right on their drinks, and they were pretty engrossed in each other. I tucked a strand of my black hair behind my ear and leaned over to smile at the other couple. "Can I get you folks something to drink? Or anything?"

 

[Vailyn]

Sylvana

Damn! Can this day get any worse? Stupid water pipes break and I have to run to Kathy's to take a shower. The car has a flat tire, my favorite dress gets ripped along the hem, and I'm late for my first singing job! ARGH!!! I could just scream!

I sigh in exasperation as I walk through the hotel lobby. Stopping by one of the gilded mirrors, I examine myself quickly. My wavy dark auburn hair was in a loose twist, leaving a few strains here and there free to curl invitingly against my cheeks and neck. I had just enough makeup on to make my dark green eyes brighter, the dark passion rose lipstick wasn't smudged on my full bow-shaped lips, my silk emerald evening gown appears alright even with the little tear at the bottom, and the black leather high heel strap ons made me a nice 5'6". Taking a deep breath to calm my rapidly beating heart, I make my way to the piano.

"I'm so sorry, Jack! I didn't realize how late I was going to be tonite. The weather is horrible! You have my undying gratitude for filling in for me." I lean down to give him a quick kiss on the cheek. I grin down at him and wink. "Go ahead and get on home. I know you have a hot date tonight."

Jack finished the song he was playing, jumped up to give me a quick hug, wished me luck and leaves with a wave. My heart suddenly seems to thunder loudly in my ears. To give myself a moment, I shake my hands to loosen up and glance around the room. Several business people from their late twenties and up seem to be socializing. I'll need a mixture of oldies and modern music for this group. And depending on how responsive they are, maybe I'll throw in a few originals.

My hands knew what to do better than I did, they fell into a familiar old melody that I have always loved, Greensleeves. Improvising, I gave the melody a jazzy bluesy feel. Closing my eyes as I sway with the melody, my husky alto voice croons out the lyrics.

 

[Rupali]

Jeanette

My grin broadened as I heard "Greensleeves" being played. I looked up and saw that Sylvana was at the piano, and looking beautiful, as always. I still hadn't gotten up the courage to talk to her, but maybe tonight would be the night. Who knows what could happen. This night is definitely getting better, I thought to myself as I turned my attention back to the customers.

 

[Thor's Hammer]

CEO Thor

I looked at the young woman who had introduced herself. She was rather attractive. "Alexa, I am so pleased to meet you. I have heard your name many times, and, always, it is 'Alexa handled that...Alexa will fix it.' It is a real pleasure."

I was only slightly exaggerating.....I really had heard her name.

I took one of her hands in both of mine and brushed my lips over the back. Then I released her hand.....but my fingertips slid from her wrist to her elbow as she stepped back a half pace.

"And please, call me Thor. The mister always makes me look for my father." I laughed at this very old, hoary joke.

 

[TexasAngel28]

Alexa

I smiled, a little flustered that he seemed to have heard that much about her. His hand on my arm felt warm and yet the heat from his hand felt stunningly good. I opened the planner and handed him a sealed envelope.

"You assistant said to make sure you received this before the meetings began anew tomorrow and to remind you that dinner tonight has been moved back by half an hour. He did not wish for you to feel as though...." I stopped for a moment. It was better to just tell him the truth as it were. "The last meeting went over by fifteen minutes. I spoke with your assistant and explained to him that you would not want to feel hurried in any manner so that is why dinner was moved back. Also, tomorrow morning's breakfast with the senior management staff is set for 7:45." I stepped back towards him wondering if there was anything else he wanted me to see to before dinner. I still had to go by the dining hall and make sure everything was in place. No sense dropping the ball now when it was beginning to feel as if I was slowly moving ahead in my little world.

I wasn't married, had not been in a serious relationship in almost four years. My career didn't pause long enough for anything serious. There'd been one or two men in my life who'd lasted more than a month, but most of the time, a suitable companion for the evening was all I was looking for...like the man waiting for me in the lobby, but the more I thought about it, the more I wondered why I couldn't yet tear myself away from Thor. His looks were nothing to be ashamed of at his age...and yet, at my age, why was I drawn to him? I shook my head slightly and brought myself back into the hear and now, still waiting to see if he would need me further this evening.

 

[Thor's Hammer]

CEO Thor

I listened to her brief me....and realized that she was full of potential - far more than her current position. Her concise, organized delivery was most impressive. One of the things about my job that I loved was the ability to 'make it happen.' At times, I only had to think things, and they came true.

"Alexa...I may call you Alexa, I hope.....perhaps you should take a few minutes and brief me on the schedule - that is if you have the time." I waited.....I always tested people. Aside from her obvious sexuality (below the surface, but eminating from every pore), she was destined to go far. I wanted the bank to benefit - at least for awhile.

 

[TexasAngel28]

Alexa

For a moment I stood there, but quickly regained my composure. I opened the envelope which held his schedule for tomorrow's meetings. As I did so, I slid onto the stool next to him, setting my planner down on the counter as I did so. Crossing my legs, I looked over the paper in my hand then looked up at him and smiled slightly.

"Well, as I previously said, breakfast with senior management is at 7:45. It will be a light, continental style breakfast that will end at precisely 8:30. Your assistant will arrive for you at 8:25. He asked that you finish your briefing by then if possible. Speaking of which..." I reached into my planner and pulled out several bound 3x5 cards and handed them to him. "Here are your notes for all your meetings tomorrow, in order by time and place." He took them from me and set them on the counter before nodding for me to continue. "From 8:45 until 10:00 you'll be meeting with the Commercial Loans Department Heads." I turned and casually pointed out the man nearby. "The young man there, Steve, was just brought in from Mellon Bank in Pittsburgh. A bright young man. You might say hello to him on your way to dinner this evening." I turned back to face him, continuing once more. "From 10:00 until 10:45 you will meet with Public Relations, my department, and from 11:00 until noon you will meet with the General Managers from the Northwestern divisions. Lunch will be from noon until 1:30 at your discretion, though you might wish to dine with another department seeing as how breakfast is with Senior Managament and dinner tomorrow will be with the head bank tellers." I looked up at him again to make sure he wasn't bored. Smiling softly and folded the paper. "Your day ends after lunch and you have conference call at 3:30pm with your Board of Directors." I had told him everything I knew to tell him and I was beginning to feel at ease around him. I was no longer wondering what the man in the lobby was doing. This was my job, and gods above, did I love doing it well...and doing it right.

 

[_precious_1__]

Julia

Steve had gotten oddly silent, not something you usually come by in a 'go getter' hired on to 'fire people up'. She glanced up at him only to catch him leering at her breasts. She flashed him a quick 'caught you' smile, then rolled her eyes toward the bar. ‘Typical’, she thought.

A saucy little waitress with jet black hair picked that moment to cut the tension.

"Can I get you folks something to drink? Or anything?" She inquired. I smiled at her, and asked for another vodka martini. Taking some bills out of my wallet, I lay them on the counter to pay for the drink.

When she returned with my fresh drink, I took a sip, then smiled at Steve and said, “If you’ll excuse me for a moment, I’ll be right back.” had enough networking skills to see a great opportunity to meet the CEO in a casual atmosphere. Frankly, I was a bit surprised that Steve had not done it first. Leaving my drink and purse, I slid down from the barstool and walked to where the CEO, Thor, was talking to Alexa.

I smiled politely, “I do hope I am not interrupting, but I just wanted to introduce myself,” I extended my hand to Thor, “I’m Julia Bishop. I’m your new manager in Rochester at the 5th Avenue Branch.” I gave him a great big ‘I’m a team player’ smile.

 

[Thor's Hammer]

CEO Thor

I listened intently, surprised at her thoroughness and organization. I glanced at the 3x5 cards she handed me. I pulled my Jornda handheld from my breast pocket and compared the schedules. Why was I not surprised that everything was exactly the same. "I am not known for compliments, Alexa, but this is probably the best organized meeting I have attended." I started to say more - I wanted her in a role in the company that was a better use of her skills. As I turned and opened my mouth a voice said, “I do hope I am not interrupting, but I just wanted to introduce myself. I’m Julia Bishop. I’m your new manager in Rochester at the 5th Avenue Branch.” I turned away from Alexa and surveyed the newcomer. Young, probably brash, and well dressed - in fact, very sexy. "Why hello, Julia. Let me introduce a star of our headquarters organization. Alexa is in PR and has organized this very fine meeting."

I turned to Alexa and said, "Before I forget, Alexa, please carve out a bit of time with me before the meeting ends to discuss several matters." I knew exactly where I wanted her. It was not announced yet, but our Vice President for Public Affairs and Governmental Relations was retiring. 'Poor Jim,' I thought, his health had deteriorated to the point where he could no longer handle the stress.

"May I buy you both another drink?" I asked. I laughed to myself. The company, of course, would be charged - the American business way.

 

[TexasAngel28]

Alexa

"(I do hope I am not interrupting, but I just wanted to introduce myself. I’m Julia Bishop. I’m your new manager in Rochester at the 5th Avenue Branch.” )

I smiled to myself as Thor turned to look at the young woman and took his attention from me for the moment. I took the moment to compose my thoughts and calm myself once more.

("Why hello, Julia. Let me introduce a star of our headquarters organization. Alexa is in PR and has organized this very fine meeting.")

I smiled at the woman I'd first seen when I'd entered the lounge earlier that evening. "Nice to meet you, Julia. I hope you've found everything all right with your accomodations and your flight here."

("Before I forget, Alexa, please carve out a bit of time with me before the meeting ends to discuss several matters.)

I looked back at Thor and smiled, nodding slowly. "Yes of course. I'm sure plenty of time can be found between now and then for us to discuss matters at hand." Great, had I done something wrong in presuming to take on more responisbility than I'd been given? Maybe he thought I was trying to take over his assistant's job. Well, I wasn't. I just wanted to make sure the CEO was kept up to date and always knew what was going on with all branches.

("May I buy you both another drink?" ) Again I smiled towards him. I needed to check out the dining hall but, having a drink with the CEO far exceeded any dreams I'd had when first coming out here. "Thank you, Thor, that would be wonderful," I answered evenly. I looked to Julia hoping she would take the offer as well. "Julia, the young man you were talking to, Steve, I was just telling Thor that he's new to our company. Do you think you could bring him over for a quick introduction, if it's not too much trouble?"

 

[TexasAngel28]

OOC

Just bumping up so others can get involved...

 

[Rupali]

Jeanette

I noticed that the woman with the handsome man in the expensive suit had gotten up to talk to another couple. I sauntered over to him and put down the vodka martini the woman had ordered. "And can I get anything for you?" I asked him with a wink as I leaned over, giving him quite a view in my low cut t-shirt.

 

[darrenfate]

STEVE

Steve was embarrassed by his lack of discretion with Julia. It was so uncharacteristic of him to act like that. Worse, still he had been caught leering at her! He had seen the look she had given him as she left to talk to the CEO. He just needed a moment to collect his wits and get out there and meet his peers as he had planned all along.

Just when he was ready to get up, here comes a waitress with Julia's drink. She was cute, in a way that made him watch her as she came by. He saw her nameplate "Jeanette". Then she spoke -

"And can I get anything for you?" Perhaps suggestive but in his current state of mind, Steve figured he imagined it. He bit back the urge to make a smart aleck comment. But then she winked at him and bent over showing ample cleavage. Steve's mind reeled. She was flirting with him! Steve thought, I'm going crazy here tonight. He blurted out -

"Wow. Is it Me? then realized blushing that he had spoken aloud and Jeanette had heard him!

 

[Rupali]

Jeanette

"Wow, is it me?"

I raised an eyebrow in amusement. He was actually blushing. "I can't remember the last time I saw a man blush. It's rather endearing," I drawled and flashed him a grin. "So, what's your name?"

 

[darrenfate]

STEVE

"Steve, my name is Steve." Why had he repeated it? She had heard him the first time. Boy was he thrown off! He continued -

"I'm sorry for the stare .." Steve stammered. "You are terrifically good looking though and I forgot my manners there for a moment. I can see your nametag, so I do know your name"

Furiously thinking about what to say next, he continued -

"So, uh Are you busy tonight so far?"

Oh no! Steve, old boy that's the best you can do? One word, lame. He sighed, and spoke again this time with a laugh,

"You know, I'm rattled here. Tongue tied like a schoolboy, Its all your fault. Appear out of nowhere and dazzle me. Let's start over. My name is Steve ...."

 

[Guest]

James Kincaid

I stood in the lobby and finished my drink as I talked to a man from the Northeaster Loan Division. I'd checked in at the lounge almost an hour ago now and left word for Alexa to come out here to meet me before dinner started.

I'd called her a week ago hoping to set up a date with her, but she seemed a little stand-offish and busy so I'd told her not a problem and that we could get together at the Summit. I'd sent her a picture and likewise, she'd sent me one. I finished my drink and my conversation and decided to check the lounge one more time. I needed a fresh drink anyway. As I entered the lounge I spotted Alexa sitting on a stool with...oh geez. It was Mr. Thor, the CEO...and then another woman standing with them. I chuckled. Leave it to Alexa to be sitting right next to the man in charge. She seemed to exude gracefulness and ambition. She was going places...I just hoped I wouldn't get left behind.

 

[TexasAngel28]

Alexa

As she sat next to Thor and listened to him and waited to hear from Julia on her suggestion about introducing Steve, she looked past them and saw James standing in the door way. She would have waved to him, but it didn't seem appropriate at the moment. Instead she smiled towards him and he saw it and slowly approached them. He looked at the bartender and ordered another drink before turning back to Alexa, Thor and Julia. Alexa turned to Thor.

"Sir, this is James Kincaid. He's Loan Manager for the Northeaster Division."

 

[Rupali]

Jeanette

"Wow, I'm flattered."

This hunk of a man was telling me that I had him all flustered with a little flirting? I began to feel myself blushing and I can't remember the last time I did that.

"Well, I'd rather not start over, Steve. I mean, you've been really charming so far."

I try to get back into my flirtatious routine. I'm a bartender for God's sake. Customers flirt with me all the time, and I flirt back for extra tips. But Steve was different for some reason. The normal routine wasn't coming as easy with him. I hope he can't see my blush.

"So how's your night been so far? I noticed you here with a woman earlier. Is she a special friend?"

I could have kicked myself. Talk about being obvious. But since it was already out, I waited to hear his response.