Mixing Business with Pleasure

[Maid of Marvels]

Placing her bag in the bottom drawer of her desk, Roslynn Bascombe glanced at her desktop calendar with a chuckle. To the men and women on her team, it looked like nothing but a giant doodle-pad, but she knew otherwise. Somewhere in between all the scribbles and sloppily scrawled reminders were appointments and dates -- even phone numbers. A far cry better than a bunch of Post-it notes stuck to her monitor that could easily flutter loose only to be swept up and discarded by the cleaning crew once everyone was gone for the day.

Despite the fact that most things were done on a computer nowadays, Ros took comfort in the feel of a pen between her fingers and the smooth, cool feel of paper under her hand as she wrote. She was probably the last of the dinosaurs in the office, most having long since discarded the old and gentle art of writing for the click click of a keyboard or the murmur of recording notes aloud.

Today her team would be gaining a new member -- Christian Masters, the memo from Personnel had said -- a replacement for Jeffrey Gilbert who had moved on to a better job. Fresh out of college and raring to go, she had no doubt. Everyone had been wondering what was in store for their little corner of "Fresh".

Ros glanced up at the clock and then at her wristwatch to double check the time. They would all find out in just a few minutes, it was just coming on quarter of nine.

Pushing her glasses back up her nose, she patted the impeccably coifed French knot at the nape of her neck that was one of her trademarks. The younger women in the office often tried to coerce her into trying something new, but even at thirty six, Roslynn was a creature of habit in more ways than one -- always "dressed for business", she was also always careful not to mix that with "pleasure".

As if.

And that was another thing about Roslynn Bascombe aka "Ice Queen" slash "Dragon Lady". Since her divorce ten years ago from her high school sweetheart, a shudder of a mistake, Ros kept to herself aside from the occasional office foray to the local. No dating. No flirting. She told herself it was because she didn't have time. Truth was, it kept her safe.

Murmurs of voices and a giggle or two from Rita Harrington alerted her to the fact that Christian Masters had arrived. Looking up, she straightened her jacket and checked to make sure it was buttoned correctly. Another as if. To his credit, he was more than prompt. Ros peered over the top of her glasses to take in his measure as he was led into her office.

A thread for Nessitude and myself.
We hope you'll read along.
All comments, critiques are welcome by PM and IM.

Enjoy!
Nessitude and Maid ​

 

[Nessitude]

Smiling to a group of women walking past, Christian Masters walked up the stairs, opening the door to the Abbott building. The building had been built many years ago, but had recently been refurbished and had attracted some new residents. One of them was why he was here.

Chris pressed the button, waiting for the elevator. Fresh Magazine. Not the most innovative of titles, but it could be worse. He could be stuck working on Outdoor Life.

Finally the elevator arrived. Stepping inside, Chris checked himself in the mirrors that ran around the walls as the elevator doors closed. He had made special care to look good for his first day of the new job - magazines were typically stylish places, and he definately didn't want to look out of place.

His stomach gave a little jump as the elevator suddenly stopped, the doors opening. He stepped out into an open concept office, seeing a bustle of activity. His eyes wandered over the hustle of people, seeing a cute young woman here, a stern older man there. He jumped a little as he felt a hand on his elbow.

"Christian Masters?"

He turned to see a smiling woman, about 30. He smiled back, nodding. "That's me, ready for duty!" He saluted playfully, and she laughed again.

"Right this way, I'll show you around"

He followed behind her as she led him quickly through the office.

"This is the production department... here they do the layouts, set all the copy... you'll be working there. If you need any help with your mac, the tech department is down there. Editorials are done over here, and lastly, the bean counters are back there"

She turned to look at him, raising an eyebrow. "So, you got all that?"

Christian ran a hand along the back of his neck, shifting a little on his feet. "Uh yeah.. of course! Editors there, bean counters back there... I got it. Crystal clear"

The woman smiled and nodded. "You'll know your way around here soon enough. Here, let me show you to your work station..."

 

[Maid of Marvels]

Roslynn looked up when she heard Rita direct the young man who could only be Christian Masters in her direction. She examined him as he walked, almost like a scientist would look at some newfound fungi through a microscope. He was dressed casually though his long hair was pulled back neatly, she noted with a sigh. Okay. It wasn't fair to judge him by dress alone. Judging from his resume, he was able to spell -- or at least had a firm command of spell check.

"Christian Masters?" she asked, almost able to hear him thinking: 'Well, who else would I be?' "I'm Roslynn Bascombe. Your supervisor. Pleased to meet you."

Extending her hand as she rose, Roslynn was pleased to notice that his hands were clean and his fingernails neatly groomed. That too, was a big plus in her book. She self-consciously reminded herself not to judge this book by its previous editions and brought a cheerful smile to her face.

"Knowing the others, you've probably been shown around a bit. Let me at least help to familiarize you with your own personal space. Shall we?" Ros tilted her head in invitation toward Alex's desk as she released his hand. "This is yours," she said, leading him toward his space. "Sit down and set things up in a manner you are comfortable with. If you're left handed, we can get you a different mouse. Are you?" He shook his head.

"Well then. As I said, I'm your supervisor and you're stuck with me for as long as you remain employed by Fresh. Personally, I see this as a great opportunity for you career-wise. You're in on the ground floor of something we all feel is going to be quite special." She pushed her glasses up on her nose to divert his gaze from other parts of her body -- a silent reminder for the young man to focus on things that were more important than boobs.

"Over the course of the last few years, Fresh went from what was simply a glorified newsletter to a living, breathing magazine. Admittedly, our readership is small, but we are hoping to wade through and beyond the mainstream genre of fads and fashions that are most popular currently and offer a good balance of information and entertainment to the public."

Trying to keep Christian from getting that inevitable glazed look in his eyes from the sheer boredom of what she was saying, Ros patted his shoulder. "Right now, just familiarize yourself with things. Your comp is internet accessible, but you have to create your own screen name and password." She tapped a folder that was sitting on the corner of his desk. "Any instructions you will need to set up your online and in house accounts are here... and I'm only a whisper away."

Roslynn began the short walk back to her office, stopping only for a moment to look back. "Take your time and do it right. You'll begin the first of your assignments sometime this week. When depends on your progress. I'd like to see you completely familiar with everything Fresh has to offer and what we expect from you first."

She unbuttoned her jacket and let it slide over her shoulders before sitting down again. Martin Fairchild, the editor of Fresh had high hopes for this one. Roslynn only hoped he would measure up.

 

[Nessitude]

Christian watched as Ros walked away, leaning back in his chair. There was something about that woman that interested him... but he just wasn't sure what it was.

He shook his head, sitting back up in his chair. He switched on his Mac, waiting as it slowly booted up. Great, he thought, they don't even have new computers.

As the computer booted, he let his eyes wander around the office. He saw a man laying out the cover of what must be next month's issue. A young woman was talking on the phone, rather loudly. He glanced back at his screen. 95% booted. Almost there!

He then noticed a woman glancing over at him, then back at her sheets. She looked to be about 25, but it was hard to tell exactly what her age was. She carried herself as someone more mature and professional, but at the same time playful. She had medium length blonde hair, and what seemed to be a tight body, under her formal attire.

Nice... I might have to get to know that one.

As his Mac started up, Christian opened the folder with his network instructions.

Hmmm... Screen Name: Christian32. Passworrrrrrd... HardFuck

He grinned to himself as he logged into the computer. Christian shot another glance Rita, who he noticed was looking at him still. Smiling, Christian stood up and began to walk towards her.

Might as well just introduce myself, see how things go from there...

Before he could complete the thought, a heavy-set man stepped in front of him.

"Hey, you the new guy?"

"Uh, yeah-"

"Good. Here's your assignment for today."

"But Ros said-"

"Hey, if you're in this office, you're going to do work. This stuff is easy, so get to it!"

Christian took the stack of papers, going back to his computer and setting them down.

Nothing like the first day at a new job...

 

[Maid of Marvels]

"Excuse me, Christian is it? I'm sorry to interrupt."

Ros looked up to see Rita Harrington standing on the other side of Christian's desk and knew full well that the girl wasn't one bit sorry, she was merely checking out the new boytoy. Stifling a chuckle, Roslynn leaned back in her chair to watch the scene unfold. "No problem, Rita. What can I do for you?"

"Well, it's your first day, Christian, and we have a tradition of going out as a group to Peabody's after work to get to know each other. Break the ice -- if you know what I mean." The innuendo wasn't lost on Roslynn as she stood and moved toward the open door, wondering if Christian would catch on. "You'll be coming out with us, too, Ros. Right?"

Rita had noticed her as she stood with her hand on the door, ready to close it. Normally Roslynn bowed out of such gatherings, but something ticked her off about the way Rita always came on to every new pair of pants who showed up on the job. "Yes," she replied curtly. "I think I will, thank you. Now if you'll both excuse me?"

Returning to her desk, she couldn't help noticing how Rita had moved to the other side of Christian's desk once she was out of sight. "Let me see if I can help with some of this," she heard her say.

Oh yeah. Right. She'll help you out all right. Indeed she will.

******​

Ros declined, as always, the invitation to go to lunch in what passed for a cafeteria in the building, choosing to stay at her desk and eat her homemade salad in solitude. Of course she also couldn't help noticing that Ms. Harrington -- with a capital "MS" -- was very quick to scoop Christian up into her web... erm... under her wing. Roslynn rolled her eyes.

The rest of the day went without a hitch -- or at least not too many of them. Ros found herself glancing up at Christian, paying more attention to him than she normally did a newbie on the staff. That in itself was disturbing to her, and she found it more and more difficult to concentrate on what she should be doing as the hours dragged on. The closer it got to quitting time, the more reluctant she was to go.

Five o'clock finally arrived with less than a flourish as everyone began shutting down their comps and putting aside things they'd been working on. Discussions began on whether to walk or drive and who would be the "DD" for the evening. From past experiences, Ros knew that there would be little food and liquor would flow like water from a spring.

For some reason, she was feeling quite wicked when she spoke up and volunteered herself for the job adding, "It's been a while since I've been "designated". Rita always seems to be saddled with it when we go out. I think she deserves a break."

Of course there were several sideways glances and more than a snicker or two. Everyone at Fresh knew why Rita was always the DD. It gave her first shot at the new guy's pants if she got to drive him home later. Ros didn't know why it pleased her so much to have thrown a wrench into the works, but it did... and everyone heartily agreed when Rita offered a tirade of protests as to why she didn't mind.

Turning to Christian, Ros grinned. "Come on, new guy. Peabody's awaits."

 

[Nessitude]

"Come on, new guy. Peabody's awaits."

Christian smiled at Ros as they all headed outside. It had been a really busy day, and not just with work. Rita had been clinging to him all day. Christian may not have been the most aware guy when it came to women, but even he could tell Rita was coming on strong. He wasn't so sure he liked it.

Everyone piled into their cars in the parking lot, releaved at the end of the day. Christian stopped, Ros and Rita standing beside him.

"Uh... guys? I don't really have a car, I came here on the bus.."

He looked over at Ros, but felt Rita touch his arm. He looked at her smiling.

"I can give you a lift, of course... it would be my pleasure."

"Sure..."

Christian couldn't help but feel a little dissapointed. He wanted to get talking to Ros... but maybe she wasn't interested?

He followed Rita to her car, sitting in the passenger seat and buckling up. He glanced over at Ros as she was getting into her car. He hoped he would have a chance to talk to her later.

*********

Rita smiled over at Christian as she parked outside Peabody's. Christian quickly got out of the car, stretching his legs. The car ride had been cramped, and having Rita dropping innuendos all the time didn't make it much easier. She was pretty enough, he supposed... but she just came on so strong, he couldn't be comfortable around her.

He felt her quickly move up beside him. "So Christian, you'll have to let me buy you a drink or two. You know, welcome the new member!"

Christian shrugged a little, looking around at the other magazine employees getting out of their cars. He didn't see Ros, he hoped she was still coming.

"Us, sure Rita... buy me a drink if you like." He smiled faintly as she almost dragged him into the bar.

It was a dimly lit, cozy place. Christian liked it immediately. He looked around at everyone ordering drinks and food, gathering around tables, laughing and talking. Still no Ros though. Why was he looking so hard for her anyways?

 

[Maid of Marvels]

She was barely in the door of Peabody's when she spotted them, Rita giving Ros a haughty, sort of territorial look that made her want to tweak that woman's up-turned nose til it was back the way God had originally meant it to be. To his credit, Christian looked a bit taken aback.

Little did he know just how alarmed he should be -- or not. Maybe the guy could use a roll in the hay -- or under the table or behind a bush or or or... Meow!! Was it really her business to interfere? It hadn't seemed to do the others any harm. Even staid old Frank had had his fling with her a few years back.

Ros looked from Miss Hot Pants 2006 to Christian and back again. Admittedly, he did look like a deer caught in the headlights of an oncoming semi and Rita looked like the Cheshire Cat gone bad. Farg it, she decided. It really wasn't her biz to give a hoot one way or the other. In fact, it bugged her that somehow it did. He was old enough to figure it all out for himself -- and she was old enough to be his mother for crissakes.

"Go," she said to Rita and Christian with conspiratorial wink and bright smile that didn't quite make it to her eyes. "We'll catch up out back. You only get to be the new guy once, you know." There was a raised deck behind the bar with tables set up during the warmer weather and they piped muzak out there also.

Not waiting for a response, Ros linked her arms through Frank's and Sandra's as they joined them. "Let's go, you two. I'm thirsty and I'm starving."

"What's up, Ros?" Frank asked as they walked. "We've known each other a long time and I don't think I've every seen Rita get under your skin like this before."

"Just tired, Frank. I've only got one nerve left today and she's on it."

"You know," he said quietly. "I'm glad you decided to join us tonight. It'll do you good. I've always said you needed to get out more. Get yourself a beau. You know, get... "

"Frank! Hush! I like being on my own." The look she gave him was typical Rosalynn Bascombe and would have levelled several big city blocks if they were in one. Breaking her armhold on the two, she strode away, missing Sandra's sigh and the knowing look she and Frank gave each other.

"Damn men!" Ros grumbled under her breath as she headed straight for the bar. "Think a piece of ass is the be-all and end-all of existence. Cretins."

She didn't really mean it. Ros loved men. She just didn't want to go through the bullshit that a relationship entailed. Mostly, she didn't want the heartache that usually followed along.

"JD and diet Coke," she said, sliding onto a stool in the dimly lit bar area. "Shit! Never mind."

The bartender looked up at her with a questioning look. "Change your mind? Something else? How bout I make you a muddle?"

"Thanks, but no thanks. I just forgot that I'm DD tonight. Make that a diet coke with a twist of lime, k?" Why in the world had she volunteered to drive? What was going to happen would happen without her say-so or interference if it was meant to be. It just sort of irked her that Rita always seemed to get her way, right or wrong.

In a way, Rosalynn realized, she was envious of the younger woman. She'd never been the type to just go after a guy just cuz. Just cuz what? Just cuz she missed having a man's arms around her? Just cuz she hadn't been kissed -- or anything else for that matter -- in ages? Just cuz she was being stupid with all the just cuzzes?

Maybe she should get a new attitude. Maybe she should just shut up and go outside where the rest of the group was. Deciding that the latter was her wisest choice, Ros paid for her "drink" and wandered out onto the back deck.