Rivals

[Sweetp4u]

Mandy Stewart
33
Advertising
5"7" 130, blond, blue eyes. Cruvy form, sharp mind, very self assured.


Word came down from the Executive floor this morning. There was a position opening up in the firm for a partner. And from I had gathered it was either Marcus or myself who would get this position. We both had been there the same amount of time and got the big bucks for this company. I knew it was going to be a hard descision for whoever had to make it. Which one did he pick? I had a nervous feeling since all the partners were male, that Marcus would deffinately get the job.
Marcus was good at his job, and very smooth at selling his ideas. And just rubbed me the wrong way since day one. Call me selfish or pigheaded, but all the qualities I had I loved about myself, He had the same qualities I did, and I hated that! Made it nearly impossible to prove he was a screw up and take that job from under him.
Glancing down at the memo I had just recieved, I felt my temper boiling over. Sent off to Colorado mountains to sell this idea to some guy for his shaving cream. I am a city girl born and bred, rustic Colorado is not my cup of tea. Nor is the company I have to keep while there.
I couldn't believe they did this to me, not only mountains and dirt roads, but Marcus was coming with me as well.
"Figures" I growled a little under my breath.
"Miss Stewart?" I glanced up at the door way to see Marcus's blonde bimbo of a secretary hovering at my door.
"Yes?"
"I was just on my way to inform him of this trip, and was wondering if you needed any reservations and such made?" She hurried on, "I know your secretary is down getting files for you.." The woman blushed faintly as if I would eat her up or something. I guess it didn't help the office thought I was a man eater.
"Thank you Carmen. Yes. Oh and let me tell Marcus alright?"
She nodded and vanished around the corner, obviously heading back to her little cubicle until the "master" summoned her.
Walking around my desk, I headed down the hallway to the other matching office. Sometimes I felt like Marcus and I were the company "Twins", with in reguards to everything the same. This time though, there was only one position going up.
I knocked on his door, and strolled in. He was talking softly on the phone to someone when he spotted me.


ooc: Hotforpolitics will play Marcus

 

[Zeo]

Whats this one about

Whats this role play about if i may ask?

 

[hotforpolitics]

Marcus Wise

33 year old, advertsing executive who works more than he should.


Just when I thought my day couldn't get any worse. While on the phone with the latest in a too long string of women who thought I worked too much and paid too little attention to them, Mandy Stewart appeared at my door. Mandy's visits were never purely social. Usually she wanted to gloat about her latest business accomplishment. There was no denying it, she and I are very competitive with each other. Since we both started at the firm at the same time we naturally judged ourselves against each other. Beyond that I don't think we really liked each other either. I have always thought she was some sort of robot. Never saw her have fun or smile or display any human emotion. Maybe it was the chip on her shoulder from being a successful female in this mainly make firm. In any event, we each never let an opportunity let the other one know about a success we had just had. So I am sure that is what was on her mind.

Besides the built up competitiveness, it was time for one of us to become a member of the firm and for the other to move on. I figured that she would likely get the nod since there were no female members and some of the old boys thought it was time to make a female a member. Good for business and appearances, I'm sure. Nevertheless, I hated the idea of being beaten by Mandy.

"Honey, I have to go. Yes, I will try to make it tonight, but you know what my schedule looks like. Look I really have to run. Someone just walked in. Okay, yeah me too."

"Mandy Stewart. To what do I owe this pleasure?" I said, the sarcasm dripping my tone.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Mandy

I smirked at his less than happy to see me attitude.
"Did I interrupt your newest play thing Marcus?" walking in uninvitedly, I moved to his desk and dropped the memo before him.
"What do you know about this and why the fuck am I being sent to Colorado!?" I put my hands on my hips and waited for some explanation.
"Now Why they gave us the SAME project and the SAME damned client I dont know, but apparently they want this man's business and we're supposed to grease the wheels and go to this Client's home for a week.. who put you up to this and why would you want me there?" I knew he had to be part of this, it's the only thing I could think of. He wanted revenge against me for something. What, I did not know?

 

[hotforpolitics]

"WHAT!!!! You have got to be kidding. You and me working together on the same project. No way I had anything to do with this. THis must be your idea. What, are you going to try to sabotauge me while we are there and seal your promotion??" I was steamed. Not only did I have to go with Mandy for a week to Colorado, but she knew about the trip before I did. Knowledge is power around here and she is obviously more in on the pipeline than I am right now. This did not bode well for my promotion.

"Let's get to the bottom of this surely there is a mistake. They can't really expect me to work with you. No offense, but you know I work better solo. And my methods are not necessarily always politically correct. I mean I sealed that deal last week with a stripper firmly planted on the client's lap. Can't see that you and I will be able to work together on anything."

 

[Sweetp4u]

Mandy

"Wait a minute here! Don't go blaming this on me! I sure as shit could land this client without any of your help! So back off. Take it and go on up and ask, I dont care either way. Tell them you'll do it alone, I have no wish to be in rusticville." I dropped the memo on his desk and turned around.
Walking out I bumped into Mr Laramee, the owner of this company.
"Mr. Laramee, Didn't see you there." I felt a little flushed as he looked be over and then gently taking my elbow in hand he moved me back into Marcus's office.
"I know you two don't like it, but the fact is he owns thee major product lines. He wanted my two best out there giving him ideas while he took in some sun and rest. Now you two leave tomorrow morning. If you don't want to go, then there is no longer a position here for the one who doesn't give it his OR her best. Simple as that." I wanted to argue with him on this, I had given him many good clients and made him a richer man than he was before. He knew the stubborn set of my jaw, I would not refuse this job, this meant too much to me.
"Anything to say you two?" He turned from me to Marcus and back.
"Well then, have a good trip and enjoy, you are being paid while on this little week stay, so have some fun and get Bob Smith's account." he turned and marched out. leaving me with Marcus, both stunned a little by this developement.

 

[hotforpolitics]

As Mr. Laramee turned and walked out of my office, I said to Mandy, "I sure as hell hope you don't expect me to apologize for thinking this was your idea. Because I still think you have something to do with this."

I had once thought Mandy was sleeping her way to the top, but over time I had decided that she wasn't. Frankly even the basic insincere emotion of faking it to sleep her way to the top was beyond Mandy. She was a preditor, plain and simple.

"Okay. Give it a name. It is what it is. We have to go together and get the job done. I'll make the reservations for the flight and the hotel." I was dismissing her with my tone in hopes she would just leave so I could think about this and figure out how to manippulate this situation to my advantage.

 

[Zeo]

.

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[Zeo]

.

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[Sweetp4u]

Mandy

"Oh no you don't Marcus, you make your own reservations, and I will handle mine. Your tastes would deffinately screw up my warm attitude and make me edgy as hell. Oh and do me a favor? Don't bring your cell phone along. Last thing I want to listen to is your bimbo's calling durring important meetings!" I turned and walked right into his Secretary once again.
Carmen spoke up quietly, not liking the tension in the air. "There wasn't much for accomidations, and frankly all I could get was a large suit for you two to share. It's tourist season and booked." She went on before I blew a gasket.
"There is nothing in surrounding area's either. Frankly you are out in the middle of no where at a ski resort. Only he will be hunting while there since there is no snow. So pack accordingly. Mr. Laramee gave me the plane ticket's already, two first class accomidations." She hurried and backed out of the room as my temper boiled over.
"Carmen get back here!" I walked out after her, frantic for some peace of mind.
"Listen have you called everywhere? Hunting? Wait wait a minute.. Share a room with Marcus?"
"I am truely sorry Miss Stewart, but it's all I could get. It has two bedrooms joined by a living room. You don't have to share close quarters. I tried everything from Town home rentals to condo time shares. There is nothing this week but this one room. And it was available only because someone cancelled at the last minute." I was frustrated and angry. And I just bet marcus was grinning like an ape.
"Hunting?!" I was no accepting this at all!
"Yes Miss Stewart. Hunting." I shook my head. Everything running through my mind. I had no choice, I had to go. Or be fired. Hell!
I ran my hands down the back of my neck, feeling the stress building inside me.
"Bob Smith, hunting? One damned room!? This is just NOT my day!" I turned and stormed off to get things ready to go home and pack. Hunting? What the fuck did a city girl know about hunting?! Not a fucking thing!


ooc: Zeo do not interrupt the flow of the thread, it is rude. If you wish to write in a character do so.

 

[hotforpolitics]

"Carmen, will you please come back in here a minute," I called to my secretary, rescuing her from Mandy's wrath. Carmen was a lovely blonde who was here becuase she was nice to look, was very loyal to me, and took instructions well without asking too many questions.

"I'm really sorry Marcus, I really did my bst, " she said on the verge of tears.

"I know you did. Don't worry about Mandy, she is a bitch. Sit down and pull yourself together because we have a lot to do this afternoon before I can leave in the morning. First things first, take that ticket Mr. Laramee gave you for Mandy. No sense in both of us flying first class. Too expensive. Let's save the client some money. Call the airline and get Mandy reassigned to Coach. Get her a seat smack in the middle of the middle section. Seat E in like row 45. See how she likes flying non-stop New York to Denver like that. If they have a couple of families with small children on the flight see if they can put her in the midst of them. Tell them how much she loves small children. Nah, don't do that she might eat the small children!!!"

Carmen grinning from ear to ear got up to leave. "Oh and Carmen, I guess this means dinner tonight is off." While I worked hard I was known to play equally hard. Now to do a little research on Smith before I headed home to pack.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Mandy

I didn't get everything done to leave the office until well after midnight. By then the office was empty except for me. Wondering how I was going to be able to withstand a week in Marcus's sompany was beyond me. Someone was going to end up hurting by the time this was all over.
But I was a professional woman, I could handle this outting, evening if I did not want it. I had all my phone calls transfered to my cell phone, filed everything, finsihed up a porfolio for a shoe advertisement and had it fed ex'd over first thing in the morning.
Called my house keeper to make sure she would come and water my plants and feed my dog. All was set.
Heading home took awhile, but I got there about 1 AM and started packing everything I would need. Something nice to wear and relaxing. But not stupid I packed hiking boots and jeans as well.
grumbling the whole time I did not sleep very well that night. So when I arrived at the airport and found someone had changed my first class ticket for a 3rd class ticket, i was fuming mad.
"Alright give me the price difference and put it on my credit card." I handed her the card and got the last available seat on the plane in first class. And thankfully it was no where near Marcus.
Boarding the plane I sat in the far back, shut the window and closed my eyes. I needed a nap, reguardless of the fat balding salesman next to me who wanted to make small talk.
"That's alright Marcus, I'll get even you little prick!" My mind was already working in over time as I dozed off.

 

[hotforpolitics]

My research on Bob Smith confirmed much of what I already knew. Self-made man from the old school. Built his company from nothing to one of the leading men's and women's shaving cream companies in the world. Outdoorsman, gentleman to the nth degree. I would need to play up the outdoors stuff with him. I knew Mandy wasn't the outdoorsy type so that was in my favor. If I could get her to act like the bitch I knew she could be, and not at all like a proper lady, I could turn him against her and toward me. I already had some ideas for ad campaigns that I thought would be effective for him.

I hurried home to pack and found Carmen had gotten there before me and was even packing for me. I was wired up about this trip and all that it meant. So wired I couldn't even think about Carmen and so I sent her home, much to her disappointment. "I'll make it up to you when I get back, I promise." Watching her walk out the door I wondered just for a moment if I was crazy to send her away. No. I had to focus. there was a lot riding on this trip. I couldn't think about any such pleasure right now.

When I got to the airport, late as usual, I didn't see Mandy. Guess they boarded coach already I thought to myself, with more than a small smile coming across my face. As I walked down the jetway to board the plane, I thought about poor Mandy in the back of the plane. Oh well, she would have done the same to me if given the chance.

Much to my surprise I saw Mandy sitting in First Class. Now how did that happen. Handing the stewardess my coat I asked if she would bring me a cup of coffee before we took off. "And please ask my friend over there if she would like one too," I said waving casually to Mandy, knowing she never drank coffee.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Mandy

I ignored his guesture of greeting, the little twirp! All throughout the flight all he did was flirt and toy with everything female that came near him. What a male slut he was. I couldn't believe this guy.
Sitting back I rested until the plane landed, and since i was in the back towards the door and shithead was upfront, I got off first. Walking to the baggage claim area, I found his bags and my own. I found a bell hop and handed him a $50.
"See that those bags get to the Cramer Hotel." No where NEAR where we were staying, I picked up my bags, and hailed a taxi. I would be damned if I would wait for jackass to get off the plane. I smirked as the bell hop put the luggage into a cab and gave him the address to drop it off. It might take a day or two for Marcus to find his clothing. It suited me just fine.
Arriving at the Hotel, I signed in and got a room key. Then pausing I asked him for the second one, my room mate would just come up when he wanted in. And I signed in Marcus's name as well. The clerk paid no mind to me, something in his mannerisms crossed me as being a little off. This guy was gay, had to be. I smiled, future knowledge and a little revenge on Marcus if he mess with me again. As i signed us in, I watched the clerk eyeing up some men coming and going and was certain I had guessed right.
God I had a cruel streak in my something bad. But it was funny too. And I laughed all the way up to the 5th floor and into the suite. Turning, I locked the door and waited on the couch for Marcus to attempt to get in....

 

[Guest]

The flight from New York to Denver was very uneventful. There was a really good looking stewardess who I hit on every chance I got and think I almost convinced to meet me on her next trip to New York. There also was this little blonde who looked like all she did was spend Daddy or Sugar Daddy's money. She had possibilities too, but was pretty unresponsive. I watched mandy druing the flight and she di nothing but stare out the window. How typical. I wonder what she'd do if someone tried to engage in conversation just for the sake of conversation. If it wasn't business related could she be at all sociable? No way. I had it right when I told Carmen Mandy was a bitch.

When we got to Denver, I went to baggage claim, but I couldn't find either my luggage or Mandy. Geez. She couldn't even wait for me. And where the fuck was my luggage?? After filing out a claim form for the airline and being told how sorry they were that my luggage didn't show up, I headed for the hotel. At least I had an afternoon to go shopping and get somethings before our first meeting with smith tonite.

Upon arriving at the hotel I was told that my "girlfriend" had already picked up both the keys. "Look, she's not my "friend" and I am not even sure she is a girl! What's the room number."

Heading up to the room I thought this wasn't going the way I wanted it to. I would definitely have to scramble this afternoon to find some new clothes that were appropriate.

Knocking on the door I called to Mandy, "Hey let me in, honey!!"

 

[Sweetp4u]

Mandy

I smiled broadly as I heard him outside the door, banging to come in. I moved towards the door and lifted up the peep slot.
"Oh well hello there Marcus! Enjoy the flight?" I smirked as he glared at me.
"I suppose you want inside huh? Well alright.." I moved and let the slot fall down and reached for the three locks on the door. Slowly one by one I undid them and held open the door.
"Where are your bags?" I noticed he was alone and no luggage boy. Gee wiz.. I wonder why? Smiling, I turned my back and walked to the best room of the place. Walking inside, I began to unpack my things as I whistled brightly.

 

[hotforpolitics]

Marcus

"Well, the airline apparently decided my luggage should take a different trip than the one I'm on. Morons. So I guess I will have to do some shopping this afternoon before our meeting tonight." If it were anyone other than Mandy, I'd ask her to come along and help me. I wouldn't admit it to anyone, but sometimes i had problems matching ties to suits and knowing what looks good on me and what doesn't. But I'll be damned if I would ever admit any weakness to Mandy.

I decided to be nice though and ask her if she forgot anything that I can pick up for her while I am out. "Mandy, do you ned anything while I'm out," I say as knock on her door and walk in at the same time. "I'll be happy to get it while I'm out." I hoped she wouldn't need anything.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Mandy

I turned to glance at Marcus, then thought about one or two things I had forgotten. For one I didn't sleep in anything, I needed a nightgown of some sort.
"Yes actually I do, but I have to get it myself. I dont think you could judge my size well enough to find me something to sleep in.. being single and all." Not to mention I wore baggy clothes that did not show off my body. None of my skirts ever came above my knee, no revealing shirts. Nothing of that sort at work. I would not be accused of sleeping my way to the top.
"Well I guess we might as well share a taxi huh?" I felt a little rotten for hiding his luggage on him, but I wouldn't let him buy too much and get his luggage replaced by tonight. It's unfair of me to make him spend a shitload on new suits. They didn't come cheap.
Grabbing my organizer and cell phone, I picked up the room key and started for the door, "Coming?" I kept walking until I was out in the hallway infront of the elevator.

 

[Guest]

Marcus

We got a cab in front of the hotel to head downtown. As she got in the cab, for the first time ever I noticed that Mandy had nice legs. Wonder why I never noticed that before???

Once downtown we went our separate ways to do some shopping. Mandy told me she would meet me back at the men's store when she was done. It would take me longer to pick out some suits and have them marked to be altered than it would foer her to get what she needed.

After explaining that I needed the suits to be altered and delivered back to me this afternoon, I picked out two suits and a jacket and ca couple of pairs of pants. I had the tailor mark the suits, pants and jackets and then laid them out to pick some ties. I just hoped that the sales clerk could help me pick them out before Mandy got back.

I turned and saw her walking up with her packages in her arms. "I am almost done."

 

[Sweetp4u]

Mandy

I purchased a nice little white nightie and some cream of my hands. Stopping to get some scented soaps for a bubble bath later and a compass incase I got lost being a 'wilderness girl'.
I came down the mall, strolling slowly when i spotted Marcus.
He looked to be done, but told me he was almost ready.
Leaning against the counter, i watched him trying to pick out ties for his new suits.
"Ummm Marcus, did you get jeans and such? I mean this is a hunting trip for this guy, we'll probably be out in the middle of no where.. You don't want to wear those shoes out in the muck.." I fell silent a moment, why was I bothering? Let him waste good money on nice things. One suit would have done it, until his bags arrived. Shaking my head I set down my purchases and moved to the counter. Looking at the various ties I grimanced at the one the clerk pulled out.
"That's horrible in color and design! I pointed to another simpler tie that just looked to match Marcus much better... And those suits he was holding in his hand. Next thing you know they would be giving him ties with tweedy on them. Hell. Stupid clerks just wanted to sell the most exspensive and the ones there the longest.

 

[hotforpolitics]

Marcus

"Yeah I got some boots and jeans and a jacket, but thanks for your concern." I snarled, not believing for a minute she gave a shit. Fuckin' airline. This stuff is gonna cost a fortune and I sure as hell won't wear it once we get back to the city. Well, Laramee will get abill for whatever the airline doesn't cover. Especially if I didn't get that promotion.

"Come on let's get out of here and back to the hotel. We can talk some strategy for the meeting, that is if you have anything to offer in that regard." Before I bought my suits i took the ooportunity to buy some of Smith's competitor's products for women. Since I knew he was coming up to the suite later, I would slip into Mandy's bathroom and plant them. Hoping that he would see them. I also boughtsome of Smith's men's products,not that I use the shit, but I wanted him to think I do.

Getting into the cab to go back to the hotel, I again noticed Mandy's legs. Gotta quit looking at that. It probably is some sort of a trick anyway.

Once back at the hotel and into the suite, I plopped down on the sofa and said, "Mandy, be a dear and fix me a stoli and soda from the mini bar. This has been a hell of a day already and it isn't even close to over. I'd invite you join me, but I know you never ever drink. How do you do this job and never drink?"

 

[Sweetp4u]

Mandy

The nerve of this guy! I offer some help and he snarls at me. It was amazing he ever fucking got laid with his attitude! Walking into the Hotel room, I didn't even stop walking when he spoke up. His voice sending anger down my spine and pissing me off.
"I am going to relax in the tub, get your own drink, dear"
with that I slammed my door and walked into the bathroom. I shut all three doors to it, since it connected both bedrooms and to the living space. Stripping down, I ran a hot bath and put in some of the scented bath soap. Sinking down inside the tub, I moaned in pleasure and reclined back.
I thought about his question, why didn't I drink? Well not like he gave one rat's ass about me, but I would never tell him about why I didn't drink. I hated drunks and I hated alcohol. And I hated the effect it had on men and women alike. Made cruel heartless bastards out of people.
So deciding to ignore him as best I could, I sank into the water and closed my eyes.

 

[hotforpolitics]

Watching her walk through without even stopping really pissed me off. I really wanted to talk strategy and she just wanted a bath. Well fuck her then. I hoped that Smith asked her some pointed questions that I was sure she wouldn't know the answers to. I tried to help her and that's the reaction I got. Geez.


An hour later she still hadn't re-emerged from her room. By now I couldn't care less whether we talked strategy or not. I did want to plant the competitions products inn her room and would do so when we went down to meet Smith. My new suits were delivered and I went to shower and change before we went to meet Smith for dinner.

"Hey, whenever you and your rubber duck, or whatever else you are playing with in there are done we have about 15 minutes before the meeting."

 

[Sweetp4u]

Mandy

Wrapped in a towel, I opened the door and stood glaring right in his face.
"Amusing aren't you? with such a sunny disposition how do you ever get a date?" My hair hung down my back, dripping and the towel didn't cover much, but it covered enough.
"It's all yours big boy." I moved around him and padded to my room. Why I didn't use the other door, i did not care, I just went out and around instead. I chuckled at his expression as I brushed by him, I doubt he was used to a females disliking his ass.
Walking into my room, I pulled out my note book full of idea's. Glancing around I couldn't find a pen anywhere. Well, I'd just borrow one of Marcus's then. It's just a pen after all.. Walking back across the living room, I heard the shower start up. Shrugging I went to his room and searched his bag's he had bought. Surely he had a pen somewhere!?
Thats when I found Mr. Smith's comeptitioner's products. Now what was he doing with these? Picking up the bag, I set it behind the bar as I made my way back into my room and hunted the dressers in there. Finally giving up, I just made sure I had them all firmly in mind.
I heard the shower kick off as I slipped into an evening wear dress. Picking up the phone beside my bed, I called the other hotel I had sent his clothes to.
"Yes, there has been a mistake and some suit cases were delivered there by accident. Yes." I was on hold. she came back on, and I gave her Marcus's name.'They're there? Good! Send them over to the Regency Inn room #347. Thanks." I hung up just as he opened the bathroom door and walked to his room. Wearing nothing but a small towel around his hips, I stared at his broad back.
Wow, was mouthed, but I would not say that to his smug egotistical face to save my life! Dressed with care and my hair done, I sat on the couch and waited for Marcus and Mr. Smith.

 

[hotforpolitics]

This suite should have had two bathrooms I thought as I hurriedly took a shower. Maybe she was a woman afterall, certainly took long enough in the bathroom. Finsihing quickly I went back to my room to dress. I noticed that the shaving products i bought to plant on her were gone. Well that bitch. She was snooping in my things to see if I had written down any ideas she could steal. That was really low. I thought she was more professional than that.

After I dressed in my new suit I walked back into the sitting room and confronted her. "I know we have never gotten along, and I was always alright with that. But you just went through my things looking to see if there were any ideas in there you could pirate. That is completely unprofessional. If we weren't out here in the middle of nowhere about to meet with the client I would advise all of senior management just exactly how unprofessional and unethical you are. I once thought you slept your way to the top, but now I know you just steal other people's ideas. Well go to hell Mandy. THis will be settled when we get back to New York. Don't bother trying to deny it. You are going to be ruined in this business."