The Deadline

[Daeowan]

The following literature is for your viewing pleasure only. Maid of Marvels and I wish to present a little collaboration we've agreed to our our best efforts into, and we can only hope that you enjoy reading it as much as we will writing it. PM us with your comments and encouragement, we both so adore compliments for our work.

Please enjoy.

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Thirty floors hadn't sounded too impressive to him when he recieved an acceptance for his resume earlier that week. He had seen plenty of tall buildings on television, and never gave it much thought until he began to approach the work district of the city. He found himself unable to break his stare from the top floor of the building, walking and looking up as if God himself demanded his attention. He was truly awestruck, for this wasn't even the tallest building here!

Alex Nathan Hawke had arrived the previous day by bus and had walked the sixty five blocks to his apartment carrying his luggage. He enjoyed the hospitality of the sweet old lady who ended up being his landlord, and lovely old soul named Doris, and enjoyed some of her freshly baked cookies. He had slept marvelously that night despite the excitment of being somewhere new, and woke up with a rush of energy unlike anything he had experienced before. He was finally in the city, living the first step of his dream, and far, far away from the small town he called home.

He finally set his gaze level when his shoulder bumped into a street light and he rebounded into the sidewalk, chuckling at his own clumsiness, and walked straight into an older gentleman heading in the opposite direction as he. He wiped the smile from his face and replaced it with that of concern as he regarded the well-aged man.

"Terribley sorry," he offered, holding out his hands and stepping back. He removed his black, metal rimmed glasses, expecting some kind of conflict to emerge, but the gentleman only smiled and nodded, then carried on in the way he was going.

That certainly wasn't expected, as he was always told the city was a place where no one trusted anyone. Where people treated each other quite poorly without a second thought. Perhaps that was true elsewhere, because so far he had encountered nothing like that here. Even the lady at the desk at the bus station was accomodating, despite the fact that he had arrived at 3:00am.

He straightened and smoothed out his red t-shirt, a silver dragon emblazened on it's front, and began his confident stride once more. His loose blue jeans whipped together in the steady wind and his black steel toed shoes gave a dull thump with every step. He adjusted his backpack over his right shoulder and forged ahead, reaching out to catch the revolving door and stepped in. He took a deep breath, and closed his eyes for just a moment.

"Fresh Magazine," he said to himself with a smile. Not the best magazine in the world to be writing for, but it was a start. Who knows? Maybe he could improve it in his own subtle little way?

 

[Maid of Marvels]

Roslynn Bascombe

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 -- Alex Hawke, the memo from Personnel had said -- a replacement for Harry Collins 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 Alex Hawke 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.

 

[Daeowan]

Elevators. What simple fun these machines were! Alex smiled quietly to himself, unable to stand still and swaying forward and back to the song in his head. He shared the tiny room with three others, all of whom were heading to the same floor, it seemed. He glanced about, not knowing that proper elevator etiquette demanded that he keep to himself, and began to introduce himself to the other verticle travelers.

"Hi," he said to the first, a young lady who could or could not be older than he, clutching a few files to her breast. "Name's Alex." He offered his hand to her and tilted his head in confusion as she nervously looked to the other occupants, as if looking for help. "I'm the new guy."

"Um," she whispered, cautiously extending her own hand. "My name is..." She looked up at him and paused for a moment, then seemed to find strength enough to speak soon after. "My name is Sandra," she said a little more confidently, and shook his hand only shaking a little. She was a cute young thing. Short trimmed hair of the purest brunette cut at chin length, lovely auburn eyes, and a paid of thin wire frame glasses. She was dressed a little more professionally than he was, one of those suits that had a skirt instead of pants. Secretary? he wondered.

Alex smiled warmly and bowed a little, then turned to the next lady, this one obviously his senior. She shook his hand without hesitation with a surprisingly firm handshake.

"Stevenson. Lois Stevenson," she announced as if he were supposed to be impressed. When his facial expression showed he did not recognize her name she promptly informed him. "Feminist columnist. I write the 'Women of Power' articles."

"Ohh," Alex began. It was his turn to be nervous. A very strong and no doubt firm believer that women were being oppressed was clutching his hand, squeezing it as if she wanted to hear a crack, and was obviously trying to make a point of something. "I can't say I'm familiar with your work, Ms. Stevenson," he admitted, lower lip tightening as she continued to squeeze. "Though I look forward to..." ow ow ow ow ow, "working with you!"

She seemed content with that answer and released him. He tried to play it tough and cool, but his hand really did hurt! As he nodded to her and nursed his hand with the other, he turned to regard to gentleman standing on the other end of the elevator. I wonder what surprises this guy has in store, he thought to himself. He moved to extend his sore hand, then reconsidered and offered the other. "Alex," he said shakily.

The gentleman, easily his senior as well, smiled and shook his hand gently, obviously sympathizing as if he had undergone that very same treatment himself at some point. "Frank Hildebrand," he said warmly. He seemed like a nice old guy. He sported a thick gray beard, well kept and recently trimmed. His salt and pepper hair was combed casually, showing no signs of baldness and looked quite healthy. His frame was sturdy and looked solid. He obviously kept himself in good health. "A pleasure to meet you, Alex. Rumor has it you're quite gifted in your field."

Alex smiled nervously and continued to shake his hand. "Well I don't know about that," he began, looking back over Sandra, who looked away as he glanced over. "I just enjoy what I do."

"Well, my boy. That's all there is to it," said Frank, ending the handshake. "Your resume was just impressive enough that we might allow you to wear such extravegant clothing to the job." Alex looked down and suddenly realized that Mr. Hildebrand was right. He didn't look very professional in his bright red t-shirt and baggy blue jeans. He looked up again to explain himself, but Frank stopped him with an outstretched hand, and explained that he was only teasing. "Fresh Magazine is a very laid back group of people. You may have some jokes come your way, but you'll be fine I asure you."

"Thank you, sir," said Alex, smiling and confidence restored.

"Frank," Mr. Hildebrand corrected. "Please call me Frank."

"Frank it is," Alex said, shaking his hand again.

Just then the elevator announced the end of its journey and the four passengers turned as the doors slid open. Sandra, Ms. Stevenson and Frank all filed out and turned this way and that, off to whatever duties they had to attend to. Alex lingered in the elevator for a moment, looking accross the busy office in wonder. No cubicles. That was good. He didn't like the idea of working behind those stupid walls. It was all open office space. Some of it was quite cleanly and ordered, while the rest was unkept and downright messy. But the place seemed to function regardless. The closing elevator doors snapped him out of his trance, and he stepped out and looked around for a place to start.

"Alex Hawke?" came a voice to his right. He turned and found a friendly looking old lady sitting a desk a few feet away. He nodded and walked over, adjusting the sling of his backpack over his shoulder again, and stood before her exceptionally clean desk. "Ah yes, here were are..." she said slowly, pushing a small pair of thick glasses on her nose as she held up a sheet of paper. "A writer? Well, I know precisely where you go!" she said cheerily, turning and pointing to a section of desks behind her at the far end of the room. "The empty desk near the corner. Ms. Bascombe will be your supervisor."

Alex looked up and regarded his new work area carefully. He was near a window! A simple pleasure he enjoyed. There weren't many people in that area of the office, but that would make it all the better for writing. He could see a computer from where he stood as well, and his keen eye noticed it was internet ready. He grinned at that realization, and moved toward it.

What a great way to start off the day! he thought. I've already met a cute young secretary, a terrifying feminist, a well mannered old man, a friendly old desk lady, and I'm about to meet my boss. I just hope she's not a work-nazi and lets me have a break now and then. If not, me and that internet connection will make a break or two.

 

[Maid of Marvels]

Roslynn looked up when she heard Mary direct the young man who could only be Alex Hawke in her direction. She examined him as he walked, almost like a scientist would look at some newfound fungi through a microscope. Tee shirt and jeans, 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.

"Alex Hawke?" 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. 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?"

 

[Daeowan]

Alex was still peering over his desk when he extended his hand to his supervisors as she introduced herself. He was wondering how old that computer was until he turned his head and got a good look at her. And at that moment, he doubted there was such a thing as a bad look when it came to this lady.

She was beautiful! Absolutely gorgeous! He imagined himself blushing a little and was thankful his skin was too naturally tanned for it to show. He smiled and shook her hand, trying to keep his eyes from wandering, even looked away for a moment, and spoke as plainly as he could.

But a response didn't seem neceassary, and he was thankful for that. She tilted her head in the direction of his desk and sauntered over to it. He sat down as she instructed and ran his hands along the sides of the desk, trying to honestly appear as if he was looking over it and not the lower part of her body in his view. She couldn't seem his eyes wandering about, but he stared for a moment, then broke his eyes away.

"Left-handed?" he asked, not processing the question right away. "Oh. No. I write with my left hand, but I click with my right," he said with a stupid grin. "This is fine, thanks."

He paused for a moment, trying to keep his mind focused on the work he would be doing within the next few moments, but he couldn't. He looked up at her and looked into those eyes, those lovely eyes, and let his mind wander. She was easily several years his senior, maybe even old enough to be his mother, he honestly couldn't tell. She had a very set and mature look about her, but she was beautiful all the same. Well dressed and well kept, with those cute glasses on her nose and that lovely short brown hair.

He tore his gaze away then, snapping to a conclusion. What would someone like her see in him? She was obviouly well off and could even be married. He was much younger than she, but he couldn't deny the attraction either. He found himself caught in a dilema. Should he ever bother pursuing this? She was his boss, afterall. Still, she was so lovely!

He looked up again, finding her giving him a puzzled look from his no-doubt strange behavior. He thought up an excuse as quickly as possible.

"Oh, uhm, I'm sorry. I didn't expect a woman to be superiving me."

... he cringed. What a stupid thing to say! he yelled at himself. He was obviously nervous and beating himself up for saying that.

"I mean!" he began again, searching for words. Funny, he spent all that time learning the english language, yet he couldn't find any words to help the situation. "What I meant was, uh, I didn't expect such a... uh..."

He couldn't just come right out and say anything. That would just be stupid. But he was already in a strange predicament as it was. He sat there, searching for words, not noticing her reaction right away...

 

[Maid of Marvels]

Roslynn gave an inward sigh and fought to keep from rolling her eyes. Even the younger generation, it seemed, had difficulties with taking direction from a mere woman. Well, his attitude would either make him or break him -- which ever of the two paths he decided to take were up to him alone.

"Nevertheless, Alex is it? 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 Alex 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 to her desk, 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 is slide over her shoulders before sitting down again. Morgan Fairchild, the editor of Fresh had high hopes for this one. Roslynn only hoped he would measure up.

 

[Daeowan]

"Yes yes, of course," he said as calmly as he could, still feeling the sting of his stupid line earlier. She wasn't impressed, and he couldn't blame her, and wanted to badly to correct himself and explain to her what he really meant. But alas, doing such a thing wouldn't like be a wise idea at that particular moment. He simply nodded along with everything she said, let his gaze float over to whatever she was pointing at, and tried to act civil.

She turned and began to move away, reminded him of how important his work would be, and moved deftly to her seat. She unbuttoned her jacker and slipped it off, leaving Alex dumbfounded for a moment.

"Do women do this stuff on purpose?" he asked himself. "Does she not realize how infatuating she looks when does the subtlest of things?"

He turned and quickly sat in his chair, spinning it about so that he didn't have to look at her. He sat up straight, closed his eyes, and took a dep breath, laying his hand on the desk as he exhaled. He had come a long way to get this far, he wasn't going to let some crush on his boss stop him from writing as best as he could.

But, still...

An idea piqued his young mind. He opened the folder that detailed the step-by-step instructions of preparing his computer and reviewed it quickly. After a few moments, he sit his little plan into action.

"Um, hey Boss?" he said as he turned and called out. "Can you help me out with the computer bit? I run a different operating system at home, and I'm not familiar with this one."

It was a filthy lie. He was far from computer illiterate, and actually knew quite a lot about the OS he was staring at now. But what better way to initiate some conversation with his captivating new overseer? He might even sneak a peek here and there if he was smooth.

He waited, a little impatiently, tapping his finger on the edge of folder.

 

[Maid of Marvels]

Ros looked up from her reading to look at Alex. Of all the things he could have asked for help with, it had to be this. Putting her hands up helplessly, she shrugged and grinned. "I can try, but you need to be warned in advance: I don't know anything about computers. I know about things like duct tape until someone who can fix something shows up."

Not bothering to put on her jacket, she walked over to his desk and leaned over to stare at the monitor. "Well," she said. "It seems to be on." Moving the mouse, she clicked on the browser to open it. "Uh, huh. That works, too."

"What exactly are you having a problem with? Frankly, Alex, I'm self-taught. I rarely even use the correct words for most of the thingies. OS? Isn't that Latin for a mouth or an opening of some sort?"

Still leaning over Alex's desk, Ros looked over her shoulder at him. Opening. It was like someone had turned on every light in the house in the middle of the night and his fresh, young face told her that she wasn't far from right. Duh!

It wouldn't be the first time one of the newbies had made a move -- or at least tried to -- though the passes were usually a little more overt. She just hadn't pegged him for one of those types. Maybe she hadn't wanted to.

Straightening up, she looked down at him. "Maybe you could phone one of the wonks to come up and explain stuff. I really don't know how to help. Honest." Picking up the phone on his desk, she pushed the required extension.

"Hiya, Stan. It's me, Roslynn. No, no. I haven't broken anything," she replied to his obvious remark with a grin and a roll of her eyes. "It's our new guy. OS problems. Can you come up?"

"He'll be right here," Ros said to Alex with a smile. "If anyone can help you, it's Stan. I hear he's a real os man."

The way she said it, made it sound like ass and she flushed a bit thinking maybe she shouldn't have joked about it that way. Especially if... Nah. It was most likely her imagination. Then again... Following the line of his vision, she pushed her glasses up her nose to redirect his gaze. "He'll be up in a few minutes."

"Excuse me, Ros, Alex. I'm sorry to interrupt."

Ros turned to see Lois Stevenson standing on the other side of Alex's desk. She knew full well that Lois wasn't one bit sorry, she was merely checking out the new boytoy. Stifling a chuckle, Roslynn blinked and smiled. "No problem, Lois. I see the two of you have already met. What can I do for you?"

"Well, it's your first day, Alex, 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, and she wondered if Alex had caught on. "You'll be coming out with us, too, Ros. Right?"

Normally Roslynn bowed out of such gatherings, but something ticked her off about the way Lois always came on to every new pair of pants who showed up on the job. "Yes," she said. "I think I will, thank you. Now if you'll both excuse me?"

She put her hand on Alex's shoulder. "Stan will be here soon, don't worry. He'll sort you out."

Returning to her desk, she couldn't help noticing how Lois had moved to the other side of Alex's desk. "Let me see if I can help," she heard her say.

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

 

[Daeowan]

Hmm. This wasn't going quite as he had planned. Still, she was giving him some attention, whether she was on the phone with someone else or not. Stan's coming didn't concern him, he could lie his way out of that if he needed to, he was worried about adjourning this little interaction with his ever-so-attractive superior. She seemed to catch on to where his eyes were, and he raised them when that became apparent, giving her a nervous smile.

Then something unexpeteced and truly terrifying happened. The feminist from the elevator, the very same one who nearly crushed his hand in a handshake, approached and displayed some interest in their conversation. She spoke of some ritualistic gathering, even started hitting on him, and before he could seriously consider the request, she offered the same to Roslynn. When she accepted, that settled it for him.

He felt Ros' hand on his shoulder and tensed, nodding as she informed him Stan would be around shortly. Lois moved to the other side of his desk and leaned over him, proposing that she might be able to help.

"Oh, uh, the... uhh..." he stammered, trying to think up another believable lie. This woman scared him, no doubt about it, and he found her advances a tad weird. How was it he stood out from all the other dudes in the office? Was she into younger guys? Or did he make some kind of impression in the elevator. There wasn't any time for that, though, he needed to lie quick!

"I can't seem to find the... um, what's it called? Oh! The, uh, the start up list. You know, where you set up what programs start up when your computer starts up?"

It was a descent lie, he supposed. This operating system ran start up programs differently than it's predecessor, but it was probably a clean computer. What was there to set up? He could only hope she didn't have a clue as to what he was talking about.

"Start up list?" she asked, the answer obviously lost to her. "I don't know. Maybe Stan would be the man to speak to on this matter."

Alex eased in his seat, relieved, but tensed up when she sat on his desk and leaned toward him, sending his personal space alarms off like crazy. "There are other things I can assist you with, however."

Alex could feel the hairs on the back of his head stand up. He could only imagine how she might be able to "help" him. He imagined those hands that nearly crushed his somewhere unpleasant, gripping him somewhere like a big strong man. He was so lost in horror that he jumped when Stan spoke up behind them.

"Hi! Needed some help?" he asked in a friendly manner. Alex turned, after recovering from his heart attack, and tilted his head in Lois' direction a few times, eyes wide with fear. He chuckled knowingly and stepped up. "I got it from here, Lois."

Ms. Stevenson glared at the techy. If looks could kill! thought Alex, not envying Stan at that moment. Stan seemed to take it pretty well though, and just smiled in return. Lois looked fown at Alex again, her strong features softening a moment, then turned and strode away, her high heels letting out little thumps on the soft brown carpet. He watched for her to disappear, then sighed with relief openly. Stan only laughed.

"Don't worry," he said, putting a comforting hand on Alex's shoulder, "She's into the new guys. Some of the ladies, too, I hear."

Alex just breathed more relief.

"Now, what was your problem? Something about your operating system?"

"Shit," thought Alex, "I can't fool this guy. He's a tech! He knows more than I do, without a doubt!" He peeked nervously over his shoulder, seeing Ros back at her desk, looking lovely and penning something on her desk, and relaxed a bit. "May as well come clean," he decided.

Alex moved close, looking about to make sure no one was paying any attention to them, and whispered his plight to the friendly techy. Stan sort of smirked and nodded as Alex went along, telling him about how he'd grown infatuated with Roslynn and how he was trying to be a horndog and get a good view of something by calling her over. When he finished, Stan sat back, that same friendly smile on his face, and crossed his arms before his chest.

"You aren't the first, for sure," he said. "Plenty of guys around the office have gone after her, and each and every one of them was flat our D-E-N-I-E-D. Older guys, younger guys, disabled guys; none of 'em got anywhere with her."

Alex shrunk at the news, not finding it very comforting at all. No one got anywhere with him? How was he supposed to stand a chance if guys more suave than he had given it a shot? Probably closer to her age, too. Alex was a youngin' by her standards for sure. It wouldn't surprise him if she denied him, too.

But, she accepted the dinner invite from Lois, and she knew he would be there. Was he reading too much into nothing? Hopefully not.

Alex looked back up at Stan, who was looking over at Ros and smirking. "I can't deny your choice in women, though. Ros is one hot lady, I don't care how old she is." He looked back at Alex and began to rise, reaching out and patting his shoulder firmly. "But as far as your resume says, you're a pretty smart dude, so you may just have a chance!"

My resume? Alex thought. Has everyone in this goddamn building seen it?

"Best of luck to ya, buddy," said Stan as he began to walk off. "Hey Ros!" he called out. "Alex is all set up. Just a minor problem. Work him like a dog."

Alex shrunk into his seat again and didn't dare look to see her reaction. He set out to review every file and task he was set to do that day so he could get it DONE.

 

[Maid of Marvels]

She 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 home made salad in solitude. Of course she also couldn't help noticing that Ms. Stevenson -- with a capital "MS" -- was very quick to scoop Alex 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 over at Alex, 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 fluorish 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". Lois 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 Lois 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 Lois offered a tirade of protests as to why she didn't mind.

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

 

[Daeowan]

Alex had busied himself for most of the work day with some writing Ros had mentioned in a file laying on his desk. He was to write up something quick and dirty about some male fashion tips, like how to skillfully come over one's balding head and how to properly operate a shoe horn. The article was supposed to be comedic, which he was thankful for, but he wanted to get some actual usable material among the many jokes and one-liners he intended to write along side it. Most of his time was spent online, searching for reference material and the latest in combover and shoe horn technology.

He chuckled to himself as the day began to wind down, and was just writing a witty little tidbit on the many alternates uses a shoe horn can wield when he realized it was quitting time. He had done a pretty good job of not peering back at his attractive supervisor, despite the odd peek, and was quite proud of himself for not letting his infatuation with her cloud his work ethic. He took all day to write something he should have done by lunch time, but he was confident that when she reviewed it after the weekend she would approve.

If not, it was back to drawing board.

He rose and stretched, doing that funny thing he could do that gave the appearance that he could pop his shoulder out of it's socket briefly. A useless trick, but dun at parties sometimes. He may have to try it tonight...

He watched with a smirk at the spectacle of Lois being denied the job designated driver. For some reason, he enjoyed watching her being frustrated and flabbergasted. He wasn't into her the same way she was into him. Heck, she down right terrified him! He was, however, wondering why Ros seemed to be going out of her way to ruin Lois' fun.

Suddenly Ros turned to him and grinned. "Come on, new guy. Peabody's awaits," she said. He grinned.

"Yes ma'am!" he agreed, and fell in stride behind her, leaving the rest of the crew hanging out in the office.

It seemed Ros was driving him there, since he had walked to work and all, as well as a couple other passengers. As they moved to the elevator, they were joined by two others, apparently the other passengers. Frank Hildebrad, the older gentleman he had met earlier that morning, and Sandra, the young lady who shared the ride. Alex smiled and shook Frank's hand (since he insisted that Alex call him by his first name) and gave a polite nod to the timid Sandra. The four of them loaded up into the elevator and headed to the parking lot in the basement.

Ros had a subtle yet efficient machine. A four door, thankfully, and quite comfortable. It oozed with her style. Professional yet cost effective. She didn't seem like the type who needed a car to show her status, whatever her status was. It purred healthily and moved smoothly, and under her capable hands, seemed to handle perfectly.

On the way to Peabody's, Frank had asked Alex about his previous experiences in college and the type of writing he was most comfortable with. Alex responded as completely as he could, wanting to make a good impression on the kind old soul, and spoke briefly of how he had enjoyed college and prefered writing fiction. His position at Fresh was a place for him to start, he explained, and he hoped to someday write a novel or two. Sandra listened quietly, her small hands folded neatly on her lap, and never said a word. Ros didn't seem to be listening, but Alex wasn't sure.

Finally they pulled up to Peabody's driveway and all conversation ended as they looked up the extravegant landscape. It wasn't a mansion or anything, but it was impressive anyway. A healthy deep green lawn with lovely weeping willow trees speckled here and there throughout the property. The home itself was surrounded by lovely birch trees, giving it a rustic feel, and gave Alex a nice feeling of home. The front and back yards seemed huge! And it seemed as they pulled up that much of the party would be taking place in the back lawn. Light spilled out onto the grass where tables and umbrellas were set up. Shadows moves back and forth, showing they weren't the first to arrive, and that they weren't the first to hit the alcohol.

Alex stepped out of the vehicle in time with the others, and before he knew it, he was assaulted from behind by a familiar pair of strong arms.

"Hello again, young Alex," came Lois' firm voice. "Come inside and have a drink with me."

Alex froze and held his breath.

"Uhh..."

 

[Maid of Marvels]

They were barely out of the car when Loisifer made her pounce, 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, Alex looked a bit alarmed.

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 2004 to Alex and back again. Admittedly, Alex did look like a deer caught in the headlights of an oncoming semi and she 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 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."

Not waiting for a response, Ros linked her arms through Frank's and Sandra's. "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 Lois 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 Lois 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.