Business or Pleasure

[_precious_1__]

Julia

I may have come on a bit strong in my introduction of myself to the CEO, but I wouldn’t have passed up that networking opportunity for the world.

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

“Thank you, I actually met Alexa when booking my accommodations and checking in," I offered my hand to Alexa, “so nice to see you again. This IS my first manager’s Summit, but I can tell already that every detail has been taken care of.” I smiled warmly.

"May I buy you both another drink?" Thor offered. How nice of him, on the company dime.

“Actually, it appears as though my drink has arrived.” I noticed the waitress setting the drink next to Steve.

Alexa gestured toward Steve, saying "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?"

“That sounds like a wonderful idea. If you’ll excuse me for a moment.” I turned and walked over to Steve and the dark-haired waitress, “Janette” her name tag advertised. I could tell by their body language that they were flirting.
I walked up behind Steve and put my hand on his, smiling at Janette, “You don’t mind if I steal him away for a moment, do you?” I lifted my glass in the other hand, one arm through Steve’s as I lead him off the barstool before he could protest.

I whispered the line up to Steve as we made our way across the lounge, “Now the woman with the dark hair in the blue is Alexa, she is in PR and is responsible for this entire summit, and the man with the silver hair is Mr. Thor, the CEO. Alexa asked me to bring you over and introduce you.” I finished my monologue just as we reached Alexa and Thor.

“Mr. Thor, Alexa, may I introduce you to Steve…” I looked up at Steve, suddenly realizing I didn’t remember his last name. I tried to gloss over the bumble, “Steve is heading up the commercial loan team.”

 

[darrenfate]

Steve

With a wink and a nod to Jeanette as if to say duty calls, Steve strode arm in arm with Julia to meet the CEO.

Pleased to meet you Mr. Thor. Steve, Steve Carswell. I'm happy to be here. Julia has been very gracious this evening showing me around. Alexa and her staff has taken good care of me at the office. You have a great team here.

We chat for a few more minutes, he asks whether I know this person or that person from Mellon, or PNC the other big Pittsburgh bank. Mr. Thor rattled off half a dozen people he knew personally. Clearly this man was well connected in the industry. Literally everyone else in the room was vying for his time so he soon drifted away.

I looked back at Julia, and simply said

Thank you. That was so nice of you introducing me to Mr. Thor. I feel like I owe you a return favor. Is there anything I can do for you?

 

[_precious_1__]

"Thank you. That was so nice of you introducing me to Mr. Thor. I feel like I owe you a return favor. Is there anything I can do for you?'
I mulled over Steve’s offer for a moment. I looked up at him, pursing my lips slightly, as I thought. He certainly was cute perhaps I could forgive the slight indiscretion. Besides, my suit jacket had gapped open, and am I certain that I had given him quite the show.
I smiled up at him and said, “I’ll tell you what, why don’t you let me buy you a drink and we will call it even?”

 

[_precious_1__]

Julia

Then, I remembered how Steve was flirting with the waitress, maybe I had read more into his offer...

 

[Thor's Hammer]

CEO Thor

OOC: "Steve" AKA "darrenfate", it was so nice of you to wander me away. Most people hate to have someone else wander their character anywhere like a puppet. I was just trying to figure out how I was going to meet my gay waiter friend and you just disengaged me. Such a helpful banker.

 

[Thor's Hammer]

CEO Thor

I found myself wandering by myself. 'I could have sworn I was chatting with several of my employees...Oh, well...' Still shaking my head at what seemed to be a time warp problem, I pulled up a seat at the piano bar and lost myself in the music.......

 

[TexasAngel28]

Alexa

I watched Thor wander off and frowned slightly. I'd thought he and I were actually having a good conversation. Ah well. I turned to James and smiled slightly, sliding off the stool and standing next to him.

"I need to check on the dining room and make sure things are in order seeing as how dinner is in..." I looked at my watch then back at James, "...twenty minutes. Just let me give Thor his note cards he left on the counter." I turned and walked over to Thor slowly and held out the note cards to him. "Sorry to bother you, Thor. I just did not want these to get lost." As he took the cards, I flashed him one more smile, then turned and slowly walked away from him, my silk outfit clinging to me as I walked back towards James, though my mind was still on the conversation I'd been having with Thor earlier that evening. He'd asked me to carve out time to speak with him. I was still curious to see what that would entail...

 

[Rupali]

Jeanette

I noticed Steve and the attractive woman he had been chatting with earlier walking back toward the bar, maybe for another drink, maybe for more. I still hadn't gotten an answer from him about who she was. Then again, did it really matter? Maybe they'd both want to play. Now there was a thought to put a smile on a girl's face.

"Hi folks." I flashed them both a wide grin. "Can I get you more drinks?"

 

[Thor's Hammer]

CEO Thor

As I listened to the singer doing a really good rendition of a tune called "Cry," (originally sung by Johnny Ray), a hand came into my field of vision.

"Sorry to bother you, Thor. I just did not want these to get lost." Alexa handed me the 3x5 cards that were so thorough and turned before I could say anything. To her back I called out, "Thank you Alexa. Don't forget I want to see you when your duties permit." .

I watched her walk away, the silken outfit clinging to every curve. 'Truly, that is one lovely woman, Thor', I said to myself, 'and smart too.'

 

[TexasAngel28]

Alexa

"Thank you Alexa. Don't forget I want to see you when your duties permit." .


I thought to myself, How could I possibly forget? I stopped near James for a brief moment.

"Why don't we meet up at dinner, James? I have to go and make sure the dining hall is ready and everything is in order before dinner begins. You should stay here and mingle more. It might do your career good." I flashed him a smile then continued on my way out to the dining hall. I spoke with the dining manager and made sure the buffet was all set and everything was as it had been planned. I smiled to myself to know that everything was in order. With but a few moments to spare, I quickly pulled aside several of the waiters and informed them to move about the lobby and sports room and inform those with our Summit that dinner was ready. I headed back to the lounge and stopped just inside the doorway.

"Ladies and Gentlmen, for those of you here attending the Manager's Summit, dinner is ready to begin now. Please make your way to the dining hall where our CEO, Mr. Thor, will be making a few remarks before dinner gets under way." I waited by the door for Thor myself, thinking I could give him a couple of last minute briefs on the way to dinner. Actually, I just wanted to talk to him again, but, hey, who would know?

 

[Thor's Hammer]

CEO Thor

"Ladies and Gentlmen, for those of you here attending the Manager's Summit, dinner is ready to begin now. Please make your way to the dining hall where our CEO, Mr. Thor, will be making a few remarks before dinner gets under way."

At the sound of my name, I finished the last of the drink I had been nursing, and headed for the banquet room. I walked briskly across the lobby, a man on a mission. As I approached the entrance, I nodded and smiled to a few managers that I recognized. 'I wonder what natives of Buffalo call themselves. Buffalonians?' I smiled inwardly at my own humor.

As I entered the banquet facility, my eye caught someone standing just inside the door. I might have guessed - the ever efficient Alexa, watching every detail. She will make a very very good VP.

"Alexa, thank you, again, for the cards. Let me know when you will be free." Her eyes were as blue as mine, I mused...and the silk outfit really is..... I pulled my thoughts back to my remarks and the business at hand. I also reminded myself that business and 'personal' relationships normally do not mix well.

 

[TexasAngel28]

Alexa

"Alexa, thank you, again, for the cards. Let me know when you will be free."

I almost choked for a moment but then realized it was Thor speaking to me and I regained my composure once more as quickly as possible. I really had to stop my mind from wondering so much.
"I'll be free after dinner, Thor, or if you have plans at that point, I'm free before you conference call tomorrow afternoon. Whatever is best for you, of course." I flashed my softest smile at him then showed him to his table where about five members of the Board were already waiting for him. Before leaving his side, I did manage to wait long enough to catch his answer. If he wanted to meet this evening, I would have to figure out where and what time if for no other reason than to make sure there were no conflicts in his schedule... I already knew there would be no conflicts in mine.

 

[Thor's Hammer]

CEO Thor

"Would 10 tonight be convienent? My suite is very comfortable. The bar might be too noisy. Or, if you prefer, we can find a quiet nook in the lobby."

I spoke as I nodded to the board members. Each of them had been on the Board when I was recruited, and I considered them both supporters and friends. Of course, it helped that profitability had increased on my short watch.

 

[RedRaven31]

Thor's Secretary/Assistant

I knew I'd been late trying to get to the Summit. I'd originally called and told Alexa in PR that I would not be able to make it, but at the last moment I'd found someone to watch the children, so here I was. I'd heard the call for dinner and quickly made my way into the dining hall. I saw Thor standing at the head table with Alexa and some board members. I did not like the fact that Alexa looked comfortable in her position next to the man I worked directly under. I pulled off my long coat as I approached them. Beneath it I wore a winter white pant suit and my red hair was pulled back neatly into a French braid. As I stopped next to Thor, I spoke to him.

"I'm sorry I was late, sir. Things were hectic trying to get a flight here. I never was able to get hold of the woman arranging our travel." I turned and handed my coat to Alexa. "Oh! Would you mind, Alexa, taking my coat and just putting it anywhere for me?" I reached out and took what looked like the right planner and began looking through the schedule quickly. "You were such a dear to remember to bring these for me. I'm so glad you could help out." I hoped that would get her out of my hair for the evening. I had no intentions of losing my job to a woman younger than me who probably had no idea what it meant to be assistant a CEO like Thor.

 

[TexasAngel28]

Alexa

"Would 10 tonight be convienent? My suite is very comfortable. The bar might be too noisy. Or, if you prefer, we can find a quiet nook in the lobby."

I was just about to answer that 10 tonight in his suite would be just fine when his assistant approached. She started off speaking to him then had the nerve to hand her coat to me like I was beneath her. Of course, in technical terms, perhaps I was. She was the Assistant to the CEO, not that you'd notice since I ended up doing most of her work. I shook my head. I was smart enough to know not to make a scene, but also smart enough to know not to leave unless Thor dismissed me himself. I may be angry with the woman for acting like she had, but that was no reason to conduct myself in an un-businesslike fashion in front of the same man who seemed impressed with my work.

"Ten tonight would be fine, Sir," I answered, still holing the damnable coat in my hands even as she snagged the schedule from me and began looking over it.

 

[Thor's Hammer]

CEO Thor

"Thank you Ms Raven. I have been in good hands with Alexa. I will not need you for anything else tonight. I am so glad that your family emergency was resolved. Business can be a demanding mistress."

"Oh and the cloak room for your coat is right over there (pointing). I am sure Alexa can arrange for a seat for you - even at the last minute."

"I will see you later, Alexa. There is still that matter that I want to discuss with you."


I turned to the Board Members and engaged in small talk about the weather in Buffalo. I waited for the emcee to ask me for my opening remarks...

 

[TexasAngel28]

Alexa

I watched Thor walk off and actually had to stifle a laugh at the way he'd spoken to his secretary. "Yes, Thor. I'll meet you at your suite then at 10pm." Throwing a quick glance at the astonished secretary, I walked over to my own table and sat down, finding James waiting for me there. He gave me a strange look, but I just smiled and shrugged it off. I had other things on my mind. What I was wearing wasn't appropriate for an evening meeting. Once dinner was adjourned I would go to my room and find something more suitable for the occasion. I had brought along a black and gold suit but the shirt was rather short. Not to matter. I'd be sitting anyway. But I'm sure he would like the outfit seeing as how that was the way most of the women on his Board dressed as well. I might as well show him I could not only act as a member of mangement, I could dress the part as well.

 

[_precious_1__]

Julia

Once Alexa made the dinner announcement, I seemed to have lost Steve in the shuffle. Like some bizarre cattle drive, all of the managers filed out of one room and into the banquet hall. I noticed Thor speaking with Alexa, and a woman with red hair.

My eyes swept the room, but I did not see anyone I knew. I smiled politely at a few people, returned a few hellos, and went about the task of finding a seat. Not being one to back down from a challenge, I choose the only empty seat at an otherwise full table. A couple of the men at the 10-seat table did that thing where they stand up about halfway when I pulled out my chair and began to sit. It’s a rather endearing quality.

I smiled warmly at the faces around the table, mostly men, and introduced myself, “Hello, I’m Julia Bishop.”

Now one important thing I forgot to factor in when I choose my seat is the fact that generally if you take the last seat at a full table you have a 99% chance of having your back to the speaker. As the emcee began his introduction, I had to swivel in my seat in order to see. I was just bringing my legs around so I was not completely contorted when the man next to me must have had the same idea. Our knees smacked in to each other.

“Oh! I’m sorry!” I exclaimed.

 

[Thor's Hammer]

CEO Thor

"Four score and seven years ago..." I paused, drinking in the expressions on the faces of the attendees. Then, somewhat dramatically, I balled up a piece of paper and threw it over my shoulder. "Wrong speech." I dutifully waited for the obligatory laughter, and then smiled and joined in.

I spoke for about 25 minutes, focussing on the current profits, and giving all of them a vision of the future.... Then I sat down at my table and proceeded to enjoy a surprisingly pleasant meal.

After dinner and some good conversation, I excused myself and headed for my suite......

 

[TexasAngel28]

Alexa

I listened with great interest as Thor gave his speech, chuckling when he started out with the Gettysburg Address. He had a sense of humor and I noticed everyone did laugh at the speech. But his real speech came off wonderfully. As he finished and dinner began, I found myself caught up in conversations with James and others at the table.

Out of the corner of my eye, I caught Thor's movement then looked at my watch. It was 9:15. I excused myself from my colleagues then headed out of the dining hall and to the elevator that was, surprisingly enough, not full. Quite empty to be exact. I stepped inside and pushed the number 5 which was the floor my room was on. I knew Thor had a suite on the 10th floor. I knew this because I'd arranged for it myself. At the 5th floor I stepped out and turned to the left. I used the key card and opened the door to my room. Entering, I quickly moved towards the make-shift closet and pulled out the suit I had decided on eariler that evening. Changing quickly, but making sure everything was in place, I pulled my hair back into a french braid then, checking once more in the mirror, I smiled and looked at my watch. It was now 9:45. By the time I waited for an elevator and made it to his suite, it would be almost 10. I smiled to the image in the mirror and walked out of the room and back to the elevator. I waited for what seemed like forever before the elevator arrived. I pressed the number 10 and the doors closed.

At the 10th floor, the doors opened and I turned right, heading for Thor's suite. I knocked twice and waited. The door opened and he stood there, smiling slightly.

"Hello. I'm a little early I know. I hope you don't mind."

 

[darrenfate]

STEVE

Steve said a quick goodbye to Jeanette, and stole a last lingering look at her as she turned away. He signed for his drinks and wrote his name and room number on the tab. Somehow, Steve had the idea that he would be seeing her again soon.

With a refreshed drink, Steve made his way to a to the hall and found a table where he introduced himself around. He sat back to hear Thor, and twisted around in his chair to face him.

~Smack~ His legs hit another woman's causing him to drop his pen. He bent over to retrieve it. As he looked up his eyes followed the curve her ankle, the grace of her delicious calf and then he saw .... Julia!

He laughed, their backs had been to each other the whole time. Ironic, the only person that Steve knew and he hit her accidently!

"I'm sorry. Are you all right? "

 

[Thor's Hammer]

CEO Thor

I was feeling good about my speech......the troops seemed genuinely enthusiatic, and the Board was enthralled (of course, the profit picture helped).

'Knock....knock' I turned toward the door...'now, who the hell is that?'

I opened the door and there stood Alexa. I wiped the annoyance from my face and opened the door wide. "Please come in, Alexa. I had almost forgotten that you were coming to see me tonight. Would you like a glass of wine, or something else?"

 

[TexasAngel28]

Alexa

I walked in, smiling to him as I did. He'd seemed almost annoyed at first, though I was happy to see that annoyance had nothing to do with my being there a few minutes earlier than expected. He closed the door behind me and had offered me a drink.

"Wine would be just fine, thank you." He nodded and I followed him into the main room of his suite where the shades were still open on the large picture window. I walked over and took a look out onto the world below. I heard the clinking of glass behind me. I hoped the suit I'd chosen, though somewhat casual, looked all right on me. I'd bought it specifically for the summit and usually did not wear something this short in the office. I'd hoped it worked well on me.

"Your speech tonight was wonderful, Thor. Just what the people of the company needed to hear, I believe. I am sorry your secretary made such a scene before everything started though. Had I know she was indeed coming, I'd have warned you ahead of time."

 

[_precious_1__]

Allison

What are the odds? Of all people to literally bump into, I bumped into Steve. We laughed, and said our hellos. He was concerned that he’d hurt me, and took the opportunity to put his hand over my knee and give it a little rub. We settled back into your seats and listened intently to the speech, but we kept stealing little glances at each other. The speech was one of those insert-laugh-here-rah-rah-earn-me-lots-of-money-I-know-you-can-do-it type speeches. We laughed as we were expected and gave a standing ovation at the end.

After the speech, dinner was served, and polite small talk around the table ensued. The entire time I was acutely aware of Steve sitting right behind me. It was as though I could feel a heat behind me. I occasionally found reasons to look over my shoulder, and once caught him doing the same thing. By the time I finished dinner, dessert and coffee, a good portion of the room had already left. I myself had gotten caught up in an intense conversation with another manager from one of the Manhattan branches named Robert for the past hour and was ready to abandon ship. I excused myself and stood up, ready to be out of this atmosphere, but not necessarily ready to go back to my room and go to bed, even though it was nearly 10:00pm. I couldn’t help but note as I stood that Steve had not left yet either. I debated with myself for a moment before touching his shoulder lightly, interrupting him from a conversation with another gentleman from his table. I smiled as he looked up at me.

“Steve, I just wanted to say it was so nice to meet you.”

I had wanted to invite him for a cocktail and maybe a little dancing, but lost my nerve at the last moment. Besides, that probably would not have looked so good in front of another colleague. I turned and gave the other gentleman a polite hello as well.

 

[darrenfate]

STEVE

Steve had two ears and one mouth. Best of all he used them in that proportion. As a result he was damn good at closing commercial accounts. Business owners loved to talk about themselves. Steve listened well, and then moved in at the right time. Unfortunately, this skill had its drawbacks. Like tonight. This guy from trusts was nice enough, but man was he a talker! Well, thought Steve grimly. most of his clients are dead, so he can't talk to them. Its us the living who must suffer!

He had been looking for an excuse to leave, and Julia was coming over to rescue him he was sure. He had felt the sexual tension building between them during the entire meal. She was a woman of contrasts, sharp executive suit yet utterly feminine. Steve was bewitched. When Julia made as though she was going to call it a night Steve was horrified. He just couldn't let that happen - for his sake.

Holding her hand a bit too long for a goodnight handshake Steve drew her look and mouthed these words silently "Save me". He rolled his eyes to the right. Steve saw Julia's eyes glimmer with understnding. Then he said"

Julia, let's talk about that large shopping center financing deal you mentioned before. I've been thinking about how we can help you...