Technocrat

[a_libertine]

This thread is closed for DearSunshine

He walked into his office at the normal 6:00 AM. His assistant already there and met him, as she did every morning, with a steaming hot cup of coffee. No, not the popular brand from Seattle, this was imported, expensive, and according to Malcolm Blankenship tasted much like sex. Earthy and hot.

A list of resumes were on his desk for his perusal. The top ten candidates for a position to be his personal assistant. He knew it was a tough job and that he was demanding beyond reason. The last person lasted merely six months before she quit.

The ad itself was pretty simple:

Personal Assistant position for Malcolm Blakenship. Bachelors Degree in Business, Computer Information, Accounting, or Finance mandatory. Masters Degree preferred. Must be in top 10% of class. Pay and benefits to be announced only to top three candidates.

​

The resumes were arranged by degree type and he rifled through them making two stacks, call for interview and rejected.

He handed the call stack back and asked, "What does my calendar look like?"

His administrative assistant replied, "I will call and have them come in at 11:00 AM. You are surprisingly short of appointments this afternoon. I suspect Claire made that arrangement before she walked out."

He nodded. "Good."

Sitting at his desk he picked up the phone and began the morning call to the East Coast office.

 

[DearSunshine]

Today was going to be the day that Emma Mackay finally started to make it for herself in San Francisco. She had managed to find an apartment that wouldn't completely bankrupt her out in this outrageously costly city. Her resume was prepped and ready to go. She had an interview with the Malcolm Blakenship. Heading down to his office building in the downtown area, she was one hundred percent ready to go and start her future post-college.

If she could get there on time! The Muni bus was taking forever, and she was crowded in with a bunch of other people rushing to get where they were going in the morning. One of her new roommates had spilled their coffee on the outfit she was planning on wearing, the really professional navy blue skirt and blazer combo. Instead she had been forced to rush into something else, and in her daze of desperately trying not to miss this life changing interview, she hardly even knew what she was wearing.

Jostled against the woman behind her on the bus, her hair tie slipped off as her hair was mussed about. Emma's long, smooth wavy ginger red hair slipped back down to her shoulders out of her professional updo. Not having time to put it back up, she rushed out at her stop near his building. Running in the black patent pumps that she had thrown on, the woman practically rolled her ankle in her attempts to get there. Hobbling in the front door, she waved over to the man who would direct her to the elevator and up towards his office.

As the elevator doors slid forward, the woman stepped forward and caught a glimpse of herself in one of the mirrored hallways. She grimaced, realizing how unprofessional she looked at that moment. Her hair was flowing down her shoulders, her white blouse unbuttoned one too far, which showed off her ample cleavage. A busty woman with curves, it was hard sometimes to find clothing that didn't completely show them off anyway. Turning about she groaned as she saw that the black pencil skirt she had thought was so office like actually was more of a going out skirt, with a slit up the side. Doing her best before walking in, her fingers worked another button into a hole and she tried to hike her skirt down a bit so that so much of her leg was showing.

And now she was two minutes late to boot. Rushing towards the desk where his administrative assistant sat. "Hi! Hi, sorry, Emma Mackay here!"

 

[a_libertine]

Malcolm hated interviewing people. It was a constant drain on his energy and costly time wise. But it could not be entrusted to HR, they always bungled it somehow. Not that his track record was all that better. But it was his gut he trusted the most.

The fourth person coming in was Emma Mackay. Her resume was on part with the others he had read hours ago, and stood out nearly as much.

Or little. Once you set the bar of excellence high enough then that becomes common.

As she came in he watched her and immediately was not impressed. "You are a mess," he said. Your hair looks like it fell, the blouse too tight, and the skirt while showing a good amount of leg is pushed too far down for the style. You also looked flustered when you entered the building and we're late."

He picked up her resume packet and waved it at her vaguely. "Is this person really you? If you are not here on time for the interview how do expect to handle my affairs? "

 

[DearSunshine]

Emma gulped slightly, trying not to be intimidated by Malclom. Pulling deep on her Scottish roots, she tried to put on the brave face that she knew her immigrant parents would have wanted her to. Jutting her jaw out, she walked into the room with a professional manner, despite the fact that everything else about her was a complete mess.

"I apologize, sir, for the flawed first impression. I've just moved to the city and some difficulties arose. I can promise you that this," She said, motioning at herself, "Would never happen again." The twenty-two year old pulled out the chair in front of his desk, sitting down and trying to sit as properly as she could. Though the slit in her skirt was making that somewhat hard, showing the shapeliness of her thighs.

Looking over at the resume he waved, she nodded. "I graduated from Princeton top of my class in the business track, and I was President of all five of those organizations listed..." She said, motioning at what was on there, "It would be an honor to work with you, learn from you. I'm passionate about what I'm doing, and I don't believe in breaks or vacations. I am one hundred percent committed to making this my life, and I would make being your personal assistant my life." She said, hoping to salvage what she had already bungled by trying to show how she'd go the extra mile.

 

[a_libertine]

Malcolm looked at her; his eyes traveling from head to toe and back. He thought a moment his eyes focusing on a point far away. He looked at her, "You have ten minutes to rearrange yourself in what you think you should have been when you got here."

He pointed to a door off to his right and said, "There is a small restroom there you can use." He looked at his watch and said, "Time starts now."

 

[DearSunshine]

Emma picked herself up, giving him a nod of thanks as she walked into the restroom with her purse. Taking out a brush, she tamed at her bouncy hair and used a spare hair tie to put it back up into a bun. She used the few minutes that he had given her to make herself more presentable. There wasn't all that much she could do about her clothes, but her general appearance was at least better when she walked out and sat back down in the chair again.

"So very nice to meet you. I'm Emma Mackay." She said, as if getting her re-do of an introduction.

 

[a_libertine]

Malcolm stood up and shook her hand, "Malcolm Blankenship." As their hands met he decided immediately that he liked the feel of her hand in his.

He walked around her once, taking in her demeanor, the swell of her hips, breasts, and the line of her jaw. He looked at the bun on the top of her head and decided almost immediately, "Down. The hair looks better down than up."

He reached up and undid her bun, letting her hair tumble down around her shoulders again, "Yes, that is better." As her hair tumbled across the back of his hand he had a mental image of her below him flitted through his mind and for a moment, just a moment, he wondered what she tasted like.

He pointed to the chair opposite his desk as he sat down. "Do you have a valid passport?"

 

[DearSunshine]

Emma had been full of tension and nerves walking back out of that bathroom, trying to hide it as best as she could behind her mask of professionalism. It was somewhat hard to let that go as he circled about her, and she kept her eyes downcast as he did so, just allowing him to do whatever it was that he was doing. Hearing his request for her hair, she was just about to reach up and do it herself when she felt Malcolm undoing her hair tie and tussling it back down against her shoulders. The way his fingers felt in her soft hair made her want to melt. She was afraid that her eyes had started to close at the feel of it, quickly snapping herself out of it as he returned to his desk.

"Yes, I have a passport that won't need to be renewed for years. My parents are from Scotland, so I regularly go to visit family. I had an internship in Edinburgh the summer after Sophomore year, and then one in London the year after. I'm good at finding my way around on foreign transportation, travel in general, and keeping on schedule while doing all of that. You could feel assured that I would be handling all of the details of that kind of thing smoothly for you, and if problems came up I would know how to deal with them easily so that they would not distract you from your work."

 

[a_libertine]

Malcolm watched her closely and liked what he saw. She held herself with confidence and answered her question with the specificity that most interviewees lacked. Expanding on a yes, no question was always helpful.

"I keep a 6:00 AM to 6:00PM schedule most days. I start at 4:30 at the gym in the hotel I stay at during the week, and end with dinner out every night except Friday."

He leaned forward slightly, "Are you able to work a fifteen hour day? Any familial situations, like children, boyfriends, husbands that would detract from that?"

 

[DearSunshine]

Emma clasped her hands in her lap, keeping her back straight and holding herself up as she had always been taught to.

"That's perfectly fine, sir." She said with a nod. "Coming out of university, I've always expected that I would have to work long hours to prove myself. My family is on the East Coast, so I'll probably only see them once or twice a year anyway. I just moved here, so I haven't started any relationships... I expect I'll be too busy to really get into that. As I said, I'm willing to make work my life. Right now I just really want to focus on my career, so anything else is just a distraction."

 

[a_libertine]

Malcolm nodded, "Good. I attend to a lot of meetings with people of various tastes and desires. Part of the time I like my PA to be a distraction for those people I meet with."

He put his elbows on the desk and asked, "Are you comfortable being in a role that may require more unusual activities than were taught to you in business school? "

 

[DearSunshine]

Emma tilted her head a bit, not exactly sure where he was going with this. "A distraction? Well, certainly I know how to engage in small talk very well and take that further into conversations that will keep them entertained and interested so that you might get to focus on what you would like." Pausing a bit as he asked his next question, she nodded after a moment. "I suppose I've always considered myself a bit of a Machiavellian thinker. The ends will justify the means. Sometimes thinking outside of the box can be frowned on upon, but if it gets you the results you are looking for and helps everyone out in the end... Then it can really be worth it. So yes, I'm comfortable deviating from the norm than what I was taught in school."

Emma said all of this, looking towards him. She struggled to keep her eyes focused towards his face, she almost wanted to look away or let them wander about. It was hardly fair that this man was not only one of the most successful that she had ever met, but attractive as well. The boys back at Princeton hadn't been too shabby themselves, but in comparison to Malcolm Blakenship they looked like boys. What was sitting across the desk from her was one hundred percent a man.

 

[a_libertine]

Malcolm smiled at Emma and said, "Fine, I will give you a whirl. You start tomorrow at 6:00 AM. Be sure to be here on time, Allison will walk you through the orientation process."

He stood and walked around the desk holding his hand out to Emma. "After that you will start at 5:45 at my hotel. Allison will go over what you will need. If you show earlier than that you can spend that time working out if you so choose."

He shook her hand and as they turned toward the door, he put his free hand in the small of her back, guiding her. Opening the door he looked at the remaining applicants and said, "You may go, the hiring decision has been made."

He turned to Emma, "Good day, see you in the morning."

 

[DearSunshine]

A bright smile went across her face, the young woman full of so much relief to have landed the job that could jumpstart her career in amazing ways. "Thank you so much, Mr. Blankenship, you won't regret it. I promise, you'll find me an excellent hire." She said, starting to stand so that she could shake his hand again. Her fingers lingered a little, mostly because she was still just in awe that she was getting to be the one that would be helping him with his business. Her classmates from Princeton would die with envy.

"I'll be there are on the dot to see Allison then. I'm looking forward to it, sir." Emma said, with a nod, allowing her hand to then fall away. As he guided her by the small of her back, she blinked a little, never having been manhandled like that by someone so quickly after meeting them. She wasn't about to complain though, in fact she rather liked having him move her about like that.

"I'll see you in the morning, sir." She said to him, and walked out of the door. Getting out of the building, she did something of a happy dance right on the sidewalk, squealing in delight to have landed it after a terrible first impression.

 

[a_libertine]

Malcolm shut the door and for half a moment he wondered what her reaction would have been if he had placed his hands six inches lower, cupping her ass cheek. Then he dashed the idea from his mind and headed back to his desk.

He worked through the day, leaving after 7:00 PM and headed to the hotel. There he showered, ate, and read for an hour before going to bed.

At 4:30 th enext morning he was in the gym, working out for 45 minutes, then running for 30 minutes prior to returning to work.

 

[DearSunshine]

Emma was slightly sleepy walking into the hotel early in the morning, but she had her travel mug of coffee. The redhead was more prepared for presenting herself professionally that day. She wore an emerald green wrap dress that was knee-length, and didn't show a crude amount of cleavage unless she secured it a little more loosely. However she and the bow nicely wrapped so that it was sleek and professional.

Catching sight of the woman who she thought was Allison, she raised a hand to wave to her. "Good morning! I'm Emma Mackay, here to start my training for Mr. Blakenship." She said, smiling. It was hard not to beam and extend positive energy as she went. The young woman was so enthusiastic to be there, completely pumped up for this next chapter in her life.

 

[a_libertine]

Malcolm walked into the office promptly at 6:00 and was met by Allison holding his cup of coffee . He was on the phone within ten minutes and the morning passed with call after call.

At lunch he stepped out of his office to find Allison and Emma still in the process of filling out the HR paperwork as long with the SEC paperwork for Emma's Series 7 and 24. "Emma, you are with me, we are off to lunch."

The went down to the second floor where the cafeteria was located and stood in line to get food. "How is the first day going so far?"

 

[DearSunshine]

Pen in hand, Emma continued to fill out the forms and sign her name for what felt like the hundredth time. She was already on her third cup of coffee by the time lunch had come around. While she was more than willing to work the hours, she just had to get used to them first. "Okay, I think... That just about does it." She said, sighing in relief as she glanced back over what had been set before her.

Hearing Malcolm call out for her, she rose up in her chair, smoothing out the skirt of her dress. "Yes, sir, I'll be right there." She nodded, giving a smile of thanks to Allison and picking up her purse to head out with her new boss. Taking out her smart phone, she was at the ready to program in any notes for things he wanted her to take care of.

"My day is going well, thank you. Just lots of new names to learn, things to get settled. I'm excited to be ready to be more of help to you, sir." She smiled, "How long has it been since your last personal assistant?"

 

[a_libertine]

Malcolm shrugged, "A couple days. She left me in a pretty good place really." He looked around then smiled, "She did give me a pretty good year though."

He thought back to some of the events in the past year and it brought an almost wistful smile to his face. After a moment he came back to the present, and said, "We will get your phone upgraded and get my calendar on it. If you want a tablet too, just say so and we will get one."

He grabbed a tray and began ordering lunch as the line crept forward. He turned to her and asked, "Have you asked anyone yet what we are going to pay you?"

 

[DearSunshine]

Emma nodded, relieved that it sounded like the last assistant had had a good run. Last a year with someone like Mr. Blakenship could guarantee you interviews with dozens of companies, and she hoped the same kind of future would be open to her. With some of these executives, you never knew if you'd be fired for the smallest, pettiest thing. She was liking what she saw so far with her new boss though, he seemed like he was different and might potentially actually care about his employees.

"Oh, thank you. That would be really helpful if I could synch your schedule to my calendar as to keep track of it better." She said, ordering lunch after he had done so, her tray in hand. Waiting for her sandwich, she looked over at him. "Allison mentioned it when we were discussing how my direct deposits would be made... It's more than I thought I would be making my first year out of college, so you certainly won't be hearing any complaints from me, sir. This is such an expensive city to live in, I wasn't sure if I'd even have money enough to eat." She chuckled, "Now I can know that I certainly won't be starving, and I can make my rent! That's really the most important things. So thank you, I appreciate it." She said, moving along the line with him and holding out her tray as her lunch was placed upon it.

 

[a_libertine]

Malcolm chortled, "And I bet your student loans are killing you too."

It had been a long time since Malcolm had to worry about rent, or student loans, or eating. Part of him took for granted that there was always enough money to pay for the things he wanted. Not having that money was an unaccustomed concept to him.

He paid for their lunches and he led the way to sit near the middle of the cafeteria. He placed his tray down, and then pulled a chair back for Emma to sit, then pushed it forward as she did so.

He sat next to her and said, "You will need a pre made bag for times we fly out on short notice. Maybe a day or two worth of clothes, and whatever personal items you may need. You also need a weekend bag. On Friday afternoons, we fly out of here and up to where my house is, in Oregon. "

 

[DearSunshine]

Emma placed a hand against her face, practically groaning. "Oh, don't remind me! They told me I have about thirty years to pay it off... That'll be enough right?" She laughed, "Maybe by the time I'm in my fifties I won't be so crazy in debt." She shook her head, smiling though towards him as it seemed her future was actually turning out to be bright. She tried to insist that he didn't need to pay for her lunch too, but it seemed he was going to anyway.

Walking over with her tray, she placed it down on the table that he had chosen. She blinked, a little surprised at his gentlemanly movement of pulling out her chair for her. "Oh, thank you." She smiled again, going to sit down and letting him scoot her in. She picked up her sandwich and started to eat as she listened to him, making mental notes of what he was saying.

"Should I keep that bag here in the office or at home?" She asked of the first one for short notice. "Maybe I'll just keep two of those to be safe..." She reached for a glass of water, taking a drink. "So I'll be with you every weekend in Oregon? Will we return on Sunday?" She asked, looking over at him curiously. This really was going to be a job that turned into her life. "What kind of things will you be needing to do for you over the weekends? Or do you work every day?"

 

[a_libertine]

He shook his head. "No the weekends are for reading, resting and relaxing. The house sits atop a cliff and overlooks the Pacific Ocean. We leave at 4:00 on Friday, and comeback at 6:00 Monday morning."

He took a bite of the food and continued, "You won't need anything too fancy, we may go out to eat one of the nights, but for the most part I stay there."

"If I could get away with it, I would work from thre most of the time, but honestly it might be a little too isolated." He gave her a grin, much like that of the Cheshire Cat, and said, "Too few people to play with up there."

 

[DearSunshine]

"Oh good, you know how to take a break then. I would think that would be very important for someone in your position. Your work must be so stressful at times. Having ways to relax and rejuvenate are what help to keep a person going." She said, continuing to eat as she nodded along when he spoke. "Your house sounds amazing, that view must be to die for. I think I won't mind spending my weekends there." She chuckled. While she might have liked to have the weekends to herself, she knew this was better. Emma would be able to focus on her career this way, instead of being distracted by going out to bars and spending money in various ways she didn't need to right now at this point in her life. There would be plenty of time for that later, once she was more established.

"I'll pack my bags when I get home tonight so that I'm ready. I'll throw in a dress that won't embarrass you if we do go out to eat. I hardly think you would want me to show up in a sweatshirt even if it is the weekend." She smiled teasingly, and then tried to compose herself more. It was so easy to talk with him, Emma had forgotten for a moment that he was her boss, and she shouldn't be so familiar. Especially when he gave her that grin that she could get lost in, she had to stay professional.

"I'll do my best to be out of your way when you would like alone time, but to be available if you need me." She said, giving a nod. "I'm sure the office will still be calling, seems like they all really rely on you around here. But I'll keep track of the things that can just be handled Monday once we are back so that you can take your time relaxing."

 

[a_libertine]

Malcolm shook his head, "No, they very seldom call over the weekend. For the most part after 4:00 on Friday, there is no one here other than security guards until Monday at 5:00 AM."

He ate for a few minutes thinking about the upcoming weekend, and how much he was looking forward to it. There was a certain amount of anticipation on his part, and he idly wondered how willing Emma would be to 'play' with him.

In time no doubt, just a matter of how much time it would take. Maybe a vacation to someplace exotic to get her thinking about it?

"What is your wardrobe like? I prefer that you wear skirts and dresses, do you have an ample supply?"