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elioratechno-2024 · 3 months ago

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5 Ways to Boost Your Productivity Using Technology

As we juggle work, personal life, and various other commitments, maximizing our efficiency has become a top priority. Thankfully, technology has evolved to provide us with tools that can significantly enhance productivity. Whether you’re a professional managing a heavy workload, a student trying to stay on top of assignments, or someone looking to better manage their time, leveraging technology can make a substantial difference. Here are five effective ways to boost your productivity using technology.

Embrace technology as your productivity partner by automating tasks, streamlining collaboration, and optimizing time management, you unlock the power to focus on what truly matters.

4.1. Utilize Task Management Tools One of the most effective ways to increase productivity is through task management tools. These tools help organize your tasks, set deadlines, and prioritize activities, ensuring that nothing slips through the cracks. Applications such as Trello, Asana, and Todoist allow users to create to-do lists, assign tasks to team members, and track progress, all from one platform. With these tools, you can break down larger projects into smaller, more manageable steps, making it easier to stay on top of your work. 4.2. Leverage Time Tracking Apps Time management is a crucial component of productivity. Many people struggle with distractions or underestimate how much time they spend on specific tasks. Time tracking apps like Toggl, Clockify, and RescueTime can help you better understand how you’re spending your day. These apps allow you to log your working hours, track time spent on different projects, and identify where you might be wasting valuable minutes or hours. By using time tracking apps, you can analyze patterns in your workflow. For instance, you might discover that you spend too much time answering emails or attending meetings that could have been condensed. Once you’re aware of these inefficiencies, you can take steps to address them, such as setting specific times for checking emails or consolidating meetings into shorter, more focused sessions.

Some apps also provide detailed reports and analytics, allowing you to track your progress over time and make informed decisions about how to allocate your time more effectively. This can be particularly useful for freelancers or remote workers who need to bill clients for their hours or need to demonstrate productivity to employers.

4.3. Automate Repetitive Tasks Automation is a game-changer when it comes to boosting productivity. Technology now allows you to automate repetitive tasks, saving you time and freeing you up to focus on more critical activities. Tools like Zapier, IFTTT (If This Then That), and Microsoft Power Automate enable you to automate routine processes by creating workflows between different apps and services. For example, you can set up a workflow that automatically saves email attachments to a designated folder in your cloud storage, or create a system that automatically posts to your social media accounts at specific times. Email automation is another excellent way to streamline your workflow. Tools like Mailchimp and HubSpot allow you to create email templates, schedule campaigns, and automate follow-up emails based on user behavior, significantly reducing the time you spend on email marketing. 4.4. Use Collaboration Tools for Seamless Teamwork Efficient collaboration is a cornerstone of productivity, particularly for teams working in a remote or hybrid setting. Technology has transformed the way teams communicate and work together, with tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Google Workspace making it easier than ever to collaborate seamlessly, regardless of location. These collaboration platforms integrate chat, file sharing, and video conferencing in one place, reducing the need to switch between different applications. For instance, instead of sending emails back and forth to discuss a project, you can have real-time conversations in Slack or Teams, and even share files directly within the platform. Additionally, many collaboration tools have integrations with other productivity apps like Google Docs or Dropbox, allowing team members to work on the same document simultaneously and in real time, which boosts efficiency. Collaboration tools also help reduce miscommunication. Features like threads, channels, and direct messages ensure that conversations stay organized and that team members can easily find the information they need without having to dig through lengthy email chains. Furthermore, by enabling remote access to work files and projects, collaboration tools allow team members to work flexibly, improving overall productivity. 4.5. Take Advantage of Cloud Storage Cloud storage solutions like Google Drive, Dropbox, and Microsoft OneDrive have revolutionized how we store, access, and share files. With cloud storage, you no longer need to worry about losing important documents or running out of storage space on your devices. More importantly, cloud storage enables easy access to your files from any device, as long as you have an internet connection. This is particularly useful for professionals who travel frequently or work remotely, as it allows them to stay productive from virtually anywhere. Cloud storage also facilitates better collaboration. Teams can share documents, presentations, and spreadsheets instantly, without the need for email attachments. Real-time editing capabilities mean that multiple people can work on the same document simultaneously, streamlining workflows and reducing the time spent waiting for revisions. 4.Conclusion: Technology offers a myriad of ways to enhance productivity, whether through task management tools, time tracking apps, automation, collaboration platforms, or cloud storage solutions. By incorporating these technologies into your daily routine, you can work more efficiently, manage your time better, and reduce the stress associated with staying on top of your workload. In today’s digital age, using technology to boost productivity is not just a convenience—it’s a necessity. Embracing these tools will not only make you more efficient but also give you the freedom to focus on what truly matters, both personally and professionally.

#boostproductivity #technologytips #worksmarternotharder #productivityhacks #techtips #digitaltools #timemanagement

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avaadamsservices · 4 months ago

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An Ultimate Guide to Understanding the Role of a Full-Time Virtual Assistant

Are you planning to outsource to a full-time virtual assistant and are looking for an ultimate guide to understanding the key responsibilities of the position?

Whether you're a small business owner, entrepreneur, or managing a growing team, a remote virtual assistant is able to handle administrative work, customer service, social media management, and more. They can be a valuable asset to your business because they are most likely dedicated to supporting your daily operations, helping you manage time-consuming tasks, and allowing you to focus on the core areas of your business.

So, if you’re looking for someone to lighten your workload and become a trusted part of your team, a reliable remote VA might just be the best fit. They bring a level of commitment and support that can make a big difference in your day-to-day operations and overall success. They can free-up your time even when you're busy with other important matters.

This guide will walk you through the main role of a full-time virtual assistant, their responsibilities, and how they can benefit your business. You can also check out John Jonas’s podcast episode on how a virtual assistant can simplify your workday.

What Is a Full-Time Virtual Assistant?

A full-time virtual assistant (VA) is a remote worker who offers comprehensive administrative support and handles a wide range of tasks for your business. Unlike part-time virtual assistants, who might work only a few hours each week, a full-time VA is committed to working a full schedule, typically around 40 hours per week.

What sets a full-time VA apart is their dedication to your business. They work from their own location, which is often from home, or they might be using digital tools to communicate and manage tasks. This setup allows them to provide consistent and reliable support without the need for physical office space. They are generally equipped to handle routine business operations efficiently, freeing you up to focus on more strategic aspects of your business.

What Does a Full-time Virtual Assistant Do?

But what exactly does a full-time virtual assistant do, and why might you need one? The duties of a virtual assistant can vary depending on the needs of the employer, but generally, they handle tasks that help keep the business running smoothly. To earn more about how a virtual assistant can fit into your business and what they can do for you, check out this in-depth guide on Onlinejobs.ph

Administrative Support: This includes tasks like managing emails, scheduling meetings, and handling correspondence. A VA can help organize your calendar and ensure that all appointments and deadlines are met.

Customer Service: Virtual assistants often handle customer inquiries and support tasks. This might involve answering emails, managing chat support, or even handling customer complaints.

Data Entry: VAs can assist with entering data into databases or spreadsheets, ensuring that information is accurate and up-to-date.

Social Media Management: Managing social media accounts is another task that a OFS can take on. This includes creating and scheduling posts, engaging with followers, and monitoring social media activity.

Bookkeeping: Some virtual assistants have skills in basic bookkeeping, such as tracking expenses, managing invoices, and handling other financial tasks.

Research: Conducting research for various business needs, such as market research, competitor analysis, or finding new suppliers.

Project Management: They help oversee and manage projects, ensuring that tasks are completed on time and that team members are staying on track.

What Are The Key Responsibilities of Skilled Virtual Assistants?

Understanding what a full-time virtual assistant can do for you is crucial to making the most out of their services. Here are some common responsibilities that full-time VAs can take on:

Administrative Support: This includes managing your calendar, scheduling meetings, handling emails, and organizing documents, allowing you to focus on more strategic tasks.

Customer Service: A VA can manage customer inquiries, handle support tickets, and provide a positive experience for your clients. This role is especially important if you want to maintain high levels of customer satisfaction without having to oversee these tasks personally.

Social Media Management: If your business relies on social media for marketing and engagement, a remote virtual assistant can create and schedule posts, interact with followers, and analyze performance metrics. This helps in maintaining an active online presence without needing constant attention.

Content Creation: Whether it’s writing blog posts, creating newsletters, or developing content for your website, a VA can assist in producing high-quality materials that align with your brand’s voice and goals.

Bookkeeping and Data Entry: VAs can handle tasks like invoicing, expense tracking, and updating databases. This ensures that your financial records and other important data are kept up-to-date and organized.

Project Management: If you have ongoing projects, an online virtual assistant can help coordinate tasks, track progress, and communicate with team members. This can improve efficiency and ensure that projects stay on track.

Specialized Support: Depending on their skills, some VAs may offer specialized services such as SEO, graphic design, or website management. It’s important to clearly define what you need and find a VA with the right expertise.

Onboarding Your Full-Time Virtual Assistant

Bringing a full-time VA into your team involves several key steps to ensure a smooth transition and successful collaboration:

Define Your Needs: Identify the tasks and responsibilities you want to delegate. This clarity will help you find a VA with the right skills and experience.

Create a Clear Job Description: Outline the role, expectations, and key responsibilities. A well-defined job description attracts the right candidates and sets clear performance benchmarks.

Find the Right Candidate: Use reliable platforms or recruitment services to find the right one who matches your requirements. Look for OFS with relevant experience and positive reviews.

Set Up Effective Communication: Establish regular communication channels and tools to stay connected with your VA. Clear and consistent communication is crucial for remote work success.

Provide Adequate Training: Even though the chosen person you hire is experienced, you might want to provide them with necessary training and resources to understand your business processes and expectations.

Final Thoughts

A full-time VA isn’t just about offloading work; it’s about finding a partner who can seamlessly fit into your business and help you run it more smoothly. Whether you’re overwhelmed with daily tasks or just need a hand with specific projects, a VA can provide the support you need to keep everything running efficiently.

To get started, think about where you need the most help and what skills are essential. Write a clear job description to attract the right candidates, and use platforms like Onlinejobs.ph to find talented VAs ready to assist you.

If you’re looking for skilled virtual assistants, here’s a quick guide to find the right fit for your needs:

If you need help with website management, check out Webmaster VAs.

If SEO is your focus, you might want to outsource to expert SEO VAs.

For content creation, full-time Writer VAs or Blogging VAs could be a great fit.

Real estate businesses can benefit from professional Real Estate VAs.

Those needing design work can hire talented Graphic Design VAs.

For quality bookkeeping tasks, Bookkeeping VAs are available.

If you need someone to manage your website, think about outsourcing to a WordPress Expert.

Ask yourself: What tasks are taking up too much of your time? How could a full-time remote VA help you get things done more smoothly? What is your focus right now, and how could a VA shift your attention to more strategic areas of your business? Imagine having someone handle routine tasks, manage your calendar, and oversee projects, freeing you up to concentrate on growing your business.

Think about the relief you could feel knowing someone else is taking care of these tasks. With a dedicated online VA, you can focus on growing your business and achieving your goals more effectively. Your next great hire might be just a click away, ready to help you streamline your work and improve your overall productivity.

#virtual assistant #remote VA #outsourcing #full-time VA #investing #employers #small business

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o2computers2 · 2 years ago

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Things to consider when getting a computer repair company

Mac Screen Repair Surrey

When it comes to repairing your or laptop, finding a computer repair assistance can make or crack the deal. There’s simply no dearth of people worrying about their laptop computer being inefficiently managed by the repairing organization, and because of this their small difficulty turned into larger, permanent damage.

Cell Phone Repair Surrey

In most cases, this particular happens when you find the computer repair specialist without doing study.

So here in this information, we’ve compiled all five key factors that you just should consider when you’re in hunt to a right computer service company for you.

Supplier Existence and The past

Before you hand over your laptop to a repair organization, make sure to check the country's market existence together with history. Consider how much time they have been in pc repair operation. Extended the duration, the more often efficient their system tends to be. It also explains the company’s loan consolidation in the segment and additionally their robust stock portfolio.

Also, you should have a peek at their growth in the past. New service expansions over time mean these are confident of their structure and their chance to deliver quality laptop or computer repair service. If you are not sure how to accomplish this, then a mere Search engine Search could respond to most of your questions.

Reputation

Once you’re sure of their knowledge and expertise, check out if they’ve well-handled their customers. Simply no better way to state this than checking out their reputation, via the internet as well as offline.

Expedition through the online critical reviews and testimonials out of its previous shoppers. Understand their a higher level customer satisfaction and the varieties of services they are competent to render. Check with your mates, neighbours or co-workers if they have possibly dealt with this particular supplier. Their feedback could be crucial to get additional insight into their product quality. If possible, go to their physical stash or call their particular customer care center. Have got a discussion with the employees or repairer individually to comprehend their practical knowledge, skill, and skills.

Warranty

Warranty on a repair company ensures you of their products and services quality and company, to quite a extent. It gives you peace of mind understanding that if rectified problems reoccur within the warranties period, you can get all of them resolved free of cost. This particular strengthens your opinion that the computer restore service provider is worth wanting. Most often, the service contract covers the areas and repair assistance.

Location of the System center

Location can be another factor of which smart people think about before opting for a good repair service, in addition to rightly so. Physical proximity always positions you on efficiency, whether you like to study the company’s establishments and service in close proximity, or meet the provider face-to-face to know the most beautiful offers. Besides, many of us don’t feel comfortable showing their issues around chat or mobile phone.

Turnaround Time

Nowadays, most of us can’t manage to pay for to keep our laptop/computer away for extensive, due to their regular used in professional and very own chores. So when you give them to a restoration company, we purely wish to get it spine, repaired of course, at once. Don’t we?

Although the turnaround time depends upon the problem, a good personal pc repair service provider at all times strives to save your time and effort through prompt reply and timely system.

Before you decide an agency, make a call along with check its turn-around time to sort the suitable issue you’re confronting. Testify the details by way of checking the assessments from their previous users.

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beyondstaff · 2 years ago

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Maximizing Productivity: How Remote Staff Can Boost Your Business's Efficiency

In today's fast-paced world, businesses are always looking for ways to increase their efficiency and productivity. With the rise of remote work, many companies have started tapping into a new resource that can help them achieve these goals: remote staff. Whether running a small startup or managing a large corporation, hiring remote workers can offer numerous benefits beyond saving money on office space. In this blog post, we'll explore how having a remote team can maximize your business's productivity and give you an edge over your competitors. So buckle up and get ready to discover the power of working remotely!

Remote staff can be a tremendous asset to any business in terms of efficiency and productivity. Here are some ways that remote staff can help boost your business's bottom line:

1. Increased Flexibility: Remote staff is not tied to one location, which means they can be more flexible with their work hours. This can be a significant advantage for businesses that operate on a 24/7 basis or have employees in different time zones.

2. Lower Overhead Costs: The most obvious benefit of remote staff is that they have no office space or equipment costs. This can save businesses a significant amount of money, primarily if multiple employees work remotely.

3. Greater Access to Talent: With remote staff, businesses have access to a global talent pool instead of being limited to local candidates. This opens up a world of possibilities for finding the right person for the job.

4. Increased Productivity: Remote staff is often more productive than their in-office counterparts because distractions like office politics or water cooler chit-chat do not bog them down. They can also take advantage of tools like time-tracking software to further boost their productivity.

5. Improved Morale: Remote workers often enjoy greater job satisfaction and morale thanks to increased flexibility and autonomy. This can lead to improved retention rates and decreased turnover, which saves businesses both time and money in the long run.

Small businesses often struggle to find the right talent, especially when it comes to hiring employees who can work remotely. This is where remote staff can come in handy. By hiring remote staff, small businesses have access to a larger pool of talented and experienced professionals from all over the world. Remote staff are also great for small businesses because they allow you to keep your headcount low while still providing high-quality services through their expertise.

Hiring remote staff for your small business is a great way to save on costs and make sure that you're getting the most out of your employees.

As a business owner, you are always looking for ways to boost efficiency and productivity. You may have considered hiring remote staff to help with some of the workloads. Remote staff can be a great asset to any business, providing many benefits that can help increase efficiency and productivity.

If you're looking for ways to increase your business's efficiency, consider hiring remote staff. The benefits listed above are just a few ways remote teams can help you achieve your goal.

Remote staff can be a fantastic way to maximize your business's efficiency and productivity. The key is to ensure that you are utilizing the right strategies to set up remote workflows, put in place practical communication tools, provide your employees with ongoing support and feedback, and create an environment that encourages collaboration. With the right resources in the area, remote staff can help take your business to new heights of success.

To hire a remote staff for technical and non-technical professionals reach us at - https://beyondstaff.co.uk/

#hiringremotestaff #remotestaff #business #businesssuccess #productivity #businessefficiency #beyondstaff #london #unitedkingdom

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urdamage · 2 years ago

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tracks wasn't particularly busy that day , not at that time , at least . the mall still had plenty of foot traffic , a generous amount of visitors overall , but for the most part , no single store was very full . the record store hadn't seen more than a single customer come in at one given time for a couple of hours now , and hedwig had grown not exactly bored , but definitely distracted by their thoughts rather than their work . he spent his time rarely needing to help customers , mostly only needing to be present for a minute through a transaction , allowing him to spend the rest of his time chatting with his bandmate and co-worker finn , or else scribbling down new lyric ideas for songs .

hedwig hadn't bothered paxton with the customer service act that consisted of him asking if he needed help with anything as the man , to hedwig , had seemed content browsing alone ; in general , hedwig tended to let the customers do their thing , only helping when it was asked of them - though he would then do so gladly . despite not doing much , he stayed by the counter in case he was needed , pen in hand , notebook in front of him , though despite his presence in the store front , he kept up his talking with finn - who was in the back office , meticulously working through managerial work hedwig was glad that he never had to deal with . it was then that paxton must have heard the northern accent , when hedwig was reading out an idea for a song to the half-present co-worker out back .

he looked up from his page and stood up straighter as soon as he was spoken to ; despite being in the position where he should have expected people to talk to him - being a clerk in a store with customers - a little anxiety began to bubble up , though he tried to not show it . " oh , " he chuckled , and despite having hidden the brief anxiety , the relief could be seen . " actually , you'd be surprised to find out how many of us have found ourselves all the way out here , " he told him , proving by simply speaking more that the accent was no act . edward cunningham , jupiter bernstein , neptune waxwing - many examples of others from their place of origin came to mind immediately , and hedwig wasn't even a person who actually knew many people at all . " yorkshire , or there about . " hedwig was from leeds , but having such a troubled history , he didn't feel the most comfortable sharing the more precise location . " my home is definitely right here , though . been here for a bit , not that many believe it when i tell them . " though hedwig had changed a lot since making his move , one thing that never changed was the thick accent he had had from the day he began speaking . " whereabouts are you from , then ? "

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This starter is open exclusively for Hedwig Blackwood! (tags: @urdamage) Location: Tracks Ft. character: Paxton Bishop

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A savant of many particular and oftentimes elegant tastes, Paxton was naturally drawn to specialty shops like Tracks. If a store was targeted to a single market, it usually made finding his notoriously specific needs much easier. Today he was on the hunt for inspiration, new sounds to tease his creativity. Ever a lover of all avant-garde, Paxton fancied classical music for ambiance whilst reading or cooking, feeling it enriches the overall experience.

Making his way through the store at a leisurely pace, Paxton observed the many rows of records, waiting for any reputable names to pop out. After stopping to take a gander through 'Debussy's Best'- he heard a noise that completely captivated him. He turned to it, a voice coming from the man behind the checkout counter. Whether the man's words were directed to a customer, employee, or even himself didn't matter. His accent was what took Paxton aback, his ears honing in with complete fixation.

"You there-" he felt an honest smile tug at his lips. It wasn't simple to describe, however he could best coin this new feeling to being one of familiarity, or perhaps even nostalgia. The man had a voice which, while considerably lighter in tone, nearly mirrored Paxton's. He let out a chuckle of utter disbelief. "Bit of a long way from home, are you? Thought I was the only Englishman here for miles, 'less you're just cheesing me, and that's not how you actually sound." Paxton huffed at his own joke, sincerely hoping it wasn't true. "Where you from then?"

~~~~~~~~~~

#∘₊✧────── hedwig blackwood ; interaction #hedwig & paxton

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bisexual-horror-fan · 3 years ago

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bex 💖 this post has been in my brain since you said it and i have been *waiting* for this day !! cam boy!bo, baby !! if you do this one, just go ham, do whatever you want !! and most of all thank you for your service ✌💖

Annabel! Holy fucking shit, I went uh, much harder on this than expected but what else is new? I always do this shit. But I mean COME ON! This kind of prompt fucking DESERVES something like this! I hope you love it, I worked really hard on it, super pleased with it. Get ready and buckle up for just 5K of straight up Bo Sincilar Camboy! AU! PWP! Let’s goooo!

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Rating. Explicit. Length. 5K. Bo Sinclair X GN! Reader. No Pronouns Mentioned. Warnings: Cam Boy AU! PWP. Sex Worker Positive Fic. Exhibitionism. We Love And Support Sex Workers In This House And If You Can’t You Can Get The Fuck Out. Praise. Bo Being Bo. Masturbation. Sex Toys. Cock Ring. Denial. Begging. Needy Bo. Multiple Orgasms. Forced Orgasm. Overstimulation. Anal Fingering. Pre-mature Ejaculation.

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Tip Me And See.

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How he got started into it wasn’t really important. Why he was still doing it should be obvious, the money was a big motivator, but let’s be real, he also loved the attention and the way it would stroke his ego.

He started out doing it casually, almost as a joke, he heard you could make some cash from it and figured why the fuck not? He wasn’t expecting to get such a rush from it, didn’t count on enjoying being watched by other people, even at the start when it was just a few people it made it feel so much better.

As the number of viewers climbed, so did his enjoyment for his little side gig. He found when he put in more effort he got more results, so perhaps some research, casual of course, he didn’t care THAT much, was done to make his little channel better.

Consistency is very important.

So he started having more regular streaming times where people could count on him being online, he openly engaged with the chat, especially people who came by regularly, made the place he streamed a little nicer.

Well of course when he wasn’t streaming in more "public" locations. At least what he let the general public believe to be more public than they actually were. He was careful, didn’t give any real info about where he was, but staging certain places to look more “risky” and “public” streams did big numbers, playing up the act was admittedly fun.

It was around this time that you found him. Cam shows weren't exactly your go-to choice of porn, you stumbled on him totally by accident but fucks sake how could you not stop and hang around when he looked and sounded like that? This almost smug and cocky kind of confidence that almost screamed, “Yes, I know I look this good.”

It wasn’t in a dickish or off putting way though, something weirdly almost approachable about him, attainable almost, could swear that his eyes clued you in to something deeper.

Or.

Maybe.

He was hot and you were horny and overthinking it, but hey, who really cares at the end of the day so long as you were getting off and you had to admit it, the orgasms you managed to have while watching his streams were so good that any real kind of thought wasn’t really an issue. Hard to think when you are feeling that much.

You were just a casual watcher at first, didn’t know his stream times and didn’t really tip, just if you were in the mood and went for a session and he happened to be online then great, and if not? Well if not then those sessions tended to be a lot shorter and a lot less satisfying.

That all took a hard turn when you came online to find him mid cam show one night, camera angled just so that he looked so big, almost looming over the camera, just so close to him.

His thighs spread wide, not a stitch of clothing on, that same confident and cocky kind of smirk, and best of all, a fleshlight, not just any fleshlight, a clear one that let you see it all. Let you watch how it swallowed up his thick cock and not miss a single moment. It was gripped tight in his right fist, hand rising and falling and hips bucking up a bit to meet in the middle, fucking into the soaked toy, his left hand resting on his inner thigh.

How can he look so casual doing this?

As if it wasn’t one of the hottest things you’d ever seen?

Just using that soaked hunk of silicone to get off, still talking with the chat and being so engaging, eyes crinkling at the sides as he smiled. The only thing other than the view giving it away would be his slightly laboured breathing and the wet squelch of him fucking that cock sleeve.

The one word you could think of to describe him was: Unashamed. Thoroughly and totally unashamed and fucking hell if it didn’t make you even more attracted to him.

That was the night you dropped some more real money on tipping him. It felt good to support him, felt weirdly kind of intimate, which sounds stupid almost but it did, it improved and increased the feelings and I mean you were an adult, you could spend money on whatever you wanted Goddamnit. And if you wanted to toss some cash and make it rain on the hot southern camboy that you had a crush on, that was your business, no one else's.

You were not his only fan and not the only one who regularly watched him, there was a little group who would make basically every stream of his and over the months you find yourself in that group too. The first time he said your name, okay, your screen name, it made your breath catch and your fingers falter, it felt good, really fucking good to hear him adress you.

So what if you were just a tiny bit addicted? You weren’t spending out of your means and it was his fault for being so fucking attractive and making you cum so hard so consistently.

Somewhere along the way, when he had a steady stream of money, a big audience and people regularly coming by, in addition to doing some more “personalised” streams. Those streams were something you’d been too cowardly to purchase yet, you don’t think you could handle so much close and focused attention from him without dying, he decided to start up a new regular thing to engage with his audience more.

He set up a PO box in a town a while out the way of Ambrose, he would come by and pick up packages and such when he had to go to that town on supply runs, typically about once a month. He had a lot of lovely fans who loved to spoil him and wanted to treat him to things he wanted or even better, things he could use on stream. That was how he got that gorgeous clear fleshlight you enjoyed so much, someone else sent it to him, and if his loyal viewers were going to be so kind as to spend their hard earned money on things they wanted to see him use he certainly wasn’t going to turn them down.

Tonight was going to be so good.

It was Friday, you had all weekend off, you had a good dinner, had an amazing shower and now you had settled into bed and were watching Bo’s current stream. He was doing something different. People expressed interest in actually seeing him open up the things they sent and he figured it was the least he could do, would be a nice way to hang out with the people who supported him without having to exert himself in any major way.

You loved the pornagraphic side of everything, naturally, but you liked this too. Seeing the less overtly sexual side, getting to listen to him talk and get to know “him” or at least the him that he was willing to show you, a bit better.

Mostly you could just listen to him talk forever, that voice did it for you and you considered all of this foreplay. The fact he wasn’t wearing much outside of that tight underwear that barely left anything to the imagination and a well fitting white t-shirt wasn’t hurting either.

He had gotten a few of the less sexy things on his wishlist and was having a good time so far, a decent group of people, not the usual numbers but it was early and he was still dressed. He knew once the show got going people would pour in, for now he was taking it easy.

“Thanks so much for that dalin’, V’ been wanting that forever.” You rested your cheek on your hand, reclined and relaxed as you watched your laptop screen, musing to yourself that he had to know what he did to all of you when he talked like that. He gushed more about how thoughtful it was and to quote him, how you all, “-spoil me so much, dunno what to say.”

It was times like this that remind you just how good he is at what he does, he has such a handle on this and you can’t help but eat it up.

He was picking up a new package, “Looks like this is the last one. I know! Already? Flies by so fast when I’m doin’ this, but y’all know what is up next…” he let the sentence trail off, implication more than obvious as he picked up his pocket knife again and used it to slice through the tape and open the package.

You did know what was up next and you seriously couldn’t wait for it. He read out the name of the person who sent this on and thanked them before it was even fully open but then when he did get it open, you watched his brows furrow slightly as he said, “Well what have we got here.”

He picked up the box inside the package and held it up, your eyes went wide with delight, it was a vibrator.

“Hope I got the right batteries for this.” He teased with that winning smile, turning the box over in his hands and reading the outside.

Your mind immediately went into overdrive imagining him using it, you hoped he would use it tonight, you wanted to see it so bad, and if how the chat blew up was any indication so did everyone else.

His eyes flick over the chat and laughs, “You all wanna see me use it that bad, hmm?” You adjust and your own hands fly to your keyboard, typing out a quick response of, “Yes, dear fucking God, yes, please Bo?”

He sets the box down, one hand coming to rest on the back of his neck as he rolled his shoulders, sighing out an “I dunno-” You knew just what he was after, everyone did, it was all part of the bit right?

You held off for the moment but the tips started to come in, the small message boxes attached all asking for the same thing. The summation of which was, “Use. It.”

“Well lemme ask who sent it, you wanna see me use it tonight?” and that lucky user, someone you recognized in that inner circle of regular watchers, tippers and fans, gave the go-ahead that they wanted the debut performance to be here with everyone as opposed to one of those private streams you knew they bought regularly.

God bless xXxSweet-Bird-69xXx.

Obviously he has no complaints about this, and says, “Well alright, the people have spoken.”

And after setting the notification that the real show was about to kick off to the people who subbed him but were not in the room yet, he talked to everyone for a few minutes more as he opened the package and took out his newest toy. It was pre-cleaned and charged, how considerate, no muss, no fuss, it would make this all run much smoother.

You then were treated to that all too wonderful view of him getting rid of what little he had on, that shirt taken off and then his underwear, releasing his already half hard cock. You had seen it so many times but you never got tired of it, his whole body was great but it was hard to look anywhere else when all of his clothing came off. Your eyes drifted over the long expanses of skin on display, strong hands, solid thighs, he looked so sturdy, like he could do some damage and you loved that.

He is making himself comfortable, sitting back, legs spread again, his hand came down, wrapped loosely around himself and you were listening more intently to what he was saying, “Hope everyone’s been havin’ an alright week and if not that I can help y’all unwind a little-”

You notice his grip tighten, slowly starting to jerk himself off, you watch as he gets harder and bite your bottom lip, deciding that you might be a bit too dressed yourself at this point. Your own shirt discarded and bottoms forgotten as you got yourself equally as comfortable to really enjoy this. “I really look forward to this, s’ much easier to get through my days knowin’ I get to come see everybody here.”

You smiled at that, you felt like he was being genuine, he certainly seemed to enjoy his work. Almost seemed to thrive as he talked and worked himself up to full hardness, enjoying the stream of compliments and you added on to that, “The filthy thoughts I have had about that dick…”

That started a stream of people agreeing and adding their own lewd comments and all it did was make him grin, a twist of his wrist as he said, “Everyone is real cock hungry tonight.”

He is right of course, you all were.

Could he blame you though? Of course not. He knew how good he looked doing this.

He finally picked that toy back up and that is when Sweet-Bird-69 clued him and everyone else on why they chose that particular toy, you could set it up to be activated by tips and let the audience pay to control it. They’d seen other cammers use it and recommend that exact one and it had Bo saying, “No shit, sounds like a good time, everybody in to spend some real money tonight?

It was unanimous, the chat became filled with variations on the word “YES!”, tons of punctuation and emojis encouraging this choice. “Alright, alright, we can.”

With some helpful instruction once again from Sweet-Bird-69 it was set up in two minutes and everyone was given access. There was a few tiers, a few bucks would make the toy run for ten seconds, for a few more for twenty and then forty and so on, the prices were honestly fairly reasonable all things considered, and with such a quickly growing crowd everyone could chip in a bit and you would have a hell of a show on your hands.

Speaking of hands you should get yours involved and soon especially when he does something else that makes your heart nearly stop. Some nights, like tonight, he would do something extra to spice up the stream, a particular goal to hit to make something happen, he’d already picked out tonight’s before getting on, he was going to use a cock ring and it wouldn’t come off until a certain goal was reached.

This meant that he wasn’t going to cum until that goal was hit.

The cock ring was gorgeous, black and made of buttery smooth and strong leather, well taken care of and also, tight, once it was on there was essentially no hope of cumming until it came off. And the best part about it?

Was that YOU sent it.

You worked up the nerve to when he first got his PO box and he’d used it a few times and you loved whever he did, it made you feel special. It made it hotter knowing he was wearing something you bought him, he would comment on it, seemed to really like it, you were glad you splurged and went with your gut and sent it to him.

You watch enraptured as always when he put it on. Hand back around his cock, a few strong and steady pumps to make sure he was totally hard and really ready before putting it on. You watched those strong fingers adjust it and close the metal snap tightly and you almost wanted to groan from the view, it looked so fucking good on him.

“Muuuuch better, amiright?” He asked and you sent a message with a tip, “Yes, yes, yes, so much better.”

He took notice and called you out, “Hey you. Course you are here, I swear I snap this on and you come a runnin’.”

Again, he wasn’t wrong at all.

Your hand finally began to travel lower as he told you, “Thanks again sweetheart.” and your hand made contact and you almost bucked your hips into your touch upon the nickname leaving his lips.

You had it so bad for him.

He had that toy in his hand again and once the go ahead was given the tips started to come in and it buzzed to life, eyebrows raised slightly as he tested it in the palm of his hand, he wasn’t sure exactly what he was testing. He hadn’t used a toy like this previously, nothing that was battery powered or with a running motor. Not to mention usually he liked to test out toys in private before using them on stream, liked being totally in control, knowing what to expect and having that edge but the people want what they want and he wasn’t about to deny them.

His gaze flicked back to the chat, half smile as he asked, “We all ready?”

Another stream of 'yes' poured in and he set to work.

He brought that buzzing toy down and ran it down the length of himself and he had breathed a hair harder, he tried to not to let it show, schooling his expression but that sensation was certainly something different.

His other hand was resting lower, palm cupping his full balls and fingers holding the base near that cock ring to hold himself up as his other hand dragged it around himself. The feeling of it is more of a tease than anything, he is enjoying it but he has this handled, he is still acting like his usual smug self, when asked how it felt he said, “S’ good so far-”

He was taking it really easy so far, it was still early after all, circling the head of his cock slowly and you moan at the sight of it. He is starting to leak pre-cum and fuck, you wished you could lick it up, you bet he tasted great.

You and everyone else were enjoying what was going on, but then, again, beloved Sweet-Bird-69, drops another exciting tidbit of info. That amazing piece of information is, “You know that toy is meant for internal use.”

Oh no fucking way.

He plays it cool however as he says, “You don’t say?”

Now he wasn’t a stranger to ass play, he’s fingered himself, hell even on stream and he’s used plugs before but never anything like this, this was new territory.

He wasn’t one to back down from a challenge. He wasn’t scared of this, if anything doing this on cam would make it better, make him bolder and urge him on further.

So he reaches for the bottle of lube and says, “Shoot, can’t disappoint all you lovely folks, now can I?”

You felt giddy. Positively alight with excitement and arousal as you were touching yourself, watching the scene unfold before you, watch as he pours a generous amount of lube on his fingers. You watch as he adjusts his position, one leg up and hand coming down, slick fingers passed over himself and he can’t help how his lips part or his head tips back.

You could watch this for hours. Taking in the view as his first finger breaches himself, sliding in with ease, the way his hand moves with practised ease, sliding in and out, deeper and deeper before a second slick finger joins the first inside himself and his gaze catches the camera again. You know he isn’t really but hell it feels like he is looking right at you and when he asks, breathy and quiet and pleasure laced, “You like that?”

It has you groaning and sucking on your own fingers, something about watching Bo finger himself always made you want to do the same. Your tongue rolls between your digits, desperate to get them wet and bury them inside of yourself already.

Once you have your fingers inside yourself he is pulling his out of himself, toy back in hand and you watch with bated breath, more lube spread, the tips are going off again making the toy in his hand do the same. He tightens his grip on it to keep a good handle of it, pressing it against himself makes his hips buck back involuntarily, and he tries to will himself to keep his composure. A small internal pep talk to keep it together, he can’t let himself lose it like this so early on, it is just pressed to the rim of his hole and the vibrations make him want to shudder.

He takes a deep breath and pushes it in, slow, steady and the chat is not letting up, yourself included, another tip, another twenty seconds of vibration time piled on. You had the briefest thought wondering how much time it was going to run for, the time stacks doesn’t it? If someone pays for some time and then another person pays before that time is done and so and so forth more and more time get’s added and it just keeps going.

Fuck, this is gonna be so good.

The view is amazing, the way he is splayed out, slipping that toy deeper into himself, cock is hard and leaking? God, so good. And how his face and neck flushed, almost down to his chest, body seems so tense, pleasure is clear on his face and you wished you could take a picture of him like this to have always.

His breathing is laboured, he knew he was in trouble, it felt so good. He isn’t even touching his dick for Christsake and it feels- he is struggling to even find the word for it but eventually in the haze of sensation he settles on the word intense.

He wonders if those watching notice but he tries not to think on it too hard, he breathes deeply and pushes deeper, even with it still vibrating he manages to keep his hands from shaking somehow as he keeps it up, begins to move it back and forth.

You are two fingers deep in yourself, eyes glued to the screen, drinking him up. He seems to be struggling, not to take the toy, but to handle how good it feels.

That usual confidence you had become accustomed to, that particular smirk, was very obviously absent.

You aren’t complaining but it is different and then, you see his hand twist and he seemingly finds that perfect spot inside of himself and he can’t stop the gasp that spills from his mouth. “Oh shit-”

It has you saying the same thing, you curl your fingers as you watch him as his eyes squeeze shut, thighs tense further somehow as his mouth hangs open, in two minutes he is already panting.

He's done for.

The chat is going fucking crazy at this point, yourself included. Heaps of dirty talk, praise and compliments and money a plenty. “This is so hot.”

“He is NEVER like this, I fucking love it.” and “He needs to take it up the ass more often.”

You agree with all of them, this is on another level. He is moaning openly, rocking back, almost like he can’t control himself. His hips and hand working in tandem, a litany of curses leaving him, sticky pre-cum staining the sheets and his stomach as he grinds onto the mattress as he works his hips. He is getting hit from both sides, from the toy thrusting in, hitting that sweet spot and then from grinding his shaft on the bed. He looks like the picture perfect image of a slut, you can feel yourself getting close as you indulge in your own hands and the sights and sounds of him.

He can't deal.

He cannot handle this, it feels unreal, the pleasure is different, so deep, distracting, all consuming, he can’t think straight, certainly can’t control his body. The pleasure keeps building, his cock is so hard it hurts, he needs to cum so badly but with the tight cock ring locked in place he won’t be able to till it’s off.

Problem is it isn’t coming off until that goal he set at the start of this is reached.

He looks up, tries hard to focus his eyes and check the money coming in and he isn’t there yet, close, but not close enough. He whines, he actually whines and you stare in near disbelief at that. He is a panting, moaning and trembling mess, he moves, rolls to better face the camera, still working himself, fucking into himself with that vibe, hard and wet cock resting against his stomach.

God, if you were there to run your fingers through his happy trail and grip his cock in your own fist and be the cause of him shooting his load all over himself you could die fucking happy.

Then you are pulled from your thoughts when he is speaking again, something that isn’t an incoherent string of curses and moans, he is…

No way, is he fucking begging?

“Mmmf shit! Please, please, fuc- cah-can’t take it. Need ta cum, help me out? Pleas-” his sentence breaks off with another moan and a similar sentence starts up, begs of please and how he needs it so bad he can’t think straight. You are loving it, as is the rest of the audience.

He looks so pretty like this, submissive and writhing around, begging and almost gasping for air, you want to do so much to him, wishing you could be there to take advantage of him. "Please, please, m' goin' crazy-"

For now? The best you can do is toss some more money at him and help him reach that goal so you can at least see him cum spectacularly. "S' too fucking good, how's it so fucking good?"

You contribute some more, not even close to the limit you set for tonight’s spending but hey, every bit helps and you are ready, close enough yourself, you want to see him cum, he seems to have suffered long enough.

Everyone else must be thinking the same thing because that goal is hit and he groans out loud in relief, “Shit, thank you, thank you, fuck, fuck, fuck-” his hand that isn’t holding the toy reaches down and unsnaps the cock ring, hand wraps around himself and he furiously jerks his cock, less than three strokes and he is cumming.

As are you.

Thighs tense and you gasp out his name, hand jerking as your orgasm takes hold, tearing through you so hard it steals your breath as you watch. Bo has his head thrown back, loud and long moan released as he does. He shakes as he paints his own chest and stomach, one wayward shot even reaches his chin, his hands trembling, hips stuttering as he cums.

He is panting, weak, boneless, he cannot remember the last time he came that hard or that fast. The whole thing front to back was less than five minutes once he got the toy in, any shame or embarrassment from cumming so early doesn’t have a chance to set in however. And not just because you are all praising the fuck out of how good this was, but mostly because that toy is still inside and still connected and there are still people paying.

The toy isn’t stopping.

He can barely move let alone remove the toy, it's still buzzing with that delicious pattern. And he shifts, starts to struggle a little but can’t get his arms working right to remove it, overstimulation is starting to set in and it makes his situation worse.

His hips buck, he is still hard, cum is cooling on his skin and he can’t do a damn thing about it. You watch in utter delight as he is panting out, “Goddamn-wait, sl-slow down y’all I need ahhh, need a minute!”

You could tell he was trying to sound more serious but with how much he was moaning it was hard to do that.

No one was listening. It was early, people had money to burn and were far too into this and entertained to stop it. You watch him continue to fight it for a few more minutes until something else of interest happens, even more interest than the current scene, not an easy feat but it happens.

Another goal is hit and the toy’s speed increases and his whole body is taut yet again, cursing and squirming and his eyes go wide, “No-nooo fuckin’ way-” you aren’t sure what he means until less than a minute later he is cumming again.

This load is smaller than the first but it is clear and unmistakable, especially from how he is gripping the sheets and grunting like that. He is cumming hands free and the mess shooting out over his hip and the bed and no one can believe it, least of all him.

Tonight is turning out better than you could have ever hoped.

He is dying.

He needs it to stop, get the toy out, make it all stop, it’s too much, overwhelming. He moves again on his side to try and get the toy out with fumbling fingers sticky with his cum and lube but then his eyes catch those numbers.

His eyes go wide.

Twice his normal viewership on a Friday night and three times the amount of tips after a normal full night of streaming and he was only half way through the time he planned.

Maybe he could push through and keep this going, maybe he can tolerate it, maybe he can get used to this.

#Bo Sinclair X Reader #BHF writing #BHF asks #hersweetrevenge #Slasher X Reader #ENJOY THE FILTH

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barrysjumpsuit · 4 years ago

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the dark side - jj maybank x shoupe’s daughter, ch. 1

w/c: 1.9k

summary: catherine shoupe has the perfect life. when she gets hired by heyward to run groceries, she has a new coworker - jj maybank. as the deputy’s daughter, she can’t help but hate him. but when jj decides to bring her to the dark side and woo her over, cat not only has to hide her activities from her father, but also hide who she really is.

warnings: none for this chapter

a/n: i’m super excited for this! making it up as i go.... posting may be slightly delayed/irregular since i’m busy with working and moving but who knows i’ll probably waste my time and work on this more than i should

---

Cat’s feet and back ached, and the sun felt good on her cool skin as she stepped out of the overly air-conditioned grocery store she had been in since they opened that morning. She sat down on a bench in a shaded area between the store and a coffee shop, resting and enjoying her fifteen minute break.

The same thing. Every day, five days a week. Cat would be the opener for the grocery store, getting there at four in the morning and working until ten. It was smaller, a hippie fresh market type of place with fresh produce and organic products. Very Kook-y. It drew tourists and locals alike, as well as a bunch of people her age, working for grocery delivery services.

Morning shifts in the summer were nice because they drew more of the local crowd. The working class, like her, though still kooks. Moms grabbing their groceries after dropping their kids off at school, working professionals stopping by for premade sandwiches or donuts for their coworkers. That particular morning, her dad had stopped by for his own lunch and spent entirely too long chatting with her.

Cat enjoyed seeing people, asking them about plans for their days. She often suggested the best surfing spots and restaurants to the non-locals, while striking up easy conversations with the regulars that frequented the market in the mornings. After work she often took her brother out to the beach. It was her mission this summer to teach him how to surf. In the evenings, if her dad wasn’t working, she would help her mom cook dinner and they would have a big family meal. It was repetitive, but perfect and full of things and people she loved.

After her fifteen minute break was up, she went back inside, but her manager pulled her aside before she returned to her checking lane.

“Hey, Catherine, come see me in my office?” Mrs. Lee’s voice rang out.

There was a brief nervousness that made Cat’s stomach roll over, but it quickly vanished once she saw the smile on the store owner’s face. “So you know Heyward, right?”

“Of course,” she answered, smiling at the thought. She knew the man and his son well - they were always in and out, buying groceries for their customers. “He’s awesome. What about him?”

“He and I are partners now,” she continued, obviously excited about the development. “He’s looking to hire some new people to deliver groceries. I know you love being out on the water and talking to people, so I figured I’d ask to see if you were interested. It’ll come with a bump in your pay, too.”

“Yes!” she said, perhaps a little too eagerly. “I’m definitely interested. Does he want an interview?”

Mrs. Lee laughed. “He said if you were interested, you’re on board automatically. He knows you’re a good worker. I’ll call him and let him know and get back at you, okay?”

“Sounds good! Thanks, Mrs. Lee,” Cat said, smiling back at her before leaving her office.

Going back to her checking lane was almost bittersweet, knowing that lane three had been hers for almost two years. As soon as she flipped her light back on, a local came through, eagerly starting up a conversation and letting Cat know how his son was doing in the summer little league baseball series.

After she got off, she cranked the AC on in her car and began the drive home. The place was flooded with tourists, the summer season officially in full swing. She lived right off the main strip, which was fun and convenient, but could get annoying when anyone and everyone was there.

“Hey Cat!” her brother greeted her as she got home. He was sitting on the couch, watching TV.

“Hey Tyler! Want to go out for ice cream later?” she asked, and he nodded excitedly. “I’ll make us some lunch then we can go after that.”

“Okay!” she heard him respond as she jogged up the carpeted steps. She walked past her parent’s bedroom and then into hers, kicking off her shoes and changing into flowy shorts and a basic tee before going back downstairs to make lunch.

The rest of the day was pleasant and uneventful. After they ate lunch, she took Tyler to the ice cream place two blocks away. He got birthday cake while she got peppermint, enjoying the cool sensation on the hot day. They walked on the beach, her brother talking nonstop about the video game he was playing, while Cat smiled and faked listening.

She was really listening to the sound of the waves lapping at the store, and the voices of those who lounged on the beach. Some were playing in the ocean, some were playing games in the soft sand.

Her father was off work at six, so once they returned home, it wasn’t long until her mother got off work and they started prepping dinner. Cat’s mom was laid back, always smiling, which she loved. She left her work at the office, unlike her father.

Being the daughter of a sheriff’s deputy was odd. Cat didn’t mind it. There were rules in place, of course, but she hadn’t any urge to break them. There were people from her school out doing drugs and drinking most nights of the week, but Cat had never touched any of that. She had a curfew, but she didn’t really mind it.

Her dad got home right before dinner was ready. He pulled Cat towards him, kissing the top of her head before kissing her mom on the lips. “How are my ladies this evening?” he asked, grinning. A patch on his uniform read Shoupe in bold letters, and he was still fully clad in his uniform.

“Pretty good,” Cat answered, stirring the sauce that was simmering on the stove.

They made light conversation until her dad went to change out of his work clothes while Cat and her mom set the table and plated up dinner.

“How was work, Cat?” her dad asked when they were sat down and eating.

“It was good. The usual. But, I got a new job!”

“Oh?” her mom asked, taking a sip of wine and raising her eyebrows.

“Heyward and Mrs. Lee are working together now, and Heyward needs runners. So he wants me. I get a pay bump too.”

Cat was smiling, but it dropped when she saw her dad’s face. Her mom noticed too, casting him a glare, and he spoke. “That’s great, honey. But be careful, okay?”

She couldn’t help but roll her eyes. Her father hated her going near the Cut. Not that she had much reason or urge to, but she knew it could be rough down there. He often worked down there, on the south side of the island, and constantly told stories about shoplifting Pogues and underage drinking. “Dad, it’s Heyward’s. It’s basically Figure Eight.”

“I know, I’m just saying,” he said, raising his hands in surrender.

“Can you take me on the delivery boat sometime?” Tyler asked, luckily rerouting the conversation.

The issue was luckily dropped, but Cat still felt bad. She didn’t know why - she was seizing the opportunity, something her parents had always encouraged. Cat had been working ever since she was old enough. Her father always told her, a good work ethic is the most important thing you can have. They were urging her to save up for college, and now she was essentially being promoted.

Mrs. Lee had texted her during dinner. Heyward wants you to start tomorrow! Meet him at 9, wear whatever you want.

She responded to the text before settling down in bed with a book. At ten, before she went to bed, her father stepped into her room after knocking softly on her door.

“Hey, dad,” she said, and he walked over to sit on her bed. Cat pulled her feet up to give him some room and put her book down on her nightstand.

“I’m happy for you, Cat,” he said, smiling at her. “Just be careful, okay? With all the boat traffic now and going everywhere… Heyward’s a good guy. I trust him.”

“I will, dad. You know me. I grew up on the water.”

He smiled again. “Yeah, you did. Have fun tomorrow, okay? Good night.”

“G’night, dad,” she said as her father stood and left the room.

---

Cat woke up early, not used to getting to sleep in since she usually was at the grocery store before dawn. Her parents had already left for work, leaving Tyler in front of the TV as normal. She made a smoothie before changing into shorts and a t-shirt.

“Bye, Ty!” she called as she left the house at 8:30, closing the back door behind her before heading to her car.

It was about a 20 minute drive to Heyward’s from her house. When she got there, she quickly located him on the dock, filling a gas can. As she stepped onto the dock, he gave her a wave, and quickly hurried over.

Heyward gave her an impromptu ‘training’. How to read the orders, how to use the boat’s navigation. It was simple, and she knew most of the people who had put in orders for that day. “Right now I have two people who shop and two of you who run and deliver together, each day,” he was explaining. “Here’s your work shirt, I don’t give a damn what pants you wear as long as your ass isn’t hangin’ out.”

He thrust three t-shirts of different colors towards her, each with the Heyward’s logo printed on it before taking her into the office to discuss her pay and scheduling. Since she was already in the system, it went by quickly, and she ran her printed schedule to her car and slipped into her new work shirt before returning to the dock.

“There’s those sons of bitches getting back now,” he said, waving at two people who stood on a white boat pulling up to dock. “Catherine, go ahead and start carrying over the groceries in the cooler over there, time for your first run.”

She went inside the small building and started pulling bags out of the ice, full of produce and goods from her store. She noticed Heyward’s son, Pope, standing on the boat, and he held out his hands to take the bags from her to load.

“You working here now?” he asked, and she nodded. Cat had always liked Pope; they went to the same school until high school. He was quiet and witty, which she appreciated, and they had even sat together at lunch one year.

As soon as she finished handing Pope the groceries, she took his outstretched hand and climbed onto the boat.

“Hey Catherine!” she heard Heyward call. She turned to see him, grinning at her. “These are your new coworkers. Have fun.”

Pope grinned at her, but Heyward said coworkers. Plural.

A blond boy came into her line of sight, smirking. Cat’s heart sank as she recognized who it was, and she considered getting off the boat, but couldn’t bring herself to move or speak. It was someone she hadn’t seen in quite a while, and she was okay with that.

JJ was the first to speak up, his voice smooth and cocky. “Hey, kitty Cat, long time, no see.”

---

taglist: @letsgofullkook @stargazingstarkey @sortagaysortahigh @jjsmentalpolaroids @ims0golden @jjmaybcnks @shawnssongs @queenk00k @broken-jj

#jj maybank #outer banks #obx #outer banks fanfiction #jj maybank imagine #jj maybank fanfiction #deputy shoupe #daddy shoupe

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laxmankodadala · 19 days ago

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Seamless Collaboration: Top Team Tools for Small Business Success

Team members can no longer rely on one-on-one conversations with coworkers in today's modernising workplace, and sending important files or sharing every little detail via email—which can take a lot of time because of its protocol—to accomplish these tasks. Selecting business communication tools can be the finest choice because it enhances time management, team productivity, and collaboration in addition to communication.

Since social chat apps don't satisfy their needs, little and microbusiness owners resort to them since they think work chat platforms are too costly. An unexpected pandemic affliction compelled some to use them. However, some of the top products can offer superior services on a little price thanks to their subscription programs.

The following are some of the most effective communication tools for your business.

1. Troop Messenger

Troop Messenger is considered the best business communication apps, which can be used as a business messaging tool, work chat tool, and instant messaging tool for both office and remote work.

Troop Messenger shocked the market in a short amount of time, and many companies chose it after discovering its innovative capabilities, which are likely to be included in future updates of major applications or may not be present in apps available today.

Troop Messenger's thorough investigation led to the addition of new functions to the instrument, which is inexpensive and appropriate for use in any field. The military and NASA might exchange secret information using this safe and secure team texting tool.

Features

Remote screen sharing and controlling

Join Now, allows the user to join the missed group audio or video call while ongoing

Burnout

Live Location Tracking

Jointly Code

Advanced Search Filters

Forkout

2. Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams is a Microsoft-developed proprietary team communication tool that is part of the Microsoft 365 product line, and its users can have access to Office 365 plans through it. It is the appropriate collaboration tool if you use more Microsoft applications at work.

Features

Meeting Recordings

Screen sharing

All Microsoft 365 apps and services may be accessed with a single sign-on.

Cloud-based solution

100+ Participants capacity

3. Slack

In 2021, Salesforce acquired Slack Technologies, an American software startup that developed the exclusive team communication platform Slack. Startups may be interested in it due to its cost, and it might be a useful tool for workplace communication. Due to its corporate key management, two-factor authentication, data encryption, and other capabilities, it is a superior substitute for email services.

Features

Files sharing

Voice and Video calls

File sharing

Apps & Integrations

Slack Connect

4. Flock

Flock is a well-integrated enterprise communication tool with Twitter, Google Calendar, Trello, Jira, Google Drive, GitHub, and so on, which helps your team save time from switching between multiple tools.

Features

Well Integrated

Automate workflows

Polls

Notes

To-dos

Reminders

5. Twist

Twist was created to withstand the unique demands of contemporary work by a remote workforce consisting of more than 70 individuals across more than 25 nations. This team messaging platform allows users to follow the thread conversations of users who are at least one month old. For distant workers, this team communication solution is perfect. To make user cooperation simple, Jira Software, Google Drive, Pipedream, Google Calendar, and other tools are integrated.

Features

Organized conversations

Private Conversations

Thread Conversations

Well Integrated

Project Management

6. Ryver

With emails, group chat, task management, and audio & video calls, Ryver allows the users to handle team communication in ONE APP. Ryver provides a discount to non-profit organizations and educational institutions, making it a useful team communication tool for them.

Features

Well Integrated

Task Management

Advanced Team Management

Custom Invite Links

Unlimited file sharing

Conclusion

We believe our blog's content will help you choose the best technologies for team communication. Before choosing a chat tool, evaluate your company's needs and conduct market research on the tool's functionality, features, customer or user evaluations, and other aspects. Therefore, even though the tool doesn't meet your demands, you don't have to replace it.

#team communication #communication app #business communication tools #troop messenger #communication software

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leaddirectinc · 3 years ago

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WHY IT COMPANIES INVEST IN OUTSOURCE MARKETING?

Change is continuous and it is unavoidable. Every company experiences change and every organization must adapt to that change in order to preserve its market position. In order to effectively manage a business, one must be aware of the variables that might drive a company to change. Knowing the variables that drive change allows a business owner to make informed decisions, which in turn helps the business development and lowers the risk of losing money and other resources in the process. One of the identified variables is technology.

Businesses that want to remain competitive must constantly adapt and accept new technologies before they become obsolete. Otherwise, they risk losing ground and going out of business. A business leader should consider outsourcing IT services through managed services if he or she wants to guarantee this position.

IT businesses are battling more than ever to fulfill their business objectives, and many of them are taking on the load themselves. To meet the needs of small to midsize businesses while preserving process optimization and cash flow, professional outsource service providers have entered the market. Since company development is no easy task, many businesses have turned to outsource.

Outsourcing has shown to be the most reasonable answer to a variety of IT company challenges. Business owners may outsource services for a variety of reasons; however, not all are necessary problems. At times, business owners simply need resources to focus on their core business.

Top reasons why IT Companies should invest in Outsourced Marketing:

1. It reduces and controls operating costs

It is expensive to train and maintain a big in-house IT department. In the United States, the most basic tech support professionals make an average salary of $46,420 annually. Furthermore, Systems Analysts may earn upwards of $85,000 a year. Employing temporary IT tech personnel may result to disappointment due to the minimal commitment, both psychologically and financially. Hiring a firm devoted to delivering IT support services, on the other hand, provides highly qualified personnel at a fraction of the labor-related expenditures.

2. Efficiency

Outsourcing minor activities and time-consuming unskilled labor can also save time. Due to their overcrowded email inboxes, many C-level executives and managers find themselves weighed down by simple administration tasks. In order to invest where it counts, professionals are saving their brainpower. When top workers can do what they love, time, and energy savings are important tools for scaling and keeping them motivated.

3. Increase Profitablity

Sales, chat support, and customer success may be handled by an outsourced staff. This allows a firm to develop quickly while keeping expenses down. At this point, you may be asking yourself, "How does hiring additional employees translate into savings?" And the solution is rather straightforward. Contact centers are often located in low-wage nations. Businesses can grow their workforce through outsourcing at a cheaper cost than recruiting locally.

4. Lessen IT costs

Costs associated with installing IT infrastructure consisting of network servers and other components such as security, storage, and a whole host of other components are expensive. Fixed IT expenditures are converted into variable costs when IT system support is outsourced, giving you more flexibility in your financial planning. It's a great way to save money. In addition, maintaining and servicing such a system often costs more than the initial investment, thus outsourcing makes sense.

5. There is a lower risk of micromanagement

For example, by relying on outsourcing, you may free up your time to manage the company. You'll be able to keep your company on track to achieve its goals, uncover major opportunities, and detect prospective dangers long before they become a serious problem. It’s now apparent why firms desire to outsource their work processes. That early adopters were on to something decades ago is clear from these advantages. In fact, it's surprising that the practice hasn't caught on sooner.

6. Increasing the level of competition

In order to execute and manage all IT work in-house, companies are often forced to spend substantially more money on research and development, as well as implementation. Two difficulties arise for the firm as a result of this: increased costs and increased time. As a result, the company's product pricing is less competitive as a result. Others move faster than they do, reducing their competitiveness by delaying the introduction of new products.

Customers of diverse backgrounds have benefited from LeadDirect's Multi-Lead strategy and outsourcing campaign, which has been proven to be effective and efficient in the business process. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you're having trouble with your business right now. With LeadDirect, you can't go wrong.

More information can be found by following this link: https://www.linkedin.com/company/leaddirect-inc

#outsourcingservices outsourcemarketing marketing marketingstrategy marketing101 marketingconsultant b2cmarketing b2bsales b2bleadgeneration

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horrorkingdom · 4 years ago

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Creepy pasta

The Seer of Possibilities

Sometimes, otherworldly beings find interesting ways to try and contact you. They might use a Ouija Board, or maybe come to you in a dream, or sometimes they speak through another person. They each have their own style and preference that’s particular to them. The one who contacted Jack spoke to him through his computer, or, I guess you could say the communication was through onscreen text. The first time it happened, Jack had been sitting at his computer playing Solitaire. A blinking red light from the router indicated that his internet connection was down again. This was at least a weekly occurrence, and Jack was getting used to this spotty internet service. As he moved his cards, the game faded into a solid black screen and the red text appeared.

“Hi Jack, I need a favor from you. You’re a very special person and I know you’ll help me. I can’t ask this of just anyone. I really need your help.”

Jack paused for a second. The router light was still blinking red. “Is this some sort of joke?” He couldn’t help but wondering.

Several moments later the message continued, “Yes Jack, I know this is weird for you. But I don’t want you to worry. This is just a small, easy favor I need. I’ll make sure you’re rewarded.”

Now nearly in a panic, Jack reached around and pulled the internet cable completely from the wall.

“Still here, Jack. I don’t want to waste any more of your time so I’ll get right to what I need. Tomorrow when you go to work I need you to move the large potted plant that’s next to the elevator on the ground floor. All you have to do is pull it out three inches from the wall. If you do it at 8:17am nobody else will be in the area.”

Jack sat there, refusing to respond, still trying to figure out what was happening.

The writing continued, “Look Jack, I’m asking you because I KNOW you’ll do it. You won’t let me down. You’re special. We’ll talk tomorrow.”

Jack pulled the power cord from the wall and the computer went blank. “Did that really just happen?” he thought.

Still shaking from the experience, he took a warm shower and got ready for bed, convincing himself that he’d either had some crazy dream or that is was just some elaborate joke. But who would play that kind of joke on him? He didn’t really have friends, or enemies.

He woke up the next morning feeling refreshed. Work would start at 8:30am, and Jack was never late. He pulled into the parking lot at 8:10am. Normally he’d just go right in, but the message had told him to move the plant at 8:17am. Was he really going to do it? Overnight, Jack’s fear had turned into curiosity. Let’s say he moved the plant, he wouldn’t be doing anything wrong or illegal, right? In Jack’s mind, the most reasonable course of action was to move the plant. He’d do it, nothing would happen, and he’d be able to put this whole crazy matter behind him. One minute before 8:17 Jack left his car and walked towards the building. He entered the foyer at the exact time he was supposed to. The message was right, nobody else was around.

“Odd,” Jack thought. The building was normally busy this time of morning, but this temporary lull had been accurately predicted.

“Fine! Let’s see what happens,” Jack muttered to himself.

He walked up to the large potted plant placed firmly between the two elevators in the lobby of the ten story building. The plant looked like it was fake, a decoration people passed every day without really noticing. It was heavier than Jack realized. He put some might into his effort and pulled the plant out three inches to his best estimate. He stood back and looked at the plant, then looked around the lobby. People were coming in behind him now and the lobby was starting to fill up again. Nobody seemed to notice the plant was in a slightly different location, nothing seemed different at all. Jack skipped the next elevator and waited, waited for…something. But nothing happened. Finally Jack entered the elevator and made it to his 7th floor cubicle, on time like always.

If you ever asked Jack’s coworkers to describe him, you’d hear words like polite, quiet, respectful, and competent. And while those words were all accurate, they gave little indication of the truth, the truth that Jack really didn’t like most people. That’s not to say he disliked them, just that he had very little interest in getting to know them or being their friend, save for one. Allie, the girl who sat two cubicles down from him, was the only person he wanted to know more about. With her big smile, blonde hair, and beautiful figure, Jack was very interested in learning all about her. Despite his lack of success with women in the past, he was actually doing a fair job getting to know her. Every morning as he passed her cubicle, he’d stop for a chat. The chats were one minute at first, then two minutes, then several minutes. Jack was surprised that she actually seemed to like him.

On this particular morning, their daily conversation lasted only a couple of minutes. As they exchanged their morning greetings and talked about Allie’s wild night out, the elevator doors opened up behind them. Out hobbled James Bentley, the boss of both Jack and Allie.

James’ loud complaining could be heard throughout the office, “My damn foot!”

“What happened, James?” came the mumbled queries.

“It’s that damn plant they have in the lobby. I ran right into it and twisted my ankle.”

“James, you can barely walk. You need to go to the hospital,” came Allie’s concerned reply.

“Can’t do it now. I have meetings all day. Too important to cancel. I’ll just have to tough it out.”

Jack, feeling stunned, left Allie’s cubicle mid conversation and sunk down into his chair. It was his fault, he was sure of it. How could he have been so stupid and careless? Still, no use in worrying about it now. A twisted ankle would heal, everything would be alright.

Upon his return home, Jack went immediately to his computer and turned it on. As soon as the computer booted up, the screen went black and a new message popped up.

“How was your day, Jack?”

He sat there, staring at the screen, not knowing how to answer. The message on the screen continued, “Actually, I know how your day was, but never let it be said that I’m not polite. You’re wondering what’s going on. You want to know why James Bentley had to twist his ankle. Well Jack, this chain of events isn’t done playing out. I don’t want to tell you too much too soon, but this will all make sense to you in short order. Just go to work tomorrow like you normally do. Don’t worry about a thing Jack. You’ll be rewarded. You’re special. Talk to you tomorrow.”

Jack sat back in his chair. What was going on? Who was this was sending him messages? Jack’s curiosity was fully engaged, and he was almost a bit excited to see what would happen next.

The next morning at work started off as any ordinary day. Jack noticed that the plant had been pushed back fully against the wall, probably by the night cleaning crew. James Bentley showed up shortly after lunch, hobbling into the office on his one good foot.

“Man this foot is killing me,” Jack could overhear him say, but apparently James still had a meeting he didn’t want to miss. It wasn’t until around 3 o’clock that Jack saw him again. James, who always seemed to prefer Allie over others, came limping up to her cubicle.

“Allie, you’re not doing anything right now, are you?”

“Um, no. Nothing that can’t wait until tomorrow I guess.”

“Good, could you please drive me to see my Doctor? I probably should’ve gone yesterday, but I just couldn’t get away. This pain is just killing me right now and I don’t think I can drive myself, I barely made it here this morning and I don’t think I can even push the gas pedal right now. We can take my car if you want.”

“Yeah that’s fine James, I don’t have a problem taking you.” Turning to Jack she said her goodbye, “See you tomorrow, Jackie.” She put on her coat and slowly followed James as he struggled down the hallway. She gave a half turn and a shrug in Jack’s direction, with a little smile as she walked away. Jack felt even lonelier than normal when she was gone.

It was ten minutes later that they all heard the crash. It was preceded by the loud horn of an 18 wheeler and screeching brakes. The collision itself was a sickening thud of two large metal object colliding. Even on the 7th floor it was loud. The office workers gasped and ran to the windows.

“Is that James’ car?” One of them asked.

“Hard to tell from up here,” someone responded, “It’s so banged up.”

The horrifying implication of what’d just happened came to Jack immediately.

“No, no, no,” he though. “This can’t be true.”

Shaking all the way, he ran to the elevator and went to the ground floor along with several others from the office. Some of them were crying. As they joined the growing crowd around the scene of the accident, Jack could hear the far off sound of emergency sirens. Looking past the gawkers, he could see that the 18 wheeler had hit James’ car broadside, its driver had been thrown out onto the pavement where he lay motionless. James was sitting in the passenger seat of his car, motionless but with a surprised look on his bloody face. Jack couldn’t tell if he was alive or dead. The driver’s side, where Allie was seated, had taken the hit. The space she’d been occupying had been compacted to a third of its original size. Allie’s head was smashed open and her twisted body was broken and battered. The crowd was stunned. Tears, screams, sirens; that was all Jack could hear. Without going back inside the building, Jack ran to his car and drove home, angry and sad.

He made the journey home and to his computer. There the machine sat, he wanted to turn it on, but was afraid of what he’d find out. Was he really the one responsible for Allie’s death? The whole chain of events had started with him. He knew he was to blame. Jack reached for the power button, and then pulled his hand back. Finally, after several minutes, he found the mental strength to turn it on. The screen flickered and then went black, and the familiar text started appearing on the screen.

“No Jack, it’s not your fault. I know you’re blaming yourself. But all people die eventually, some just sooner than others.”

Jack stared at the screen. He resisted the urge to throw the monitor to the ground.

After a moment, the writing continued, “Jack, I’m going to tell you something, and I really need you to seriously consider everything I’m about to say. You thought you were in love with Allie. The truth is, you just wanted to fuck her. And please excuse my language, but every once in a great while it’s best to be blunt. Jack, she wasn’t the one for you. She would’ve made your life miserable. Yes, you would’ve eventually found the courage to ask her out. She actually was interested in you. She thought you’d make a good “project.” Sad really, for her, not for you. I want you to think back to all the things she told you. Why did her last boyfriend break up with her?”

“Because she cheated on him,” Jack mumbled under his breath.

“Because she cheated on him, Jack. The same thing she would’ve done to you. She would’ve made you happy for about 2 months, and then miserable for the next 4 years. Sneaking around, laughing at you behind your back, spending all your money. Once you finally got rid of her, you would’ve been so jaded that you’d never date again. This is true Jack. I see all future possibilities, the ones that come to pass and the ones that don’t. You’ve seen how she really is Jack, but you let your lust for her blind you to the truth. Together, you and I have made sure you avoided that path. One more thing Jack, this isn’t done playing out yet. There’s more to come.”

“No! Fuck you! You killed her!” Jack screamed and threw the monitor from the desk. It landed on the floor and sparked out.

Jack got barely any sleep that night, and the next day he wasn’t sure he wanted to go to work, but the last words he’d been told had piqued his curiosity, and his anger had somewhat subsided. No work was done that day at the office. The company brought in grief counselors, people shared their thoughts, they cried, they hugged. James had actually survived the accident, but was in a coma. The doctors thought he might recover eventually, but nobody was really sure.

Late in the afternoon, Jack was approached by Diego Salbara, the head of the division. Diego was blunt and upfront, and he offered James’ position to Jack. Technically it would be a temporary promotion, but James wouldn’t be back any time soon. Diego promised him that the promotion would be made permanent once enough time had passed.

“Let’s keep this low key for now.” Diego told him. “I know it might seem quick, but the Lancaster project James was working on can’t be stopped. It’s too important to the company. I need someone in charge right away, this can’t wait.”

Stunned, Jack accepted the promotion. He left work with a strange mixture of feelings, not really sure how he felt about anything. On his way home, he stopped at the electronics store and bought a new monitor. He made it home and powered up the computer. Once again the writing came on the screen.

“Jack, I want to be the first one to congratulate you! I’m proud of what you’ve accomplished.”

Jack stared at the screen.

“Jack, I have to ask your forgiveness because haven’t introduced myself yet. I’m called the Seer. Like I told you before, I see what will be, and I see what can be. It’s a very powerful gift I have. But you know what, Jack? For all my power, I still can’t do anything corporeal. I can predict, I can see, and with enough effort, I can even communicate. But I don’t have a body, that’s something that was taken from me a long, long time ago. That’s why I need you Jack. I’m an artist of sorts, an artist of human manipulation. You’ll be my paintbrush and my canvas. I want you to work with me Jack. It’s all very simple, just perform simple tasks for me, from time to time.”

Jack was becoming more and more curious.

“And Jack, before you give me an answer, I want you to know a couple of things. First off, I’ll never lie to you. Secondly, I’ll never ask you to do anything which, taken by itself, is wrong or illegal. Yes, bad things will result, and sometimes people will die. But they’re going to die eventually anyways, right Jack? And the bad will always be balanced out by something good happening to you.”

Jack winced at this last idea, but he fought the urge to turn the computer off. The Seer was right. Everyone would die eventually, why not let something good come of it? And what about never lying to him? If he’d known at the time that Allie was going to die, he’d have never gone through with the original favor. But as he thought more about it, he realized The Seer hadn’t lied to him, but had only withheld information. Still, Jack wondered if he could trust The Seer.

“Work with me Jack, together we’ll make incredible things happen. I’m just asking you to perform little tasks from time to time. Oh, but these little tasks will have great consequences! They’re going to be beautiful Jack, and they’ll always end with a reward for you. That’s the beauty of my art, one single task produces something bad and something good. Oh, one last thing Jack, I can see you’re having trouble with this. If I stopped talking to you right now, it would take you about two weeks to decide to join me. But you know what Jack, you WOULD join me. That’s right, you’re going to say yes. So instead of waiting, why don’t you just say yes to me now? Let’s get started Jack. And when all this is over, you’re going to thank me. I promise you.”

Jack considered what The Seer had just said. His initial feeling of revolt was slowly fading. He paused, and then for the first time, he placed his fingers on the keyboard and responded directly to The Seer. “What do you want me to do next?”

_____________________________

As years passed, Jack did every favor the Seer asked of him, and as the Seer had promised, Jack was rewarded for his actions each time. The rewards often came in unexpected and interesting ways. One of the more memorable experiences for Jack happened about 2 years after he first agreed to help the Seer.

“Jack, I need you to go downtown tomorrow,” the Seer requested. “Enter Garmin’s Liquor at exactly 12:37pm. A man will ask you a question. The answer you’re to give him is ‘twenty seven.’”

As always, the Seer’s instructions were simple and direct, yet mysterious. The next day, as requested, Jack entered the store. In front of him, a burly construction worker was at the counter filling out a lottery playslip.

“Let’s see here,” said the construction worker, “My birthday, that’s the 15th, my wife’s birthday, that’s the 24th, and my kids’ ages, two, ten and thirteen.”

The man scratched his head and looked around, zeroing in on Jack, “Hey buddy! I need another number. Ya got one for me?”

Jack smiled, “Twenty seven.”

“Really? I was thinkin’ bout playin’ thirty five. But ya know what? I like your face, let’s go with twenty seven!”

With that, the man completed his slip and paid for his lottery ticket. “See ya, pal!” he said happily and he patted Jack on the shoulder on his way out the door.

Jack tried not to put any more thought into what would happen to this man. “Just let these things play out, Jack. You’ll never guess how things end up, so just let yourself be surprised,” the Seer had advised him. Still, it was impossible not to wonder about these things from time to time. He knew, considering the way the Seer worked, there was no way possible that he’d actually helped this man. But giving him a losing lottery number? That was too simple for the Seer. And he couldn’t imagine he’d actually given him a winning number. So that’s how Jack was surprised, when two weeks later, he ran into the same man again, this time at the grocery store.

“Hey buddy! It’s you! I remember you! Check it out, I won!” Indeed, the man looked like a million dollars. Wearing new clothes, a new gold watch, and a big goofy smile, the man walked right up to Jack.

“I didn’t think I’d ever see you again, but I’m glad you’re here. I coulda never won without you. Hey, lemme buy these groceries for you. No wait, that’s not good enough for you, you’re my good luck charm. Always gotta treat people right, that’s what my mom says.”

Reaching into his pocket, the man removed his checkbook and promptly wrote Jack a check for ten thousand dollars. “It’s the least I can do for my good luck charm.”

After thanking the man, and feeling a bit confused by the whole thing, Jack raced home to his computer. After turning it on, the Seer’s writing appeared on the screen. “Well Jack, how does it feel to be ten thousand dollars richer?”

“It feels good. But I can’t help but wonder, we’ve never helped anyone before. Why are we starting now?” Jack asked that question with a tinge of guilt. He never liked to admit that people were being hurt by his actions, but in this case his curiosity overwhelmed any latent feelings of guilt.

“Oh Jack, we haven’t helped anyone. Yes, that man is happy now, but he’ll have lost every last penny within two years. You saw it for yourself, he just gives money away. Old friends, lost relatives, they’re all going to come asking him for money. And there will be some very bad investments as well. The stress of losing everything is going to cause his wife to leave him. She’ll take the kids too. He’ll be alone and broke, a ruined man who would have been much better off if he’d never won. You needn’t feel bad Jack, it’s the man’s own stupidity and greed that will do this to him.”

Jack felt some regret, but the Seer’s rationalizing, and focusing on his own reward, always put him at peace in the end.

Through the years, no two tasks were ever alike. Sometimes the effects of his actions were direct and easy to see, other times they caused a chain reaction so complex that he simply could not follow it.

“Go to the County Administrator’s building, park in space number 43 at 4:47pm.” came one such request. Jack did so, and two months later he met Donna, with whom he fell in love and ended up marrying. He wouldn’t have even known the two events were even related if he hadn’t asked the Seer about it.

“Jack, when you parked in that space, you caused the person who would’ve parked there to park in a different spot, but she bumped the car next to her. She barely made a scratch, but she called her insurance agent anyway, causing him to leave the office late. He missed his train home, and while waiting for the late train, he was mugged and stabbed, he’ll never fully recover. The muggers took his credit cards and used them…..and Jack, I could keep going with this, but there’s another twenty three people involved. Sometimes these favors are going to be very complicated, but let’s just say your action ultimately caused Donna to be in the exact right place for you to meet her.”

Jack’s relationship with the Seer grew. Though remaining mostly mysterious, the Seer divulged enough information over time so that Jack could get a generalized understanding of the Seer’s history. From historical references, Jack knew the Seer was thousands of years old. When still alive, the Seer had been a powerful fortune teller and artist, who foretold future happenings through paintings. A foolish king, who misinterpreted the Seer’s prediction and lost a battle as a result, had the Seer executed. Unencumbered by physical senses, and existing in a lonesome void, the Seer’s abilities expanded exponentially. Finally learning to communicate with the living, the Seer began reaching out to those who would respond, including Jack. And of course, the Seer knew everything about Jack. In all, it was as much of a friendship as one can have with a dead person. And Jack was grateful to the Seer too. He had a nice job, a nice house, a beautiful wife, and people respected him. He was happy, which is something he never really felt before the Seer contacted him.

Twelve years in total passed, twelve good years for Jack. Task after task was completed, usually about one every month. Jack, sitting in the office of his large rural house, was contacted by the Seer once again.

“Hi Jack, I have a favor to ask of you. This one’s the easiest yet, you don’t even have to get up. Call Riago’s Pizza in exactly two minutes, let the phone ring three times, then you can hang up.”

Jack smiled, nice and easy. He no longer wondered about how these tasks would play out. He trusted the Seer and simply did as he was told. Jack made the call, exactly two minutes later.

The quietness of the household was broken 30 minutes later by the ringing doorbell. “That’s odd,” Jack thought. Neither he nor Donna were expecting anyone. Jack looked out the peephole and saw a pizza deliver boy. The logo on his cap said “Riago’s Pizza”.

Jack opened the door. “Here’s your pizza,” said the boy as he thrust it into Jack’s hand.

“But I didn’t order this.” Jack argued.

“Look, I don’t give a damn if you ordered it or not. Mr. Riago told me to take it here, so that’s what I’m doing.” the delivery boy argued, as he looked increasingly annoyed and spat in the bushes.

Jack looked at the boy in front of him. He looked to be about seventeen years old, but the most noticeable thing about him was his size, he was huge. Probably about six and a half feet tall, and very muscular.

“It’s already paid for by credit card, just take it, because I’m not driving it back.” The boy put out his hand for a tip.

“I, I don’t have any cash on me.” Jack told the truth.

“Whatever,” came the disgusted reply. The boy looked past Jack into the house, then turned and walked slowly to his waiting car, looking over his shoulder as he walked.

Jack closed the door and took the pizza to the living room, where Donna was watching TV. After explaining what had happened, he excused himself to go to his office, promising to return shortly.

Donna opened the pizza and took a piece. “Come back soon sweetie, this pizza’s got all your favorite toppings on it.” Donna giggled as she took a bite.

Arriving at his computer, the Seer’s words appeared on the screen. “Confused, Jack? Don’t be. Your neighbor down the road ordered the pizza. Mr. Riago told that boy the correct address, but a ringing phone made it difficult for him to be heard clearly. Still, give the boy credit, he got the street right at least.”

“So my reward is a pizza?” Jack typed, a little confused.

“Yes Jack, your reward is a pizza, and also the chance to spend a little time with your wife. Go down there, share the pizza, enjoy it. When you’re done, make love to Donna. That’s not one of your tasks, that’s just some advice I think you should follow. Oh, by the way, your neighbors who ordered the pizza are arguing right now, over the silly fact that the pizza didn’t arrive. Some of the things people argue over amaze me, they really do. Their fight is going to get very heated, but you don’t need to worry about that. Go, enjoy your night.”

Jack followed the Seer’s advice, cuddled with Donna as they enjoyed their meal, then made love to her on their big, comfortable living room couch. Donna fell asleep on the couch shortly after 11:00pm. Jack lay there awake, this latest favor, it just felt odd. Carefully extracting his arm from under Donna, Jack left the living room and headed upstairs. Sitting down at the computer, Jack typed, “Are you there?”

“Yes Jack, I’m actually always here. I’ve been waiting for you to come back. That pizza delivery boy. He’s quite a specimen, isn’t he?”

Jack looked quizzically at the screen.

The seer continued, “He’s a horrible employee. He was hired only three days ago and already Mr. Riago wants to fire him, but as a physical specimen, he’s strong, fast, and VERY observant. For example, he noticed that you didn’t lock the front door after he delivered your pizza.”

“What?” Jack said aloud as he started to get up.

“Sit down Jack. I need to tell you something important, and locking the door now won’t change your situation.”

Jack slowly took his seat again at the computer, looking behind himself as he did so.

“You see Jack, it’s true that I never lied to you. Everything I’ve ever told you is 100% honest. But yes, I’ve withheld certain facts. You see, I told you that every task causes something bad to happen to someone else and something good to happen to you, but there’s a third thing. There’s an ultimate goal that each task was working toward. Remember Allie? Of course you do. What you probably don’t remember about her is that she was helping to pay her brother’s way through college. When she died, he had to drop out. He was going to be a great psychologist, but now he works in a factory instead. That’s really too bad for our pizza delivery boy, he could’ve used a good therapist a few years ago, but that good therapist wasn’t there for him, instead he got some Freudian quack. And remember our lottery winner? Yes you do. He was a neighbor to our pizza boy, after he lost all his money of course. He beat the boy senseless after the boy jumped into the street in front of his car. Quite a traumatic memory for our young lad. And his mother didn’t care about that incident, didn’t protect the boy at all. She couldn’t, not after using all the drugs given to her by her boyfriend, who happened to be one of the muggers who robbed that insurance agent. He bought the drugs with the money he made from the robbery. Do you see now the scope of my artistry?”

Jack sat, glaring at the monitor. He wanted to get up, to check on Donna, but he was too scared to move.

The Seer continued, “Jack, you’ve done over a hundred tasks for me, and each one has served an ultimate purpose, to psychologically destroy this boy, turn him into a monster, and to bring him here tonight. Don’t you see Jack? This involved tens of thousands of people, and billions of possibilities. If you had failed to complete even one of the tasks, the whole chain would’ve collapsed. This was orchestrated by me, and set in motion by you. Together we’ve done something wonderful, this is a masterpiece of human manipulation. Our masterpiece. And it all begins and ends with you, two perfect points in time. Tonight, wrong address, no tip, this poor boy finally snapped. He’s downstairs right now. He’s slitting Donna’s throat, at this exact moment.

Jack could hear a short, muffled scream coming from the living room, followed by a gurgling noise.

“No!” Jack screamed and stood up, starting to run downstairs.

“Jack, stop!” The voice startled Jack. It was inside his head. For the first time, the Seer was talking to him directly. It was a pleasant voice, a feminine voice. “You can’t do anything, she’s already gone. He’ll be coming for you shortly, and you can’t stop him.”

“But why?” Jack cried with tears welling up in his eyes.

“It’s not an artistic masterpiece if it doesn’t begin and end with you, Jack.” Her voice was soothing. “I want you to appreciate the fact that I’m talking to you directly. This requires all of my energy, and as a result, I’ll have to rest for several years before I can contact anyone again. That’s how special you are to me. Please don’t feel bad about this, Jack. I want you to take a moment and enjoy our accomplishment as much as I do.” The voice paused briefly, and then continued. “Do you know what Jack? If I’d never contacted you, you would have lived for eighty five years. Eighty five boring, meaningless, and bitter years. And when you died, nobody would’ve been at your funeral. I gave you twelve great, meaningful years. You were happy, and together we did something beautiful, something unique.”

Jack paused a minute and considered his twelve years of happiness, and his tears of sorrow mixed with tears of joy. He turned and looked at the computer, while behind him, the massive hulk of the demented delivery boy appeared in the doorway, a bloody knife in his left hand.

On the screen, the last words from the Seer appeared, “Don’t you have something to say to me, Jack?”

Jack wiped his tears, and absorbed everything the Seer had just told him.

As the hulk started stepping closer to him, Jack said mouthed his final words, “Thank you.”

Credit To – Thomas O.

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