#my housemate keeps bringing guys over without letting me know... like damn dude some warning would be nice

[cosmogenous]

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[2dmenarewonderland]

Damages. (part 3)

Close RP Part 1  / 2 / 3

William’s POV

Ah finally! The fresh office meat has arrived to sign her contract after what feels like a week in the working world but has only been 24 hours. Keen to get Scottie King on the payroll and working asap as of this coming Monday morning; my eyes, as well as the two sets from the people who sit and stand around my desk flash up at the pretty brunette who I’m convinced will be a good fit here. Gaze tracing her over once more as it did identically at the end of our interview time together, I shoot a disappointed look at April who’s acting as a current receptionist on top of everything else I expect from her and due to the comment from Ms King, make it clear that being slack won’t be tolerated.

“Reed, what do I pay you for again?”

Sensing that there’s a definite tension fuelled from frustration between my previous mentee and I, Noah steps in; cordially ending the time together we had pre-organised to go over stocks, shares and investments for the company as well as dividends and offers to take Ms King through to HR which should still be on the clock.

“I’ll see you on Monday at 8 sharp Ms King; and be careful of Noah”, I called out as a playful warning, “He’s cute but he bites.”

Noah’s POV

Eyes rolling at what’s just been said, if Will won’t be a people person when it comes to inter-work-related matters, the least I can do is clear up the loose ends. Holding the office door open for Ms King whose resume I had the pleasure of reading over earlier in the morning only to find out later on that she had been hired without confirmation or discretion; it’s a ‘just this way’ mentioned as I lead her through to HR.

“Not that I should have to say this, but from time to time – you’ll have to ignore the idiocy which leaks from Will’s mouth. If he were real – even God couldn’t grant that moron a filter to save him.”

Finding the worker who’s got Ms King’s contract, I skim over it, ensuring that all three partners have signed where required before mentioning that a salary negotiation is had after a 3 month probationary period in which she should eagerly conciliate as she begins to sign her life away. For a woman in her position, it shouldn’t be hard, if she performs well to change a few figures in her wage.

“I’d offer you the standard office tour and remind you that everything that happens in between the walls of Black Brokers is strictly confidential but it’s a Friday now almost after 7 and I get the impression a woman like you has a better place to be or even other plans already in the works. Let me though, point out that the desk over there by the window is yours – feel free to bring some character to it.”

It’s rather casual as I ask if Scottie has any questions and that she can come to either Will or myself for issues seeing now as our third partner is on vacation and further at the end of next week – leaving. Gesturing toward the lifts; it’s a swipe of my employee card which opens up one on priority and, extending an arm I hold the doors open as Scottie takes a step in.

“If you drive, let the concierge know that you’re employee 6626 and they’ll valet your car for you. Otherwise, enjoy your weekend Ms King. I look forward to starting work with you on Monday.”

Playful smirk and watching as the lift doors lock shut, it’s a harsh sounding slap that echoes throughout the office and I wonder, what the heck happened for that kind of reaction.

April’s POV

Hand stinging, the fact that Meyer’s smirk is still on his face just goes to prove that the slap wasn’t hard enough. Frowning, it’s a lean forward over his desk to convey annoyance as I ramble off the list of frustrations and expectations which have led to this outburst.

“You want a secretary, administrationist, receptionist, slave, maid, office-keeper… hire one or give me a god damn raise. I’m over 17 hour days which end without a mere acknowledgement for all the work I do and have neither the time nor patience to listen to your cocky attitude and snide remarks.”

“How long have you wanted to slap me?” The question throws me off for a second, yet I’m straight back on it to answer, “How long have we known each other for now?”

“Eleven years…”

“Yeah, that sounds about right.”

Up and leaving the paperwork I was going to process and file on Will’s desk figuring now with the mood that I’m in that it can wait until Monday morning (although I know and am lying to myself that I won’t be on over the weekend because lets face it – this is my world currently), I leave without a goodbye or ‘have a nice weekend’ which was my usual phrase for a Friday and grab my handbag from the reception desk before swiping myself out.

I need a drink. A hard drink; and maybe something or someone to help me let off steam.

Scottie’s POV

The tone of William’s voice definitely sets tension in the air but the other eye candy steps in and spares me from the office drama that I should not be involved till next week. Getting a just as bad as Meyers vibe from Noah, I mostly nod and smile at his words for time like this is better to say less but observe more. I believe April would be more than happy to bitch about the horrible and moronic bosses that she works for on Monday.

Box of beer, chips in hands and movie marathon would totally do the trick in cheering up my stubborn housemate, perhaps a week of breakfast too. Back home and see Kyle on the couch, flipping channels without acknowledging me, I show my bribe and flop next to him. “If you don’t want to hear me out, that’s fine but at least give me some time, you’ll see, it’s not that bad.”

“They are corporate, the higher up in power, the top of food chain who feeds on the weak.”

“Dude…”

“You hate them or you used to!”

“Kyle, you should know by now not everything is black and white.”

“I know enough that they always play the grey area! Not only you waste a law degree and the capability to help the ones in need, you sit behind your little desk and play secretary. Now, you work for the bad guys.”

“Charlie works in law firm!!”

“And when was the last time I speak to my brother!”

“Kyle… just… look… Here, drink and we will talk this over.”

“No, I will take my drinks elsewhere!”

Great, his is going to start silence treatment till I yield.

Kyle’s POV

The bar is hot and close, a rather huge contrast to the cold winter and distant friend whom I couldn’t quite recognize base on the conversation we’ve had 10 minutes ago. Every booth is taken by groups, loners are all seated by the bar table which is also obviously where I belong. A haze of human generated heat hangs in the air, reeking of perfume, aftershave and of course alcohol. The place vibrates with energy, laughter and live music pulsing through the low hum of many voices.

A wave, order and arrival of my first shot, it’s the sound of my glass simultaneously hitting the table with another glass that causes my eyes to look up and meet with a brunette who is just as frustrated as me. “Long day too huh?”

Tap to get another shot, my brows raised to suggest another round and we end up losing count of shots, glasses and bottles in front of our faces. Chattering noises grow in the back yet without much exchange, we simply keep drinking as if to purge of all thoughts. My eyes begin to trace up and down my drinking buddy of the night, fit, well put together in executive outfit yet clearly unhappy like any other regular folks in town which I once swear not to become and here I’m drinking my sorrow friendship irritation away on a Friday night.

Being out of character, I lean in and whisper into her ear, lips grazing her soft hair. “Do you want to get out of here?”