“CRACKED ICE” by Leora Tozer © 2013 Part 9.5 {Week 2, Tuesday afternoon}
I felt as though a lot of
work was completed this morning. Art and Leo left for lunch and for their usual
afternoon pursuits. I ate a sandwich at my desk and went back to work.
After having lunch at
home, Henry was agitated. He appeared stressed out when he quickly breezed by
my desk.
After a couple of minutes,
I walked over and softly knocked on his office door. “Do you want a cup of
tea?” I asked.
“No, thanks for asking,”
Henry answered, looking a bit surprised.
“Is there anything I can
do to help?” I said.
“Can you turn back time?”
he asked.
“Did you try turning your
watch hands backwards? Or does your watch need winding?” I replied.
“No, but maybe you need
winding,” he remarked.
“No, not today. Can we put
that on the schedule for next Tuesday?” I joked. He still seemed out of sorts
to me. “I know something that might help you,” I said. I went to my desk and
found the Jergen’s lotion.
I walked back into Henry’s
office and closed the door.
Henry had about 50
different scenes in his mind when he saw Leora enter the office with the hand
lotion. He decided to wait and see what would happen.
“Would you mind if I tried
a de-stressing technique on you?” I asked. “I haven’t been trained in this, but
a friend of mine had taken some classes and she used to practice on me.”
Henry’s eyes lit up, “That
would have been entertaining to see.”
“Not the type of fun
you’re imagining,” I shook my head with a slight smile. “I’ll be rubbing lotion
on your shoulders. Do you want to take off your shirt?” I asked.
“Maybe I should lock the
door,” Henry said.
“It’s not necessary,” I
replied.
“If I pull the shades,
I’ll take off anything you ask,” Henry gave me a friendly leer.
“I promise, I won’t ask
you to take off anything else,” I stated.
“A boy can dream, can’t
he?” Henry asked.
“Dream all you like.
You’re lucky you’re getting a shoulder massage,” I replied.
“Yeah, Leo was
complaining. But you’re right, he’s never stressed,” Henry smiled. It was
refreshing to see a dame not fall for Leo’s usual tricks.
When Henry took off his
jacket and shirt, he noticed me diverting my eyes. He started teasing me, “Now,
don’t look.”
I laughed. “Where would it
be most comfortable for you to sit?” I asked.
“Your lap,” he replied.
“If you’re going to be
difficult, I’ll just go home,” I retorted.
As I feigned turning
around, he grabbed my hand. “I think you like it.”
“Perhaps. But, I’m not
used to it,” I admitted. I could get jangled up too easily around him. I made a
conscious decision to be a healing source of comfort today.
He sat down in his office
chair. “I’m ready. Just don’t hurt me.”
“I’m not here to hurt
anyone,” I replied.
Henry closed his eyes. I
had a small bit of lotion on my fingertips. I pressed gently and massaged his
forehead by starting in the middle of his forehead and moving my index fingers
towards his temples. His eyes flickered open and looked at me with a studied
wariness, as if he was not used to random acts of kindness from a woman.
“I can stop if it hurts or
you have discomfort. Just let me know,” I calmly stated. Reassured, Henry
closed his eyes again.
I applied lotion to his
shoulder, starting with a gentle pressure, and gradually increased it. At
first, Henry seemed guarded, but as I worked on his shoulders, I could feel the
built-up stress melting away.
Even though I was being as
professional as possible, I felt such an electric energy build up between us.
“Would it be more comfortable if you lie down on the couch?” I asked after a
bit.
His eyes opened and he
looked at me with a quiet purpose. I knew what he was thinking of; his eyes
gave it away. I looked at him carefully, my eyes attempting to hide my
attraction to him.
“Will you be my blanket?”
he teased.
I asked back, “Do I
qualify as a comforter?” After a moment, I clarified, “You might be more
comfortable lying on your stomach when I massage your lower back.”
Henry stood up, and as he
passed his office door, he stealthily locked it. I was preoccupied with getting
the lotion and a small towel moved over to the small table near the couch.
He lay down on the couch
and looked up at me, “OK, do whatever you like with me. Just don’t tie me up in
knots.”
“You already have knots.
I’m here to untie them.” I replied.
I poured lotion on my
hands and spread it on his back. I started on his shoulders again and finished
working the stress out of his shoulders. As I moved down his back, I was able
to release the stress from his back. When I finished, I carefully removed the
excess lotion from his back with the small towel.
I put my hand on his
shoulder and said softly, “You can sit up if you like.”
Henry raised himself up
and sat on the couch. He seemed a bit reserved as he watched me grab the lotion
bottle and take a step towards him. I sat down on the couch next to him.
“There’s something else
I’d like to try,” I said.
I covered my left hand
with lotion, and took hold of Henry’s right hand. Starting with his pinkie, I
worked on each finger, surrounding it, and pulling it slightly to work out the
stress. Henry just watched me as I concentrated on his hand. As I was wrapping
my hand around his index finger, Henry slipped his hand from my grip.
His hands touched my face,
and raised it up, so I was looking directly into his eyes. He moved his face
close; I moved closer to him, as his lips gently, tentatively touched mine. He
held my chin and kissed me, first softly, then deeper. My lips responded in
kind. It felt like we’ve kissed before, perhaps in a long ago dream.
Before the kissing became
too intense, Henry stopped and let go of my face. I felt flushed and excited as we both looked
at each other a few moments. I stood up from the couch and walked to the door.
I wanted to kiss him again, but I didn’t tell him. I unlocked the door, slipped
out of the office, and walked down the hall, into the bathroom.
I turned on the tap and
splashed cool water on my face. I dried my face and stood straight up. As I
became more aware of my body, I could feel a strange invisible pulling in my
stomach. I closed my eyes a moment to meditate and attempt to figure out what
this odd sensation could mean.
After a few deep breaths,
I knew I would need to sort my feelings out later away from the office. I went
back to my desk, and sat in my chair. Still feeling jangled up, I found my next
typing project and started typing.
Henry’s door was closed. I
didn’t know if I’d see him the rest of the day; it seemed so still. I typed two
letters and after an hour, decided I was too distracted and should leave a bit
early. I put away my stuff and walked to my Yellow Car stop, knowing I’d have a
lot to mull over at home tonight.
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
Cracked Ice - Part 9
“CRACKED ICE” by Leora Tozer © 2013 Part 9 {Week 2, Tuesday morning}
Art arrived to the office mid-morning and he seemed very more subdued than usual. I sensed something was wrong without even looking at him, so I went to his office to check in with him.
When I asked, Art told me that his shoulder felt a bit sore, that he’d strained it practicing a new bit. I told him I’d be right back.
I grabbed a bottle of Jergen’s hand lotion from my desk drawer and came back into his office. I said, “I’m not a trained masseuse, but my friend who took massage classes used to practice on me. Can I try a couple of massage techniques on your shoulder?”
“It wouldn’t hurt to try,” Art replied.
“If it does hurt, I’ll stop,” I informed him.
I poured some lotion on my hands and rubbed them together. Then I slid my hand under his shirt and rubbed the lotion on his left shoulder, first with a gentle pressure.
“Wait,” he said. I stopped. Art slipped off his shirt. “OK, you can continue,” he said, smiling.
I continued by increasing the pressure, and I could feel his shoulder relax. I repeated the process with his right shoulder and then did some gentle circular motions on his vertebrae up and down his neck and upper back. I could feel the room light up with a bright spiritual energy. I felt as sense of peace through this new energy force.
Art touched my hand and stopped the massage. He smiled, “Thank you. This really helped.”
“Can I try one more thing that might help your shoulders?” I asked.
“Sure,” he said.
I sat in a chair facing him and put more lotion in my hand. “Please give me your right hand.” I said.
He gives me his hand, as if he was bashful, and looked up smiling, his eyelashes fluttering at me. I surrounded each finger with my lotioned hand, slightly pulling at each finger. Art started making faces at me, as if I were hurting him.
“Do you want me to stop?” I asked.
“No,” he said, shaking his head.
“A massage teacher told me that by doing this, it will help a person’s neck and shoulders, since everything is connected,” I explained.
I finished massaging his right hand, and asked for his left hand. I applied some lotion and did the same as I had for the right hand, starting with his pinkie. As was working on his left hand, Leo came into Art’s office.
“Hey, I’m stressed too,” Leo said.
I stood up and said, “Turn around.” I felt his neck. “No, no stress here.”
Leo turned around and looked at me. “I can think of some things that need massaging in my office,” Leo said.
“Well, I can loan you my lotion. Just close the door,” I replied. Leo couldn’t figure this chick out. Most women succumbed to his advances very easily. This one seemed impervious to his charms. Easy come, easy go, Leo thought.
“Nah, that’s alright,” Leo remarked. Art laughed as Leo left his office.
I finished massaging Art’s left hand. “Are you alright now?” I asked Art.
“Yes,” Art answered, as he was putting his shirt back on. “You’d be handy to keep around here, especially when we’re filming.”
“That’s kind of you to say,” I replied. I went back to my desk and put the lotion back into the drawer.
I spent the rest of the morning drafting letters and returning phone calls Everyone else seemed busy as well.
Art arrived to the office mid-morning and he seemed very more subdued than usual. I sensed something was wrong without even looking at him, so I went to his office to check in with him.
When I asked, Art told me that his shoulder felt a bit sore, that he’d strained it practicing a new bit. I told him I’d be right back.
I grabbed a bottle of Jergen’s hand lotion from my desk drawer and came back into his office. I said, “I’m not a trained masseuse, but my friend who took massage classes used to practice on me. Can I try a couple of massage techniques on your shoulder?”
“It wouldn’t hurt to try,” Art replied.
“If it does hurt, I’ll stop,” I informed him.
I poured some lotion on my hands and rubbed them together. Then I slid my hand under his shirt and rubbed the lotion on his left shoulder, first with a gentle pressure.
“Wait,” he said. I stopped. Art slipped off his shirt. “OK, you can continue,” he said, smiling.
I continued by increasing the pressure, and I could feel his shoulder relax. I repeated the process with his right shoulder and then did some gentle circular motions on his vertebrae up and down his neck and upper back. I could feel the room light up with a bright spiritual energy. I felt as sense of peace through this new energy force.
Art touched my hand and stopped the massage. He smiled, “Thank you. This really helped.”
“Can I try one more thing that might help your shoulders?” I asked.
“Sure,” he said.
I sat in a chair facing him and put more lotion in my hand. “Please give me your right hand.” I said.
He gives me his hand, as if he was bashful, and looked up smiling, his eyelashes fluttering at me. I surrounded each finger with my lotioned hand, slightly pulling at each finger. Art started making faces at me, as if I were hurting him.
“Do you want me to stop?” I asked.
“No,” he said, shaking his head.
“A massage teacher told me that by doing this, it will help a person’s neck and shoulders, since everything is connected,” I explained.
I finished massaging his right hand, and asked for his left hand. I applied some lotion and did the same as I had for the right hand, starting with his pinkie. As was working on his left hand, Leo came into Art’s office.
“Hey, I’m stressed too,” Leo said.
I stood up and said, “Turn around.” I felt his neck. “No, no stress here.”
Leo turned around and looked at me. “I can think of some things that need massaging in my office,” Leo said.
“Well, I can loan you my lotion. Just close the door,” I replied. Leo couldn’t figure this chick out. Most women succumbed to his advances very easily. This one seemed impervious to his charms. Easy come, easy go, Leo thought.
“Nah, that’s alright,” Leo remarked. Art laughed as Leo left his office.
I finished massaging Art’s left hand. “Are you alright now?” I asked Art.
“Yes,” Art answered, as he was putting his shirt back on. “You’d be handy to keep around here, especially when we’re filming.”
“That’s kind of you to say,” I replied. I went back to my desk and put the lotion back into the drawer.
I spent the rest of the morning drafting letters and returning phone calls Everyone else seemed busy as well.
Sunday, November 17, 2013
“Cracked Ice” - Part 8.5
“CRACKED ICE” by Leora Tozer © 2013 Part 8.5 {Week 2, Monday evening}
I kept busy with the letters and didn’t try to think about the meeting tonight. As I was putting things away for the day, I wondered who we’d meet and which restaurant we’re going to. Henry said a note taker was needed for the business dinner with a writer, since the movie studio was in a hurry for the brothers to make their next movie. I made sure to have a couple of pens and a notepad in my satchel.
It was after 6:30pm when he parked his car on Vine Street. We walked by a gift shop* next to the Brown Derby. I stood on my tip-toes and tried to peek in the window, but couldn’t see much since it was closed for the evening.
“Are you planning on breaking in after dinner?” Henry asked.
“No. Have you ever thought about owning a store?” I asked him.
“Not really,” He smiled. “I like performing too much. Why? What type of store do you see me owning?”
I thought a moment as we walked, “A bookstore. You could write and talk with authors.”
“And what would you be doing?” he teased.
“You mean after the bookkeeping’s done? I’d be in the back typing out the next great American novel,” I replied.
“Do you think anyone would read it?” Henry inquired.
“Who knows? I just want to write. To have something completed would be fulfilling enough for me.” I answered. “Of course, if a few people find enjoyment with it, that’s a bonus.”
We walked into the Brown Derby. While we were waiting to secure our table, I excused myself to freshen up in the bathroom. When I washed my hands in the bathroom, I saw Carole Lombard walking in. I tried not to stare; I didn’t want to appear star-struck by anyone.
I applied some lipstick, quickly dried my hands, and walked out of the bathroom. Henry and I went to the 2nd level to sit in one of the booths. After we settled in and I was looking at the menu, the maître d came and brought a message to Henry.
Henry looked at the paper and stuck it in his jacket pocket. “Looks like its just dinner for the two of us. The writer canceled,” Henry said.
“Well, we don’t have to stay if the writer not coming. I’m sure you have better things to do than have dinner with me,” I replied.
“Maybe I’ll have better things to do after having dinner with you,” Henry replied with a wink.
I quickly retreated to my menu to gather my thoughts. Was there a writer or is that just a story? Did he plan this little excursion just to take me out? And why did Art know about it? I had to stay to find out what’s going on. Besides, I was happy for the chance to get to know Henry better away from the office.
“So many choices. What are you having?” I asked.
“Wouldn’t you like to know? Wait and see,” he replied.
The waiter came in a few minutes to take our order.
Henry looked at me and stated, “I suppose you're going to tell him who I am.”
I looked at the waiter with big eyes and stated, “This is Mr. Henry J. Jones. I’m Ms. Smith, his assistant. We really appreciate being able to eat here tonight with so many important folks.”
Henry looked surprised, as if he wasn’t expecting this type of introduction. The waiter smiled and asked, “What would you like to order?” I ordered Chicken broth with homemade noodles with a small salad and Henry ordered a Derby Deluxe.
We talked while waiting for our food. He told me about all of the years he had to be on the road with his brothers and how he likes to be here in Hollywood, because he can go home every night. Of course, he doesn’t plan on settling here, because New York is home.
I told him how I only planned to be here a short while. {Fortunately, the Time Travel Agency had me prepare and practice my back story. I was surprised how easily I could tell it.}
I was working temporarily in Hollywood to send money back home to my kids in the Midwest. I had been divorced 5 years, and but had lost my job when my employer’s business closed.
“That would be hard to be away from the kids,” Henry sympathized.
“It is, but I know they are in good hands. Their grandparents are with them every day. I’m really fortunate they are there to help,” I said.
“So, your parents?” Henry asked.
I shook my head, “No, my ex-husband’s parents. They are good folks.”
The waiter came and brought our food, and I welcomed a break in the conversation. I didn’t mean for the conversation to get so serious.
I tasted the soup; it was homemade and had incredible flavor. Most food back home is over processed, salty and not fresh. I’d forgotten how food should properly taste.
Henry thought about what she said as he watched Leora with his peripheral vision. He didn’t know many people who liked their in-laws, much less their ex-in-laws. Something is very different about her. He wasn’t used to women who liked to read, or who didn’t seem impressed by the Hollywood glitz. He’d have to wait and see how the next few days would go at the office; ‘most likely,’ he thought, ‘I’ll write her off like the rest of her kind.’ After we finished our dinner and he paid the bill, we were walking out of the Derby.
Henry asked, “Do you want to go to Field’s house for a drink?”
“Oh, I don’t drink alcohol,” I replied.
“Don’t you have any bad habits at all?” he asked.
“You mean, besides slurping my soup?” I responded.
“The quietest slurper in the west,” he answered.
“Tell me one bad habit.”
“How about two? Snoring and chocolate,” I replied.
“Those don’t count. Come on,” he insisted.
"Maybe when you know me better, you’ll tell me,” I said. After all, I knew his reputation of putting people in their place. His wit on and off screen, was legendary.
“OK then, I’ll drive you home,” he offered.
“Thanks for offering, but no. I like riding the street car home. It’s fun to people watch,” I answered. I thanked him for dinner and said I’d see him in the office tomorrow.
While Henry drove home, he partly wished he was driving Leora to his home. However, he knew it wasn’t the right time. He wanted to make sure, both of himself and of her. Besides, every time he teases her, he feels charged up. This was a new experience, having his mind attracted to a woman just as much as his body is.
*There was a Cantor Gift Shop next to Brown Derby, but uncertain if it was there in 1932.
I kept busy with the letters and didn’t try to think about the meeting tonight. As I was putting things away for the day, I wondered who we’d meet and which restaurant we’re going to. Henry said a note taker was needed for the business dinner with a writer, since the movie studio was in a hurry for the brothers to make their next movie. I made sure to have a couple of pens and a notepad in my satchel.
It was after 6:30pm when he parked his car on Vine Street. We walked by a gift shop* next to the Brown Derby. I stood on my tip-toes and tried to peek in the window, but couldn’t see much since it was closed for the evening.
“Are you planning on breaking in after dinner?” Henry asked.
“No. Have you ever thought about owning a store?” I asked him.
“Not really,” He smiled. “I like performing too much. Why? What type of store do you see me owning?”
I thought a moment as we walked, “A bookstore. You could write and talk with authors.”
“And what would you be doing?” he teased.
“You mean after the bookkeeping’s done? I’d be in the back typing out the next great American novel,” I replied.
“Do you think anyone would read it?” Henry inquired.
“Who knows? I just want to write. To have something completed would be fulfilling enough for me.” I answered. “Of course, if a few people find enjoyment with it, that’s a bonus.”
We walked into the Brown Derby. While we were waiting to secure our table, I excused myself to freshen up in the bathroom. When I washed my hands in the bathroom, I saw Carole Lombard walking in. I tried not to stare; I didn’t want to appear star-struck by anyone.
I applied some lipstick, quickly dried my hands, and walked out of the bathroom. Henry and I went to the 2nd level to sit in one of the booths. After we settled in and I was looking at the menu, the maître d came and brought a message to Henry.
Henry looked at the paper and stuck it in his jacket pocket. “Looks like its just dinner for the two of us. The writer canceled,” Henry said.
“Well, we don’t have to stay if the writer not coming. I’m sure you have better things to do than have dinner with me,” I replied.
“Maybe I’ll have better things to do after having dinner with you,” Henry replied with a wink.
I quickly retreated to my menu to gather my thoughts. Was there a writer or is that just a story? Did he plan this little excursion just to take me out? And why did Art know about it? I had to stay to find out what’s going on. Besides, I was happy for the chance to get to know Henry better away from the office.
“So many choices. What are you having?” I asked.
“Wouldn’t you like to know? Wait and see,” he replied.
The waiter came in a few minutes to take our order.
Henry looked at me and stated, “I suppose you're going to tell him who I am.”
I looked at the waiter with big eyes and stated, “This is Mr. Henry J. Jones. I’m Ms. Smith, his assistant. We really appreciate being able to eat here tonight with so many important folks.”
Henry looked surprised, as if he wasn’t expecting this type of introduction. The waiter smiled and asked, “What would you like to order?” I ordered Chicken broth with homemade noodles with a small salad and Henry ordered a Derby Deluxe.
We talked while waiting for our food. He told me about all of the years he had to be on the road with his brothers and how he likes to be here in Hollywood, because he can go home every night. Of course, he doesn’t plan on settling here, because New York is home.
I told him how I only planned to be here a short while. {Fortunately, the Time Travel Agency had me prepare and practice my back story. I was surprised how easily I could tell it.}
I was working temporarily in Hollywood to send money back home to my kids in the Midwest. I had been divorced 5 years, and but had lost my job when my employer’s business closed.
“That would be hard to be away from the kids,” Henry sympathized.
“It is, but I know they are in good hands. Their grandparents are with them every day. I’m really fortunate they are there to help,” I said.
“So, your parents?” Henry asked.
I shook my head, “No, my ex-husband’s parents. They are good folks.”
The waiter came and brought our food, and I welcomed a break in the conversation. I didn’t mean for the conversation to get so serious.
I tasted the soup; it was homemade and had incredible flavor. Most food back home is over processed, salty and not fresh. I’d forgotten how food should properly taste.
Henry thought about what she said as he watched Leora with his peripheral vision. He didn’t know many people who liked their in-laws, much less their ex-in-laws. Something is very different about her. He wasn’t used to women who liked to read, or who didn’t seem impressed by the Hollywood glitz. He’d have to wait and see how the next few days would go at the office; ‘most likely,’ he thought, ‘I’ll write her off like the rest of her kind.’ After we finished our dinner and he paid the bill, we were walking out of the Derby.
Henry asked, “Do you want to go to Field’s house for a drink?”
“Oh, I don’t drink alcohol,” I replied.
“Don’t you have any bad habits at all?” he asked.
“You mean, besides slurping my soup?” I responded.
“The quietest slurper in the west,” he answered.
“Tell me one bad habit.”
“How about two? Snoring and chocolate,” I replied.
“Those don’t count. Come on,” he insisted.
"Maybe when you know me better, you’ll tell me,” I said. After all, I knew his reputation of putting people in their place. His wit on and off screen, was legendary.
“OK then, I’ll drive you home,” he offered.
“Thanks for offering, but no. I like riding the street car home. It’s fun to people watch,” I answered. I thanked him for dinner and said I’d see him in the office tomorrow.
While Henry drove home, he partly wished he was driving Leora to his home. However, he knew it wasn’t the right time. He wanted to make sure, both of himself and of her. Besides, every time he teases her, he feels charged up. This was a new experience, having his mind attracted to a woman just as much as his body is.
*There was a Cantor Gift Shop next to Brown Derby, but uncertain if it was there in 1932.
Sunday, October 27, 2013
Cracked Ice - Part 8
“CRACKED ICE” by Leora Tozer © 2013 Part 8 {Week 2, Monday}
On Sunday evening after supper, the Temp Agency called me and stated that I should be at the Archers' office by 8 am. I had the realization that Ms. Roy must have suggested to them that I have Friday off, so I could have a few days to adjust to this experience. The time off helped me feel more grounded.
Through the reflection and rest during the weekend, I felt reconnected to myself. I felt confident as I walked into the office Monday morning. I sat at my desk and set my satchel on the floor next to the desk. I found a letter to work on and started typing. Henry rushed out of his office to find out who was making the noise.
“Oh, so you decided to join us this morning,” Henry remarked to Leora, while rocking back and forth on his heels. “What made you think you could skip Friday?”
I looked at him calmly. “The Temp Agency told me to stay home on Friday. I thought you asked them to get rid of me. Imagine my surprise when I was called to come back.”
Henry remembered the friend who suggested using the TTTA had stated that sometimes the Agency would be unpredictable, but it was worth it due to having a highly qualified employee.
“Well, I suppose you can continue working this time. Next time, I might not be so understanding,” Henry stated.
I smiled, “Do you think there’s a whole line of goofy people willing to work in these conditions?”
“What conditions?” Henry asked.
“Work being impeded by card games, chair races and other distractions,” I claimed. Of course, I wasn’t going to mention that my main distraction was standing right in front of me.
“I’ll need to supervise you more closely to make sure you get your work done,” Henry suggested with a smile. He looked at Leora for a moment, thinking of a few different ways he’d like to supervise her. He was about to mention one way when Leo barged into the office.
“Hey,” Leo exclaimed. “She’s back! See Henry, even though you tried, you didn’t scare her away.”
I smiled at Leo. “Good morning. I’ve been through scarier things than last week and survived.” Henry stepped back into his office as I talked with Leo.
“Yah, you’re a smart cookie,” Leo stated. “Much smarter than Henry’s used to.”
“Do you want some coffee?” I asked Leo. “Sure,” Leo said.
I walked into to the next room, where there was a small aluminum coffee pot on a hotplate. I found a white coffee cup, poured some and brought it to Leo in his office.
Leo smiled, “Glad you’re back. Henry was extra cranky on Friday.”
“With the Temp Agency telling me to stay home, I didn’t know I’d be missed here,” I answered.
“No problem. Work any day should be optional,” Leo stated.
It was strange how everything fell into a comfortable pattern. In the morning, I prepped the letters, organized things, and answered the phone. The morning went by fast. When it was noon, I went outside and read a book while eating a sandwich. After lunch, I went back to work on the letters. Occasionally, I found myself staring at Henry’s office door, wondering what was keeping him so busy.
On Monday afternoon, Art walked into the office. He noticed Benson was lost in thought, staring at Henry’s office door. Art didn’t think too much of it until he walked into Henry’s office. Henry was leaning on his desk and staring at the office door, but shook himself out of a trance when Art walked in.
Art smiled to himself as he decided to have some fun with Henry. “I’m going to ask Benson out for dinner tonight. Where should I take her?”
Henry looked at his brother, not sure he could believe what he just heard. “You mean Leora, out there?” Henry pointed towards the door.
“Yah,” Art smiled.
Henry’s mind was quick. “I’ll need her to take notes at a dinner meeting with a writer tonight,” Henry stated. “You’ll have to go to your little black book for a dinner partner.”
“Oh. No problem,” Art said, feigning slight disappointment. “I’ll have to go make some calls.”
Art walked out of Henry’s office and shut the door behind him. He started whistling, but stopped after he passed her desk. “Hey Benson,” Art said, smiling. “Hope you’ll enjoy dinner tonight.” He thought she looked puzzled.
I was making edits on a letter when Art said something about enjoying dinner. I didn’t know what he meant, and didn’t get a chance to ask him before he was out the door.
A moment later, Henry stuck his head out of his office. “Leora, can you work tonight? I need you with for a dinner meeting with a writer.”
I looked at him and answered, “Yes Mr. Archer.”
He looked at me slyly and whispered, “Weren’t you going to call me Henry…or Tiger?” He went back into his office to make a phone call.
On Sunday evening after supper, the Temp Agency called me and stated that I should be at the Archers' office by 8 am. I had the realization that Ms. Roy must have suggested to them that I have Friday off, so I could have a few days to adjust to this experience. The time off helped me feel more grounded.
Through the reflection and rest during the weekend, I felt reconnected to myself. I felt confident as I walked into the office Monday morning. I sat at my desk and set my satchel on the floor next to the desk. I found a letter to work on and started typing. Henry rushed out of his office to find out who was making the noise.
“Oh, so you decided to join us this morning,” Henry remarked to Leora, while rocking back and forth on his heels. “What made you think you could skip Friday?”
I looked at him calmly. “The Temp Agency told me to stay home on Friday. I thought you asked them to get rid of me. Imagine my surprise when I was called to come back.”
Henry remembered the friend who suggested using the TTTA had stated that sometimes the Agency would be unpredictable, but it was worth it due to having a highly qualified employee.
“Well, I suppose you can continue working this time. Next time, I might not be so understanding,” Henry stated.
I smiled, “Do you think there’s a whole line of goofy people willing to work in these conditions?”
“What conditions?” Henry asked.
“Work being impeded by card games, chair races and other distractions,” I claimed. Of course, I wasn’t going to mention that my main distraction was standing right in front of me.
“I’ll need to supervise you more closely to make sure you get your work done,” Henry suggested with a smile. He looked at Leora for a moment, thinking of a few different ways he’d like to supervise her. He was about to mention one way when Leo barged into the office.
“Hey,” Leo exclaimed. “She’s back! See Henry, even though you tried, you didn’t scare her away.”
I smiled at Leo. “Good morning. I’ve been through scarier things than last week and survived.” Henry stepped back into his office as I talked with Leo.
“Yah, you’re a smart cookie,” Leo stated. “Much smarter than Henry’s used to.”
“Do you want some coffee?” I asked Leo. “Sure,” Leo said.
I walked into to the next room, where there was a small aluminum coffee pot on a hotplate. I found a white coffee cup, poured some and brought it to Leo in his office.
Leo smiled, “Glad you’re back. Henry was extra cranky on Friday.”
“With the Temp Agency telling me to stay home, I didn’t know I’d be missed here,” I answered.
“No problem. Work any day should be optional,” Leo stated.
It was strange how everything fell into a comfortable pattern. In the morning, I prepped the letters, organized things, and answered the phone. The morning went by fast. When it was noon, I went outside and read a book while eating a sandwich. After lunch, I went back to work on the letters. Occasionally, I found myself staring at Henry’s office door, wondering what was keeping him so busy.
On Monday afternoon, Art walked into the office. He noticed Benson was lost in thought, staring at Henry’s office door. Art didn’t think too much of it until he walked into Henry’s office. Henry was leaning on his desk and staring at the office door, but shook himself out of a trance when Art walked in.
Art smiled to himself as he decided to have some fun with Henry. “I’m going to ask Benson out for dinner tonight. Where should I take her?”
Henry looked at his brother, not sure he could believe what he just heard. “You mean Leora, out there?” Henry pointed towards the door.
“Yah,” Art smiled.
Henry’s mind was quick. “I’ll need her to take notes at a dinner meeting with a writer tonight,” Henry stated. “You’ll have to go to your little black book for a dinner partner.”
“Oh. No problem,” Art said, feigning slight disappointment. “I’ll have to go make some calls.”
Art walked out of Henry’s office and shut the door behind him. He started whistling, but stopped after he passed her desk. “Hey Benson,” Art said, smiling. “Hope you’ll enjoy dinner tonight.” He thought she looked puzzled.
I was making edits on a letter when Art said something about enjoying dinner. I didn’t know what he meant, and didn’t get a chance to ask him before he was out the door.
A moment later, Henry stuck his head out of his office. “Leora, can you work tonight? I need you with for a dinner meeting with a writer.”
I looked at him and answered, “Yes Mr. Archer.”
He looked at me slyly and whispered, “Weren’t you going to call me Henry…or Tiger?” He went back into his office to make a phone call.
Friday, October 11, 2013
Cracked Ice - Part 7
“CRACKED ICE” by Leora Tozer © 2013 Part 7
I was told by the Temp Agency to take Friday off and was encouraged to go out and see the sights. I have a lot to think about, so I didn’t feel like going out. Partly, I was worried that I wouldn’t have a job next week. Perhaps I had offended one of my bosses. The Archers had a reputation of being difficult to work for. I also felt like my soul was being pulled in a couple of different directions.
I was hoping to get chance to talk with the boarding house owner Nellie E. Roy, since she works for the T.T.A. I wanted to make sure I haven’t adversely affected any timelines or the positive energy levels I’m trying to help increase.
The boarding house tenants all respect Ms. Roy. Nellie is a petite woman with long auburn hair, clear blue eyes, and a calm, yet strong demeanor. She speaks up when she needs to. The boarders respects her rules and don’t cause problems. They also know not to bother any of the odd ladies who stay from time to time. These ladies always seem to get time with Nellie, talking to her in her private quarters.
Ms. Roy asked me to meet her after supper on Friday evening. I felt nervous when she asked me, since I presumed my presence caused a change in the timeline. If that happens, I would have to go back home immediately, which would be disappointing, since I really like working for the Archers at their office. I still had hope that things would be fine on Monday.
As I walked into her study, I noticed how unique the room was. Through its decorations, it felt like several time periods resided within the same room. However, within the room, nothing felt out of place for 1932. Ms. Roy’s sincere blue eyes watched me looking around. I could tell from her expression that she is a insightful and wise woman. I realized it would be best to confide in her, since she most likely already knows that I’m feeling some confusion regarding my time spent here so far.
“Ms. Roy,” I said, “Thank you for taking time to meet with me.”
“Sweetie,” she replied. “Please call me Nellie. And I’m sorry we couldn’t talk earlier. I’m sure you're feeling overwhelmed with no guidance.”
“Nellie, I’m sure I must be completely off track from the main goal,” I answered. “After all, with the Temp Agency sending me to the Archers’ office because I happened to be there…”
Nellie gave me a patient smile and interrupted, “Leora, don’t you realize?”
“Realize what?” I asked.
“There are no accidents in the universe,” Nellie replied. “You were sent to where you need to be.”
“I feel like my presence is causing confusion, and maybe conflict,” I stated. “At least, I’m confused.”
“It’s overwhelming for the soul to interact with others, especially when you isolated yourself before this,” Nellie explained.
“No matter how I think about this, someone’s going to get hurt,” I said. “I don’t want the bad karma.”
Nellie poured hot green tea into two teacups from a white and blue Rington’s teapot, which was sitting on the small table between our chairs. She set both teacups into saucers and passed one cup and saucer over to me.
Nellie thought a moment and then sighed. “Regarding that, don’t let Ego, yours or anyone else’s, cloud and corrupt pure emotions.”
“But if someone’s married?” I asked. I sipped the green tea slowly. The heat of the tea felt healing and settled my nervous energy.
“It’s different here,” Nellie elaborated, “Men step outside of their marriage and most understand that. It won’t cause harm to you, if your intention is based on pure love and compassion. The echo forward will be a greater good for all.”
“So, if I’m where I’m supposed to be,” I inquired, “which one is my twin flame?”
“No one can know that but you,” Nellie stated. I finished the cup of tea and set it back down on the table.
“I was hoping to feel clearer after talking to you,” I said.
“Well, you’ll know when you’re meant to,” Nellie affirmed. “This weekend, you can reflect and relax. Try taking a lavender oil bath tonight. It will help clear you.”
“That sounds wonderful,” I said as I stood up.
“I’m here any time you need to talk, Leora,” Nellie offered. “Talking can help a soul figure things out.”
I thanked her for her time and advice and went upstairs. Most of the boarders were out somewhere, so the bathroom was empty. I started filling the bathtub with hot water. As the tub was filling, I went into my room and found a clean nightgown and a bathrobe. I went back into the bathroom.
The claw foot tub was nearly full, so I shut off the water and added four drops of lavender oil. I slipped off my dress, stockings and undergarments. The hot water felt relaxing on my skin as I slid into the tub. I immediately felt relaxed and floated in the tub, allowing the water to wash away the week’s stress and confusion.
After 25 minutes, the water was cooling off and I felt so relaxed; I stepped out of the tub and dried off with the white bath towel. I slipped on my clean nightclothes and drained the water.
I walked down the hall to my room, stepped inside, shut and locked the door behind me. The window was cracked open and the cool August breeze wafted in. I turned off the light, slid off my bathrobe and slipped into bed.
I lie down and felt my body and mind drift into a deep, peaceful sleep. I was aware of my dreaming within this sleep. It felt like I was floating on a cloud, with someone’s arms around me. As I looked around me, I could see his body leaning on mine. His arms were strong. I felt comforted and protected. In this dream, I couldn’t see his face. I felt pure love surrounding me.
The whole night I was in this trance-like dream state. The night seemed to go on forever, as if time stopped. I woke up and looked around my room. It was still dark. In the moonlight, I could see the clock’s hands both on 12. It was midnight and I’d only been asleep for 3 hours. I laid my head back down on the pillow and went back to sleep.
I was told by the Temp Agency to take Friday off and was encouraged to go out and see the sights. I have a lot to think about, so I didn’t feel like going out. Partly, I was worried that I wouldn’t have a job next week. Perhaps I had offended one of my bosses. The Archers had a reputation of being difficult to work for. I also felt like my soul was being pulled in a couple of different directions.
I was hoping to get chance to talk with the boarding house owner Nellie E. Roy, since she works for the T.T.A. I wanted to make sure I haven’t adversely affected any timelines or the positive energy levels I’m trying to help increase.
The boarding house tenants all respect Ms. Roy. Nellie is a petite woman with long auburn hair, clear blue eyes, and a calm, yet strong demeanor. She speaks up when she needs to. The boarders respects her rules and don’t cause problems. They also know not to bother any of the odd ladies who stay from time to time. These ladies always seem to get time with Nellie, talking to her in her private quarters.
Ms. Roy asked me to meet her after supper on Friday evening. I felt nervous when she asked me, since I presumed my presence caused a change in the timeline. If that happens, I would have to go back home immediately, which would be disappointing, since I really like working for the Archers at their office. I still had hope that things would be fine on Monday.
As I walked into her study, I noticed how unique the room was. Through its decorations, it felt like several time periods resided within the same room. However, within the room, nothing felt out of place for 1932. Ms. Roy’s sincere blue eyes watched me looking around. I could tell from her expression that she is a insightful and wise woman. I realized it would be best to confide in her, since she most likely already knows that I’m feeling some confusion regarding my time spent here so far.
“Ms. Roy,” I said, “Thank you for taking time to meet with me.”
“Sweetie,” she replied. “Please call me Nellie. And I’m sorry we couldn’t talk earlier. I’m sure you're feeling overwhelmed with no guidance.”
“Nellie, I’m sure I must be completely off track from the main goal,” I answered. “After all, with the Temp Agency sending me to the Archers’ office because I happened to be there…”
Nellie gave me a patient smile and interrupted, “Leora, don’t you realize?”
“Realize what?” I asked.
“There are no accidents in the universe,” Nellie replied. “You were sent to where you need to be.”
“I feel like my presence is causing confusion, and maybe conflict,” I stated. “At least, I’m confused.”
“It’s overwhelming for the soul to interact with others, especially when you isolated yourself before this,” Nellie explained.
“No matter how I think about this, someone’s going to get hurt,” I said. “I don’t want the bad karma.”
Nellie poured hot green tea into two teacups from a white and blue Rington’s teapot, which was sitting on the small table between our chairs. She set both teacups into saucers and passed one cup and saucer over to me.
Nellie thought a moment and then sighed. “Regarding that, don’t let Ego, yours or anyone else’s, cloud and corrupt pure emotions.”
“But if someone’s married?” I asked. I sipped the green tea slowly. The heat of the tea felt healing and settled my nervous energy.
“It’s different here,” Nellie elaborated, “Men step outside of their marriage and most understand that. It won’t cause harm to you, if your intention is based on pure love and compassion. The echo forward will be a greater good for all.”
“So, if I’m where I’m supposed to be,” I inquired, “which one is my twin flame?”
“No one can know that but you,” Nellie stated. I finished the cup of tea and set it back down on the table.
“I was hoping to feel clearer after talking to you,” I said.
“Well, you’ll know when you’re meant to,” Nellie affirmed. “This weekend, you can reflect and relax. Try taking a lavender oil bath tonight. It will help clear you.”
“That sounds wonderful,” I said as I stood up.
“I’m here any time you need to talk, Leora,” Nellie offered. “Talking can help a soul figure things out.”
I thanked her for her time and advice and went upstairs. Most of the boarders were out somewhere, so the bathroom was empty. I started filling the bathtub with hot water. As the tub was filling, I went into my room and found a clean nightgown and a bathrobe. I went back into the bathroom.
The claw foot tub was nearly full, so I shut off the water and added four drops of lavender oil. I slipped off my dress, stockings and undergarments. The hot water felt relaxing on my skin as I slid into the tub. I immediately felt relaxed and floated in the tub, allowing the water to wash away the week’s stress and confusion.
After 25 minutes, the water was cooling off and I felt so relaxed; I stepped out of the tub and dried off with the white bath towel. I slipped on my clean nightclothes and drained the water.
I walked down the hall to my room, stepped inside, shut and locked the door behind me. The window was cracked open and the cool August breeze wafted in. I turned off the light, slid off my bathrobe and slipped into bed.
I lie down and felt my body and mind drift into a deep, peaceful sleep. I was aware of my dreaming within this sleep. It felt like I was floating on a cloud, with someone’s arms around me. As I looked around me, I could see his body leaning on mine. His arms were strong. I felt comforted and protected. In this dream, I couldn’t see his face. I felt pure love surrounding me.
The whole night I was in this trance-like dream state. The night seemed to go on forever, as if time stopped. I woke up and looked around my room. It was still dark. In the moonlight, I could see the clock’s hands both on 12. It was midnight and I’d only been asleep for 3 hours. I laid my head back down on the pillow and went back to sleep.
Friday, October 4, 2013
Cracked Ice - Part 6.5
“CRACKED ICE” by Leora Tozer © 2013 - Part 6.5
An hour or two later, Leora is working on a letter at her desk. Leo and Art were gone for the day, and the office was quiet.
Henry walked out of his office and looked at Leora. He hadn’t really noticed that spark in her eyes before this morning. He decided see if he could locate that flicker again.
Leora was looking down and reading a piece of paper. Henry’s hands set flat down on the desktop in front of her. Looking at his hands before her, Leora hadn’t noticed before how nice they were.
Henry bent down, his mouth next to her left ear, and he whispered, “Rearoused.”
Leora closed her eyes for a moment, as if an ocean wave was rolling over her. She opened her eyes, but kept them looking down at the desk, and at Henry’s lovely hands.
Leora calmly replied,“Reassess.”
H: “Renegotiate.”
Leora kept focused on the silver band on Henry’s left ring finger.
L: “Redact.”
H: “Reconquer.”
L: “Resist.”
H: “Repeel.”
L: “Recover.”
H: “Reexamine.”
Her breath was becoming shallow. He wanted make her as excited as he felt, and he thought he was succeeding.
L: “Reevaluate.”
H: “Rekindle.”
L: “Recant.”
H: “Request.”
After five years of being on her own, Leora was unused to this type of male attention. Of course, she was getting butterflies in her stomach, but she needed to keep strong.
L: “Reconsider.”
H: “Reintroduce.”
L: “Resurvey.”
H: “Retaste.”
L: “Restrain.”
H: “Recapture.”
Leora watched as the silver band seemed to change color with the shadows and light.
L: “Refocus.”
H: “Remelt.”
She bit her lip slightly.
L: “Reflex.”
H: “Reconsider.”
L: “Relentless.”
H: “Reciprocate.”
She faintly shook her head, and softly replied, “Receptionist.”
Henry took a deep breath, straightened up and walked back to his office. He ached to reawaken the passion he saw flickering this morning. The right time would come, if he was patient.
Leora needed a breath of fresh air, so she got up and walked towards the bathroom. Maybe she should go for a walk outside, she thought. As she walked down the hall and turned around, Art appeared next to her and wrapped his arms around Leora. He gently walked them into the bathroom. Leora was surprised, but also felt a sense of peace surrounding her.
They moved into a corner of the room, after Art had locked the door behind him. Art puts his head against Leora’s; their foreheads touching. He carefully kept his arms wrapped around her. They stood together in silence for ten minutes.
Leora looks up at Art, as if she were going to ask something. Art lifts up her chin with his left hand and kisses her lips with a whisper of a kiss. A moment later, he lets go and slips out of the room.
As he walked out of the office, hopped into his car, and drove home, he doesn’t understand why he’s drawn to this particular Benson. Something feels safe when he’s around her, almost like home. He shakes his head.
After Art leaves, Leora washed her face. Remembering a mediation exercise, she takes a deep breath and slowly breathes out. A renewed sense of peace has filled her heart, and she knows she can spend the remaining work hours focused on work.
An hour or two later, Leora is working on a letter at her desk. Leo and Art were gone for the day, and the office was quiet.
Henry walked out of his office and looked at Leora. He hadn’t really noticed that spark in her eyes before this morning. He decided see if he could locate that flicker again.
Leora was looking down and reading a piece of paper. Henry’s hands set flat down on the desktop in front of her. Looking at his hands before her, Leora hadn’t noticed before how nice they were.
Henry bent down, his mouth next to her left ear, and he whispered, “Rearoused.”
Leora closed her eyes for a moment, as if an ocean wave was rolling over her. She opened her eyes, but kept them looking down at the desk, and at Henry’s lovely hands.
Leora calmly replied,“Reassess.”
H: “Renegotiate.”
Leora kept focused on the silver band on Henry’s left ring finger.
L: “Redact.”
H: “Reconquer.”
L: “Resist.”
H: “Repeel.”
L: “Recover.”
H: “Reexamine.”
Her breath was becoming shallow. He wanted make her as excited as he felt, and he thought he was succeeding.
L: “Reevaluate.”
H: “Rekindle.”
L: “Recant.”
H: “Request.”
After five years of being on her own, Leora was unused to this type of male attention. Of course, she was getting butterflies in her stomach, but she needed to keep strong.
L: “Reconsider.”
H: “Reintroduce.”
L: “Resurvey.”
H: “Retaste.”
L: “Restrain.”
H: “Recapture.”
Leora watched as the silver band seemed to change color with the shadows and light.
L: “Refocus.”
H: “Remelt.”
She bit her lip slightly.
L: “Reflex.”
H: “Reconsider.”
L: “Relentless.”
H: “Reciprocate.”
She faintly shook her head, and softly replied, “Receptionist.”
Henry took a deep breath, straightened up and walked back to his office. He ached to reawaken the passion he saw flickering this morning. The right time would come, if he was patient.
Leora needed a breath of fresh air, so she got up and walked towards the bathroom. Maybe she should go for a walk outside, she thought. As she walked down the hall and turned around, Art appeared next to her and wrapped his arms around Leora. He gently walked them into the bathroom. Leora was surprised, but also felt a sense of peace surrounding her.
They moved into a corner of the room, after Art had locked the door behind him. Art puts his head against Leora’s; their foreheads touching. He carefully kept his arms wrapped around her. They stood together in silence for ten minutes.
Leora looks up at Art, as if she were going to ask something. Art lifts up her chin with his left hand and kisses her lips with a whisper of a kiss. A moment later, he lets go and slips out of the room.
As he walked out of the office, hopped into his car, and drove home, he doesn’t understand why he’s drawn to this particular Benson. Something feels safe when he’s around her, almost like home. He shakes his head.
After Art leaves, Leora washed her face. Remembering a mediation exercise, she takes a deep breath and slowly breathes out. A renewed sense of peace has filled her heart, and she knows she can spend the remaining work hours focused on work.
Cracked Ice - Part 6
“CRACKED ICE” by Leora Tozer © 2013 - Part 6
It was a bright Thursday morning. Henry didn’t notice Leora walk in. He was turned away from the door, standing by the table under the window and reading the dictionary. Leora placed 4 letters on his desk to read over and sign. She didn’t want to interrupt his thoughts, so she started walking towards his office door.
Henry looked up and smiled, “Where are you sneaking off to, toots?”
“You looked lost in thought,” she replied. “I didn’t want to bother you.”
Henry walked over and leaned on his desk. “Come here and enjoy the view,” he pointed towards the window. Art was walking around outside. He was very seriously inspecting the ground.
“OK,” she replied. “I noticed you were reading the dictionary. Words are wondrous. They express so much; feelings, thoughts, and meaning.” Leora was leaning next to Henry on the desk. She smiled slightly as she watched Art through the window.
“That reminds me. I’ve been meaning to do some feeling later this afternoon,” Henry gave Leora a careful glance.
Leora appears to ignore his comment. “Some words create magic. Others can express their meaning just with how they sound.”
While they talk, both are staring out of the window. Neither dares look directly at the other, so they pretend to be engrossed in watching Art outside. With a yard stick and several croquet hoops, Art is attempting to get the hoops into the ground, but the ground won’t cooperate. By walking back and forth, he tries to set up the hoops, but has no success. Art looked up and saw Henry and Leora watching him from Henry’s office; his natural reply is to run up to the window and make a funny face at them. Henry ignores him; Leora, smiling, suppresses a soft giggle, since she can see Henry’s annoyance.
Henry asked, “What, for instance?”
Leora states, “Yes, that’s a good example.”
“That’s not what I meant,” Henry retorted.
“It sounds like a question, doesn’t it?” Leora added, “Another example is the word kiss. When said, it expresses a kiss perfectly.”
Henry smiled; he’s been thinking about kissing Leora most of the morning. “How about a hug?” he asked.
“Another good example,” Leora, distracted by the intellectual exercise, seemed oblivious to the newly charged nature of their conversation. “The G almost seems like arms reaching out.”
Henry, softly commented, “Caress careens across her pale skin.”
Leora whispered back, “Supreme bliss from his every touch.”
Through his peripheral vision, Henry saw Leora’s body give a slight, excited tremble. He felt electrification from this verbal exchange. He wasn’t used to being intellectually stimulated by a woman. He felt as though his entire body was newly awakened.
Henry inquired, “Do any words look like their meaning?”
Leora thought a short moment, and her first thought slipped out before she could edit herself. “Aroused looks like its meaning. Pure, simple and full of feeling.”
Henry thought her face was flushed, but he didn’t get a chance to find out. Art rushed into the office, “Henry, do you have a mallet?”
Leora quietly walked out when Art appeared. As she left, Henry quickly replied, “If I did, I’d have a good mind to use it.”
Leora walked to the bathroom and splashed cold water on her face. She mentally berated herself; “I forgot I’m not back home. Women aren’t this forward here. I should be careful not to break the social codes.” She takes a deep breath; what’s done is done.
It was a bright Thursday morning. Henry didn’t notice Leora walk in. He was turned away from the door, standing by the table under the window and reading the dictionary. Leora placed 4 letters on his desk to read over and sign. She didn’t want to interrupt his thoughts, so she started walking towards his office door.
Henry looked up and smiled, “Where are you sneaking off to, toots?”
“You looked lost in thought,” she replied. “I didn’t want to bother you.”
Henry walked over and leaned on his desk. “Come here and enjoy the view,” he pointed towards the window. Art was walking around outside. He was very seriously inspecting the ground.
“OK,” she replied. “I noticed you were reading the dictionary. Words are wondrous. They express so much; feelings, thoughts, and meaning.” Leora was leaning next to Henry on the desk. She smiled slightly as she watched Art through the window.
“That reminds me. I’ve been meaning to do some feeling later this afternoon,” Henry gave Leora a careful glance.
Leora appears to ignore his comment. “Some words create magic. Others can express their meaning just with how they sound.”
While they talk, both are staring out of the window. Neither dares look directly at the other, so they pretend to be engrossed in watching Art outside. With a yard stick and several croquet hoops, Art is attempting to get the hoops into the ground, but the ground won’t cooperate. By walking back and forth, he tries to set up the hoops, but has no success. Art looked up and saw Henry and Leora watching him from Henry’s office; his natural reply is to run up to the window and make a funny face at them. Henry ignores him; Leora, smiling, suppresses a soft giggle, since she can see Henry’s annoyance.
Henry asked, “What, for instance?”
Leora states, “Yes, that’s a good example.”
“That’s not what I meant,” Henry retorted.
“It sounds like a question, doesn’t it?” Leora added, “Another example is the word kiss. When said, it expresses a kiss perfectly.”
Henry smiled; he’s been thinking about kissing Leora most of the morning. “How about a hug?” he asked.
“Another good example,” Leora, distracted by the intellectual exercise, seemed oblivious to the newly charged nature of their conversation. “The G almost seems like arms reaching out.”
Henry, softly commented, “Caress careens across her pale skin.”
Leora whispered back, “Supreme bliss from his every touch.”
Through his peripheral vision, Henry saw Leora’s body give a slight, excited tremble. He felt electrification from this verbal exchange. He wasn’t used to being intellectually stimulated by a woman. He felt as though his entire body was newly awakened.
Henry inquired, “Do any words look like their meaning?”
Leora thought a short moment, and her first thought slipped out before she could edit herself. “Aroused looks like its meaning. Pure, simple and full of feeling.”
Henry thought her face was flushed, but he didn’t get a chance to find out. Art rushed into the office, “Henry, do you have a mallet?”
Leora quietly walked out when Art appeared. As she left, Henry quickly replied, “If I did, I’d have a good mind to use it.”
Leora walked to the bathroom and splashed cold water on her face. She mentally berated herself; “I forgot I’m not back home. Women aren’t this forward here. I should be careful not to break the social codes.” She takes a deep breath; what’s done is done.
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Cracked Ice - Part 5
“CRACKED ICE” by Leora Tozer © 2013 - Part 5
Herb talked to his brothers briefly and left for his meeting. Leo and Art left for lunch. Henry stood in the doorway and asked, “Do you want to help me shop for books?”
“Are you asking me to spend your money on books? How can a girl say no to that?” I replied.
“I should have known. A woman wouldn’t turn down a chance to spend my money,” Henry teased.
“Ah, but who are we spending the money on?” I asked.
“Books for me,” he answered.
“See,” I replied. “That’s how I’m different.”
“Let’s go, wiseacre.” Henry grabbed my left elbow and led me towards the door. After we walked out of the building, he locked up the office.
Henry drove towards Hollywood Blvd. and parked the car on the 6600 block. We entered the bookstore. The store owner was in the middle of the store, talking with a group of friends.
I walked over to a shelf and started looking at the titles. One area had current books and another area had modern classics. Henry had gone to a back shelf in the store. I was looking for some of my favorite books of the era, when I glanced up and saw Henry motioning for me to come over there.
I walked over and saw he was holding a book, so I asked, “What did you find?”
He raised his eyebrows at me and replied, “I’ve found the ‘Sexual Lives of the Savages’. Now we can have afternoon reading hour.”
“Who’s to define either?” I responded. “I was going suggest some wholesome classics as Lawrence’s ‘Lady Chatterley’s Lover’ and Huxley’s ‘Brave New World’.”
“If I get ‘Lady Chatterley’s Lover,’ will you call me Tiger?” Henry asked.
I replied, “It depends if the situation warrants it.”
“Like a search warrant? I could search you without a warrant,” he teased. “Do they have Huxley?”
“I was just going to check,” I replied. “If you don’t behave, I’ll buy you ‘Elmer Gantry’.”
“Buy me what you want,” he answered. “I’m in your hands."
“What do you want to read?” I asked. “I wouldn’t want you to get something you wouldn’t enjoy.”
“I like the suggestions so far,” Henry said. “Anything else?”
“People don’t read enough H. G. Wells. And, do you like poetry? Or short stories?” I queried.
“Let’s just get a couple of books today,” Henry decided.
We found a few books, including “Brave New World” and “Elmer Gantry.” Henry paid the book seller for the books and we headed for the door. Henry looked back wistfully and said, “I should have gotten the savages book for you to read to me out loud.”
After we came back to the office, I sorted and filed letters the rest of the afternoon. This could be a pretty interesting job. I like getting things organized and putting a system into place that could be used by others.
I also liked the energy of the office. It’s enjoyable to work for kind and fun people. Of course, the flirting is just the way men in the 1930s communicated with women. It didn’t really mean anything else. I decided to ignore any odd fascination I might be feeling about any of my bosses.
To be continued...
Herb talked to his brothers briefly and left for his meeting. Leo and Art left for lunch. Henry stood in the doorway and asked, “Do you want to help me shop for books?”
“Are you asking me to spend your money on books? How can a girl say no to that?” I replied.
“I should have known. A woman wouldn’t turn down a chance to spend my money,” Henry teased.
“Ah, but who are we spending the money on?” I asked.
“Books for me,” he answered.
“See,” I replied. “That’s how I’m different.”
“Let’s go, wiseacre.” Henry grabbed my left elbow and led me towards the door. After we walked out of the building, he locked up the office.
Henry drove towards Hollywood Blvd. and parked the car on the 6600 block. We entered the bookstore. The store owner was in the middle of the store, talking with a group of friends.
I walked over to a shelf and started looking at the titles. One area had current books and another area had modern classics. Henry had gone to a back shelf in the store. I was looking for some of my favorite books of the era, when I glanced up and saw Henry motioning for me to come over there.
I walked over and saw he was holding a book, so I asked, “What did you find?”
He raised his eyebrows at me and replied, “I’ve found the ‘Sexual Lives of the Savages’. Now we can have afternoon reading hour.”
“Who’s to define either?” I responded. “I was going suggest some wholesome classics as Lawrence’s ‘Lady Chatterley’s Lover’ and Huxley’s ‘Brave New World’.”
“If I get ‘Lady Chatterley’s Lover,’ will you call me Tiger?” Henry asked.
I replied, “It depends if the situation warrants it.”
“Like a search warrant? I could search you without a warrant,” he teased. “Do they have Huxley?”
“I was just going to check,” I replied. “If you don’t behave, I’ll buy you ‘Elmer Gantry’.”
“Buy me what you want,” he answered. “I’m in your hands."
“What do you want to read?” I asked. “I wouldn’t want you to get something you wouldn’t enjoy.”
“I like the suggestions so far,” Henry said. “Anything else?”
“People don’t read enough H. G. Wells. And, do you like poetry? Or short stories?” I queried.
“Let’s just get a couple of books today,” Henry decided.
We found a few books, including “Brave New World” and “Elmer Gantry.” Henry paid the book seller for the books and we headed for the door. Henry looked back wistfully and said, “I should have gotten the savages book for you to read to me out loud.”
After we came back to the office, I sorted and filed letters the rest of the afternoon. This could be a pretty interesting job. I like getting things organized and putting a system into place that could be used by others.
I also liked the energy of the office. It’s enjoyable to work for kind and fun people. Of course, the flirting is just the way men in the 1930s communicated with women. It didn’t really mean anything else. I decided to ignore any odd fascination I might be feeling about any of my bosses.
To be continued...
Sunday, August 25, 2013
Cracked Ice Part 4
“CRACKED ICE” by Leora Tozer © 2013 - Part 4
The next day, I was busy with paperwork. Leo entered the office early.
“Hey, do you play cards?” he asked.
“What type of cards?” I replied.
“Bridge, pinochle, or poker,” he answered.
“I had played poker or blackjack when I was a kid, but we only bet with buttons,” I responded.
“Well, come here,” he said. “We’ll play for pennies.”
I found two rolls of pennies in the desk drawer, and snatched them out. So that’s what they were there for. I rolled my office chair into Leo’s office and sat across from him at his desk. He was shuffling his cards, and had me cut the cards.
“How about five card draw?” he asked.
“Alright, but I’m rusty,” I answered.
“Rusty? Need oil?” he smiled. “That’s fine, I’ll teach you.”
He dealt the cards and we played a couple of hands. He won the first one and I won the second hand. While we played the third hand, Art came in, pulled a chair up with the back facing the desk, sat down with his arms leaning on the back of the chair, and watched. Leo won the third hand and for the fourth hand, he dealt Art in. I handed Art the unopened roll of pennies I had.
“Hey, you might need those later,” Leo said.
“Found these in the desk drawer. There’s more if needed,” I said, smiling.
As we played cards, Art tried to look at my hand a few times. When he did that, I’d swat his hand lightly away. I was dealt a full house, bet 2 pennies and won the hand. Leo dealt another round and I won again with three of a kind.
“Hey, when did you become a card shark?” Leo teased.
“Just beginner’s luck. Besides, do I look like a card shark?” I teased back.
Meanwhile, Henry noticed it was quiet. He walked out of his office and no one was at the front desk, so he decided to see what was going on. Henry seemed vexed as he walked into Leo’s office and saw us playing cards.
“How dare you have a card game without dealing me a hand,” Henry said.
“You in?” Leo asked.
“Now that you’ve corrupted the new secretary, is the game strip poker?” Henry inquired, smiling at me and raising his eyebrows slightly.
Before Leo could answer, I piped up. “For that, I would require 24 hours notice to play.”
“How come?” Henry asked.
I replied, “So I would be wearing layers of 4 days of clothes.”
Leo laughed, “Henry, you don’t want to lose your pants to her that way. I just taught her to play and she’s already a genuine card shark.”
Before the cards were dealt, Art suddenly stood up and grabbed the back of my chair, “Time for a new game! Chair race.”
Art pushed me in my chair to the hallway and said, “Who’s in?” I pretended to put on a pair of driving goggles and a pair of driving gloves.
Leo stood up and offered the seat of his wheeled chair to Henry. They were soon in the hallway. I was pantomiming starting a car, moved my feet as if to adjust the gas and clutch petals, and then using my right hand to shift the car into gear.
As soon as they said, “Get ready…Get set,” Art whispered, “Hang on tight, honey.” I quickly linked my arms through the chair arms.
“Go!” The chairs barreled down the hall.
At first, Art had a good jump on Leo and pushed my chair ahead. Leo was able to catch up and they were even. Henry asked, “Can I get abreast of a woman driver?”
I replied, “Not if her dad raced jalopies from time to time.”
Once again, Art pulled ahead of his brothers, and we reached the end of the hall. He spun my chair around, and we past Leo and Henry as they arrived at the end of the hall.
I could hear Henry tell Leo to “hurry up” as we scooted down the hall. In the middle of the hall, it felt like someone was trying to pull on the back of my chair. After I shifted around, I could see Henry trying to slow down my chair by hanging onto the back. Art gave his hand a friendly swat.
When we neared the open office door, I could see younger man standing in the doorway. Art moved to the side, to avoid knocking his youngest brother over. After we reached the end of the hall, Art raised my hand up, “The winner!” Leo, pushing Henry’s chair, was close behind and nearly ran over Herb’s foot.
Herb shook his head at his brothers, “Is this how you spend most days?”
Art smiled, “No, just Wednesdays.”
Henry answered, “Stick around. Let’s find out if your tie can be fed into the adding machine, preferably when you’re still wearing it.”
“Maybe next time. I’m on my way to a meeting. Just stopped by for the letters that were sent here by mistake,” Herb said.
“You mean Fan mail?” Henry asked. “Why yours are mainly letters from 40 year old divorced dames.”
“Well, they need answers too,” I replied. I hopped out of the chair and ran to my desk. I grabbed the manila envelope marked “Herb” and walked back into the hall.
“Here are the letters for you. I’ve included some ideas for answering them faster, if your secretary is interested,” I offered.
“Thank you,” Herb replied.
I went back to my desk and worked.
To be continued...
The next day, I was busy with paperwork. Leo entered the office early.
“Hey, do you play cards?” he asked.
“What type of cards?” I replied.
“Bridge, pinochle, or poker,” he answered.
“I had played poker or blackjack when I was a kid, but we only bet with buttons,” I responded.
“Well, come here,” he said. “We’ll play for pennies.”
I found two rolls of pennies in the desk drawer, and snatched them out. So that’s what they were there for. I rolled my office chair into Leo’s office and sat across from him at his desk. He was shuffling his cards, and had me cut the cards.
“How about five card draw?” he asked.
“Alright, but I’m rusty,” I answered.
“Rusty? Need oil?” he smiled. “That’s fine, I’ll teach you.”
He dealt the cards and we played a couple of hands. He won the first one and I won the second hand. While we played the third hand, Art came in, pulled a chair up with the back facing the desk, sat down with his arms leaning on the back of the chair, and watched. Leo won the third hand and for the fourth hand, he dealt Art in. I handed Art the unopened roll of pennies I had.
“Hey, you might need those later,” Leo said.
“Found these in the desk drawer. There’s more if needed,” I said, smiling.
As we played cards, Art tried to look at my hand a few times. When he did that, I’d swat his hand lightly away. I was dealt a full house, bet 2 pennies and won the hand. Leo dealt another round and I won again with three of a kind.
“Hey, when did you become a card shark?” Leo teased.
“Just beginner’s luck. Besides, do I look like a card shark?” I teased back.
Meanwhile, Henry noticed it was quiet. He walked out of his office and no one was at the front desk, so he decided to see what was going on. Henry seemed vexed as he walked into Leo’s office and saw us playing cards.
“How dare you have a card game without dealing me a hand,” Henry said.
“You in?” Leo asked.
“Now that you’ve corrupted the new secretary, is the game strip poker?” Henry inquired, smiling at me and raising his eyebrows slightly.
Before Leo could answer, I piped up. “For that, I would require 24 hours notice to play.”
“How come?” Henry asked.
I replied, “So I would be wearing layers of 4 days of clothes.”
Leo laughed, “Henry, you don’t want to lose your pants to her that way. I just taught her to play and she’s already a genuine card shark.”
Before the cards were dealt, Art suddenly stood up and grabbed the back of my chair, “Time for a new game! Chair race.”
Art pushed me in my chair to the hallway and said, “Who’s in?” I pretended to put on a pair of driving goggles and a pair of driving gloves.
Leo stood up and offered the seat of his wheeled chair to Henry. They were soon in the hallway. I was pantomiming starting a car, moved my feet as if to adjust the gas and clutch petals, and then using my right hand to shift the car into gear.
As soon as they said, “Get ready…Get set,” Art whispered, “Hang on tight, honey.” I quickly linked my arms through the chair arms.
“Go!” The chairs barreled down the hall.
At first, Art had a good jump on Leo and pushed my chair ahead. Leo was able to catch up and they were even. Henry asked, “Can I get abreast of a woman driver?”
I replied, “Not if her dad raced jalopies from time to time.”
Once again, Art pulled ahead of his brothers, and we reached the end of the hall. He spun my chair around, and we past Leo and Henry as they arrived at the end of the hall.
I could hear Henry tell Leo to “hurry up” as we scooted down the hall. In the middle of the hall, it felt like someone was trying to pull on the back of my chair. After I shifted around, I could see Henry trying to slow down my chair by hanging onto the back. Art gave his hand a friendly swat.
When we neared the open office door, I could see younger man standing in the doorway. Art moved to the side, to avoid knocking his youngest brother over. After we reached the end of the hall, Art raised my hand up, “The winner!” Leo, pushing Henry’s chair, was close behind and nearly ran over Herb’s foot.
Herb shook his head at his brothers, “Is this how you spend most days?”
Art smiled, “No, just Wednesdays.”
Henry answered, “Stick around. Let’s find out if your tie can be fed into the adding machine, preferably when you’re still wearing it.”
“Maybe next time. I’m on my way to a meeting. Just stopped by for the letters that were sent here by mistake,” Herb said.
“You mean Fan mail?” Henry asked. “Why yours are mainly letters from 40 year old divorced dames.”
“Well, they need answers too,” I replied. I hopped out of the chair and ran to my desk. I grabbed the manila envelope marked “Herb” and walked back into the hall.
“Here are the letters for you. I’ve included some ideas for answering them faster, if your secretary is interested,” I offered.
“Thank you,” Herb replied.
I went back to my desk and worked.
To be continued...
Friday, August 23, 2013
Cracked Ice - Part 3
“CRACKED ICE” - Part 3 by Leora Tozer © 2013
The next day I arrived at 7:15am. Since I was uncertain about the Yellow Car schedule, I decided that it’s best to be early. No one was there; the building was locked. I didn’t mind. I brought a copy of the book “Dodsworth” to read.
I sat on the step, leaned against the wall and read. The sun was rising and getting warmer. I was pretty engrossed in my reading and didn’t notice a car driving up. Suddenly, a shadow was cast on my book page, and I looked up.
“Hey toots, I wasn’t serious when I said to come in at 7,” Henry said.
“I know. I figured it was more fun to read outside than at the musty boardinghouse I’m staying at,” I answered. I stood up, and straightened the skirt of my dress. When putting my book away in my satchel, I noticed he was trying to read the title.
I was able to gain a better insight into my new boss when I followed Henry down the hall. Just from his walk and quiet nature, I could see that he’s a person who can be serious; he reads and thinks too much at times. He’s a handsome man, but doesn’t realize it. He’s a man who’s witty and smart, but is wracked by some insecurity, even though he’s in his early 40s and is in a successful part of his life.
After getting settled in at my desk, I go back out into the hall to pick up the rest of the letters, crawling on my hands and knees in order to scoop them up quicker. Since I was preoccupied, I didn’t notice Henry standing in the doorway, watching me with amusement.
Once I saw him standing there, I stood up quickly and asked, “How did these letters get strewn around like this?”
Henry shook his head, “Leo’s last girlfriend caused this.”
I took a few steps forward, but was not able to walk into the office, since he was standing in the doorway. “I’ll start sorting these letters today. Was there anything else you wanted me for?” I innocently asked.
I could see something cross his mind, but he didn’t say anything. He kept a semi-stern expression; he replied, “No, that should be fine for now.” He moved so I could pass by. I quickly entered the office.
I sat down on my chair and sorted the letters. I couldn’t help but watch him walk back into his office. Just from watching their movies, I would have never guessed how handsome and intriguing Henry appeared to me in person. I didn’t put much thought into this new fascination, since I’m not the type of woman that guys generally notice. Besides, I’m here to learn, and not get distracted in any sort of crush. I decided to focus on my work and to learn within this experience.
By the end of the day, I sorted the letters into four piles. I had sorted out all of Herb’s letters and had started a couple of templates for him, in case his secretary wanted to borrow the idea. Henry mentioned this morning that I wouldn’t need to do his younger brother’s letters, since Herb had his own office across town. I put them all into an envelope marked his name on it, and placed them in the top right desk drawer, so I’d know where they were in case he stopped by.
To be continued...
The next day I arrived at 7:15am. Since I was uncertain about the Yellow Car schedule, I decided that it’s best to be early. No one was there; the building was locked. I didn’t mind. I brought a copy of the book “Dodsworth” to read.
I sat on the step, leaned against the wall and read. The sun was rising and getting warmer. I was pretty engrossed in my reading and didn’t notice a car driving up. Suddenly, a shadow was cast on my book page, and I looked up.
“Hey toots, I wasn’t serious when I said to come in at 7,” Henry said.
“I know. I figured it was more fun to read outside than at the musty boardinghouse I’m staying at,” I answered. I stood up, and straightened the skirt of my dress. When putting my book away in my satchel, I noticed he was trying to read the title.
I was able to gain a better insight into my new boss when I followed Henry down the hall. Just from his walk and quiet nature, I could see that he’s a person who can be serious; he reads and thinks too much at times. He’s a handsome man, but doesn’t realize it. He’s a man who’s witty and smart, but is wracked by some insecurity, even though he’s in his early 40s and is in a successful part of his life.
After getting settled in at my desk, I go back out into the hall to pick up the rest of the letters, crawling on my hands and knees in order to scoop them up quicker. Since I was preoccupied, I didn’t notice Henry standing in the doorway, watching me with amusement.
Once I saw him standing there, I stood up quickly and asked, “How did these letters get strewn around like this?”
Henry shook his head, “Leo’s last girlfriend caused this.”
I took a few steps forward, but was not able to walk into the office, since he was standing in the doorway. “I’ll start sorting these letters today. Was there anything else you wanted me for?” I innocently asked.
I could see something cross his mind, but he didn’t say anything. He kept a semi-stern expression; he replied, “No, that should be fine for now.” He moved so I could pass by. I quickly entered the office.
I sat down on my chair and sorted the letters. I couldn’t help but watch him walk back into his office. Just from watching their movies, I would have never guessed how handsome and intriguing Henry appeared to me in person. I didn’t put much thought into this new fascination, since I’m not the type of woman that guys generally notice. Besides, I’m here to learn, and not get distracted in any sort of crush. I decided to focus on my work and to learn within this experience.
By the end of the day, I sorted the letters into four piles. I had sorted out all of Herb’s letters and had started a couple of templates for him, in case his secretary wanted to borrow the idea. Henry mentioned this morning that I wouldn’t need to do his younger brother’s letters, since Herb had his own office across town. I put them all into an envelope marked his name on it, and placed them in the top right desk drawer, so I’d know where they were in case he stopped by.
To be continued...
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