Main Street Musings: office work

Showing posts with label office work. Show all posts

Thursday, July 24, 2014

Cracked Ice story-list of all of the segments (so far)

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Cracked Ice - Part 10

“CRACKED ICE” by Leora Tozer © 2014 - Part 10

The morning went by quickly. I typed quite a few answers for Leo’s letters. He briefly checked them over and signed them. I was able to get a lot done before the mail went out mid-morning.

After a brief lunch outside with my book, I felt newly focused and energized. I was able to start on a few templates, which I planned on sharing with them for additions and approvals. As I was typing the second template, Henry popped his head out of his office and asked with a grin, “So, you’re answering those without me?”

“I thought I’d quote your movie lines to create the answers,” I teased back, smiling at him. “When you have time, I can show you what I have done so far and how it would work,” I continued.

He looked around the office and asked, “So where are my lazy brothers?”

“I don’t know where your lazy brothers are,” I answered, “but Art and Leo were in for at least an hour, and now are gone for lunch. Don’t you need lunch?”

“I had lunch. Come in with those letters.” Henry directed.

I brought in the templates, a couple of fan letters, a notebook, and pen with hope my plan would work for this project.

I entered the office. Henry shut the door and went to sit down at his desk. I sat on the chair across the desk from him. He moved the notebook and pen he had in front of him into the right desk drawer.

He read the first letter template and then I showed him the letter and where I would need a few answers.

He looked at me and stated, “This isn’t working at all.”

I wasn’t surprised that he might not approve, but was shocked that he did so quickly. I answered, “I know it won’t work for all letters, but if it would help with even 20%...”

“No, that’s not what I meant,” he said.

“What’s not working?” I asked, slightly confused.

“This seating arrangement,” he responded in a flirtatious way. “It’s difficult to work on this when you’re all the way over there.”

“I can move the chair,” I said, standing up.

He reached out and lightly held my hand.

“Don’t you realize when a man is trying to get closer to you.”

“But men don’t make passes at a girl wearing glasses,” I retorted.

He asked, “What if it’s a boy in glasses?”

He held my hand with a gentle, but steady grip; I looked at him from across the desk. There was a definite look I hadn’t seen him give me before. I felt a slight butterfly tremor flow through me. I took a small breath in and asked, “So, where should I sit?”

"Where do you think?” he asked softly.

We couldn’t seem to break our eye contact. It’s nature; the chemical interaction between a man and a woman attracted to each other. Ever since the kiss yesterday, I wanted to find some reason to touch him. My body swayed slightly at the thought of sitting on his lap.

I moved around the desk while he kept claim of my hand. When I sat on his lap, he let go of my hand. My head was turned so my right ear was near his mouth. I could barely breathe; he whispered, “Now you’re right where you belong.”

I gave a small nod in agreement. As I sat there, I felt an odd sense of relief; relief that I wasn’t ignoring my own feelings. A whole new emotion flooded my senses into overdrive. The sexual energy could have lit the whole room, even though no words were being exchanged.

“So, you wanted to show me the letters?” Henry asked.

I picked up the first template and a couple of letters. I read it out loud while he slowly caressed my back.

“You seem tense. I should find a way to relax you,” he teased.

Feeling his breath on my neck was sending waves of longing through my whole body. As his fingertips explored my neck, stomach and sides of my waist through my dress, I felt myself ache with a deep desire I hadn’t experienced in a long time.

After reading a letter, I leaned back onto his shoulder.

“Whatcha thinking about, honey?” Henry asked.

I smiled and leaned in to softly kiss his neck, as I caressed his chest through his white cotton shirt.

I felt jangled up, and knew I needed to leave the office soon. I intuitively knew he was a man who felt he should be in control. However, my attraction was stronger than I realized. I knew I had to control myself from going further. If a woman was too forward, I felt certain it would be an automatic turn-off for him.

I was vibrating like a tuning fork and trying to decide how I could get up and leave. Fortunately, I heard Leo and Art’s voices when they entered the outer office. I could hear Art say, “I’ll need to ask Henry about that.”

I quickly stood up, grabbed the letters from the desk, and took two steps from the desk. Art opened Henry’s office door.

“Didn’t you learn how knock?” Henry grumbled to his brother.

Art replied with a smile, “Knocking’s only needed for bathrooms and bedrooms.”

“I was just leaving. Thank you for going over these letters with me,” I stated. I walked out of the office and closed the door behind me.

I sat the letters on the desk and walked down the hall to the bathroom. I splashed cool water on my face to try to calm my reeling mind. After drying my face, I realized I needed to go outside for fresh air and a short walk.

I can’t believe myself. I’ve never ever done something like this while at work.

I’m walking outside lost in thought, and suddenly felt my soul being hugged by another soul. I had already walked around the building at least three or four times when someone tapped my elbow. “Hey, you alright?” Art asked kindly.

“Oh, I’m fine,” I answered. He started walking next to me.

“Most fine folks don’t walk laps around buildings.” “I just needed some fresh air to think,” I replied.

He nodded, “Henry can cause most people to run for the hills from time to time. But, overall, he’s good.”

“I wasn’t upset by anything he said. He seems so serious at times,” I replied in a concerned way.

“He worries,” Art stated, “so the rest of us don’t have to. He’d worry even if we did.”

I nodded, “Some folks feel like they have to carry the weight of the world on their shoulders.”

We stopped walking. Art looked around quickly to see if anyone else was outside. When he saw no one around, he commented, “Those are the people who should enjoy life when they can. Henry has no peace at home.”

“It’s strange how right and wrong seemed so clear cut when I was young. Why is that?” I asked.

Art smiled, “We all knew so much less as kids. What’s right for most? Things unknown don’t necessarily cause troubles.”

I touched his arm and smiled, “Thank you for your wisdom.” He smiled back and whispered, “Don’t forget, 10pm.”

I didn’t realize where we had stopped to talk. Henry had watched through his office window while Art and I had this confidential talk. Henry could only see the body language, of me touching Art’s arm, not realizing that it was in the spirit of friendship.

To be continued...

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.

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.

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.

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...