If reading the "Cracked Ice" story, this post was created to it easier to read it in chronological order. I started posting this in August of 2013.
Part 1: http://leora-tozer.blogspot.com/2013/08/cracked-ice-part-1.html
Part 2: http://leora-tozer.blogspot.com/2013/08/cracked-ice-part-2.html
Part 3: http://leora-tozer.blogspot.com/2013/08/cracked-ice-part-3.html
Part 4: http://leora-tozer.blogspot.com/2013/08/cracked-ice-part-4.html
Part 5: http://leora-tozer.blogspot.com/2013/08/cracked-ice-part-5.html
Part 6: http://leora-tozer.blogspot.com/2013/10/cracked-ice-part-6.html
Part 6.5: http://leora-tozer.blogspot.com/2013/10/cracked-ice-part-65.html
Part 7: http://leora-tozer.blogspot.com/2013/10/cracked-ice-part-7.html
Part 8: http://leora-tozer.blogspot.com/2013/10/cracked-ice-part-8.html
Part 8.5: http://leora-tozer.blogspot.com/2013/11/cracked-ice-part-85.html
Part 9: http://leora-tozer.blogspot.com/2013/12/cracked-ice-part-9.html
Part 9.5: http://leora-tozer.blogspot.com/2013/12/cracked-ice-part-95.html
Part 9.75: http://leora-tozer.blogspot.com/2014/02/cracked-ice-part-975.html
Part 10: http://leora-tozer.blogspot.com/2014/03/cracked-ice-part-10.html
Part 10.5: http://leora-tozer.blogspot.com/2014/04/cracked-ice-part-105.html
Showing posts with label time travel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label time travel. Show all posts
Thursday, July 24, 2014
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
Cracked Ice - Part 10.5
“CRACKED ICE” by Leora Tozer © 2014 -Part 10.5
Art’s two-toned cream-colored Caddy Roadster was idling outside the boarding house at 10pm.
I was walking downstairs in a long peach-toned silk dress. Nellie was standing by the front door, and said to me, “Looks like someone’s waiting for you.”
“Yes, but do you have a shawl I could borrow?” I asked.
“Of course,” she answered, while holding up a colorful and beautifully embroidered silk shawl.
“Thank you Nellie,” I smiled. “I’m not even sure where we’ll be going. Should I be nervous?”
Nellie’s clear blue eyes twinkled slightly, “No, it seems like everything’s been going well for you so far.”
“Thank you for the shawl. Off to a new adventure,” I said.
“That’s right,” Nellie replied. “Embrace life.”
I smiled, “And have a good evening.”
“Thanks. You too, sweetie,” Nellie answered.
I opened the front door and walked down the steps and onto the sidewalk. I watched my step and listened to the click-click of my Oxford shoes on the cement. As I walked closer to the car, I could feel a strange energy surround me for just a second.
I looked up and smiled at the car. The passenger door popped open slightly. I caught the door handle and opened the door enough for me to slip into the car. Art had moved back to the driver’s side of the car, “Good evening.”
“Thank you. Good evening to you,” I replied. “Am I appropriately dressed for tonight’s adventure?”
“Yes,” Art smiled. “Perfect.”
Since I’m not familiar with town, I didn’t recognize where we were going. However, it didn’t seem to take long to get to an area of town where a few bars and restaurants were open late.
He parked the car, and we went into a small building with a brick façade. We went into the bar, and sat on bar stools. The bartender asked us what we wanted. I ordered an iced tea and Art ordered a ginger ale.
One of the waitresses came in from the back room; she was tall, and as I looked more carefully, I realized she was a man dressed and made up like a woman. As she was waiting for the bartender to make up her orders, I asked her, “Your fingernails are beautiful. How did you get your nails done so precisely? I don’t have the patience to get the polish that smooth.”
Art didn’t say anything, but I could see in my periphery that he looked momentarily surprised by my question. The waitress smiled, “Thank you. I have a few drinks to deliver, but in a bit I can show you a couple of makeup tricks.”
“I could use the help,” I replied, smiling. “As you can see, I generally look like a ghost when I’m done putting on makeup.”
After she left, Art looked at me carefully, “For a Benson, you’re full of surprises.”
“And why’s that?” I asked. "Life’s a continuous gift as long as you keep an open mind.”
“I know,” Art said. “But not everyone sees that.”
“That’s true. They can miss a lot,” I answered.
The waitress came back, took my arm, and told Art, “I’m temporarily borrowing your date.”
Art grinned and tipped his hat, “No problem.”
While Leora was gone, Art surveyed the place. It was a small room, with dark wood paneling. Drawings and small paintings dotted the walls. The bar was busy with only a few people standing and talking, but several waitresses with drink orders were coming in and out of the second room.
“So what’s in the other room?” Art asked the bartender.
The bartender smiled, “When your date comes back, you can go in and find out.”
Judy led me to a small dressing room that the waitresses and other staff shared. I held out my hand, “By the way, my name’s Leora.”
“Nice to meet you, Leora. I’m Judy,” the waitress said while shaking my hand. Judy and I sat down in chairs at a makeup table. Judy opened a drawer, and pulled out a kit with blush, eye makeup and lipstick. She also selected nail polishes, which were setting in the corner of the table.
“We’ll do your nails first. Which color do you like?” Judy asked.
“I like the mauve tones,” I answered. Judy and I talked while she worked on my fingernails, starting with my right hand. “What type of work do you do?”
“I’m a secretary,” I replied. “The nail polish will probably get chipped up from typing tomorrow.”
“We’ll apply a second coat and see if that will delay the chipping,” Judy suggested. Judy had me set my left hand on the table, so she could apply a first coat.
I smiled and asked, “How long have you worked here?”
“Not long,” Judy said. “I moved here from New York a few months ago, because I heard there are jobs here.”
“That’s why I’m here temporarily,” I replied. “Thought I’d work in an office a short while and then go back home to the Midwest.”
“So what’s your story with that sharp-dressed New Yorker you’re with,” Judy inquired with a smile. I smiled back,
“Sorry to disappoint; not much of a story. He’s one of my bosses and he wanted to check out this place, and he thought I should tag along.”
Judy looked thoughtful as she blew air onto my fingernails to dry the first coat. The polish changed from dark to light to shiny as they dried.
“From what I’ve observed, people come to either find someone or to get to KNOW someone,” Judy stated.
“Not to presume, but do some folks come to gawk out of curiosity?” I asked. “I mean, some people don’t see that we are all the same, so they think they are seeing something different.”
“Oh, there are a few like that, but they don’t stay long. They get nervous,” Judy replied, with a wink and a smile.
I giggled and smiled back, “I bet they do.” I looked down at my fingernails; with the second coat, they were perfect.
Judy opened the makeup kit, and found blush for me. “Take off your glasses, Sweetie,” Judy said. I took off my glasses and set them on the table. Judy applied blush, lip and eye color while we talked.
“You know, if you get the chance tonight, you should kiss him,” Judy stated.
I blushed slightly, “He’s been very kind ever since I started there. But that could get awkward with my other bosses.
Judy asked, “Do they know you two are out tonight?”
“Well, no,” I said. “I’m not saying anything. It would make one boss think I should go out with him and the third could feel jealous.”
Judy asked, “Oh, you have three bosses? And are they in the picture business?”
I smiled, “Sorry, I wouldn’t feel right answering that.”
Judy replied, “Oh Sweetie, everything is private here. Otherwise, people wouldn’t come back.”
“Well,” I stated, “You may have seen them in the movies.”
“Sounds fair,” Judy said with a smile. “I’ve always heard the quiet one’s a real sweetie.”
I had tried to watch Judy apply the makeup on me, but I got distracted by the conversation.
Judy said, “There. What do you think?”
I looked at myself in the mirror. I felt in awe; even though I’ve tried many times, I could never quite get it right. “Thank you Judy. I’ve never looked this put together before,” I said.
“Glad you like it,” Judy said. “My dream is to get a job doing makeup.”
I thought a moment, “Have you tried at the studios? Or is it hard to get a job there?”
“I haven’t asked yet. Maybe with a bit more practice…” Judy said.
“You have real talent,” I smiled. “After all, look at the magic you did with me.” I put my glasses back on. “Thank you. And trust your gifts.” I gave Judy a quick hug.
“Now it’s time for you to take that handsome man dancing in the back room,” Judy suggested.
We walked back out into the bar, where Art was waiting. Art smiled at Leora and teased Judy, “Where’d my date go? Did she sneak out the back?”
I nudged his left arm playfully. “If I didn’t get scared off from Henry last week, what makes you think I’d run off tonight?”
It seemed like Art couldn’t quit looking at me. Meanwhile,Judy motioned to the other room, “Now you two go back there, enjoy the music and dance.”
“I don’t remember how to dance. Can you show me?” I asked.
Art asked, “How can you not remember?”
“Too many years of not dancing,” I replied.
“We need to correct that,” Art stated, taking my right elbow with his left hand and leading me down the small, dark hallway.
I opened the door and the room was mostly dark, except for a small candle on each table and a lone spotlight on the small stage. The three piece jazz band was playing a fast song as we carefully walked into the room. Our eyes began to adjust and we noticed the doorman nodding to Art and pointing to an unoccupied table for us to sit down at.
We quietly moved through the small room and sat down at the table. I slipped my shawl onto the back of the chair, while Art set his hat on the table.
“The beat is too fast for me, at least to start out with,” I said.
“The only way to learn is to start now,” Art replied and took my hand.
We took a few steps to the small dance floor, and I followed his lead, taking a step or two with the music. He swung me around in a circle, and spun me back. Surprisingly, I kept on my feet during the dance, and we applauded when the band finished the song.
As the band started a slower song, a female impersonator walked onto the stage. The singer sang a torch song about missing her man. Many more couples came onto the dance floor for the slow song.
Art moved closer and gently put his right hand on my waist. With his left hand, he took my right hand; in his grasp, our fingers became entangled. I placed my left arm across his shoulder and my hand rested lightly on the back of his neck.
We danced close, but our bodies were not quite touching. As the music infused the crowd, it was easy to sense love lost and unresolved longing from many. The fingers of my left hand began to trace soft circles on the back of his neck in time to the music.
Usually I would watch the crowd, but I felt transfixed by Art’s eyes. I felt surprised by a sense of recognition within the deep recesses of my soul. Getting lost within his gaze, I felt something more, another stirring, more primal, more physical.
As the band kept playing slow, sensual numbers, we kept dancing. My body felt so aware and awakened by each minute change in pressure from his fingertips on my waist and his hand squeezing mine. My body felt washed with longing and desire; I blocked other people’s emotions and realized I was feeling my own long repressed want. It had been so long since I had felt attracted to anyone. I was uncertain what I was feeling, until it hit me like a ton of bricks.
As soon as a faster song started, we both stopped dancing. Art didn’t say a word; he kept hold of my hand. We went to the table and he picked up his hat, while I grabbed my shawl from the chair. He led me out of the club and we walked to his parked car.
We were standing by the passenger door, and as he was reaching over to open the door for me, I kissed him, just one gentle kiss on the lips. He looked at me with such human hunger. I realized the music must have affected him too.
I draped my arms around his neck and kissed him again, and stepped back. He stepped forward and took my face in his hands and kissed me back. We got as lost in the kisses as we had in the dancing.
Time seemed to stand still as he leaned me against the side of the car while we kissed. My arms slipped around his neck; my body quaked against his. Every nerve ending in my body felt awakened and my fingers worked through his hair.
After 15 minutes or so, Art pulled back and looked at me. I’m sure he could see the pure want in my eyes, since he whispered, “I should take you somewhere. But where?”
He opened the passenger door. I crawled into the car, and opened the driver’s door from the inside. I leaned my stomach on the back of the car seat, looking out the back window. I felt keyed up from our kissing and wasn’t ready to sit down yet.
Art slipped into the driver’s seat beside me. My eyes shined down at him with pure, innocent lust. He wrapped his arm around my waist and sat me down on his lap for a minute. His left thumb slowly caressed my cheek and jaw line. I softly sighed.
He whispered in my ear, “If I kiss you anymore, I won’t be able to drive home.” My body trembled slightly with his statement and with my lustful thoughts.
I slid off of his lap, “The music and atmosphere must have influenced us too much.”
I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. It felt like he did the same. When I opened my eyes, I smiled at him. “Thank you for taking me here this evening. I should go home.”
He looked at me carefully, “Are you sure?”
“Yes, it’s a work day tomorrow,” I stated. “Besides, don’t you have to rest for all the things you need to do tomorrow?”
“You mean golf and a card game?” Art asked.
He drove me back to the boarding house, and I thanked him again for taking me to the night club. Before I hopped out of the car, he held my left hand briefly. My eyes flashed another lustful look at him, and then I slipped out of his grasp without looking back. I knew if I looked back I’d be too tempted to slip back into his car and too soon into his bed.
Art’s two-toned cream-colored Caddy Roadster was idling outside the boarding house at 10pm.
I was walking downstairs in a long peach-toned silk dress. Nellie was standing by the front door, and said to me, “Looks like someone’s waiting for you.”
“Yes, but do you have a shawl I could borrow?” I asked.
“Of course,” she answered, while holding up a colorful and beautifully embroidered silk shawl.
“Thank you Nellie,” I smiled. “I’m not even sure where we’ll be going. Should I be nervous?”
Nellie’s clear blue eyes twinkled slightly, “No, it seems like everything’s been going well for you so far.”
“Thank you for the shawl. Off to a new adventure,” I said.
“That’s right,” Nellie replied. “Embrace life.”
I smiled, “And have a good evening.”
“Thanks. You too, sweetie,” Nellie answered.
I opened the front door and walked down the steps and onto the sidewalk. I watched my step and listened to the click-click of my Oxford shoes on the cement. As I walked closer to the car, I could feel a strange energy surround me for just a second.
I looked up and smiled at the car. The passenger door popped open slightly. I caught the door handle and opened the door enough for me to slip into the car. Art had moved back to the driver’s side of the car, “Good evening.”
“Thank you. Good evening to you,” I replied. “Am I appropriately dressed for tonight’s adventure?”
“Yes,” Art smiled. “Perfect.”
Since I’m not familiar with town, I didn’t recognize where we were going. However, it didn’t seem to take long to get to an area of town where a few bars and restaurants were open late.
He parked the car, and we went into a small building with a brick façade. We went into the bar, and sat on bar stools. The bartender asked us what we wanted. I ordered an iced tea and Art ordered a ginger ale.
One of the waitresses came in from the back room; she was tall, and as I looked more carefully, I realized she was a man dressed and made up like a woman. As she was waiting for the bartender to make up her orders, I asked her, “Your fingernails are beautiful. How did you get your nails done so precisely? I don’t have the patience to get the polish that smooth.”
Art didn’t say anything, but I could see in my periphery that he looked momentarily surprised by my question. The waitress smiled, “Thank you. I have a few drinks to deliver, but in a bit I can show you a couple of makeup tricks.”
“I could use the help,” I replied, smiling. “As you can see, I generally look like a ghost when I’m done putting on makeup.”
After she left, Art looked at me carefully, “For a Benson, you’re full of surprises.”
“And why’s that?” I asked. "Life’s a continuous gift as long as you keep an open mind.”
“I know,” Art said. “But not everyone sees that.”
“That’s true. They can miss a lot,” I answered.
The waitress came back, took my arm, and told Art, “I’m temporarily borrowing your date.”
Art grinned and tipped his hat, “No problem.”
While Leora was gone, Art surveyed the place. It was a small room, with dark wood paneling. Drawings and small paintings dotted the walls. The bar was busy with only a few people standing and talking, but several waitresses with drink orders were coming in and out of the second room.
“So what’s in the other room?” Art asked the bartender.
The bartender smiled, “When your date comes back, you can go in and find out.”
Judy led me to a small dressing room that the waitresses and other staff shared. I held out my hand, “By the way, my name’s Leora.”
“Nice to meet you, Leora. I’m Judy,” the waitress said while shaking my hand. Judy and I sat down in chairs at a makeup table. Judy opened a drawer, and pulled out a kit with blush, eye makeup and lipstick. She also selected nail polishes, which were setting in the corner of the table.
“We’ll do your nails first. Which color do you like?” Judy asked.
“I like the mauve tones,” I answered. Judy and I talked while she worked on my fingernails, starting with my right hand. “What type of work do you do?”
“I’m a secretary,” I replied. “The nail polish will probably get chipped up from typing tomorrow.”
“We’ll apply a second coat and see if that will delay the chipping,” Judy suggested. Judy had me set my left hand on the table, so she could apply a first coat.
I smiled and asked, “How long have you worked here?”
“Not long,” Judy said. “I moved here from New York a few months ago, because I heard there are jobs here.”
“That’s why I’m here temporarily,” I replied. “Thought I’d work in an office a short while and then go back home to the Midwest.”
“So what’s your story with that sharp-dressed New Yorker you’re with,” Judy inquired with a smile. I smiled back,
“Sorry to disappoint; not much of a story. He’s one of my bosses and he wanted to check out this place, and he thought I should tag along.”
Judy looked thoughtful as she blew air onto my fingernails to dry the first coat. The polish changed from dark to light to shiny as they dried.
“From what I’ve observed, people come to either find someone or to get to KNOW someone,” Judy stated.
“Not to presume, but do some folks come to gawk out of curiosity?” I asked. “I mean, some people don’t see that we are all the same, so they think they are seeing something different.”
“Oh, there are a few like that, but they don’t stay long. They get nervous,” Judy replied, with a wink and a smile.
I giggled and smiled back, “I bet they do.” I looked down at my fingernails; with the second coat, they were perfect.
Judy opened the makeup kit, and found blush for me. “Take off your glasses, Sweetie,” Judy said. I took off my glasses and set them on the table. Judy applied blush, lip and eye color while we talked.
“You know, if you get the chance tonight, you should kiss him,” Judy stated.
I blushed slightly, “He’s been very kind ever since I started there. But that could get awkward with my other bosses.
Judy asked, “Do they know you two are out tonight?”
“Well, no,” I said. “I’m not saying anything. It would make one boss think I should go out with him and the third could feel jealous.”
Judy asked, “Oh, you have three bosses? And are they in the picture business?”
I smiled, “Sorry, I wouldn’t feel right answering that.”
Judy replied, “Oh Sweetie, everything is private here. Otherwise, people wouldn’t come back.”
“Well,” I stated, “You may have seen them in the movies.”
“Sounds fair,” Judy said with a smile. “I’ve always heard the quiet one’s a real sweetie.”
I had tried to watch Judy apply the makeup on me, but I got distracted by the conversation.
Judy said, “There. What do you think?”
I looked at myself in the mirror. I felt in awe; even though I’ve tried many times, I could never quite get it right. “Thank you Judy. I’ve never looked this put together before,” I said.
“Glad you like it,” Judy said. “My dream is to get a job doing makeup.”
I thought a moment, “Have you tried at the studios? Or is it hard to get a job there?”
“I haven’t asked yet. Maybe with a bit more practice…” Judy said.
“You have real talent,” I smiled. “After all, look at the magic you did with me.” I put my glasses back on. “Thank you. And trust your gifts.” I gave Judy a quick hug.
“Now it’s time for you to take that handsome man dancing in the back room,” Judy suggested.
We walked back out into the bar, where Art was waiting. Art smiled at Leora and teased Judy, “Where’d my date go? Did she sneak out the back?”
I nudged his left arm playfully. “If I didn’t get scared off from Henry last week, what makes you think I’d run off tonight?”
It seemed like Art couldn’t quit looking at me. Meanwhile,Judy motioned to the other room, “Now you two go back there, enjoy the music and dance.”
“I don’t remember how to dance. Can you show me?” I asked.
Art asked, “How can you not remember?”
“Too many years of not dancing,” I replied.
“We need to correct that,” Art stated, taking my right elbow with his left hand and leading me down the small, dark hallway.
I opened the door and the room was mostly dark, except for a small candle on each table and a lone spotlight on the small stage. The three piece jazz band was playing a fast song as we carefully walked into the room. Our eyes began to adjust and we noticed the doorman nodding to Art and pointing to an unoccupied table for us to sit down at.
We quietly moved through the small room and sat down at the table. I slipped my shawl onto the back of the chair, while Art set his hat on the table.
“The beat is too fast for me, at least to start out with,” I said.
“The only way to learn is to start now,” Art replied and took my hand.
We took a few steps to the small dance floor, and I followed his lead, taking a step or two with the music. He swung me around in a circle, and spun me back. Surprisingly, I kept on my feet during the dance, and we applauded when the band finished the song.
As the band started a slower song, a female impersonator walked onto the stage. The singer sang a torch song about missing her man. Many more couples came onto the dance floor for the slow song.
Art moved closer and gently put his right hand on my waist. With his left hand, he took my right hand; in his grasp, our fingers became entangled. I placed my left arm across his shoulder and my hand rested lightly on the back of his neck.
We danced close, but our bodies were not quite touching. As the music infused the crowd, it was easy to sense love lost and unresolved longing from many. The fingers of my left hand began to trace soft circles on the back of his neck in time to the music.
Usually I would watch the crowd, but I felt transfixed by Art’s eyes. I felt surprised by a sense of recognition within the deep recesses of my soul. Getting lost within his gaze, I felt something more, another stirring, more primal, more physical.
As the band kept playing slow, sensual numbers, we kept dancing. My body felt so aware and awakened by each minute change in pressure from his fingertips on my waist and his hand squeezing mine. My body felt washed with longing and desire; I blocked other people’s emotions and realized I was feeling my own long repressed want. It had been so long since I had felt attracted to anyone. I was uncertain what I was feeling, until it hit me like a ton of bricks.
As soon as a faster song started, we both stopped dancing. Art didn’t say a word; he kept hold of my hand. We went to the table and he picked up his hat, while I grabbed my shawl from the chair. He led me out of the club and we walked to his parked car.
We were standing by the passenger door, and as he was reaching over to open the door for me, I kissed him, just one gentle kiss on the lips. He looked at me with such human hunger. I realized the music must have affected him too.
I draped my arms around his neck and kissed him again, and stepped back. He stepped forward and took my face in his hands and kissed me back. We got as lost in the kisses as we had in the dancing.
Time seemed to stand still as he leaned me against the side of the car while we kissed. My arms slipped around his neck; my body quaked against his. Every nerve ending in my body felt awakened and my fingers worked through his hair.
After 15 minutes or so, Art pulled back and looked at me. I’m sure he could see the pure want in my eyes, since he whispered, “I should take you somewhere. But where?”
He opened the passenger door. I crawled into the car, and opened the driver’s door from the inside. I leaned my stomach on the back of the car seat, looking out the back window. I felt keyed up from our kissing and wasn’t ready to sit down yet.
Art slipped into the driver’s seat beside me. My eyes shined down at him with pure, innocent lust. He wrapped his arm around my waist and sat me down on his lap for a minute. His left thumb slowly caressed my cheek and jaw line. I softly sighed.
He whispered in my ear, “If I kiss you anymore, I won’t be able to drive home.” My body trembled slightly with his statement and with my lustful thoughts.
I slid off of his lap, “The music and atmosphere must have influenced us too much.”
I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. It felt like he did the same. When I opened my eyes, I smiled at him. “Thank you for taking me here this evening. I should go home.”
He looked at me carefully, “Are you sure?”
“Yes, it’s a work day tomorrow,” I stated. “Besides, don’t you have to rest for all the things you need to do tomorrow?”
“You mean golf and a card game?” Art asked.
He drove me back to the boarding house, and I thanked him again for taking me to the night club. Before I hopped out of the car, he held my left hand briefly. My eyes flashed another lustful look at him, and then I slipped out of his grasp without looking back. I knew if I looked back I’d be too tempted to slip back into his car and too soon into his bed.
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...
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...
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 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...
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