“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.
Sunday, October 27, 2013
Friday, October 11, 2013
Cracked Ice - Part 7
“CRACKED ICE” by Leora Tozer © 2013 Part 7
I was told by the Temp Agency to take Friday off and was encouraged to go out and see the sights. I have a lot to think about, so I didn’t feel like going out. Partly, I was worried that I wouldn’t have a job next week. Perhaps I had offended one of my bosses. The Archers had a reputation of being difficult to work for. I also felt like my soul was being pulled in a couple of different directions.
I was hoping to get chance to talk with the boarding house owner Nellie E. Roy, since she works for the T.T.A. I wanted to make sure I haven’t adversely affected any timelines or the positive energy levels I’m trying to help increase.
The boarding house tenants all respect Ms. Roy. Nellie is a petite woman with long auburn hair, clear blue eyes, and a calm, yet strong demeanor. She speaks up when she needs to. The boarders respects her rules and don’t cause problems. They also know not to bother any of the odd ladies who stay from time to time. These ladies always seem to get time with Nellie, talking to her in her private quarters.
Ms. Roy asked me to meet her after supper on Friday evening. I felt nervous when she asked me, since I presumed my presence caused a change in the timeline. If that happens, I would have to go back home immediately, which would be disappointing, since I really like working for the Archers at their office. I still had hope that things would be fine on Monday.
As I walked into her study, I noticed how unique the room was. Through its decorations, it felt like several time periods resided within the same room. However, within the room, nothing felt out of place for 1932. Ms. Roy’s sincere blue eyes watched me looking around. I could tell from her expression that she is a insightful and wise woman. I realized it would be best to confide in her, since she most likely already knows that I’m feeling some confusion regarding my time spent here so far.
“Ms. Roy,” I said, “Thank you for taking time to meet with me.”
“Sweetie,” she replied. “Please call me Nellie. And I’m sorry we couldn’t talk earlier. I’m sure you're feeling overwhelmed with no guidance.”
“Nellie, I’m sure I must be completely off track from the main goal,” I answered. “After all, with the Temp Agency sending me to the Archers’ office because I happened to be there…”
Nellie gave me a patient smile and interrupted, “Leora, don’t you realize?”
“Realize what?” I asked.
“There are no accidents in the universe,” Nellie replied. “You were sent to where you need to be.”
“I feel like my presence is causing confusion, and maybe conflict,” I stated. “At least, I’m confused.”
“It’s overwhelming for the soul to interact with others, especially when you isolated yourself before this,” Nellie explained.
“No matter how I think about this, someone’s going to get hurt,” I said. “I don’t want the bad karma.”
Nellie poured hot green tea into two teacups from a white and blue Rington’s teapot, which was sitting on the small table between our chairs. She set both teacups into saucers and passed one cup and saucer over to me.
Nellie thought a moment and then sighed. “Regarding that, don’t let Ego, yours or anyone else’s, cloud and corrupt pure emotions.”
“But if someone’s married?” I asked. I sipped the green tea slowly. The heat of the tea felt healing and settled my nervous energy.
“It’s different here,” Nellie elaborated, “Men step outside of their marriage and most understand that. It won’t cause harm to you, if your intention is based on pure love and compassion. The echo forward will be a greater good for all.”
“So, if I’m where I’m supposed to be,” I inquired, “which one is my twin flame?”
“No one can know that but you,” Nellie stated. I finished the cup of tea and set it back down on the table.
“I was hoping to feel clearer after talking to you,” I said.
“Well, you’ll know when you’re meant to,” Nellie affirmed. “This weekend, you can reflect and relax. Try taking a lavender oil bath tonight. It will help clear you.”
“That sounds wonderful,” I said as I stood up.
“I’m here any time you need to talk, Leora,” Nellie offered. “Talking can help a soul figure things out.”
I thanked her for her time and advice and went upstairs. Most of the boarders were out somewhere, so the bathroom was empty. I started filling the bathtub with hot water. As the tub was filling, I went into my room and found a clean nightgown and a bathrobe. I went back into the bathroom.
The claw foot tub was nearly full, so I shut off the water and added four drops of lavender oil. I slipped off my dress, stockings and undergarments. The hot water felt relaxing on my skin as I slid into the tub. I immediately felt relaxed and floated in the tub, allowing the water to wash away the week’s stress and confusion.
After 25 minutes, the water was cooling off and I felt so relaxed; I stepped out of the tub and dried off with the white bath towel. I slipped on my clean nightclothes and drained the water.
I walked down the hall to my room, stepped inside, shut and locked the door behind me. The window was cracked open and the cool August breeze wafted in. I turned off the light, slid off my bathrobe and slipped into bed.
I lie down and felt my body and mind drift into a deep, peaceful sleep. I was aware of my dreaming within this sleep. It felt like I was floating on a cloud, with someone’s arms around me. As I looked around me, I could see his body leaning on mine. His arms were strong. I felt comforted and protected. In this dream, I couldn’t see his face. I felt pure love surrounding me.
The whole night I was in this trance-like dream state. The night seemed to go on forever, as if time stopped. I woke up and looked around my room. It was still dark. In the moonlight, I could see the clock’s hands both on 12. It was midnight and I’d only been asleep for 3 hours. I laid my head back down on the pillow and went back to sleep.
I was told by the Temp Agency to take Friday off and was encouraged to go out and see the sights. I have a lot to think about, so I didn’t feel like going out. Partly, I was worried that I wouldn’t have a job next week. Perhaps I had offended one of my bosses. The Archers had a reputation of being difficult to work for. I also felt like my soul was being pulled in a couple of different directions.
I was hoping to get chance to talk with the boarding house owner Nellie E. Roy, since she works for the T.T.A. I wanted to make sure I haven’t adversely affected any timelines or the positive energy levels I’m trying to help increase.
The boarding house tenants all respect Ms. Roy. Nellie is a petite woman with long auburn hair, clear blue eyes, and a calm, yet strong demeanor. She speaks up when she needs to. The boarders respects her rules and don’t cause problems. They also know not to bother any of the odd ladies who stay from time to time. These ladies always seem to get time with Nellie, talking to her in her private quarters.
Ms. Roy asked me to meet her after supper on Friday evening. I felt nervous when she asked me, since I presumed my presence caused a change in the timeline. If that happens, I would have to go back home immediately, which would be disappointing, since I really like working for the Archers at their office. I still had hope that things would be fine on Monday.
As I walked into her study, I noticed how unique the room was. Through its decorations, it felt like several time periods resided within the same room. However, within the room, nothing felt out of place for 1932. Ms. Roy’s sincere blue eyes watched me looking around. I could tell from her expression that she is a insightful and wise woman. I realized it would be best to confide in her, since she most likely already knows that I’m feeling some confusion regarding my time spent here so far.
“Ms. Roy,” I said, “Thank you for taking time to meet with me.”
“Sweetie,” she replied. “Please call me Nellie. And I’m sorry we couldn’t talk earlier. I’m sure you're feeling overwhelmed with no guidance.”
“Nellie, I’m sure I must be completely off track from the main goal,” I answered. “After all, with the Temp Agency sending me to the Archers’ office because I happened to be there…”
Nellie gave me a patient smile and interrupted, “Leora, don’t you realize?”
“Realize what?” I asked.
“There are no accidents in the universe,” Nellie replied. “You were sent to where you need to be.”
“I feel like my presence is causing confusion, and maybe conflict,” I stated. “At least, I’m confused.”
“It’s overwhelming for the soul to interact with others, especially when you isolated yourself before this,” Nellie explained.
“No matter how I think about this, someone’s going to get hurt,” I said. “I don’t want the bad karma.”
Nellie poured hot green tea into two teacups from a white and blue Rington’s teapot, which was sitting on the small table between our chairs. She set both teacups into saucers and passed one cup and saucer over to me.
Nellie thought a moment and then sighed. “Regarding that, don’t let Ego, yours or anyone else’s, cloud and corrupt pure emotions.”
“But if someone’s married?” I asked. I sipped the green tea slowly. The heat of the tea felt healing and settled my nervous energy.
“It’s different here,” Nellie elaborated, “Men step outside of their marriage and most understand that. It won’t cause harm to you, if your intention is based on pure love and compassion. The echo forward will be a greater good for all.”
“So, if I’m where I’m supposed to be,” I inquired, “which one is my twin flame?”
“No one can know that but you,” Nellie stated. I finished the cup of tea and set it back down on the table.
“I was hoping to feel clearer after talking to you,” I said.
“Well, you’ll know when you’re meant to,” Nellie affirmed. “This weekend, you can reflect and relax. Try taking a lavender oil bath tonight. It will help clear you.”
“That sounds wonderful,” I said as I stood up.
“I’m here any time you need to talk, Leora,” Nellie offered. “Talking can help a soul figure things out.”
I thanked her for her time and advice and went upstairs. Most of the boarders were out somewhere, so the bathroom was empty. I started filling the bathtub with hot water. As the tub was filling, I went into my room and found a clean nightgown and a bathrobe. I went back into the bathroom.
The claw foot tub was nearly full, so I shut off the water and added four drops of lavender oil. I slipped off my dress, stockings and undergarments. The hot water felt relaxing on my skin as I slid into the tub. I immediately felt relaxed and floated in the tub, allowing the water to wash away the week’s stress and confusion.
After 25 minutes, the water was cooling off and I felt so relaxed; I stepped out of the tub and dried off with the white bath towel. I slipped on my clean nightclothes and drained the water.
I walked down the hall to my room, stepped inside, shut and locked the door behind me. The window was cracked open and the cool August breeze wafted in. I turned off the light, slid off my bathrobe and slipped into bed.
I lie down and felt my body and mind drift into a deep, peaceful sleep. I was aware of my dreaming within this sleep. It felt like I was floating on a cloud, with someone’s arms around me. As I looked around me, I could see his body leaning on mine. His arms were strong. I felt comforted and protected. In this dream, I couldn’t see his face. I felt pure love surrounding me.
The whole night I was in this trance-like dream state. The night seemed to go on forever, as if time stopped. I woke up and looked around my room. It was still dark. In the moonlight, I could see the clock’s hands both on 12. It was midnight and I’d only been asleep for 3 hours. I laid my head back down on the pillow and went back to sleep.
Friday, October 4, 2013
Cracked Ice - Part 6.5
“CRACKED ICE” by Leora Tozer © 2013 - Part 6.5
An hour or two later, Leora is working on a letter at her desk. Leo and Art were gone for the day, and the office was quiet.
Henry walked out of his office and looked at Leora. He hadn’t really noticed that spark in her eyes before this morning. He decided see if he could locate that flicker again.
Leora was looking down and reading a piece of paper. Henry’s hands set flat down on the desktop in front of her. Looking at his hands before her, Leora hadn’t noticed before how nice they were.
Henry bent down, his mouth next to her left ear, and he whispered, “Rearoused.”
Leora closed her eyes for a moment, as if an ocean wave was rolling over her. She opened her eyes, but kept them looking down at the desk, and at Henry’s lovely hands.
Leora calmly replied,“Reassess.”
H: “Renegotiate.”
Leora kept focused on the silver band on Henry’s left ring finger.
L: “Redact.”
H: “Reconquer.”
L: “Resist.”
H: “Repeel.”
L: “Recover.”
H: “Reexamine.”
Her breath was becoming shallow. He wanted make her as excited as he felt, and he thought he was succeeding.
L: “Reevaluate.”
H: “Rekindle.”
L: “Recant.”
H: “Request.”
After five years of being on her own, Leora was unused to this type of male attention. Of course, she was getting butterflies in her stomach, but she needed to keep strong.
L: “Reconsider.”
H: “Reintroduce.”
L: “Resurvey.”
H: “Retaste.”
L: “Restrain.”
H: “Recapture.”
Leora watched as the silver band seemed to change color with the shadows and light.
L: “Refocus.”
H: “Remelt.”
She bit her lip slightly.
L: “Reflex.”
H: “Reconsider.”
L: “Relentless.”
H: “Reciprocate.”
She faintly shook her head, and softly replied, “Receptionist.”
Henry took a deep breath, straightened up and walked back to his office. He ached to reawaken the passion he saw flickering this morning. The right time would come, if he was patient.
Leora needed a breath of fresh air, so she got up and walked towards the bathroom. Maybe she should go for a walk outside, she thought. As she walked down the hall and turned around, Art appeared next to her and wrapped his arms around Leora. He gently walked them into the bathroom. Leora was surprised, but also felt a sense of peace surrounding her.
They moved into a corner of the room, after Art had locked the door behind him. Art puts his head against Leora’s; their foreheads touching. He carefully kept his arms wrapped around her. They stood together in silence for ten minutes.
Leora looks up at Art, as if she were going to ask something. Art lifts up her chin with his left hand and kisses her lips with a whisper of a kiss. A moment later, he lets go and slips out of the room.
As he walked out of the office, hopped into his car, and drove home, he doesn’t understand why he’s drawn to this particular Benson. Something feels safe when he’s around her, almost like home. He shakes his head.
After Art leaves, Leora washed her face. Remembering a mediation exercise, she takes a deep breath and slowly breathes out. A renewed sense of peace has filled her heart, and she knows she can spend the remaining work hours focused on work.
An hour or two later, Leora is working on a letter at her desk. Leo and Art were gone for the day, and the office was quiet.
Henry walked out of his office and looked at Leora. He hadn’t really noticed that spark in her eyes before this morning. He decided see if he could locate that flicker again.
Leora was looking down and reading a piece of paper. Henry’s hands set flat down on the desktop in front of her. Looking at his hands before her, Leora hadn’t noticed before how nice they were.
Henry bent down, his mouth next to her left ear, and he whispered, “Rearoused.”
Leora closed her eyes for a moment, as if an ocean wave was rolling over her. She opened her eyes, but kept them looking down at the desk, and at Henry’s lovely hands.
Leora calmly replied,“Reassess.”
H: “Renegotiate.”
Leora kept focused on the silver band on Henry’s left ring finger.
L: “Redact.”
H: “Reconquer.”
L: “Resist.”
H: “Repeel.”
L: “Recover.”
H: “Reexamine.”
Her breath was becoming shallow. He wanted make her as excited as he felt, and he thought he was succeeding.
L: “Reevaluate.”
H: “Rekindle.”
L: “Recant.”
H: “Request.”
After five years of being on her own, Leora was unused to this type of male attention. Of course, she was getting butterflies in her stomach, but she needed to keep strong.
L: “Reconsider.”
H: “Reintroduce.”
L: “Resurvey.”
H: “Retaste.”
L: “Restrain.”
H: “Recapture.”
Leora watched as the silver band seemed to change color with the shadows and light.
L: “Refocus.”
H: “Remelt.”
She bit her lip slightly.
L: “Reflex.”
H: “Reconsider.”
L: “Relentless.”
H: “Reciprocate.”
She faintly shook her head, and softly replied, “Receptionist.”
Henry took a deep breath, straightened up and walked back to his office. He ached to reawaken the passion he saw flickering this morning. The right time would come, if he was patient.
Leora needed a breath of fresh air, so she got up and walked towards the bathroom. Maybe she should go for a walk outside, she thought. As she walked down the hall and turned around, Art appeared next to her and wrapped his arms around Leora. He gently walked them into the bathroom. Leora was surprised, but also felt a sense of peace surrounding her.
They moved into a corner of the room, after Art had locked the door behind him. Art puts his head against Leora’s; their foreheads touching. He carefully kept his arms wrapped around her. They stood together in silence for ten minutes.
Leora looks up at Art, as if she were going to ask something. Art lifts up her chin with his left hand and kisses her lips with a whisper of a kiss. A moment later, he lets go and slips out of the room.
As he walked out of the office, hopped into his car, and drove home, he doesn’t understand why he’s drawn to this particular Benson. Something feels safe when he’s around her, almost like home. He shakes his head.
After Art leaves, Leora washed her face. Remembering a mediation exercise, she takes a deep breath and slowly breathes out. A renewed sense of peace has filled her heart, and she knows she can spend the remaining work hours focused on work.
Cracked Ice - Part 6
“CRACKED ICE” by Leora Tozer © 2013 - Part 6
It was a bright Thursday morning. Henry didn’t notice Leora walk in. He was turned away from the door, standing by the table under the window and reading the dictionary. Leora placed 4 letters on his desk to read over and sign. She didn’t want to interrupt his thoughts, so she started walking towards his office door.
Henry looked up and smiled, “Where are you sneaking off to, toots?”
“You looked lost in thought,” she replied. “I didn’t want to bother you.”
Henry walked over and leaned on his desk. “Come here and enjoy the view,” he pointed towards the window. Art was walking around outside. He was very seriously inspecting the ground.
“OK,” she replied. “I noticed you were reading the dictionary. Words are wondrous. They express so much; feelings, thoughts, and meaning.” Leora was leaning next to Henry on the desk. She smiled slightly as she watched Art through the window.
“That reminds me. I’ve been meaning to do some feeling later this afternoon,” Henry gave Leora a careful glance.
Leora appears to ignore his comment. “Some words create magic. Others can express their meaning just with how they sound.”
While they talk, both are staring out of the window. Neither dares look directly at the other, so they pretend to be engrossed in watching Art outside. With a yard stick and several croquet hoops, Art is attempting to get the hoops into the ground, but the ground won’t cooperate. By walking back and forth, he tries to set up the hoops, but has no success. Art looked up and saw Henry and Leora watching him from Henry’s office; his natural reply is to run up to the window and make a funny face at them. Henry ignores him; Leora, smiling, suppresses a soft giggle, since she can see Henry’s annoyance.
Henry asked, “What, for instance?”
Leora states, “Yes, that’s a good example.”
“That’s not what I meant,” Henry retorted.
“It sounds like a question, doesn’t it?” Leora added, “Another example is the word kiss. When said, it expresses a kiss perfectly.”
Henry smiled; he’s been thinking about kissing Leora most of the morning. “How about a hug?” he asked.
“Another good example,” Leora, distracted by the intellectual exercise, seemed oblivious to the newly charged nature of their conversation. “The G almost seems like arms reaching out.”
Henry, softly commented, “Caress careens across her pale skin.”
Leora whispered back, “Supreme bliss from his every touch.”
Through his peripheral vision, Henry saw Leora’s body give a slight, excited tremble. He felt electrification from this verbal exchange. He wasn’t used to being intellectually stimulated by a woman. He felt as though his entire body was newly awakened.
Henry inquired, “Do any words look like their meaning?”
Leora thought a short moment, and her first thought slipped out before she could edit herself. “Aroused looks like its meaning. Pure, simple and full of feeling.”
Henry thought her face was flushed, but he didn’t get a chance to find out. Art rushed into the office, “Henry, do you have a mallet?”
Leora quietly walked out when Art appeared. As she left, Henry quickly replied, “If I did, I’d have a good mind to use it.”
Leora walked to the bathroom and splashed cold water on her face. She mentally berated herself; “I forgot I’m not back home. Women aren’t this forward here. I should be careful not to break the social codes.” She takes a deep breath; what’s done is done.
It was a bright Thursday morning. Henry didn’t notice Leora walk in. He was turned away from the door, standing by the table under the window and reading the dictionary. Leora placed 4 letters on his desk to read over and sign. She didn’t want to interrupt his thoughts, so she started walking towards his office door.
Henry looked up and smiled, “Where are you sneaking off to, toots?”
“You looked lost in thought,” she replied. “I didn’t want to bother you.”
Henry walked over and leaned on his desk. “Come here and enjoy the view,” he pointed towards the window. Art was walking around outside. He was very seriously inspecting the ground.
“OK,” she replied. “I noticed you were reading the dictionary. Words are wondrous. They express so much; feelings, thoughts, and meaning.” Leora was leaning next to Henry on the desk. She smiled slightly as she watched Art through the window.
“That reminds me. I’ve been meaning to do some feeling later this afternoon,” Henry gave Leora a careful glance.
Leora appears to ignore his comment. “Some words create magic. Others can express their meaning just with how they sound.”
While they talk, both are staring out of the window. Neither dares look directly at the other, so they pretend to be engrossed in watching Art outside. With a yard stick and several croquet hoops, Art is attempting to get the hoops into the ground, but the ground won’t cooperate. By walking back and forth, he tries to set up the hoops, but has no success. Art looked up and saw Henry and Leora watching him from Henry’s office; his natural reply is to run up to the window and make a funny face at them. Henry ignores him; Leora, smiling, suppresses a soft giggle, since she can see Henry’s annoyance.
Henry asked, “What, for instance?”
Leora states, “Yes, that’s a good example.”
“That’s not what I meant,” Henry retorted.
“It sounds like a question, doesn’t it?” Leora added, “Another example is the word kiss. When said, it expresses a kiss perfectly.”
Henry smiled; he’s been thinking about kissing Leora most of the morning. “How about a hug?” he asked.
“Another good example,” Leora, distracted by the intellectual exercise, seemed oblivious to the newly charged nature of their conversation. “The G almost seems like arms reaching out.”
Henry, softly commented, “Caress careens across her pale skin.”
Leora whispered back, “Supreme bliss from his every touch.”
Through his peripheral vision, Henry saw Leora’s body give a slight, excited tremble. He felt electrification from this verbal exchange. He wasn’t used to being intellectually stimulated by a woman. He felt as though his entire body was newly awakened.
Henry inquired, “Do any words look like their meaning?”
Leora thought a short moment, and her first thought slipped out before she could edit herself. “Aroused looks like its meaning. Pure, simple and full of feeling.”
Henry thought her face was flushed, but he didn’t get a chance to find out. Art rushed into the office, “Henry, do you have a mallet?”
Leora quietly walked out when Art appeared. As she left, Henry quickly replied, “If I did, I’d have a good mind to use it.”
Leora walked to the bathroom and splashed cold water on her face. She mentally berated herself; “I forgot I’m not back home. Women aren’t this forward here. I should be careful not to break the social codes.” She takes a deep breath; what’s done is done.
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Cracked Ice - Part 5
“CRACKED ICE” by Leora Tozer © 2013 - Part 5
Herb talked to his brothers briefly and left for his meeting. Leo and Art left for lunch. Henry stood in the doorway and asked, “Do you want to help me shop for books?”
“Are you asking me to spend your money on books? How can a girl say no to that?” I replied.
“I should have known. A woman wouldn’t turn down a chance to spend my money,” Henry teased.
“Ah, but who are we spending the money on?” I asked.
“Books for me,” he answered.
“See,” I replied. “That’s how I’m different.”
“Let’s go, wiseacre.” Henry grabbed my left elbow and led me towards the door. After we walked out of the building, he locked up the office.
Henry drove towards Hollywood Blvd. and parked the car on the 6600 block. We entered the bookstore. The store owner was in the middle of the store, talking with a group of friends.
I walked over to a shelf and started looking at the titles. One area had current books and another area had modern classics. Henry had gone to a back shelf in the store. I was looking for some of my favorite books of the era, when I glanced up and saw Henry motioning for me to come over there.
I walked over and saw he was holding a book, so I asked, “What did you find?”
He raised his eyebrows at me and replied, “I’ve found the ‘Sexual Lives of the Savages’. Now we can have afternoon reading hour.”
“Who’s to define either?” I responded. “I was going suggest some wholesome classics as Lawrence’s ‘Lady Chatterley’s Lover’ and Huxley’s ‘Brave New World’.”
“If I get ‘Lady Chatterley’s Lover,’ will you call me Tiger?” Henry asked.
I replied, “It depends if the situation warrants it.”
“Like a search warrant? I could search you without a warrant,” he teased. “Do they have Huxley?”
“I was just going to check,” I replied. “If you don’t behave, I’ll buy you ‘Elmer Gantry’.”
“Buy me what you want,” he answered. “I’m in your hands."
“What do you want to read?” I asked. “I wouldn’t want you to get something you wouldn’t enjoy.”
“I like the suggestions so far,” Henry said. “Anything else?”
“People don’t read enough H. G. Wells. And, do you like poetry? Or short stories?” I queried.
“Let’s just get a couple of books today,” Henry decided.
We found a few books, including “Brave New World” and “Elmer Gantry.” Henry paid the book seller for the books and we headed for the door. Henry looked back wistfully and said, “I should have gotten the savages book for you to read to me out loud.”
After we came back to the office, I sorted and filed letters the rest of the afternoon. This could be a pretty interesting job. I like getting things organized and putting a system into place that could be used by others.
I also liked the energy of the office. It’s enjoyable to work for kind and fun people. Of course, the flirting is just the way men in the 1930s communicated with women. It didn’t really mean anything else. I decided to ignore any odd fascination I might be feeling about any of my bosses.
To be continued...
Herb talked to his brothers briefly and left for his meeting. Leo and Art left for lunch. Henry stood in the doorway and asked, “Do you want to help me shop for books?”
“Are you asking me to spend your money on books? How can a girl say no to that?” I replied.
“I should have known. A woman wouldn’t turn down a chance to spend my money,” Henry teased.
“Ah, but who are we spending the money on?” I asked.
“Books for me,” he answered.
“See,” I replied. “That’s how I’m different.”
“Let’s go, wiseacre.” Henry grabbed my left elbow and led me towards the door. After we walked out of the building, he locked up the office.
Henry drove towards Hollywood Blvd. and parked the car on the 6600 block. We entered the bookstore. The store owner was in the middle of the store, talking with a group of friends.
I walked over to a shelf and started looking at the titles. One area had current books and another area had modern classics. Henry had gone to a back shelf in the store. I was looking for some of my favorite books of the era, when I glanced up and saw Henry motioning for me to come over there.
I walked over and saw he was holding a book, so I asked, “What did you find?”
He raised his eyebrows at me and replied, “I’ve found the ‘Sexual Lives of the Savages’. Now we can have afternoon reading hour.”
“Who’s to define either?” I responded. “I was going suggest some wholesome classics as Lawrence’s ‘Lady Chatterley’s Lover’ and Huxley’s ‘Brave New World’.”
“If I get ‘Lady Chatterley’s Lover,’ will you call me Tiger?” Henry asked.
I replied, “It depends if the situation warrants it.”
“Like a search warrant? I could search you without a warrant,” he teased. “Do they have Huxley?”
“I was just going to check,” I replied. “If you don’t behave, I’ll buy you ‘Elmer Gantry’.”
“Buy me what you want,” he answered. “I’m in your hands."
“What do you want to read?” I asked. “I wouldn’t want you to get something you wouldn’t enjoy.”
“I like the suggestions so far,” Henry said. “Anything else?”
“People don’t read enough H. G. Wells. And, do you like poetry? Or short stories?” I queried.
“Let’s just get a couple of books today,” Henry decided.
We found a few books, including “Brave New World” and “Elmer Gantry.” Henry paid the book seller for the books and we headed for the door. Henry looked back wistfully and said, “I should have gotten the savages book for you to read to me out loud.”
After we came back to the office, I sorted and filed letters the rest of the afternoon. This could be a pretty interesting job. I like getting things organized and putting a system into place that could be used by others.
I also liked the energy of the office. It’s enjoyable to work for kind and fun people. Of course, the flirting is just the way men in the 1930s communicated with women. It didn’t really mean anything else. I decided to ignore any odd fascination I might be feeling about any of my bosses.
To be continued...
Sunday, August 25, 2013
Cracked Ice Part 4
“CRACKED ICE” by Leora Tozer © 2013 - Part 4
The next day, I was busy with paperwork. Leo entered the office early.
“Hey, do you play cards?” he asked.
“What type of cards?” I replied.
“Bridge, pinochle, or poker,” he answered.
“I had played poker or blackjack when I was a kid, but we only bet with buttons,” I responded.
“Well, come here,” he said. “We’ll play for pennies.”
I found two rolls of pennies in the desk drawer, and snatched them out. So that’s what they were there for. I rolled my office chair into Leo’s office and sat across from him at his desk. He was shuffling his cards, and had me cut the cards.
“How about five card draw?” he asked.
“Alright, but I’m rusty,” I answered.
“Rusty? Need oil?” he smiled. “That’s fine, I’ll teach you.”
He dealt the cards and we played a couple of hands. He won the first one and I won the second hand. While we played the third hand, Art came in, pulled a chair up with the back facing the desk, sat down with his arms leaning on the back of the chair, and watched. Leo won the third hand and for the fourth hand, he dealt Art in. I handed Art the unopened roll of pennies I had.
“Hey, you might need those later,” Leo said.
“Found these in the desk drawer. There’s more if needed,” I said, smiling.
As we played cards, Art tried to look at my hand a few times. When he did that, I’d swat his hand lightly away. I was dealt a full house, bet 2 pennies and won the hand. Leo dealt another round and I won again with three of a kind.
“Hey, when did you become a card shark?” Leo teased.
“Just beginner’s luck. Besides, do I look like a card shark?” I teased back.
Meanwhile, Henry noticed it was quiet. He walked out of his office and no one was at the front desk, so he decided to see what was going on. Henry seemed vexed as he walked into Leo’s office and saw us playing cards.
“How dare you have a card game without dealing me a hand,” Henry said.
“You in?” Leo asked.
“Now that you’ve corrupted the new secretary, is the game strip poker?” Henry inquired, smiling at me and raising his eyebrows slightly.
Before Leo could answer, I piped up. “For that, I would require 24 hours notice to play.”
“How come?” Henry asked.
I replied, “So I would be wearing layers of 4 days of clothes.”
Leo laughed, “Henry, you don’t want to lose your pants to her that way. I just taught her to play and she’s already a genuine card shark.”
Before the cards were dealt, Art suddenly stood up and grabbed the back of my chair, “Time for a new game! Chair race.”
Art pushed me in my chair to the hallway and said, “Who’s in?” I pretended to put on a pair of driving goggles and a pair of driving gloves.
Leo stood up and offered the seat of his wheeled chair to Henry. They were soon in the hallway. I was pantomiming starting a car, moved my feet as if to adjust the gas and clutch petals, and then using my right hand to shift the car into gear.
As soon as they said, “Get ready…Get set,” Art whispered, “Hang on tight, honey.” I quickly linked my arms through the chair arms.
“Go!” The chairs barreled down the hall.
At first, Art had a good jump on Leo and pushed my chair ahead. Leo was able to catch up and they were even. Henry asked, “Can I get abreast of a woman driver?”
I replied, “Not if her dad raced jalopies from time to time.”
Once again, Art pulled ahead of his brothers, and we reached the end of the hall. He spun my chair around, and we past Leo and Henry as they arrived at the end of the hall.
I could hear Henry tell Leo to “hurry up” as we scooted down the hall. In the middle of the hall, it felt like someone was trying to pull on the back of my chair. After I shifted around, I could see Henry trying to slow down my chair by hanging onto the back. Art gave his hand a friendly swat.
When we neared the open office door, I could see younger man standing in the doorway. Art moved to the side, to avoid knocking his youngest brother over. After we reached the end of the hall, Art raised my hand up, “The winner!” Leo, pushing Henry’s chair, was close behind and nearly ran over Herb’s foot.
Herb shook his head at his brothers, “Is this how you spend most days?”
Art smiled, “No, just Wednesdays.”
Henry answered, “Stick around. Let’s find out if your tie can be fed into the adding machine, preferably when you’re still wearing it.”
“Maybe next time. I’m on my way to a meeting. Just stopped by for the letters that were sent here by mistake,” Herb said.
“You mean Fan mail?” Henry asked. “Why yours are mainly letters from 40 year old divorced dames.”
“Well, they need answers too,” I replied. I hopped out of the chair and ran to my desk. I grabbed the manila envelope marked “Herb” and walked back into the hall.
“Here are the letters for you. I’ve included some ideas for answering them faster, if your secretary is interested,” I offered.
“Thank you,” Herb replied.
I went back to my desk and worked.
To be continued...
The next day, I was busy with paperwork. Leo entered the office early.
“Hey, do you play cards?” he asked.
“What type of cards?” I replied.
“Bridge, pinochle, or poker,” he answered.
“I had played poker or blackjack when I was a kid, but we only bet with buttons,” I responded.
“Well, come here,” he said. “We’ll play for pennies.”
I found two rolls of pennies in the desk drawer, and snatched them out. So that’s what they were there for. I rolled my office chair into Leo’s office and sat across from him at his desk. He was shuffling his cards, and had me cut the cards.
“How about five card draw?” he asked.
“Alright, but I’m rusty,” I answered.
“Rusty? Need oil?” he smiled. “That’s fine, I’ll teach you.”
He dealt the cards and we played a couple of hands. He won the first one and I won the second hand. While we played the third hand, Art came in, pulled a chair up with the back facing the desk, sat down with his arms leaning on the back of the chair, and watched. Leo won the third hand and for the fourth hand, he dealt Art in. I handed Art the unopened roll of pennies I had.
“Hey, you might need those later,” Leo said.
“Found these in the desk drawer. There’s more if needed,” I said, smiling.
As we played cards, Art tried to look at my hand a few times. When he did that, I’d swat his hand lightly away. I was dealt a full house, bet 2 pennies and won the hand. Leo dealt another round and I won again with three of a kind.
“Hey, when did you become a card shark?” Leo teased.
“Just beginner’s luck. Besides, do I look like a card shark?” I teased back.
Meanwhile, Henry noticed it was quiet. He walked out of his office and no one was at the front desk, so he decided to see what was going on. Henry seemed vexed as he walked into Leo’s office and saw us playing cards.
“How dare you have a card game without dealing me a hand,” Henry said.
“You in?” Leo asked.
“Now that you’ve corrupted the new secretary, is the game strip poker?” Henry inquired, smiling at me and raising his eyebrows slightly.
Before Leo could answer, I piped up. “For that, I would require 24 hours notice to play.”
“How come?” Henry asked.
I replied, “So I would be wearing layers of 4 days of clothes.”
Leo laughed, “Henry, you don’t want to lose your pants to her that way. I just taught her to play and she’s already a genuine card shark.”
Before the cards were dealt, Art suddenly stood up and grabbed the back of my chair, “Time for a new game! Chair race.”
Art pushed me in my chair to the hallway and said, “Who’s in?” I pretended to put on a pair of driving goggles and a pair of driving gloves.
Leo stood up and offered the seat of his wheeled chair to Henry. They were soon in the hallway. I was pantomiming starting a car, moved my feet as if to adjust the gas and clutch petals, and then using my right hand to shift the car into gear.
As soon as they said, “Get ready…Get set,” Art whispered, “Hang on tight, honey.” I quickly linked my arms through the chair arms.
“Go!” The chairs barreled down the hall.
At first, Art had a good jump on Leo and pushed my chair ahead. Leo was able to catch up and they were even. Henry asked, “Can I get abreast of a woman driver?”
I replied, “Not if her dad raced jalopies from time to time.”
Once again, Art pulled ahead of his brothers, and we reached the end of the hall. He spun my chair around, and we past Leo and Henry as they arrived at the end of the hall.
I could hear Henry tell Leo to “hurry up” as we scooted down the hall. In the middle of the hall, it felt like someone was trying to pull on the back of my chair. After I shifted around, I could see Henry trying to slow down my chair by hanging onto the back. Art gave his hand a friendly swat.
When we neared the open office door, I could see younger man standing in the doorway. Art moved to the side, to avoid knocking his youngest brother over. After we reached the end of the hall, Art raised my hand up, “The winner!” Leo, pushing Henry’s chair, was close behind and nearly ran over Herb’s foot.
Herb shook his head at his brothers, “Is this how you spend most days?”
Art smiled, “No, just Wednesdays.”
Henry answered, “Stick around. Let’s find out if your tie can be fed into the adding machine, preferably when you’re still wearing it.”
“Maybe next time. I’m on my way to a meeting. Just stopped by for the letters that were sent here by mistake,” Herb said.
“You mean Fan mail?” Henry asked. “Why yours are mainly letters from 40 year old divorced dames.”
“Well, they need answers too,” I replied. I hopped out of the chair and ran to my desk. I grabbed the manila envelope marked “Herb” and walked back into the hall.
“Here are the letters for you. I’ve included some ideas for answering them faster, if your secretary is interested,” I offered.
“Thank you,” Herb replied.
I went back to my desk and worked.
To be continued...
Friday, August 23, 2013
Cracked Ice - Part 3
“CRACKED ICE” - Part 3 by Leora Tozer © 2013
The next day I arrived at 7:15am. Since I was uncertain about the Yellow Car schedule, I decided that it’s best to be early. No one was there; the building was locked. I didn’t mind. I brought a copy of the book “Dodsworth” to read.
I sat on the step, leaned against the wall and read. The sun was rising and getting warmer. I was pretty engrossed in my reading and didn’t notice a car driving up. Suddenly, a shadow was cast on my book page, and I looked up.
“Hey toots, I wasn’t serious when I said to come in at 7,” Henry said.
“I know. I figured it was more fun to read outside than at the musty boardinghouse I’m staying at,” I answered. I stood up, and straightened the skirt of my dress. When putting my book away in my satchel, I noticed he was trying to read the title.
I was able to gain a better insight into my new boss when I followed Henry down the hall. Just from his walk and quiet nature, I could see that he’s a person who can be serious; he reads and thinks too much at times. He’s a handsome man, but doesn’t realize it. He’s a man who’s witty and smart, but is wracked by some insecurity, even though he’s in his early 40s and is in a successful part of his life.
After getting settled in at my desk, I go back out into the hall to pick up the rest of the letters, crawling on my hands and knees in order to scoop them up quicker. Since I was preoccupied, I didn’t notice Henry standing in the doorway, watching me with amusement.
Once I saw him standing there, I stood up quickly and asked, “How did these letters get strewn around like this?”
Henry shook his head, “Leo’s last girlfriend caused this.”
I took a few steps forward, but was not able to walk into the office, since he was standing in the doorway. “I’ll start sorting these letters today. Was there anything else you wanted me for?” I innocently asked.
I could see something cross his mind, but he didn’t say anything. He kept a semi-stern expression; he replied, “No, that should be fine for now.” He moved so I could pass by. I quickly entered the office.
I sat down on my chair and sorted the letters. I couldn’t help but watch him walk back into his office. Just from watching their movies, I would have never guessed how handsome and intriguing Henry appeared to me in person. I didn’t put much thought into this new fascination, since I’m not the type of woman that guys generally notice. Besides, I’m here to learn, and not get distracted in any sort of crush. I decided to focus on my work and to learn within this experience.
By the end of the day, I sorted the letters into four piles. I had sorted out all of Herb’s letters and had started a couple of templates for him, in case his secretary wanted to borrow the idea. Henry mentioned this morning that I wouldn’t need to do his younger brother’s letters, since Herb had his own office across town. I put them all into an envelope marked his name on it, and placed them in the top right desk drawer, so I’d know where they were in case he stopped by.
To be continued...
The next day I arrived at 7:15am. Since I was uncertain about the Yellow Car schedule, I decided that it’s best to be early. No one was there; the building was locked. I didn’t mind. I brought a copy of the book “Dodsworth” to read.
I sat on the step, leaned against the wall and read. The sun was rising and getting warmer. I was pretty engrossed in my reading and didn’t notice a car driving up. Suddenly, a shadow was cast on my book page, and I looked up.
“Hey toots, I wasn’t serious when I said to come in at 7,” Henry said.
“I know. I figured it was more fun to read outside than at the musty boardinghouse I’m staying at,” I answered. I stood up, and straightened the skirt of my dress. When putting my book away in my satchel, I noticed he was trying to read the title.
I was able to gain a better insight into my new boss when I followed Henry down the hall. Just from his walk and quiet nature, I could see that he’s a person who can be serious; he reads and thinks too much at times. He’s a handsome man, but doesn’t realize it. He’s a man who’s witty and smart, but is wracked by some insecurity, even though he’s in his early 40s and is in a successful part of his life.
After getting settled in at my desk, I go back out into the hall to pick up the rest of the letters, crawling on my hands and knees in order to scoop them up quicker. Since I was preoccupied, I didn’t notice Henry standing in the doorway, watching me with amusement.
Once I saw him standing there, I stood up quickly and asked, “How did these letters get strewn around like this?”
Henry shook his head, “Leo’s last girlfriend caused this.”
I took a few steps forward, but was not able to walk into the office, since he was standing in the doorway. “I’ll start sorting these letters today. Was there anything else you wanted me for?” I innocently asked.
I could see something cross his mind, but he didn’t say anything. He kept a semi-stern expression; he replied, “No, that should be fine for now.” He moved so I could pass by. I quickly entered the office.
I sat down on my chair and sorted the letters. I couldn’t help but watch him walk back into his office. Just from watching their movies, I would have never guessed how handsome and intriguing Henry appeared to me in person. I didn’t put much thought into this new fascination, since I’m not the type of woman that guys generally notice. Besides, I’m here to learn, and not get distracted in any sort of crush. I decided to focus on my work and to learn within this experience.
By the end of the day, I sorted the letters into four piles. I had sorted out all of Herb’s letters and had started a couple of templates for him, in case his secretary wanted to borrow the idea. Henry mentioned this morning that I wouldn’t need to do his younger brother’s letters, since Herb had his own office across town. I put them all into an envelope marked his name on it, and placed them in the top right desk drawer, so I’d know where they were in case he stopped by.
To be continued...
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