Slumber Party!

I think I finally found a replacement for Vicki (the secretary I had to fire)! Considering how difficult that position has been to fill, I was super lucky to find Janna so quickly. Janna is fluent in Spanish and English, has 5 years of experience working as a secretary, and also the best shoes I’ve ever seen. I hired her on the spot, she starts tomorrow.

George came into work today to collect his things. It was an emotional day for all of us and George was very gracious when we gave him the giant card we all signed. He thanked us, told us his wife was feeling okay, and that they were going to Rome next. George hung back and talked to Suzy, Dina, and me before he left. I thanked George for being such a great boss and gave him a hug. He looked really tired but had a positive attitude. I can’t even imagine being in his position and have such a great attitude, George really is a remarkable guy; I’m going to miss him a lot.

It was Friday so Zoey and I had our weekly dinner; we decided to go for a Mexican restaurant that recently opened near my job.

“How’s everything going in the happiness department?” Zoey asked in between tortilla chip munches.

“You know, I think I’m okay. Dean is special and I enjoy being around him. I think Kevin was just a fixation and not actually something I wanted. What about you? Anything going on in the romance department?”

“No. I thought a new temp had some potential but he’s probably gay, I mean I do work for a fashion magazine and his sense of style is a little too on point if you know what I mean.”

“Well what happened to that guy that moved in across the hall?”

“Married.”

“Lame.”

“I know, I need to get back in the game, but ever since Sean, I just…I don’t know, it hasn’t been a priority, I guess.”

Sean is Zoey’s ex-boyfriend. They were together for two years and eventually broke up because he was a workaholic and Zoey had a suspicion that he was having an affair with one of his clients. He was a personal trainer and really vain. None of us really liked him and it wasn’t until he started coming on to Elise that Zoey realized he was all wrong for her. She dumped him and hasn’t been with anyone for 6 months even though she’s pretty over him.

“What if I set you up with someone from work?”

“Well, I mean, put some feelers out, I guess, but I’m really okay being single, I can make-out with whoever I want!”

We went back to Zoey’s place and invited Elise and Anna over to watch some awesomely bad romantic comedies and sleep over. It was a great slumber party with my girls.

D+

I’ve been in a strange mood ever since Kevin told me he was engaged. I feel so betrayed. I mean, if we had gotten together and started dating like Dean and I, would he have ever told me? Part of me isn’t sure he would have which makes Kevin super shady in my book. I can’t help but wonder if he would do that to me if we were dating, which makes me feel guilty because I have a great guy and keep thinking about Kevin. Things at work have been fine, Kevin has kept everything professional and there’s no awkwardness when we have to work together. I’m a little impressed at how easily we have been able to move past our feelings for each other and not let it affect what we do. Geez, it’s like we’re adults or something!

Last night Dean met with the girls for the first time and he was great. Zoey and Anna both approve wholeheartedly and Elise is still on the Kevin bandwagon (even though I told them all he was engaged before Dean got there) because she doesn’t think Dean is as cute and dating Kevin would be so scandalous. What can I say? The girl loves a scandal. Elise did come around to him eventually and so now she’s not sure who to root for.

Dean had to leave for a class about an hour and half after he arrived and bade us all goodbye. As soon as he walked out the door the girls started in.

“He has the cutest dimples!”

“Nice ass.”

“Is Kevin really engaged?”

At the talk of Kevin I kind of withered in my seat and Zoey went to comfort me.

“What is wrong with me? I have this great guy who’s honest with me and treats me with respect. He’s ambitious and we have a great time together, but I can’t stop thinking of Kevin!” I said on the verge of tears.

Zoey looked at me and started rubbing my back while Anna started ordering doubles of our vodkas and cranberry, “He betrayed you, it’s okay to be hung up on him for awhile. And you’re right Dean is a great guy, let yourself be happy, Faith.”

At that I looked at Zoey and had an epiphany. She was right. I just don’t want myself to be happy with Dean because Kevin was this other more scandalous prospect. Dean might not be my boss but he’s a great guy and my friends like him. There are qualities I find in Dean that I wish all men had. He’s a really great catch and as soon as I just let myself enjoy the fact that he wants to be with me, the sooner my desires for Kevin will go away.

K-Bomb

For the past few days, ever since Halloween, I’ve been avoiding dealing with Kevin at work. In order to make sure I don’t run into him on my way in, I’ve been coming at 7:00am which is about an hour earlier than usual, which means the office is completely deserted. I walked in this morning and went directly to my office which is far, far away from Kevin’s and started up my computer. I had an e-mail from my mom, one from my older brother, and one from Kevin:

To: Faith
From: Kevin
Subject: I’m sorry
Faith,
My behavior on Halloween was inappropriate. I’m your boss and I overstepped our relationship. I’d like to talk to you about this when you come in, if possible. I’ll be in there when you arrive at 7:00 am.
Kevin

My face went hot when I realized that he was onto my coming in early. I sighed heavily and groaned when I heard a knock at my door, it scared me and I spilled my coffee all over myself and my desk. I spun around, drenched in coffee, to find Kevin at my door.

“I thought I’d come to you,” he said as he rushed to get something from the utility closet outside of my door to clean up the spilled coffee.

I kind of mumbled something unintelligible until he popped back into my office and began wiping up my desk.

“You don’t have to do that, I can get it,” I said grabbing some paper towels and blotting my desk and blouse.

“Look, Faith, can we talk honestly about what happened?”

“Sure,” I got up, closed my door, and offered him a seat. When he sat I looked at him and said, “I like you and I don’t regret what happened, but you’re my boss and I don’t know if I can start something with you for that reason. It seems so cliché and I don’t want it to mar the work I do here.”

“I understand where you’re coming from with that and to be honest, I don’t really know if I could date an employee of mine. But I still like you and I’d like to explore our…relationship.”

“Kevin, I think the timing is just off, I’ve just kind of started dating someone and I want to pursue a relationship with them, so…”

I trailed off and looked down at my now empty coffee cup. Kevin was quiet for awhile and I felt the tension in the room shift.

“I need to tell you something,” he said looking at the ceiling, “I’m…engaged.”

I’m pretty sure my jaw hit the floor before I started to yell.

“WHAT!?”

“It’s not what you think, let me explain.”

“Explain? Explain what? You lied to me!”

“Look, she and I have been having problems lately and I didn’t mean for my feelings for you to develop but they did and now I don’t know what to do. I think I want to be with you more. We have this great chemistry together and we have a lot more in common than Hannah and I.” I cringed at her name and felt bad for her at the same time.

“As far as I’m concerned, you are and will only ever be my boss. Go back to your fiancée, if you don’t want to be with her, why don’t you just be a man and break it off? I won’t be a side-story to your real life, I think it’s time you left my office.”

By the time I had finished I was seething and resolutely turned my back on Kevin until I heard him leave.

I left work early to change and decided to take the rest of the day off. I called Dean and asked him if he could meet me for dinner or something and he agreed. He sensed that there was something wrong but I blew it off and decided to make dinner for the both of us. I also wanted to look damn hot for him. I put on this slinky black halter dress and a pearl necklace and finished it off with some 4 inch black sling backs. By the time he arrived I was feeling better about choosing him over Kevin before he dropped the engagement bomb.

“Mmmm, something smells really good,” Dean said as he walked into my apartment.

“It’s four cheese baked ziti and garlic bread. We’ll see if it’s better than your mom’s cooking.”

“I’ll accept the tasting challenge,” He wrapped his arms around me and from behind and smelled my hair, “You smell like coffee.”

I smiled and pulled him onto the couch for a quick make-out session before dinner. When we were done eating he decided that my four cheese ravioli was definitely the best he ever had…after confessing that his mother has never made it, so I guess I won on default.

After dinner it was snuggle time and he was playing with my hair, I had kicked off my shoes and pulled up my skirt a little, “Are you sure nothing’s wrong?” he said it quietly and kissed my forehead.

“Yeah, it’s just a work thing. My boss…he’s kind of a jerk.” I wanted to change the subject as fast as possible. I mean…talking about your almost boyfriend having a fiancée and being pissed off about it isn’t exactly something you talk about with your actual boyfriend, right?

“But I know something you can do to put me in a better mood…” I started unbuttoning his shirt which seemed to distract his attention, he started kissing my neck and lifting my skirt up. Pretty soon we were half-undressed and he picked me up and carried me to my bedroom to finish what I had started.

Third Time's The Charm

Dean and I went on our third date tonight (The second one was pretty average as far as dates go; dinner and a movie with some heavy making out afterwards). He picked me up and we went to a ballroom dancing class. I was really excited because no one I’d ever dated before had wanted to do something like that and I thought it would be something fun to learn. The teacher was an old Russian woman who decided to use Dean as her partner to show the class the steps for each dance and with every example her hands kept getting lower and lower. Dean turned bright red and was relieved when we were allowed to couple up again and try everything.

“Looks like someone has a little crush on you,” I said giggling.

“Yeah, yeah, watch it missy or I’m going to have show you some real dance moves.”

“That sounds more fun than threatening.”

We stopped at a small café on our way to my apartment and decided to sit on a bench outside with our coffees.

“I’d really like you to meet my friends,” I blurted out during a comfortable silence.

For awhile Dean didn’t say anything and I thought it may have been too soon to spring that on him. I just like him so much that I want him to be in my life more, besides I wanted the girls’ opinions.

“I’m free on Saturday,” he said with a grin, “I’m afraid I don’t have a lot of friends for you to meet, my family are mostly who my friends are and it’s probably too soon for that anyway. But yes, I’d love to meet your friends.”

I was relieved by his answer and we began walking back to my apartment. When we got to my building I invited him up and he gladly followed. Basically everything that happened after that was a blur and we both ended up naked in my bed panting. He’s really good with those other dance moves after all.

Win Me Over With Cheesecake

My date with Dean was on Sunday and I thought about cancelling based on what had happened after the Halloween party with Kevin. I decided to go anyway because I’m not in a relationship with Kevin and shouldn’t have to reschedule my life based on a kiss that might not mean anything.

Anyway, I arrived at the bookstore Dean and I met at early and decided to order a hot chocolate while I waited for him. He arrived with his red hair mussed and hanging in over his brown eyes and started to scan the bookstore. I waved him over and he sat down. We started with small talk and he ordered a piece of cheesecake for us to share and a coffee for himself. I’m pretty sure I fell in love when he chose the triple chocolate fudge cheesecake.

“Did you do anything special for Halloween?” I asked munching on a bit of cheesecake.

“Yeah, I did a trick-or-treating thing at my church. It was pretty fun to see all the kids dressed up. I think that’s why I like Halloween so much,” he said smiling.

“Is it your favorite Holiday?”

“No, I think I like Thanksgiving more. My mom’s home-cooking blows all competition out of the water. Plus I love getting together with all my siblings around the table and just spending time with my family while eating way too much food you know? What about you, what’s your favorite holiday?”

“I’m a fan of Christmas myself,” I said,” I really like the decorations and I it’s usually the longest vacation time I get, too. There’s something so cozy about spending Christmas with my family that I really like.”

We started to roam about the bookstore to work off that cheesecake (ha!) and I noticed that we have a lot of the same interest in reading materials. I bought a few books and thought that we should take a walk through the park across the street.

He offered to hold my bag full of books and then held my hand as we walked. I learned that Dean has a lot of siblings, he has four brothers and three sisters for a total of seven siblings (8 kids if you count Dean). His brothers seem pretty eclectic, one is a police officer, another is an artist, and the other two run a pretty successful bar together downtown. His sisters seem just as interesting, one is an elementary school teacher, another is a stay at home mom, and the last is still in high school and has recently gotten into the “goth” scene much to Dean’s parents’ dismay.

“So what do you do?”

“I’m an HR rep for a mid-size newspaper in the city, what about you?”

“I guess you could say that I study theology with a focus on Catholicism.”

“Are you still in school?”

“No, I graduated college awhile ago, I’m kind of in a master’s degree program now.”

“Oh, wow, that’s cool. That’s pretty intense, I wasn’t cut out for grad school.”

Dean dropped me off at my apartment and we made plans for later this week. He kissed my cheek as we said goodbye which I thought was really sweet. Kevin who?

Halloween Spectacular!

Tonight was our paper’s annual Halloween party. The HR department was responsible for throwing it together so I showed up early to start spreading out refreshments and decorations with Corey and Paula, our HR interns. Once everyone started to show up I changed into my pumpkin costume and went to seek out Dina and Suzy.

“Hey guys, nice costumes!” I said as I saw my two friends. Suzy was dressed as cat woman and Dina was dressed as Elphaba from the musical (and book) Wicked complete with green skin and bright red lipstick. They enjoyed my costume as well and we talked about the new theories surrounding George’s resignation.

“So Hector’s been hearing all sorts of gossip in the mail room and he told me that Kevin was hand-picked by George to take his place, so at least we’re in good hands, right? Anyway he also found out that George recently joined a gym and is dating a supermodel-“Suzy started going into more detail before I had to stop her.

“Suzy. Stop. George join a gym? The man had a cheeseburger everyday for lunch and was proud of it! Dating a supermodel? I doubt it; he only ever had eyes for his wife. I think Hector’s “facts” need to be scrutinized before all these rumors about George get out of control.”

“Yeah, I guess you’re right, that doesn’t sound like George. But neither does him leaving without telling anyone why.”

Dina agreed and I looked at both of them, “You said he chose Kevin himself right?”

“Yeah.”

“So I’ll ask Kevin about it.”

Before they could stop me I turned around and started looking for him in the crowd. I saw him a few moments later and smiled, his costume was great. I waved and walked over to him.

“Hey Kevin, Happy Halloween, oh by the way do you have any idea why George left? I mean don’t get me wrong, we’re all real glad you’re part of the team, but George didn’t tell any of us he was leaving and I think we all deserve to know.”

He smiled and cocked his head, “Wow, you get right to the point don’t you, Faith?”

“I’m sorry I’m coming off as rude, but there’s all these rumors about George going around the office, really ridiculous ones, and I don’t think George deserves it, do you?”

“Well, no, I guess not. Okay, then. George’s wife was diagnosed with cancer again so he decided to quit working and travel with her before she gets too sick. It’s terminal, they gave her a year.”

When Kevin stopped talking I looked around and noticed that everyone around us was listening and taking in the news. Suddenly Dina’s voice came from the crowd.

“Why didn’t he tell us, though? He knew we all would have supported him.” Her statement was met with vigorous nods from the rest of the staff.

“George is coming back to collect his things in a few weeks, he and his wife are on a cruise in the Mediterranean right now. He was going to tell you all when he got back. They left the day I was introduced to you all. It was all very last minute. I’m sorry you were all so concerned but I felt this news should come from George.”

The crowd broke their focus from him to talk about George’s situation and I was left alone to talk with Kevin.

“Um, I’m sorry, my concern for George got the best of me, I just wanted to know that he was okay,” I said looking down at my feet.

“It’s fine, really. I was going to make an announcement on Monday about it. I’ve been hearing the rumors, too, and you were right; George doesn’t deserve the gossiping with everything he’s going through. I’m glad that this happened actually, it saves me a mass e-mail and all-staff meeting.” He smiled and I blushed.

When the party was done and the interns and I began cleaning up, I noticed that Kevin stayed to help too. When we were done he offered to give the interns and me a ride back to our apartments because it had started to rain. The three of us said yes and we piled into his car. Corey and Paula made small talk with Kevin while he drove. He dropped them off first. When we were alone he looked at me and smiled.

“I like your costume,” he said, “It’s very original.” I laughed at this and complimented his in return.

When we reached my apartment he got out and opened the door for me, I looked at him for a moment before I thanked him for the ride. I began walking up the stoop to my apartment building when he called my name. I turned around.

“Yes?”

“Could…Would it be….I’d really…” he stopped talking and walked toward me and held my hand. Then he kissed me and things became very heated. We disconnected from each other when a gaggle of children trick-or-treating walked by. We smiled at each other and started laughing. He said good night and I watched him walk away in his ridiculous pumpkin costume. Mine was way better.

Shopping Around

Zoey, Elise, Anna, and I went shopping on Friday and it was definitely a spontaneous adventure. Instead of going to our usual places we decided to try some funky costume shops downtown for our work-related Halloween parties. I tried on several different costumes and decided on the subtle pumpkin mini bubble dress with green heels and green and white striped tights while Zoey went for a sexy cat costume that accentuated her cleavage. Anna decided on a toned down witch costume as Theo’s hospital was hosting a trick-or-treating benefit for children with cancer and she wanted to look appropriate and Elise decided on the sexiest costume of the four; a show girl costume complete with g-string, 8-inch bedazzled heels, a pretty intense feathered head dress, and pasties with red tassels. I use the term “costume” loosely, but if you’ve got a body like Elise, I guess you’re going to rock it. Elise’s costume wasn’t for a work-related party anyway.

We stopped for lunch in a really cute café and ordered some cinnamon cookies and hot apple cider. I told them about what happened with Kevin and my date with Dean while we waited.

“He’s cute, you know, it was sweet when he asked me for my phone number.”

“Screw Dean, I want to hear about Kevin some more! I saw him at the bar; you should snatch him up while he’s still on the market!” Elise said.

I blushed and shushed her. “He’s my boss Elise, I can’t just date him, it would be inappropriate and awkward.”

We moved on to less complicated subjects and Elise told us about Redford, the male model she went out with last week.

“What did you guys do on your date?” Zoey asked.

“Uh…well…we were going to go see an art gallery, but, uh…we decided to do something else,” Elise started to stammer and turned bright red.

“So how was the sex?” Zoey smiled and raised an eye brow.

“AMAZING! I think he’s definitely in the top 5,” Elise started to giggle.

After we finished our cookies and cider we decided to go to a few more stores and call it a day. When I got home I started thinking about what Elise said about Kevin. I don’t think I’d want to date someone I work with, let alone my boss, but he really is cute and I think we have a lot of chemistry. Plus…he’s a great kisser. It’ll be interesting to see what his costume is for the party tomorrow night.