Professional Restraint

9 Game Plan

Ella

Walking up to the massive Trenton Tech Tower isn't nearly as intimidating this morning as it has been during previous trips. The sleek glass skyscraper walls don't feel like they are looming over me, with Sophia beside me. I tug at my skirt once more, secretly mourning my beloved yoga pants as we head through the glass front.

Emilio's beaming smile is a clear welcome, beckoning us from across the lobby. I can't help the big smile that spreads across my face in response. He has an infectious energy that can lift your mood from across the room, and I'm already in good spirits.

"Hello, hello, ladies!" he gushes. "Welcome back Miss-I-work-behind-a-screen."

My cheeks burn, but his well-natured wink draws a nervous laugh from me. "Hi," I reply weakly as Soph struggles to stifle her laugh.

He slides two badges over to us. Soph quickly picks hers up and natters on about him catching her good side. My eyes, however, lock on my picture.

I almost don't recognize myself with smouldering eyes, dark flowing locks, red lips, and pale skin... The green blouse compliments my colouring perfectly, and there's a playful ghost of a smile tugging at my lips.

Who knew that my best photo ever would be an employee id badge?!

"He's in the wrong line of work, eh?" Sophia muses, nudging my shoulder. She holds her badge out for me to see and her picture is perfection.

"What can I say? I'm a man of many talents!" He flashes us a crooked grin and nods over to the elevator. "Back up to the same floor. Todd will be waiting and get you situated."

"Thanks, hun!" Soph says with a wave before heading off to the elevator. I flash him a quick smile and take off after her.

Once the elevator doors close and we start to ascend, a familiar but uncomfortable tension starts to build. I haven't worked in an office in years and we haven't quite figured out how much time I would need to spend here.

"Relax babe, you've got this," Sophia assures me. "They'll just stick you at a desk somewhere and you'll be buried under numbers in no time." She laughs at my relief, but I can't help myself.

Numbers make more sense than people.

The doors finally open, and Todd is standing there waiting with a smile to welcome us. Like everyone here, he is dressed in a suit and well put together. Suddenly I'm glad Soph insisted on me wearing a black pencil skirt and an ivory embellished blouse.

At least I look the part...

Sophia, on the other hand, is dressed to stand out in a tight black skirt and low cut but not crossing the line red blouse. As always, she has mile high heels whereas I have the safer half mile high ones.

"If you ladies will follow me." Todd gestures down the hall, leading us away from the boardroom. "I'll set you up in your workstations. Unfortunately, Mr. Moore and Mr. Anthony are still in a meeting... It should finish up at any moment."

He leads us down a twisted maze of hallways before coming to a stop at Declan's office. Opening the door, we are met by classic modern elegance that is common throughout the entire floor. Sleek black furnishings, grey floors, and cream coloured walls fill the space.

"Mr. Moore asked me to drop you off here," Todd says directly to Sophia. "He said you could get started on the documents on the coffee table."

"Sure thing," Sophia replies, confidently striding into the office like it is her own.

"They've set up a workstation for you in the main area," he says, turning his attention to me. That doesn't paint the best image, having hoped to be tucked away in a broom closet somewhere.