Don't Change The Way You Think Of Me

The Problem With Mornings

Paisley's POV
Nothing went right the next morning. The power must have gone out overnight, resetting the time on my digital alarm clock. I was still okay time wise because I had chosen my clothes the night before. I took a quick shower, dressed and had my hair and make-up done in record time. Of course, the way I did my hair most of the time now was up in a very business-like bun so that never took very long. I wanted to be successful for what I do, not how I look. I wore glasses even though I didn't need them. I realized I had a couple of minutes to make a quick cup of coffee to take with me. I got the coffee brewing and grabbed my stuff to take to work. I was in such a hurry that I grabbed the pot from under the coffee flow not realizing it wasn't done.
"Ah FUCK!" I yelled as I felt the scalding hot liquid hit my hand, then I pulled my hand away quickly spilling the black coffee all over my clothes. I rushed to the sink and ran cold water on my hand, soothing the burn. Luckily, it looked like it was going to be okay. I realized there was coffee all over the counter and the floor. I quickly cleaned it up as best I could with paper towels.

I grabbed my brief case and ran out the door and impatiently waited for the elevator. Once the doors I stepped in quickly. I looked at my watch, I had just enough time to make it if I was lucky. It wasn't until I took a moment to relax, that I noticed the woman in the elevator looking at me funny.

"Good morning." I said with a smile.
"Good morning, it looks like your's hasn't gone so well." She looked directly at my blouse. I looked down.
"Oh shit!" I blurted out. I had totally forgotten about the coffee on my clothes. Once the elevator reached the lobby and the other woman departed, I quickly pressed my floor number. There was no way I was getting there on time if I went up and changed, I decided it was either be on time or change clothes. I had a camisole on underneath my blouse that was okay to wear alone, but not for work. It was very form fitting and accentuated my cleavage. It was one of my ex-husband's favorites when he wanted to show me off. I could just take off the stained blouse until I got to work and then put a sweater that I kept there over it. It wasn't my ideal attire, but better than being late. I took the elevator back down to the first floor and rushed to work.

I had barely a few minutes to spare when I got in the office building, the elevator doors were starting to close, and I yelled "Wait! Please!" The doors opened back up and I stepped in.

"Thank you!" I exclaimed expressing my gratitude.
"No problem, it's my pleasure." The young man in the elevator replied. His eyes searched up and down my body. I suddenly felt naked, exposed more uncomfortably than even wearing the camisole had. I turned with my back to him facing the elevator door, hoping it would open soon, with someone else entering the elevator. I wasn't afraid like I would have been a few years ago, but I really didn't need this today.
Then I felt the warmth of his body behind me on my left.
I kept my eyes facing forward and crossed my arms in front of my chest. My intent must have been obvious.
"You don't have to be shy around me, I've seen those before" he said looking over my shoulder. "But I must say, that's a nice rack you have."

I was startled when I felt his hand grab my ass. I turned around and slapped him across his face as hard as I could.

He stood there shocked. I looked at him with his Slayer t-shirt on, jeans and tennis shoes. I didn't know why this kid was even there, but he had crossed a line.
"I don't know how you've gotten separated from the rest of your class, but you'd better find them before your little field trip is over."
"Really lady? You're calling me a kid? I'll tell you what, I'm more man than you'll ever meet." He started toward me.
"I highly doubt that. This is my floor."

I rushed out of the elevator without looking back and went straight to the office suite where I worked. I went into the tiny office that I shared with Gretchen and shut the door quickly, grabbing the sweater off the back of my chair and putting it on.

"Paisley? Are you okay?" Gretchen startled me, I didn't even realize she was there.
"What? Oh, yeah, I'm fine. I spilled coffee and I just wanted to wear my sweater."
"You're not really making a lot of sense. Your face is red, I can't tell if your mad or you're blushing. Your hands are shaking too, what's going on?"
"Nothing is going on. There was some punk kid in the elevator, he pissed me off. I'm fine now."
"Okay, I've never seen you this worked up."
"Let's just drop it, okay? Isn't it time for our meeting?"
"Yes, but you might want to try buttoning your sweater again, you've got it buttoned all wrong."
Gretchen helped me fix my sweater and we went into the conference room.

The meeting went as every Monday staff meeting did. Review of existing clients, discussion etc. Then Paul our boss makes an announcement.

"As you are all aware, this firm is still in the toddler stage. We've grown quickly and that's thanks to all the hard work of everyone here. I have long thought that to really grow we need to open ourselves up to new markets. An opportunity has presented itself to do just that. Garrison Public Relations is now in the music business."
"The music business? You mean a record company?" David asked
"No, a band." Paul answered.
"A band! Which one?" Gretchen asked.
"Their name is Avenged Sevenfold."
"Who?" I blurted out, I had never heard of them.
"They are a group of five guys from Huntington Beach."
"Did they just start a band and now we're representing them? What are they, rich brats?" I didn't usually question this much, I had only worked there six months and only assisted with a few clients.
"No, they formed several years ago and have started to build momentum. Their manager is an old friend and asked if we could help them."
"Are they even going to pay us?" I asked. I could see in Paul's expression that I had irritated him.
"Our monetary agreement with them is none of your concern, you will still be paid." Paul was getting agitated with me. "This is a very important step for us, it could lead to many more clients, if YOU are successful."
"If I'm successful?" I didn't know if he meant what I hoped.
"You've wanted to take lead on your own client, these guys are all yours."
"Really?" My skepticism was forgotten as I reveled in the fact that my dream was finally coming true.
"Yes, I have faith that you can help these boys make it to the top."
"I can do it, Paul. Thank you for this opportunity! When do I start?"
"Right now, they are here to meet with us. I say we adjourn this meeting, everyone can go. Paisley, you stay here I'll go get the band."
I was nervous as everyone left the conference room, but I was ready!