She Keeps Me Warm

2

Dear Ms. Hollis,

I much enjoyed our conversation in the break room. I look forward to viewing your excellent talents in a brighter light.

Kindest Regards,

Ms. Karnstein

That note was not only handwritten and placed on her desk but e-mailed; and it haunted her for the next 6 weeks. Along with Ms. Karnstein. The woman was ridiculous! Anything that Laura wrote was sent back covered in red markings for things Ms. Karnstein found incorrect, unneeded, or altered to fit her preferences. When Laura fixed the problems, that Ms. Karnstein requested be fixed, they were sent back again; preferring the original because they sounded more honest and personal.

If Laura was in the break room, it was like the woman had spidey senses; because she always found her way in. She didn't even have to say anything to Laura to annoy her. She would just stare at her from across the room, or brush against Laura anytime she was in arm's length. It was so much worse when she talked though. Laura much preferred the sexual stares and obvious intentional contact...

Laura would prefer nothing at all.

But, no, she got more. How she was on the elevator on her up to Ms. Karnstein's office for a quick conversation before her lunch hour. Why Ms. Karnstein wanted to talk to her, she had no idea. She wished this were a conversation they could've had over the work phone instead of face to face. But something told her Ms. Karnstein wouldn't work that way for Laura.

She walked past Ms. Karnstein's assistant and knocked on the door before entering.

"You wanted to see me Ms. Karnstein?"

The woman was standing, facing the large window, looking out at the city. Even from where Laura stood the view was far better than her office's. Ms. Karnstein turned to face Laura, a smile plastering her face. She strode forward and took a seat on her desk.

"Hello, Ms. Hollis. You look lovely today."

"...Thank you? Um...likewise?" Laura replied. She wasn't wrong. Ms. Karnstein was in her normal up-do, a red top, black blazer, a skintight black-skirt, and black heels; seemingly the same heels as the first day she arrived. "So, why did you want to see me?"

"I was wondering if you were up for a new assignment...an article on a topic of your choosing; no additional contributions. Would you like that?" Ms. Karnstein tilted her head to the right. She took in Laura's multicolored dress and her black cardigan, and she smiled again.

"SWEET MCGONAGALL'S ANIMAGUS! I'd love to!" Laura nearly jumped so hard that she nearly knocked the chair over. She paused, taking in her boss's humored expression. Slowly, she sat down and gave the woman a look. "What's the catch?"

"No catch." Ms. Karnstein shrugged, shifting slightly. "You've worked hard here and proven you have the right...qualifications for the job. It's yours if you want it."

Laura didn't buy it. "With all due respect, Ms. Karnstein, you've been quite...transparent about my work since you've been here. None of my assignments have met your standards until after I alter them to your liking; and then change them back. Now I'm supposed to believe that this new assignment doesn't come with more of Ms. Karnstein's Greatest Hits?"

She laughed. Ms. Karnstein simply laughed lightly. It was less of a laugh and more of a... what would you even call it? Whatever it was, it was far too seductive for any laugh Laura had ever heard.

"You have my word, Ms. Hollis." She chuckled again. If you could even call it that. "You're cute when you're frazzled."

.......