The Yes Girl

by Michelle Maris

  I stand when Nick walks towards my office door. He reaches for the door handle but turns to me before he opens the door. His mouth drops open as if to say something but he closes it quickly. Instead, he tilts his head slightly and gives me a once over. I give a little nod as if I agree to some unspoken thought. Nick turns and walks out of my office.

  I hear my secretary say something; her voice sounds different, somewhat flirty. Then I hear Nick. From the sound of Jill’s voice, she must find it hard to resist his charms, as well.

  I sit down in my chair and pout. Could I possibly have a worst day? I just need to go home, this day needs to be over. Now I have to get through the weekend and see him again on Tuesday. Then at some point I’m going to have to sit down with him one on one at a lunch. How can I possibly put an intelligent thought together under such a stressful circumstance? Lost in my obsessive thoughts I startle when I look up and see Jill in my office.

  “OMG, Mr. Nick Ryan is HOT, young and successful and so fucking HOT.” Jill’s jaw drops to her chest.

  “You said hot twice.” I correct her.

  “Well let’s be honest I could say it a dozen more times, and I still wouldn’t be doing him justice.” Jill struts further into my office.

  “Yes, Yes, so hot, I mean state the obvious, Jill, why don’t you?” My voice is dripping with sarcasm.

  “What crawled up your ass…Dare I say a Nick Ryan?”

  That’s the only place he wasn’t.

  Jill slumps in the chair facing my desk and reaches for a paper to fan herself.

  “It’s been a hectic day, and at some point, I will have a one on one meeting with him over lunch.” Even I hear how ridiculous I sound.

  “I could think of worse things. I could go with you for moral support.” Jill suggests as she winks.

  “I wish I could send you in my place.” I continue to pout like a spoiled little girl.

  “Well, poor you having to watch Nick Ryan eating…Lucky food though, it gets to touch his lips and be devoured by that mouth.” Jill is in her glory while she makes business lunch all about sex. I get stuck on the word devour as I recall Nick devouring me.

  “Great! Now, that’s all I’m going to think about while sitting across from him.” I quickly pack up my desk.

  “Alex, you need to enjoy life a little and take in the scenery. Nick Ryan is a gift to us from the universe. Appreciate that gift, Alex.” Jill’s arms are stretched out above her head like a Sunday preacher.

  “You are out of your mind.” I wave her off.

  “Rather be out of my mind than stubborn,” Jill responds back as she walks out of my office.

  “Stubborn! Why are people calling me that?” I ask no one in particular. Annoyed all the same since stubborn is what I have been feeling lately. I had the greatest sex of my lifetime with the hottest man I’ve ever met, he asks me out, and I say no. I am stubborn. I hate that word. I hate that I am acting like that word. And what happened to me saying yes to everything? Am I just too damn stubborn?

  A beep comes in on my phone intercom. “By the way, Alex, everyone is meeting across the street for a drink.” Jill never misses Friday at the bar. “Most of them are already there.”

  I attend the Friday afternoon bar ritual on the rare occasion when I’m not working late. However, today I don’t want to stay at work a minute longer. “I’ll join everyone in a few minutes.”

  The bar is packed. It looks like the entire office fills the place. I nod to Jill, as she is the first face I see when I walk in. She sits off in the corner with a few other faces I recognize but don’t know by name. I continue to scan the room when I realize Nick could be here. Would he be here? No. That would be unprofessional. He gives the appearance of being in complete control of everything he does. Even if he wanted to cut lose and have a cocktail with everyone, he wouldn’t, especially not on the first day.

  Now, Joe on the other hand lacks total self–control so, that is why he is at the far end of the bar with an empty shot glass in front of him and a beer. As I walk towards Joe, I smile and nod at my fellow coworkers along the way. Joe stands when he notices me. He offers his stool to me, and I sit. “What will it be?” Joe waves down the bartender.

  “I’ll have a chardonnay.”

  “Put that on my tab, Bill, and bring me another tequila.” The bartender fills Joe’s shot glass. Joe lifts it up, and I do the same. “To new beginnings.”

  Joe downs his shot as I sip my wine. I look at him a little twisted. “Is this really a good thing, Joe? When takeovers like this occur anything could happen, people lose their jobs, demotions, and sometimes they eliminate positions.”

  “Alex, this is a positive change. Nick Ryan and his father are good people. They have a solid reputation. Everything they touch turns to gold. And they also genuinely care about their employees.” Listening to Joe’s account of the Ryan’s makes me feel a deep flush of warmth as I think of Nick. Is it possible for one person to have so many things right?

  I finish my second glass of wine, and lose count of how many shots Joe had, but I know it’s time to go. “I’m heading out; I have a train to catch.”

  Joe is obviously drunk. He slurs his words. “Don’t leave, have another one with me.”

  I stand and kiss his cheek, “No, and you shouldn’t have anymore either.” I walk towards the door and blow Jill a kiss, “See you Tuesday.”

  I step out onto the busy city sidewalk, look up, and then over to my office building across the street. A smile involuntarily stretches across my face as I observe Nick exiting the turnstile door. He looks straight ahead, as he walks towards the curb.

  Nick stands next to an Audi parked at the curb. Before he opens the driver’s side door he looks over his shoulder, I assume to make sure no cars, or bicycles are coming before opening his door. As he does, he notices me staring at him from across the street. He lifts his hand away from the door handle and turns. I freeze for a moment realizing he spotted me. I glance around but there is nowhere for me to run, so I lift my hand and give a small, awkward wave.

  Nick looks both ways and crosses the street. As he gets closer to me, I walk towards him.

  “Hi there.” I manage to say. He looks even more delicious now. His long wavy chestnut hair is no longer in its usual swept back style. It is now a little less perfect as it hangs down over his ears. A messier Nick is even hotter than a put together Nick.

  “Were you looking to run again, Alexandra?”

  “No, of course not. Why would you think that?” I’m busted.

  “You had that look that I’m becoming quite familiar with. What are you up to?” Nick points to the sign above the bar I just exited. “Enjoying some work fraternizing?”

  “Yes. Just a little. Two glasses to be exact.” I hold up two fingers. I realize Nick makes me feel like a little girl with a crush. Despite his age, he is a seasoned man and the ten years I probably have on him doesn’t exist when I am in his presence. “And you?”

  “I was going over numbers with my lawyer, nothing exciting. Are you heading home?”

  “I am.” I look up at him. He is beautiful. I want to stare at him all the time.

  His lips move, but I don’t here anything he says. His eyes a deep green the first time I met him. Now they seem to match his shirt, a bluish gray. He looks back at me as if he knows my thoughts are on other things.

  “Alexandra is everything okay?”

  I regain my composure, “Yes, of course, I’m sorry what did you say?”

  “I was wondering if you would like to have a quick drink with me before you head home?”

  He didn’t just ask me that. I’m already feeling the affects of my two glasses of wine and a third would put me over the edge. The edge were I start to feel overly sexual, where I wouldn’t care that he just took over my place of employment, I would want him to take me home and we would do very dirty things to each other. I think long and hard before I answer him…

  “Yes.”

  Really? Long and h
ard, that was a hot second.

  The look on Nick’s face screams shock and awe. “So it takes two glasses of wine, and to takeover the company you work for to make you go out with me.”

  I can’t help but laugh, “I think you calling me stubborn earlier shifted my perception. It’s only a drink, this is not a date, and it will not end in sex. Remember our earlier conversation; we are now employer and employee.”

  “Hmm. Only drinks, and maybe some food.” Nick sneaks that one in as we turn and walk down the sidewalk.

  Nick holds the door open, and I walk past him and check out the quiet and cozy vibe of this little old world charm restaurant. The warm light from sconces illuminates the corners of the small restaurant and there is a dimly lit chandelier in the middle to light the rest of the space.

  The small bar is made of a dark rich wood. Nick chooses two chairs at the far end off to the corner. It feels private and romantic.

  The bartender greets us. “Good evening, Mr. Ryan.”

  “Hello, Max.” Nick turns to me. “What would you like Alexandra?”

  “I think I should stick with what I was drinking earlier, Chardonnay.”

  “Max, I’ll take a look at the wine list.”

  I watch as Nick expertly picks a wine off the list. As we wait for the bartender to come back with the wine, Nick turns his body towards me. I instinctively do the same. We sit very close to each other. His legs open, I cross mine in the space between his.

  “Are you hungry?” He asks as he reaches for the menu that Max placed in front of him.

  I want to say yes, but I’m afraid he will to want to eat an eight-course meal. I’m too nervous to sit down with him at a table and eat an entire meal. “Just a little.”

  “Good, I’ll get some appetizers. Any preference?”

  “I eat anything.” As the words leave my mouth, I want to catch them and eat them.

  Nick tilts his head and with the most salacious grin, he looks at me. I feel my face flush. I could attempt to re-word that but it seems pointless. I’ll probably only sound more ridiculous. He must sense my uneasiness because he reaches his hand out and gently rubs my arm. “I enjoy a variety of foods as well, Alexandra, but since meeting you, I decided I can’t eat just anything, ever again.”

  Employer-employee, employer-employee, I recite over and over hoping it will be seared deep in my subconscious.

  The bartender returns with the bottle of wine, uncorks it and pours Nick a tasting. With a shake of Nick’s head Max fills our glasses. Then Nick rattles off an order of various appetizers and the bartender walks away.

  “So I didn’t expect to be here tonight with you.” Nick lifts his glass as I reach for mine. We lightly tap our glasses.

  “I’m still not sure if I should be here with you,” I say shyly.

  “You should be.” His eyebrow arches up giving his look even more character. “And anyway, consider it the same as socializing with Joe.”

  “You know it’s nothing like socializing with Joe, but I’ll go along with it.” I know this is very different and I know he knows just how different it is: the sexual tension is palpable. I’ll humor his logic because frankly, I want to be around him. I enjoy the sexual tension between us. If I can’t have the real thing anymore, at least I’ll have my thoughts for later.

  Max places three plates in front of us along with a warm baguette resting on a wooden carving board. I look at the food and then turn to Nick. He smiles, “Good choices?”

  I smile back and nod, “Excellent choices.”

  I don’t hold back. I slice the baguette, offer a piece to Nick and take a piece for myself. I pick up the small fork resting on the plate of escargot, reach in for a snail, and pop it in my mouth. The garlic butter sauce is decadent. I take my bread and dip it in the remaining hot garlicky liquid.

  I look at Nick. He hasn’t moved. “Aren’t you going to eat?” I cover my mouth while still chewing my food. I feel warm butter dripping down my chin. Before I can reach for my napkin Nick wipes my chin with his thumb. He then brings his thumb to his mouth and gently sucks on it.

  I almost choke on my food. Who am I kidding? I choke on my food.

  He smiles at me as he taps my back, “Be careful I don’t want to have to perform the Heimlich maneuver on you.” I stop coughing and he continues. “Yes, I’m going to eat, but I’m enjoying watching you. How is it?”

  I cover my mouth again as he catches me mid-bite. “Delicious.”

  Nick shuffles his stool closer to the bar and me. He starts with the Steak Tartare. I watch as he takes his first bite. He shakes his head and points at the plate. He chews, “Really good.”

  I smile and taste that next. I shake my head in agreement. We follow that bite with the Porcini Mushroom tartlet.

  “Oh my, that’s delicious too.” I take a sip of my wine. Nick smiles at me.

  “What?” I ask somewhat self -conscious.

  “I’m not use to being out with a girl who enjoys eating.”

  I put down my wine glass. “Oh that’s so sad.”

  Nick laughs. He laughs hard. “Yes, it’s tragic.” Now we both laugh as I reach for another piece of baguette.

  “And you still don’t skip a beat.” He adds. We both laugh harder as I look at the piece of bread in my hand dripping with garlicky butter sauce.

  I teeter on that dangerous edge as we leave the restaurant. I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I drank too much and ate too much, but I feel satiated. We stand facing each other outside the restaurant.

  “I live very close to here. I’d like it if you’d come home with me.” Nick says.

  Employer-Employee, Employer-Employee. The Chant continues.

  “Today was a bit of a shock for me, but I still believe we need to keep this professional.”

  Nick nods. “How are you getting home?” He asks.

  “I take the subway and then the train.” I point to the corner where there is a subway station.

  “I don’t feel comfortable with that, it’s late. Let me drive you.”

  “That won’t be necessary.” I decline, knowing how that will end.

  “Well, let me get you a car service to take you home.” Nick takes his phone from his pocket and types something.

  “Nick, really I’m okay. What about you?”

  “I’m going to walk back to the office and get my car. Please, let me drive you.”

  “No that’s okay, I live far.” I pause, “But thank you for offering and thank you for this evening.” I turn away from him towards the subway station, but Nick grabs my arm and pulls me back.

  He takes my face in his hands as he leans down to kiss me. It starts off slow and gentle. Our tongues lightly touch, and then our kiss becomes more of a deep aching necessity. Our mouths devour each other, leaving nothing untouched, moving over each other’s skin with an intense need. Nick presses his body into mine, and I feel his erection. What am I doing? I stop and shove my hands on his chest trying to push him back. Unfortunately, pushing into him is like hitting a massive brick wall and the desired affect I hope for, turns on me, and I fall backward.

  Nick moves to catch me as he hisses through his teeth, “Be careful.”

  I feel dizzy from our passionate exchange and the boomerang effect of trying to push him away from me.

  He holds me up at my elbows but says nothing more to me. Nick steps onto the street as a black car with tinted windows pulls up. He opens the door.

  “What’s this?” I ask.

  “My car service.”

  “Thank you, but no thank you. I’ll be okay. And thank you for dinner.”

  “No Alexandra. This time you don’t have a say.”

  Though gentle, he firmly guides me into the car. Nick steps back closing the car door. I peer through the window and notice a smile gather at the corner of his lips. I can’t tell if he is annoyed or frustrated with my attempt to push him off of me, therefore, I’ll take the smile.

  That was so wrong on so many levels but so right at the same
time. I have never been with a man that makes me feel the way Nick does, but of course, the universe had to go and screw that up. I decide to start saying yes and have the most amazing night of my life, and the same time the universe says, “No, no, no Alexandra.” My shitty luck!

  I have to put him out of my mind. Fat chance! But, I’ll try.

  “Where are we headed, ma’am.” Asks the driver.

  My first thought, “I don’t know.” I pause, “New Jersey.”

  Chapter 6

  Nick

  When Joe invited me to Dave's July 4th party two weeks before the official announcement of the takeover I declined, but when I found out that Alexandra will be there I changed my mind. Saturday morning I called Dave and asked if it would be a problem. Dave was more than happy to oblige because when the owner of your company wants to come to your party you don’t dare say no.

  A rooftop party in New York City with a view of the East River is nice but the opportunity to be with Alexandra is the only reason I’m here. I want to ask if anyone’s heard from her but I know someone might pick up on how I feel because when I speak her name I feel my entire body shift. To protect her privacy, it’s best if I act indifferent. I personally don’t care if anyone finds out how I feel about her.

  So many people are vying for my time. I see their lips moving but I hear nothing they say because I watch the door waiting for Alex to walk through it. That chick Renee is persistent. She won’t leave me alone. Every time I turn around, she’s there.

  Joe's voice bellows in the background, he hasn’t left the outdoor bar since he arrived. He yells over to Dave as he stares down at his phone, “Alexandra is on her way.”

  Now I can relax a little, she’s still coming.

  A half hour later the energy in the crowd changes. I no longer have a view of the door but I can feel she’s here. I stand back and wait for her. Her coworkers disperse after greeting her, and now I have a clear view of her.