Virtual Reality

by Kitty Cox

  Instead, she found a message waiting for her. Clicking the link, she smiled to see it was from him, and short but sweet. IceMan wished her luck, was confident everything would go better than she expected, and couldn't wait to hear all about it that evening. She was smiling at her phone when Mr. Degrass and Mrs. Macintosh walked up to her.

  "Kate?" Nancy asked.

  Dimming her phone, she stood. "Yes, ma'am."

  "It's Nancy. Ma'am makes me feel old."

  "Nancy, then," she agreed.

  Mr. Degrass stepped up. "We wanted to formally offer you a position, and I was hoping that we'd catch you before you left. You would report directly to Nancy. While this is my company, I have no authorization to hire, fire, or alter your employment in any way. I can make suggestions, which I did in your case, but that is all."

  "Ok?" That was not what she expected. She couldn't believe that he'd even remember her. That and the way his suit accented his chest made her feel like her brains had just melted out her ears. Then she realized what she'd just said. "Oh! Oh my, yes, thank you. I'm very interested, it sounds like exactly the position I was hoping for."

  Nancy laughed softly. "Good. Kate, I'd like you to start Monday. It will probably be a half day, unless something blows up, but we can get you situated in the office and deal with the piles of paperwork." She held out her hand, and Kate took it.

  "Thank you, Nancy. I'm looking forward to it."

  Adam smiled, his eyes flicking to her hand before shifting to her face. His look made her a little nervous, maybe a little breathless. At least she wouldn't be working directly for him. She wouldn't be able to last a week without making a colossal error around that man. Just being in the same room seemed to make her feel like an idiot, and there was no way a multi-millionaire was going to remember her name tomorrow.

  Except he already had. And he'd recommended her for a job.

  His eyes drifted over the freckles on her nose, and he blinked slowly, then nodded. "Welcome to the company, Ms. Gaskill. It's going to be a pleasure working with you."

  Chapter 6

  She clicked the icon for TeamSpeak, still peeling out of her suit, and shoved her headphones on. While unzipping her skirt, she selected the room for the outfit, then started wiggling out of her clothes. Ice was there, along with Synjd and someone named Cynister, but the room was mostly empty.

  "Hey!" Ice greeted her. "Go like you wanted?"

  "I got the job!" she squealed. "No, I got a better job. I'm going to Columbus."

  Cynister chuckled softly. "Grats, new girl. Guess I'll see you there."

  She paused. "Wait, you're a pro?"

  The three guys laughed, but it wasn't cruel. "Nah," he admitted. "Just a hopeful."

  "Fuck," Synjd grumbled. "Cyn, you're freaky. You could be pro if you put in an effort."

  "Fear of commitment," he replied, sounding lazy, like he'd made this excuse a million times. "What about you, Ice? Too busy?"

  "Just not good enough," Ice replied. "And unlike you, not willing to spend hours listening to QQ rip my ass apart."

  Cyn made a disbelieving noise. "You're so full of shit. By the way, Ice, you know you and Lithium are pretty close?"

  Her face flushed. She didn't think she'd been flirting that hard! Thankfully, Ice's next words clarified what they meant.

  "Yeah, same state, already figured that out."

  "Yeah, gotcha, bro. Although, it's a bit more than just the same state. More like neighbors."

  "What?" Kate sat up. "How do you know that?"

  "It's cool," Synjd said. "It's just Cyn. He's weird shit. I swear he runs a criminal check on every new person in our outfit."

  She stared at the screen, trying to wrap her mind around that. "How? I mean, you don't even know my name."

  Cyn chuckled. "It's on the interwebs, babe. I own the interwebs. Grats on the job, but guess you were running late? Ran the red light at Silvester. Camera caught you."

  "Bro," Ice said. "Be cool. I think you're freaking her out."

  "Ok, then I'll make up for it. Ticket's dismissed." She heard keys clicking through his mic, then he honestly laughed. "And your gaming history is pathetic. Q was right when she said no bad habits to fix."

  "Seriously, what the fuck?" she asked. "You weren't even there!"

  Cyn laughed again, but Ice tried to explain. "He's weird shit, darlin'. He's kinda like the resident spook. Thankfully, he's not one of ours. He plays with Executive Pain but likes to stalk us, just to keep things real."

  "That's a little too real. How did you know all that, Cynister?"

  "Told ya, it's my internet. Nah, you're good. I'll play nice, babe. Just hangin' out here for a bit. Pretend like I don't exist. Works better for me like that."

  She took a deep breath. That guy was almost as creepy as her ex-husband. "Sure. Hey, Ice? You playing?"

  "Nah, hun. I'm just chatting. Waiting for a call, which means I'll probably need to disappear when it comes in."

  "I got a tank," Synjd offered. "Could use a gunner, Lith."

  "K. Gimme a sec, and I'll be right there. Need to brew coffee."

  She loaded the game and finished peeling out of her clothes. When she got back to the desk, there was a squad invite waiting, but the chat server was quiet. Cynister and IceMan had moved to a different room. She felt a little flash of disappointment but pushed it away, deciding she'd much rather lose herself in killing people. After asking Synjd where he was, she respawned to meet up with him, then went on a miniature terror spree.

  She wasn't great, but she wasn't pathetic, and Synjd was a good driver. Each time they died, it was because they were overrun, not because she made a stupid mistake. After the first hour, the pair of them were laughing, enjoying themselves. That was when she realized that both Ice and Cynister had logged out of TeamSpeak, not even bothering to return to the main channel.

  She reminded herself that it wasn't anything personal. He was working, so probably shouldn't even be on the chat servers. She just wished he'd been a little more excited for her. It was stupid, but he seemed so easy to talk to and made her feel special. All of the guys were nice, but Ice left her smiling. Of course, he probably looked like a hippo or something, but she didn't really care. She might get all distracted by her sexy boss, but she'd learned her lesson. Pretty boys were nothing but trouble, and she was much more interested in sweet and sensitive than rock hard and abusive.

  That was how all the sexy men were, or so it seemed. Mr. Degrass was a perfect example. His smile could probably charm her out of her clothes, but it was well-known that he was ruthless. He'd made his money on his own, and had fought for every dime of it, even if that meant dragging his competition through the mud to do it. She could only imagine how he treated his women. Probably like just another disposable commodity.

  And she needed to learn to stand on her own two feet. It had been over seven years since she'd had to make her own decisions. Seven years she'd been some man's pet. She wasn't gaming to get laid, she was playing to blow off steam and push herself. She was playing to prove that she could get something right.

  As the sunlight through the windows started to dim, she realized she also needed to go shopping. She had a job, but her wardrobe consisted of two suits and a five-day work week. Kate made her apologies to Synjd, thanked him for a good time, then logged out. Once the game closed, she checked her bank account and wanted to cry. Three hundred dollars to make it until her first payday. Gas, groceries, and clothes, but only three hundred bucks. She groaned, wondering how she could manage to make it work.

  The weekend went by way too fast. Saturday, Ice made up for his lack of enthusiasm, congratulating her for a successful interview and a good job. He never asked where she worked, but most of the guys didn't. It seemed to be some unwritten rule. Only Cynister seemed to care about the people behind the keyboard. Everyone else was more than willing to keep it all virtual - except for the upcoming tournament.

  That brought out something in all of them. The outfit members who
were planning to attend were excited, already throwing out taunts at each other. QQ was the worst, but Ice held his own. Knock found it all amusing, but when they pressed, he was adamant he'd get to the last round this time. That was when she found out he was already sponsored. Seventeen years old and making more a year from playing video games than she used to earn at a respectable job. It seemed unreal.

  Then Monday came around. Her alarm woke her up way too early, her hot water didn't last nearly long enough, and she spilled coffee on her blouse just as she was about to leave. Kate wanted to scream, but it was just another normal day in her life. At least she made it to the office on time.

  The lobby was the same as she remembered, except for the attractive new blonde. The girl looked like she'd been carved into the position, her nails complimenting the rich color of the desk she worked behind and her suit chosen to contrast nicely. Kate took a deep breath and headed for the elevator, her heels proclaiming each step on the expensive marble floor. Top floor, turn right, can't miss the office, Nancy had said. She had no idea how bad Kate's sense of direction was.

  At least she found the elevator. Stepping inside, she pushed the last button and listened to the chime announce each floor she passed, but when the doors opened, it was on the opposite side of the car. Kate turned around, feeling foolish, and stepped out into corporate America. Each level of the building was shaped in a circle, with a five-story atrium plunging down. It was nothing but chrome and glass, including the skylights above.

  She turned right and saw the office. Nancy was right, it was impossible to miss. An elegant glass desk was placed before large, double doors - also glass - built into large, glass walls. Nancy sat behind them, holding a compact in her hand, whisking mascara onto her eyes. While everything in the building looked perfect, she made no effort to conform. Kate felt a little nervous tension drain away as she headed over and tapped on the door.

  Nancy looked up with a smile and waved her in. "You're early," she said. "Coffee pot is," she pointed to the far wall with the wand, "the cabinet has a mini fridge in it with real cream."

  Just what she needed. "Would you like one, Mrs. Macintosh?""

  "Still just Nancy. And thanks, but no, I got one already. Wasn't sure if you're a fan. Adam makes sure we get only the good stuff on the top floor."

  Kate smiled and headed over to fill a cup, noticing they all had the Degrass Industries logo. She took it black, so it didn't take long. When she turned back, her boss had swept a clear spot on her desk and gestured for Kate to take the chair across from her.

  "Ok. So, typical paperwork." She tapped a clipboard sitting on the corner. "I'm assuming you can talk and write. Hours are usually nine to five, not eight."

  Kate made an understanding noise and grabbed the paperwork. "Sorry, I just noticed the hours on the front door and didn't think to ask after my interview. I was in a bit of shock, I think, being offered a position so quickly."

  Nancy put her mascara away and pulled out a tube of gloss. "Honey, what do you think, clear or pink?"

  "Clear," Kate said immediately. "Pink would be excessive against the bright shade of your jacket."

  "Good call. And I understand about the shock. I must admit, it's the first time Adam's ever stuck his nose into my side of the building since he hired me. Needless to say, when that boy has a gut feeling, I listen. He built his empire on them, right?"

  "That's what I read."

  "He did. May have cut a few throats to get here, but he takes care of the people who take care of him. Sorry." She smacked her lips together, smoothing the gloss. "Anyway, most of your job is just going to be keeping me on track. Adam owns twelve hotel chains now. Our office is responsible for the events. Unfortunately, the organizations that contract our facilities are a direct reflection on the company, so we must screen them." She grinned. "In other words, no hate groups."

  "Probably easier said than done, I bet."

  Nancy nodded. "Much. It's amazing the people he refuses to work with. Now, I'm not going to pry into your personal opinions, Kate, but Adam's pretty liberal. That means groups who oppose gay rights are out, groups with racial prejudices..." She wrinkled her face. "Ok. It's too early for the professional crap. No gay haters, no racist bigots, no chauvinistic pigs. You ready to quit yet?"

  Kate smiled and looked up from the clipboard. "Nope, Nancy, I'm starting to think I might fit in."

  "Good. Now, they're going to send representatives in here, and they will offer you the world. Schedule them, smile at them, and always be polite. But, once we say no, it means no."

  That reminded her. "Um," Kate cleared her throat and sat up. "I do have one schedule conflict, Nancy. At the end of the month, I'll need to take a few hours off to attend a court date."

  Nancy's eyebrow raised. "Please tell me it's a speeding ticket?"

  "Finalizing my divorce, actually."

  Her face softened. "Let me know the day, honey, and take the whole thing off. Hell, I'll buy you the champagne. Still not finished, huh?"

  "No. Eighteen months, but the end is in sight."

  Like an endearing mother figure, Nancy reached across the desk and patted Kate's arm. "Well, fuck that bastard. None of my damned business, but I hope you're taking him for everything."

  Kate just shook her head. "No. I'm just trying to get it finished. Ready to move on, you know?"

  "I did it twice," Nancy said. "So yeah, I know. Oh boy, do I know. I'm more worried about getting our work done than hours, so just let me know if you need more time. I know how those last-minute conferences are. Number two tried to take me for half. It got ugly fast."

  "Hopefully, I've already finished the ugly, but I'm not completely convinced." Kate smiled and turned her attention back to the papers. "Thank you, by the way. I realized yesterday that I hadn't discussed it with you."

  "Oh, speaking of that." Nancy pulled open a drawer and shuffled, her hand returning with a business card. "My personal information. Cell phone is always on, so text me if you need anything, or have some of those late-night questions."

  "Thank you."

  "I mean it." Nancy pointed at the card. "In a week or so, you'll be taking a dump and remember that some idiot wanted some special something, but you'll be fretting that it's too late to mention it. I don't keep hours like normal people. Not working for Adam."

  Kate laughed, pressing her hand over her mouth to hide her embarrassment. "Well, I try not to text and dump."

  Nancy winked. "I like you, kid. You switch from polite to human almost as fast as I do. Adam was right, you're tough enough to deal with my shit. Now, next on the list are your own business card." She pulled out a piece of paper with designs. "These are the basic options."

  Kate looked over and felt her heart skip a beat. They were all printed with her name, but it was the position that confused her. It said Executive Marketing Consultant. She'd thought that was Nancy's title.

  "Um…" She had to lick her lips to make them work. "I think I also missed my job title."

  "That's it. I'm the Chief Marketing Executive, or CME. As my second in command, you're a bit more than an administrative assistant, but it pretty much feels the same. We just put a lot more crap on your shoulders and expect you to sink or swim."

  "Wow. I didn't expect that." But she did manage to pick one of the cards. "I kinda like this one best. Elegant but with a little kick."

  "Good choice." Nancy marked an X beside it, then stood. "Ok. Lemme show you around. Give you the grand tour and make sure you're good and confused."

  She showed Kate all the important places in the building, pointing out everything from bathrooms to break rooms, flipping her hand dismissively as they passed the CEO's office. Nancy seemed to be the only person in the world that wasn't impressed by Adam Degrass. It made Kate curious, but she wasn't quite ready to ask, assuming it was common knowledge and would come up soon enough.

  Once they made it back to their office, Nancy explained that her last assistant had simply quit one day, screaming about
the horrors of working for a crazy woman. Nancy shrugged it off, seeming more amused than upset at the ordeal. Kate could understand. Nancy was definitely nothing like the typical executive, but in her opinion, it was a nice change. She was somewhere between the kind of friend that caused trouble and the doting mother figure with cookies and kool-aid, all wrapped in a mouth as bad as any of the gamer's she'd met.

  At least the job seemed easy enough. Answer a few emails, organize Nancy's life, and play it by ear. The only rule they had was how to answer the phone, and it was exactly what she'd expected. By the time they were done, it was an hour until lunchtime. Nancy offered to let her leave early, but Kate wanted to get her first few mistakes over with.

  It started off slow, but the closer the clock ticked toward noon, the faster the calls came in. Kate scheduled appointments, figured out how to work the programs used in the office, and didn't make a single mistake - until she looked up.

  Adam Degrass's office was directly across the atrium. Behind the glass walls, he leaned back in his chair, a phone pressed to his ear and his suit unbuttoned. Whatever he was doing, the conversation was rather animated. She watched him laugh, amazed that a man could look so beautiful and intimidating while doing it. He looked completely at home in his office, even though he was on display for the hundreds of employees walking past, and she wasn't the only woman looking.

  Then he glanced up. Across the distance, their eyes met, and he smiled. She couldn't shove her nose back into her work fast enough.

  Chapter 7

  Tuesday was better. She was starting to get the hang of what she was allowed to do and what things she should send directly to Nancy. The morning sped past, Kate fielding a few potential problems with ease. When the green light on her phone lit up, she stood and walked into the office. Nancy barely looked up, the receiver stuck to her ear, but she held out a packet of papers as she charmed the person on the other end of the line.