I've been working at the new division for 4 weeks. Things were going well. I have my own office and was very glad to have my own 4 walls and a door. No secretary...yet. But I am on the move. This is a small division in a monolithic company. That was good thing though, it mean there was only 4 levels of management between me and the top.
On this particular Friday afternoon however, I am feeling particularly good. The new male receptionist had flirted with me. I had been able to answer technical questions about the new product line. And in a big meeting I was able to ask intelligent questions and my manager actually seemed pleased. I was looking forward to a good weekend. But just before quitting time, the engineer down the wall came by and said "The big boss wants to see you - top floor suite - Pronto!" The he was off to his weekend.
My heart was now in my throat. The big boss, who I haven't even meant, wanted to see me. Well, he must have heard about my "performance" at the 2 meetings today. "This could be my break," I think. As I go to the elevator I noticed, being a summer Friday, almost everyone has left 15 minutes early. It was 4:55 and the floor was almost deserted. I get in the elevator and pushed the highest button - 15. I'd never had a reason to go above my floor, 11, before. Now I am on my way up, literally. I am daydreaming of bigger offices and a new car as I get out of the elevator and the door closed behind me. As I come back to reality, I realize I must have gotten out at the wrong floor. This floor was filled with cubicles and lined with offices just like my floor - no executive suites. I remember now that the building is 20 floors; there must be another set of elevators.
I start walking the perimeter of the floor, and find another set of elevator in a hall off the west corner of the building. I hit the call button and get in it when it arrives. I push 20, but it doesn't light. It has a key next to it. "I guess they are key access only." I am now beginning to think I have been sent out for that proverbial "bucket of air" or "Left-handed monkey wrench." Cute joke guys. Fuck with the new woman engineer. Well, I'll get back at them. Just to be sure you try the other buttons. 18 lights up. "OK, maybe it was no joke."
At 18 I get out in another world. A luxurious hallway lined with big offices (judging from the distance between the doors). All the doors are closed, save one. I approach it. None of the doors are labeled, I guess you have to know where you are going or you don't belong here. I steady myself and open the already partially open door.
"Hello. Hello?" I think now that I really should have taken the time to check the org chart and see what this guy's name was. But as I approach the inner door you see a name plate - Hallelujah! "Mr. Murray" it read. "Hello, Mr. Murray?" I cautiously push open the inner door. "Mr. Murray?"
In a his luxury executive suite, Mr. Murray is standing at the window, looking down on the city and even his silhouette against the window is making my heart beat faster. His well-cut black suit is well suited to the air of mystery he portrays with the drink in his hand and his stance at the window. He slowly turns to me, looking at me as if I were a piece of furniture and says, "Well, to what do I owe the honor of this annoying interruption?" He strides over to the bar in the corner and refills his drink. He pauses and turns back to me. I am trying to fade into the woodwork. "What are you doing here?," he asks impatiently, "Speak." "You sent for me. Ms. Riley, at your service." Oh that was lame. Now I sound like a rookie receptionist, instead of an experienced engineer. My comment brings a smirk to his face. He was handsome, in a brutal sort of way. I jump when he says "Well, Miz Riley. How about a drink?" Without waiting for an answer, he pours about 3 finger of amber liquor in a glass, with ice (thank goodness) and hands it to me. He take two large swallows out of his and directs me to a chair. "Have a seat, Ms. Riley. Let me see if I can remember why I asked you up here on this shitty Friday afternoon." He returns to his desk and leans on the edge while finishing his drink.
He doesn't look at me. He is standing directly in front of me but looks out into space. I find myself looking at this face. Looking into his deep eyes and wondering. "See something you like, Ms. Riley?" With that comment he turns his head and locks eyes with mine. For a moment, I am frozen. What power does this man have over me? I will find out soon enough.
"Please finish your drink Ms. Riley. I am nothing if not a polite host." I look down with the drink as an excuse, trying not to jerk away from his stare as I do. I finish my drink and as I do I can feel the buzz. It's been 5 hours since lunch. I wonder what his next move will be. I am beginning to feel that this is some sort of game.