Misty:
When Larry had gotten home from work, she had explained to him that Robert was coming over later to talk to them. Larry was not happy to say the least. She didn't explain to him the reason, thinking it would be better not to. At 8:00, the doorbell rang, and Robert was there. She was not surprised that he had changed clothes, dressing in a business suit, much like he did when talking to his clients.
"Hi Robert, come in. " She told him and led him into the living room where Larry was sitting on the couch. Robert sat in a chair across from Larry and she went and poured each of them a glass of wine before sitting down next to Larry.
"So what's the problem? Is my wife not doing her job? " Larry laughed and she was not amused at his sarcastic humor. She saw that Robert wasn't either as he had chosen to ignore the comment.
"My business has grown and I would like Misty to start working at my office on Monday. I will need her for at least three days a week, maybe more. It will be just during the day, not always all day of course. I wanted to talk to both of you about this since it would involve more hours and her not working at home. " Robert stated.
"She can't do the work here? " Larry questioned, but kept his cool.
"No. There are a lot of things that will require both of us working on and I will also have to teach her new things as well. Naturally I will be giving her salary a large increase for this. She will of course have her own office, and Larry you are welcome to stop in anytime. " Robert said, and then she noticed a change in his tone as he looked directly at Larry. " There isn't any specific reason you prefer her not to work out of the home, is there Larry? "
"She can do what she wants. It's entirely up to her. " Larry said quickly.
"Of course I want to do it. " She said ignoring the glances Larry was giving her. " It sounds like a wonderful opportunity. "
"Well then it's settled. Misty, you can start Monday, 9:00am. " Robert said as he stood up heading for the door. She followed him.
"Where is this office by the way? " Larry asked, looking directly at her.
"My offices are in my home, not far from here. This actually should be a convenience in case she needs to come home quickly. That's not a problem, is it? " Robert said, again in a rather intimidating tone.
"No. " Larry said and looked away, turning the television on as if he was dismissing them both. She walked Robert out to her car and it was hard not to show how excited she was.
"Thank you so much, Robert. " She said as he was getting in the car. She wanted to reach up and hug him, but stopped herself.
"You're welcome. I'm glad it worked out. " Robert said softly and she noticed his expression held that of worry. " Be careful and if you need me don't hesitate. " He said and without waiting for her to say anything he drove away. She had a good idea of what he was warning her about.
Robert:
Driving home he felt extremely nervous leaving Misty there alone with Larry. Even though the conversation had gone like he had anticipated, Larry had also proved every bit as smooth as he had suspected. Larry was not going to allow his temper to get the best of him in front of anyone but her, having been as friendly and agreeable as possible. He suspected Larry was the type that would never let anyone see what went on behind closed doors, let alone see the different side of him that Misty saw. It was only the fact that from working with her over the last year that he had come to see it, but he also suspected Larry was unaware of this, and for Misty's sake he was relieved.
He had stayed close to the phone all weekend, not being able to rid himself of the feeling that she was in trouble. He was relieved Monday morning when she showed up for work, although he noticed a change in her but wasn't sure exactly what it was.
"Good morning. I brought a few of my things from home that I'll need now that I'll be working here. " She said walking in carrying a box. He immediately took it from her and carried it to her office, putting it on her desk.
"How about a cup of coffee first? " He asked, smiling and something in her eyes made him wonder exactly what had gone on over the weekend.