The professional encounter
In the month prior to Adam starting his new job there was uncertainty clouding the air, the type of uncertainty expected in a new position. Adam had left his last well-paying job, because an old manager (Adrian) had asked him to come work for him. His old job gave him the freedom to work from home, a company car and other benefits; it would be risky to throw that away for a new job -- even as a favour to a friend. Yet something called him, Adam didn't want to get too comfortable at his job and was always looking for a new adventure. So he'd taken a brief interview, Adrian had described it as a "pointless formality", then was set to come in again to find out when he was starting and some other minor details. Despite his previous experience, he did not fully understand the role or how well he would perform. The attractive man was, however, confident he could complete any task, the type of confidence bordering on arrogance. A harm to some, his 'confidence' had carried him well, whether it was professionally or socially -- he found many women loved it and found it irresistible.
He was on his way to this new job on Christmas eve to speak to Adrian, his new boss, the director. Although his new boss had clearly vouched for him and called him to the position, he hadn't seen him in the interview.
This could go well
.
He thought sarcastically. It wouldn't be the first time an old friend had changed since he worked with them. Heading to his new place of work, Adam had no idea how eventful that day would be, does anyone know when fate is guiding them down the path of destiny?
He stepped out of his car, into the sunlight; he had a wide and tall frame, standing just over 6ft tall with broad, developed shoulders. His head was shaved, but he had a thick, well-kept beard. Overall, he had a lot of muscular development and was a physically impressive character, especially to those in a typical office. He wore a shirt and skinny fit trousers, better illustrating his physique. Walking with his head up and his shoulders back, he immediately set himself apart from the usual office drip. Although he had quite a boring job, or one that seemed it, he didn't want to be a carbon copy of the others -- something he thought office workers aspired to be.
Adam stepped through the door; the office was utterly cliché. The directors and managers had their omnipotent view of the staff, who lived in a drab grey and white environment. Desks lined the rooms in perfect symmetry and boring clocks lined the walls, ticking away the hours. This, of course, was nothing new to Adam, but deep down he had hoped for some sunshine in his stormy world. He knew it was silly, but for once he wanted something crazy and wild. He'd have to make his own craziness. As he approached the glass booth, he was so enveloped in this boring world, he would never noticed a rainbow in the dark or the ray of sunshine. He took a deep breath, relaxed, and stepped in.
The tension in the room was thick, an artificial feeling created by uncertainty. Adam did not know what to think,
this guy could be a cunt
, he thought, having not seen him for years. Adrian looked up and smiled, clearly his position afforded him a heighted level of confidence. He made eye contact and sly smile cracked his weathered face. He kicked his feet up on the desk, further showing off how comfortable and powerful he was. Adam wasn't intimated by the act but still was undecided on how present himself, which character (if any) he needed to employ to impress a man who might have been changed by a new job and life -- a man who put his neck out to get him there. So, Adam waited for more of a sign, he couldn't piss off his boss. Not on day one. Not when he was, for now, on Adam's side.
"Adam? I have something to tell you... you might not like it." Adrian scoffed, his old familiar Scottish accent piercing Adam's ears, while he shook his head almost disapprovingly.
Adam was of course prepared for any technical or business, related questions, the attractive man would not allow himself to get into such a position of weakness, but still.... He was a little nervous. Only a little.
What if he tries to throw me off, truly testing his old pal?
Continuing, "I'm a big fan of Manchester united." He burst out laughing, the tension dissipating with every bellow.
Adam immediately understood that the years apart hadn't corrupted either of them, the reassuring friendliness of Adrian's comment helped him relax; Adrian was always a joker. Now he knew his manager wouldn't try to catch him out, or school him, he could breathe easy. He further took in his surroundings. Laughing in response, "I might be the first person who's said this, but football really isn't my thing."
The comment seemed to shock Adrian, clearly somewhat sarcastically he replied, "been living under a rock your entire life? You must have been, if you don't love it. I used to be a pro, and I'll tell you... it's God's gift to man. The best years of my life were spent kicking a ball around."
"Funnily enough I've never enjoyed playing with balls. But.... Whatever floats your boat Adrian." Adam joked knowing very well that Adrian was happily married to his wife -- Sheryl; he'd met her at few company Christmas parties.
Adrian broke out into a fit of laughter.
"Well, if you're gonna be boring. Not chatting with me about footie. Then we'll get to business..." Adrian, being a well-versed speaker left only a small pause "so, I guess I better start telling you about this place and who to speak to if you have a problem. I love knowing who to delegate to." He let out a slight snigger.
"Works for me, big man." He added on his quirky little title as he once again glanced around at his soon to be co-workers.
"So, there's a lot of details, I know you'll pick it up, so...." He spread his arms wide and pointed out of his glass cocoon, "Her, Angelika. She is the most important person you'll meet. Like I said, delegating."
Adam glanced, and that was the start of it all, his entire nervous system exploded like a choir, a beautiful, uncontrollable chorus. His heart rate increased, his palms moistened, and his pupils expanded. For a single second all that existed to him was the beautiful galaxies that were her eyes. Like the Milky Way they were detailed beyond belief, yet simple. They drew him in and absorbed him. Adrian's words weren't even a murmur, they simple had seized to exist. He forced air down into his lungs, fighting to regain control over his own mind, body, and soul.
Angelika had deep sea blue rims to her eyes that faded and feathered into her light blue inner iris. Her hair just came below her shoulders, it was wave upon wave of oaky brown beauty. Her lips were a light shade of pinkish red, which contrasted with her otherwise pale skin. All of this gorgeous package was tied together by her black pencil dress. To top of her beauty, was a little bit of cuteness: a Christmas hat. Adam thought it was silly, but for some reason it filled him with a little bit of joy. She was amazing and intoxicating: he'd never said a word to her.
