10:49 AM - MONDAY STAFF MEETING:
I hate my job. Or more accurately, I hate that it pays me just enough to tolerate the boredom it creates - as well as giving up on creative taking risks in my life.
There's nothing worse than being stuck in a comfortable rut.
Another Monday AM staff meeting that could be an email, 15 people sitting around a faux-wood table in a windowless room with sterile lighting discussing the most mundane shit imaginable.
"Dave, did you have anything to add?"
Hearing my name jerked me out of my daydream.
"...no I don't think so Rachel." I replied, "I think you covered everything."
I hadn't really listened to a word for the last few minutes in truth, but the highlighted point on the agenda displayed on the wall monitor gave me enough context to bullshit my way from here.
"So you'll have the new web pages ready for deployment on Friday afternoon?" she enquired further.
In reality I'd finished them last week, but she didn't need to know that yet. No point in taking on anything new before I needed to.
"Absolutely." I replied. "I'm just finalising a few templates, and checking for typography issues."
"Ok good. Now before we move on, we have a new hire starting today. She'll be on a tour and induction today, and she'll
be replacing Emily on Customer Service."
This got my interest. Emily was missed, she had been the hottest girl in the office and I have to admit I was hoping her replacement would be a suitable replacement. New masturbation material was always welcome for my 45 minutes of time spent hiding in the employee bathroom each day.
Yeah, I'm bored.
"I'll just nip out and get her before she starts her induction." Rachel continued leaving the room.
This was potentially the most exciting thing to happen in weeks, that's how depressing this place is - so when Rachel returned with another person in tow there was a collective (and completely silent) feeling of mild surprise in the room.
It was a slightly chubby mid 20's trans girl with a distinct goth look to her. Not exactly an Emily replacement then, who had been a super slim blonde with big tits.
"Everyone, this is Sasha."
We all stared, as Sasha stood there slightly awkwardly. I must admit I felt sorry for her, she was about to be introduced to 15 people whose names she had little hope of remembering, before no doubt being reintroduced to us all again individually over the coming days. Doing so whilst trans must be even more uncomfortable as no doubt she's had people silently judge whether or not she "passed" before.
"She's our new Customer Service whizz. She'll be coming to spend 20 minutes with you all over the next few days as part of her training, so please make her feel welcome."
Rachel then proceeded to point us all out one by one, and in turn we each smiled and did the same little stupid wave everyone does in that situation before the meeting ended and we got back to work.
LATER THAT AFTERNOON
"Hi Dave?" I heard a soft voice say, as I immediately clicked off my Fantasy Football Team to spin around.
"What...oh hi Sasha." I replied seeing her standing nervously behind me and extending my hand for a shake.
"My turn to give you a 15 minute run down of my work you'll never remember?" I laughed.
She smiled and laughed as she shook my hand. I had to admit, up close and behind the pale makeup and black lipstick her smile was lovely.
"Yes please Dave!"
"Sure, grab a seat." I replied.
I spent the next 20 minutes explaining my role as she diligently made notes on what I did, and we did the usual "where did you work previously?" and "what do you do for fun?" questions.
She was really easy to talk to, and I found her charming. As she stood up to leave, she accidentally flicked her pen lid past me to the other side of my desk. I turned to retrieve it as she did the same thing by leaning over me as she stood. This ended with the slightly embarrassing situation of her armpit in her tight white shirt pressed right into my nose as I turned back toward her to return the lid.
Something about it smelled musky, hot and sweet at the same time.
I didn't dislike it.
"Sorry!" she said, looking mortified.
"...it's...it's ok I said."
She looked around.
"I sweat a lot, and I ran out of deodrant and I'm really sorry an..."
"Sasha." I replied stopping her. "It's fine, it's not a problem."
She looked so relieved.
"Thanks Dave. Can I ask a favour?"
"Anything." I said perhaps too enthusiastically, my head still swimming from the smell.
"It's a little embarrassing, but as I just flung my armpit into your face I guess it can't get worse haha. I'm planning on using the gym here before work tomorrow morning, and I have my fresh kit here with me as well as my used kit as I ran before work this morning."
"Ok..." I said, unsure of why she was telling me this.
"I don't have a desk and footlocker yet. I notice your locker is open and empty." she continued, pointing at the open unit by my desk. "If you could leave it unlocked tonight I could leave my kit in there and collect it tomorrow morning to use in the gym? Saves me lugging it home on the Tube tonight."
"Of course." I said. "No worries."
"Thanks." she said, smiling again and putting her backpack into my locker.
"Looks like I'm due to see Liam over in Purchasing. See you tomorrow, and thank You for understanding and helping me."
"My pleasure." I said, meaning it.
She stood up and left. I watched her walk away. My attraction to her was definitely increasing. That smell of sweat had really gotten into my head.