Part One: The proposition
Natalie Winters woke up this morning with a splitting headache. She pulled her long brown hair into a ponytail, and headed to the bathroom for the aspirin. She assumed the headache was from too much wine last night, but only having 3 hours of sleep probably didn't help. Natalie knew she had to buck up, because she has a long day ahead of her at work.
While in traffic on the way to work waiting to reach her exit, she decided she would stay home tonight. Last night was the third night this week she has gotten hammered and can't remember who she went home with!
"I have got to take some time for myself, or I may just end up killing myself." She thought as she exited the highway.
When Natalie got to work, it was back to the same old boring schedule. Like everyone else on her floor she would spend all day downloading lists of contact information, and compiling new leads for her telemarketing firm.
Not one person in the joint even has a desk, they're assigned fold out tables. Hell, you don't even get your own table. You have to share it with some bitch that always has her thong stuck up her ass.
"You know, you like crap Natalie," came a sharp scold from Nicole.
Nicole is a 24 year old blonde, who claims that blondes really do have all the fun. She takes every chance she gets to hold grudges and cast opinions, especially when you share a workstation with her, you're better looking than her, and your name is Natalie. You know the kind. Someone you avoid at all costs.
"Thanks for the compliment Nicole, now if you don't mind I have work to do."
"Well, Mr. Tipled has been informed that you are late again, and wanted me to tell you to go see him" Nicole just sat their and beamed her bright whites right in the direction of their boss's office.
She didn't even try to conceal the fact that she made damn sure Mr. Triped knew Natalie was late. He would never know otherwise.
"You wanted to see me Mr. Triped?" Natalie couldn't believe how jittery she sounded from the door of his office.
"Yes Natalie, come on in and close the door please."
"Mr. Tripend, I know I was late again, but I couldn't find my keys…."
"There's no need to make excuses Ms. Winters. When you are late multiple times a week, it's got to be more than a case of lost keys. The question is, what has to be done about it?"
"Sir, I am extremely sorry to let you down by my lack of commitment. I promise I will do whatever it takes to be here on time from now on. I really, really need this job."
"I know you need it Natalie, that's why you're still here. I have given you chance after chance and you just can't seem to get it right. I tell you what. Let me take you to dinner tonight, and we'll get this worked out."
"Are you asking me on a date Mr. Tripend?"
"Let's not call it a date. It's more of a meeting of sorts. I'll meet you at the Rock Hammer Grill at eight o'clock. You can be on time tonight, can't you?"
"Yes sir, I will be there. Whatever it takes to keep my job, I'll do it."
"That's just what I was hoping to hear. Oh, and Natalie, in private I prefer you to call me Greg. Just don't let it slip on the work floor. I expect that our meeting will stay between us. Now I think you have some work to do, I'll see you tonight."
Through the rest of the day, Natalie had a hard time keeping her mind on work. She kept thinking about what their meeting would be about, surely she isn't being promoted! A grin came across her face as she thought "Wouldn't it just kill Nicole if I were promoted!"
At eight o'clock sharp, Natalie saw her boss sitting at a booth as she entered the restaurant. "Hi Mr. Stripend. I made it on time."
"Please Natalie, call me Greg. You look lovely tonight."
"Thanks uh, Greg."
"Listen Natalie, The reason I asked you here tonight is strictly selfish. Let me put your mind at ease and tell you I have no plans on firing you. My plans are more along the lines of what I'd like to do to you."
"Excuse me? I don't think I understand what you're getting at Greg."
"C'mon Natalie, you're a smart girl. Think about it sweetheart, I'm a lonely single guy. You're a beautiful single young lady. I think we could have a really fun time together."
"Did he just proposition me for sex?" Natalie was speechless, still tying to get her thoughts straight.
"Mr. Stripend, I'm flattered. But I really don't feel comfortable starting a relationship with my boss. I'm sorry. Let's just forget about tonight, and I'll see you tomorrow. OK?"
"Let me just explain this a little more so you can understand. Either you'll come to my house for dinner tomorrow night, or you'll be looking for a new job come Monday. You got it?"
"Yes sir, I understand very well. I think I'm going to get out of here now. See you tomorrow."
Natalie unlocked the door to her studio apartment and threw herself on her fold out couch. She sat there and cried for what seemed to be all night, as the next thing she knew it was six a.m. and the alarm was going off.
So, Natalie got it together, took a quick shower, and headed out the door for the most dreaded day of work she has ever experienced.
She knew she had a huge decision to make, and it wasn't going to go away like everything else she encounters and doesn't want to deal with.
"I can't believe I am even considering this! I feel so stuck, because I just can't afford to lose this job," Was all that kept wandering Natalie's mind.
"Natalie, Mr. Stripend won't be in today, but he left an envelope for you on your desk. I can't believe you're still working here!" Sweet little Nicole growled.
"Thanks Nicole."
After lunch, Natalie noticed Nicole staring at her, again. She usually makes some type of "Back off bitch" remark, but nothing came to mind today. She really couldn't care less about Nicole Richardson.
Leaning in, Nicole whispered "Natalie, you look really bad today. I'm not trying to be mean, but I can tell you aren't yourself. I know I'm not the easiest to get along with, but you have me worried girl. If you want to talk, I'll listen."
"Thanks Nicole, but no thanks."
That's all she needed was for some broad to try and get some more dirt to spread around the office. Becky decided it was time to get the hell out of here for the day. The question was whether she was going to come back?
Part Two: The final Decision
It was Friday night alright, and Natalie was scared to death. 'Well girly, you made this decision now lay in it. Literally.' She thought as she pulled up to Mr. Tripend's modest one story house.
The lights were on, and she could even hear jazz playing on the other side of the door as she approached it.
Before she could get her little finger on the doorbell, she was greeted by a dazzling smile. "I'm glad you could make it tonight Natalie. Come on in, I'll get you a glass of wine."
"Thanks Greg. I could use one. Can I hand my coat somewhere?"