“Well, Kate, AJ and I are going to rustle up some breakfast, or should we just go out to eat?” Helen asked.
“Out!” Riley and Kate replied in unison.
“My cooking is not that bad, you know?”
“Cooking, oh, is that what you call it?” Kate replied with a grin.
“Alex, why don’t you join us? The least we can do is buy you breakfast for all your help.”
“Sure, I’d love to, after all, a girl’s got to eat, right?” Alex replied, giving AJ a small wink.
* * *
AJ sat nervously in the coffee shop on Monday morning awaiting her fate. She was a little relieved the meeting was set up outside the office. It would be bad enough when she had to go back and collect her things. Riley had told her Alex had been able to get some video of the incident but it would be up to the DA now. She looked down at her watch, she was early. Alex would probably still be talking with the district attorney about now, and all she could do was sit here and wait for the meeting with her boss.
They had been very kind to her in retrospect. Most companies would have thrown her out on her ear and the last few days they had taken care of her like family. A little too much like family, she mused, her backside still tingling a little from the attention Helen had given her on Saturday.
AJ held her breath as she saw her boss walk through the door and make eye contact with her.
“Hey, AJ, I’m sure you’re worried, so I’ll get right to it,” she said, sitting down and flagging over the waitress. “Tall, skinny latte, please.”
“You got it, ma’am,” the waitress said, turning back to the counter.
“AJ, look at me.”
AJ raised her eyes and looked into the serious face of her boss.
“Alex showed the video to the DA and he has agreed to drop all the charges. The officers who arrested you have been suspended and the District Attorney assured Alex that all your charges will be dropped in exchange for a signed declaration that you won’t sue the city of New York.”
“What, they’re going to drop the whole fecking thing? Uhm … sorry, I mean the whole thing? You mean even the drunk driving?”
“Yes, even the drunk driving, AJ. But young lady, there are some conditions. You blew a point two six when you were arrested and frankly everyone is concerned about your drinking.”
“I know, I was an idiot even to think I could drive like that.”
“It’s not only the drinking and driving, AJ. Alex would like you to attend an alcohol prevention program with her. We are all worried about you.”
AJ looked down at her hands in embarrassment. “Yes, Ms. Carrington, I’ll do whatever you want me to. I will.”
“AJ, this is something you need to do for yourself. It’s not really our decision, it’s yours. Alex is sober herself, she knows a lot about what you’re going through. She said she sees a lot of you in her and she wants to help.”
“I dunno what to say, I feel like a loser!”
“AJ, you listen to me. I don’t ever want to hear those words come out of your mouth again. You need a little help and you have people that understand and care for you, if you’re willing to let them. Do you understand that?”
“Yes, Ms. Carrington. I do, thank you. You’ve been more than kind to me and you don’t know how relieved I am, really. I think yes, it might be a good idea if I do the program with Alex,” AJ replied timidly.
“Good girl, and no one needs to know anything about it in the office, okay, it’s between us.”
“What d’ya mean? I didn’t think you’d want me back at work after all this.”
“On the contrary, AJ, we have a ton of work to do so I suggest we both get back to the office and get busy,” Riley said, getting up and throwing a few bills on the table. “Let’s go.”
“Do you really mean it? God, it’s like me… feck… it’s like me fairy godmother came down and sprinkled fairy dust on me today. Thank you, Ms. Carrington.”
“You’re welcome. Oh, and AJ, one more thing. We’re not in the office now so you can call me Riley! Now you ready to go?”
“Sure thing, Riley, god, I don’t know how to thank you all for this. I thought I was well and truly fecked, I did.”
“Well, it was Alex who did it all really. She called me up when you were in the work program, and she got some very compelling video that should get those two cops off the street for good. How do you feel about doing a program with her, AJ?”
“Well, maybe it’s a good thing, you know. Sure think it’s better for my arse anyway. Me mam was fit to be tied and Ms. Klein doesn’t mess around, does she?”
Riley gave a little chuckle. “No, she doesn’t, AJ; no, she doesn’t. How is your arse, by the way?”
“About as good as yours, I reckon; Ms. Armstrong doesn’t seem to mess around either, does she?” she said, smirking back at Riley.
“Come on, we’ve got work to do,” Riley said, rolling her eyes with a smile as the two women headed up Eighth Street toward the office.
* * *
“I’ve got to go check in with the bosses, I’ll see you later, AJ,” Riley said as they arrived back at the office.
“Sure thing, boss, I’ll be laying low for the next month, good luck with that,” AJ replied, heading for the bullpen.
Riley poked her head around Joanna’s office door and saw her talking on the phone.
“No, Andrew, that’s not acceptable, it was supposed to be completed last week. I want it by Wednesday. Yes, thank you.”
“You’re pretty sexy with that authoritative voice, Ms. Armstrong,” Riley said, closing the office door and approaching Joanna.
Riley reached up and put her arms around Joanna’s neck, taking her mouth in a long kiss.
“Mmm, is that so,” she replied, smiling back at her fiancée.
“So, how did it go with AJ?”
“She is relieved and sounds like she’s going to take the drinking thing pretty seriously too. She was so afraid she was going to jail. Alex really came through, didn’t she?”
“Yes, she did, but so did you. I’m happy for AJ too. I think with Alex’s help and your mentoring, she’s going to be just fine.”
“Thanks. Jo, can I ask you a question?”
“Of course, honey, what is it?”
“Did you ever think I had a problem? I mean, not now, but in the past, you’ve said a couple of things.”
“Riley, if I thought that, then we’d be in the program right alongside AJ and Alex. You, my love, were just a little wild and sometimes bottled your feelings up. But I’ve seen a change in you, in a lot of ways really. You’ve come so far in such a short time; I couldn’t be prouder really. Not many people could have handled the attack the way you did and I know it took a lot for you to consider counseling.”
“Well, I think it’s helping. Not that I want there to be a next time, but I’d handle things a little differently now.”
“I know you would, Riley, we all learn from our mistakes and we both are going to make more down the road. But you have to know, I’m so proud of how you handled AJ and the project you had with the inmates, and how you’ve grown in your role as a supervisor here at the firm. You’re a remarkable woman, Riley Carrington, that’s why I’m going to make you my wife, because I love you, one hundred proof, all of you!”
Chapter Twenty-Two
“Hey, AJ, how you doing?” Riley asked, sitting down next to her intern. “What are you working on?”
“Good, thanks, Riley. It’s the other idea I told you about, but it’s not quite right, and I can’t seem to figure out what to do with it?”
“Hmm… okay,” Riley said, studying AJ’s screen. “Well, what if you… inverted the background like this, and gave the whole thing a soft outline, probably in this color?” Riley said, as she took over the keyboard mouse. “There, what about that?”
“Damn, that’s good, Riley, it looks great, thanks!”
“Hey, you did it, AJ, David is going to love this! So, how are th
ings going with Alex, how are the meetings going?”
AJ blushed a little at Riley’s question.
“Hey, sorry, didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable, AJ.”
“No, it’s okay, the meetings are okay, I guess, but I really like Alex, we kinda hit it off, I think.”
“Oh, really!” Riley replied eagerly. “Spill, I want details,” Riley replied with a big grin.
“Well, not much to tell really, but she took me out to dinner after our last meeting and she’s cooking me dinner on Friday. She’s super-hot when she’s bossy too!”
“Well, I’d say that’s something to tell, good for you, AJ,” Riley said with a smile. “I’m so happy things are working out for you.”
“Yeah, you’re not kidding, I’m grateful to you and Alex, to everyone really. I know how lucky I am.”
“Hey, the bosses want to see us all ASAP, in Ms. Klein’s office,” Andrea said, poking her head around the bullpen entrance.
“Okay, thanks. Andrea, did they say why?”
“No, just wanted us all there.”
The trio made their way to the corner office where Helen and Joanna were waiting for them.
“Ladies, have a seat,” Helen greeted them, motioning to the conference table. “I’ll get right to it. Bencom is launching its new product line way ahead of schedule. Apparently, Mr. Lannister got wind that a competitor has a similar product in production and they want to get a jump on it.”
“So, what we need from you ladies are your best designs and ideas,” Joanna continued. “You know the product line. David is looking for a slam-dunk campaign in two weeks. I know it’s short notice but this is your one and only focus right now. We want an idea from each of you, individually, we think we can cover more ground that way and for AJ and Andrea this will be your first real test under pressure, and we’re looking forward to seeing what you can do.”
“We don’t care if you bounce ideas off each other or keep it top secret but for the end result we’re hoping to have three show-stopping ideas ready for implementation. Most likely Mr. Lannister will want to use all your ideas based on your past success, but he’s looking for something uniquely special to kick off the campaign. So give it your best shot, ladies. And, as an extra incentive,” Helen grinned, “there will be an important bonus for the winning design.”
“Excellent!” Riley said, rubbing her hands together eagerly. “This is going to be fun, any budget limitations or do we have free rein?”
“Within reason, Riley, or I’ll have your hide, do you hear me? No Times Square advertising, you come up with the concept and graphics and we’ll worry about the platforms. But again, be creative, this is important for Bencom and AKD. Any questions on budget or anything else for that matter, speak to Joanna or me. David is having three sets of the products sent over, one for each of you. If you need more let us know. We’ll have a progress meeting with you each individually in three days to see if we need to bring in any reinforcements but Jo and I are confident in your abilities. Any question, ladies?”
“No, ma’am,” the trio replied in unison.
* * *
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen this much enthusiasm, they’ve all been working late and all three of them have fantastic concepts. Riley’s done a really good job mentoring AJ and Andrea these last few months,” Helen said, motioning to the bullpen on the other side of the office floor.
“She really has, I’m proud of her,” Joanna replied, grinning toward the bullpen through Helen’s open office door.
“I think it’s time we talked about Riley being a named partner, Jo. Especially since you are getting married. I’m not thinking a big stake but a token percentage, to put her name on the shingle so to speak.”
“I think it’s a wonderful idea, Helen; the Morrison group keeps offering her some pretty sweet packages, they’ve been trying to recruit her for months now. They don’t know we’re engaged, you understand. What about Miles, do you think he’ll agree?”
“Miles knows exactly what Riley has brought to the firm, he’ll have no problem. Especially if he thinks we may lose her to Morrison. I’ll have Isaac draw something up.”
“Thanks, Helen, Riley will be elated!”
“Well, she deserves it. Now, we better get going or we’ll be late for our meeting with Alex.”
“I was kind of surprised she called, do you know what’s up?”
“Yes,” Helen replied, picking up her purse. “It seems Alex could use a little mentoring herself. A certain little Irish rogue decided to blow off one of her meetings she’s been attending with Alex. Alex told her how important they are and AJ made a commitment to Alex that she would go to all of them.”
“Oh, I see, I hope we’re not putting extra pressure on her with the project?”
“No, I don’t think so, the meetings are only an hour long and she and Alex had a conversation about consequences if she didn’t go.”
“Oh, so the little minx is testing her,” Joanna replied, shaking her head.
“It would appear that way. Little Miss AJ, apparently, has been crying out for attention so Alex is looking for a little guidance. We’re meeting at her place, I figured it would be easier there in case we need to demonstrate a few things to her,” Helen smiled, holding up a bag that Joanna instantly recognized as her implement bag.
“Well, don’t think I’m going to be your guinea pig for that lot!” Joanna said, wide-eyed.
“I think you owe Alex that much, Jo. After all, she saved your girl and you and I never did have that conversation we were supposed to have, did we? The least we can do is give her a little guidance, don’t you think?”
“Helen Klein, sometimes you are evil, do you know that?”
“Yep!” Helen replied, heading out of the office.
* * *
“Hi, hon, you’re late, what was the meeting with Alex all about?” Riley asked from the couch with a little stretch and a yawn.
“Sit spots 101.”
“Huh?” Riley answered with another yawn.
“It’s a long story, were you sleeping?”
“Hmm, I guess I was.”
“Well, it’s not surprising with the hours you’ve been putting in at the office, not to mention here.”
“Well, you gave us a challenge to wow David, and wow him is what I intend to do!”
“Well, now you can go and dream about wowing him. Bedtime, you’ve been up late all this week, and you’re not getting enough rest!”
Riley rolled her eyes, earning her a firm swat from Joanna as she made her way to the bedroom.
“Ow, okay, okay, I’m going.”
“Good girl, I’m right behind you, I’m exhausted too.”
“And why are you so tired, Ms. Armstrong?”
“Get into bed, and I’ll tell you all about it, I probably need to talk to you about these things anyway.”
“Jo, I saw Miguel in the elevator today, do you know what he was doing at the office, he wouldn’t tell me?”
Joanna just turned and smiled at Riley, who was already under the covers. “Yes, I know why Miguel was there, kind of a need to know thing.”
“Oh… so that’s how it is?” Riley said in revelation, smiling. “You know, I’ve got to hand it to whichever one of the interns came up with that. When I was giving them some tips on pitches I told them how important it was to have that personal connection with the consumer. That’s pretty clever; David’s bound to like it if Miguel’s in it!”
“See, my love, you taught them well!”
“Hmm, maybe. Now what’s with Alex?”
“Well, it seems AJ has been testing Alex, so she asked for a little advice.”
“Yes, I know, AJ told me she was going to blow off a meeting to see how Alex would react. I told her to point Alex in your and Helen’s direction. Guess our little plan was a success judging by how red your bottom is. Good show and tell session, was it?” Riley chuckled, easily admiring Joanna’s red cheeks with the black thong she was wearing
.
“Young lady, why didn’t you tell me?”
“Kind of a need to know thing, Ms. Armstrong,” Riley grinned.
“Well, let me tell you something you need to know. That would be considered topping from the bottom and that’s never a good idea!”
“Yes, I know, I told AJ she just needed to talk to Alex. I never encouraged her to miss her meeting, in fact quite the opposite.”
“Well, I’m glad to hear it, otherwise you’d be in hot water too!”
“So, are you going to tell me what the bonus is for the winner?” Riley smiled, as Joanna climbed into bed next to her.
“Well, I suppose I can tell you since it doesn’t really apply to you, Riley. We are offering a full-time position with AKD, either office of their choosing after they graduate.”
“Excellent, they deserve it, Jo. They both have worked really hard and they are both talented, you’ve seen what they’ve done for David’s campaign.”
“Yes, I have, Riley, and we will probably end up offering positions to both of them. In reality it would be to our detriment if we didn’t.”
“So, what do I get if I win this little challenge, that’s the question I have for you, Ms. Armstrong?”
“You get to do whatever you like with me!” Joanna grinned back at her.
“Is that so?” Riley asked sultrily, raising her eyebrows as she moved over to Joanna and effortlessly straddled her waist with her knees. “Anything?”
“What did you have in mind, Riley?”
“Well, would you let me tie you down over your bench? Would you let me put that big plug in your ass and fuck you with a strap-on?” Riley grinned down at her lover, who was smiling back up at her.
“That all sounds rather lovely, Riley, but let me correct you on something. The plug I used was in fact very small. I have a bigger one and I’ll use it if you cross that line, Riley. If you do something you know you shouldn’t be doing, like pushing the boundaries of our relationship roles, I’ll put it in your naughty bottom, and it will stretch you wide open, my love. Then I’ll have to spank you long and hard for your disobedience; you would have a sore bottom inside and out. Now, where were we?”
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