Title: The Office
Author: Closetromantic19 a.k.a. Katie
Feedback: Is greatly appreciated.
Spoilers: None.
Setting: Uber. Contemporary.
Rating: PG-13 to R
Disclaimer: Don’t own them.
Notes: Thoughts in italics.

Part1

Willow Rosenberg was not a light sleeper. It was with this realization in mind she had designed her patented wake-up system; a veritable minefield of alarm clocks were strategically placed around her room for maximum wake-up potential. The system was fail-safe. She had never overslept since its institution. Until today.

It was 8:03. She had to be at work in exactly 57 minutes. That gave her exactly 57 minutes to shower, dry her hair, brush and floss her teeth, pick out and put on an outfit for the day, prepare her morning coffee and bagel, eat her morning coffee and bagel, brush her teeth and rinse for exactly two minutes with Scope.

By the time she had finished showering, drying, brushing, flossing, picking-out, and putting-on it was 8:17. Crap. She’d have to take this show on the road.

Willow was not a particularly big fan of big-city coffee chains, but by the time she’d reached downtown Los Angeles, this was as good as it was going to get. She jumped out of her car, tossing her keys to the valet and ran inside the crowded Starbucks.

“Welcome to Starbucks, what can I get you?” Like most Los Angeles establishments this particular Starbucks was clearly staffed by out-of-work actors and actresses, all of whom were a bit too chipper for this time of morning.

“Yeah, just a large coffee to go.” Willow exhaled hurriedly.

The woman behind the counter regarded the redhead with a mixture of dubiousness and disdain. “Ted, your customer.”

Willow thought Ted looked nice enough. “Shannen, I’m on my break, can’t you fucking handle anything?!" Apparently looks can be deceiving, Willow mused.

The blonde customer behind Willow sighed loudly. “This is just not my day.”

Willow turned around a friendly rant already halfway out of her mouth. “I know exactly what you mean, today I meant to get up at 6:30 and I get up and what time is it?! 8:03! I know, 8:03! Usually I’m so responsible and I meant to make my own coffee at home because I just can’t get through the day without it…” Willow’s speech came to an abrupt halt when she realized the blonde didn’t look very sympathetic to her cause.

Still, the anonymous blonde seemed to take pity on her. “You…uh, don’t come to Starbucks very often,” she said amused.

Willow shook her head vehemently, “No…no way, I hate Starbucks!” she spat without thinking.

In a moment every pair of eyes in the vicinity had honed in on the coffee interloper, but the blonde merely shrugged noncommittally. “Well, there’s um, do you like, uh…” the blonde examined the Coffee of the Week sign, “this is the Coffee of the Week, uh, Serena Organic Blend, that’s like, um, kind of citrusy…but it’s just coffee, if that’s what you’re looking for…”

Willow made a face at the notion of ‘citrusy’ coffee and shook her head quickly, so the blonde continued. “I mean,” she glanced up at the board, “They have mochas…if you wanted…”

The redhead’s eyes lit up at the sound of that. “Mmm, mochas, I haven’t had a mocha in forever, I love mochas, mochas are just so…” she smiled at the blonde who looked ready to run off at any moment, “yum…mochas are yum.” The redhead glanced at the blonde for a moment longer, hoping to prove just by keeping a straight face that she wasn’t completely insane and then returned her attention to the woman at the counter. “Oh!” her face lit up as she read the board, “I know what I want now!” she said excitedly.

“How thrilling for you,” the woman behind the counter deadpanned.

Willow waited a moment at that, unsure of how to respond. “Oh…oh!...I want uhm, a caramel mocha, with a double shot of espresso.” The woman at the counter waited, for what Willow was unsure, then realization dawned, “a large, the largest size you have in your little Starbucks universe,” she managed more assertively than before.

“One venti double shot caramel mocha,” the woman said dryly, “and who is this for?”

Willow stared at her dumbfounded, “It’s for me.”

The woman behind the counter rolled her eyes. “Your name, I need you to give me your name."

Willow nodded again in realization and turned towards the blonde behind her, “Like I said, never been to Starbucks and…” she was interrupted by the sound of the woman behind the counter clearing her throat. “It’s Willow. My name’s Willow.”

The helpful blonde stepped up to the counter. “You can um, you can wait over there and they’ll call your name when it’s ready.” Willow shot her a look of gratitude and moved over to wait for her mocha.

“Sorry for the wait,” the woman at the counter said testily, “You know how it is…some people…” and with this she looked over in disgust at where Willow was bouncing from foot to foot in apparent anticipation of her mocha.

The blonde glanced over towards the redhead also, and she gave the girl at the counter a small smile as if to say what can you do? “I’ll have a Grande Chai Iced Tea Latte,” she said plainly.

The girl at the counter nodded dutifully, glad to be dealing with someone who was familiar with proper Starbucks ordering technique. “And the name?”

The blonde smiled politely. “It’s Tara. T-A-R-A. And I’m kind of in a rush.”

The girl at the counter nodded appreciatively, finally someone with an attitude she could comprehend. “I’ll get that done as fast as possible, miss.”

A few minutes later Ted, who had been called back to his post at the counter, barked, “Venti double-shot caramel mocha for Willow! Order up!”

Willow grabbed her mocha, intent on getting back to her car and heading straight to work when she heard Ted announce, “Grand Chai Iced Tea Latte for Tara!” She decided she ought to thank the woman who had saved her from certain-lateness.

Tara was in such a rush to grab her order and be on her way she didn’t notice the redhead barreling towards her, giant mocha in hand, until it was too late and the contents of Tara’s icy morning pick-me-up sprang out of her hands and onto her face and collared shirt, leaving her completely soaked.

“Oh my god!” Willow choked out, “I am such a spaz. Here I am coming over here to say thanks for helping me out and I just…totally…” She held up her hands to indicate Tara’s soaked shirt, “do this,” she finished lamely. “Can I help you clean up or…or buy you another latte or…or…”

“Thanks,” the blonde said, distressed, “but um, I really, uh, I think you’ve done enough.”

Willow took a sip of her mocha to calm herself down and gazed into clear blue eyes for a moment before the blonde raced out of the coffee shop in a blur. Her heart beat faster and her breathing sped up. She wondered if it was just the caffeine taking effect.

_________________
"Yeah, a lot of young people nowadays are experimenting with shortness. Gotta nip that in the bud." Riley in "Family"

Katie darling, it's so nice to see that you've posted... and this is quite an event because it brought me out of hiding.

Anyway, you already know I'm going to say this but I love the dialogue and the narration... it's all just so Willow, so soon, but it's not too much. I like it a lot... good job sweetie.

_________________
My LJ |My MySpace |My original poetry

This is such a great beginning, and what a humorous setup with Willow spilling Tara's tea all over her. Heh. I like the setup that they're not instantly in love when seeing each other, and that Tara even thinks she's probably kind of crazy or spastic. Can't wait to see how you have them meet again and bring them together. More!

_________________
Stocking Stuffers: Little Gifts from RKT

Well, it's absolutely no secret that I love meeting and getting together fics. So this certainly looks promising. I'll be looking forward to their meeting at the office. For an interview? New employee? Not Tara's best day for sure.

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Menorah Tales | Working It Out | Random Bits

Well... lol.. I'm not sure what to say... it's funny... that's true... and the writing is good... but.. I work for Starbucks.. .and ... we don't treat our customers that way.

And if you have been to a Sbux that does, let me know so that I can contact the corporate office.

Ted swearing in front of customer would have him fired on the spot. And the barista working the register would have been in serious trouble for passing a customer off to someone else. I also noted that Willow ordered "a large coffee to go." Well... we have that. We wouldn't have questioned that. The only question we would have had would be, "would you like room for cream?"

And... and this is just me being WAY too anal-retentive... a venti already comes with a double shot of espresso, so we wouldn't read the shot count back. But if we did read it back, it would come before the cup size... eg: A Triple, Venti, Nonfat, Sugar-free, No Foam, Caramel Macchiato.

But... I'm just being obsessive and stupid.

So.. pay no attention.



Cheers
DW

_________________
Check out some of my most popular works: Special ... Leave It to Giles ... The Inimitable Giles ... Giles at Christmas

Challenge Fics!: You Could Be Her ... Glasses ... Graffiti ... Pizza Day

Forbidden Fics?: Check out the Litterbox!

Oops, I made a mythtake... wt4ever

I was afraid this would happen...



I would like to apologize to DarkWiccan and anybody else I may offend in the future with the use of Starbucks as my bitch-tastic-corporate coffee chain. I'm not a coffee drinker. I did my best to research the whole ordering thing, venti whatever you know...and I guess I figured slamming the LA Starbucks would be funny, and to be honest, to me it still is. But for everyone in the future, employees and Starbucks diehards alike, I would just like to say this work is, in its entirety, a work of fiction. I have nothing against Starbucks, or Los Angeles, and I'm just trying to have a little fun. Mocha?

Okay fine so the only emoticon they had was beer, pretend it's a mocha?
Pretty please...

_________________
"Yeah, a lot of young people nowadays are experimenting with shortness. Gotta nip that in the bud." Riley in "Family"

Title: The Office
Author: Closetromantic19 a.k.a. Katie
Feedback: Is greatly appreciated.
Spoilers: None.
Setting: Uber. Contemporary.
Rating: PG-13 to R
Disclaimer: Don’t own them.
Notes: Thoughts in italics.
A/N's: Thanks to everybody who's commented so far...keep it up.

Part 2

Anyone who has ever had to interview for a job they don’t feel qualified for knows that it's crucial to arrive on time, even early if that’s at all possible. The potential employee should be appropriately dressed, over-dressed to a certain degree, and in a calm and collected state of mind.

Tara Maclay had none of these things going for her when she arrived at the Chase Enterprises building in downtown Los Angeles. Her run-in with the spastic redhead this morning had left her covered in iced latte and thoroughly flustered.

She had broken her bank on a Rodeo Drive shopping spree to find just the right outfit for this interview, and now she was wearing a $200 napkin. Well, she thought grimly, here goes nothing. Literally.

The tall, broad-shouldered security guard at the front desk eyed her cautiously. “Are you sure you have an appointment?” Tara forced a smile.

“With Miss Chase, yes,” she nodded ruefully. “Believe me, if I could explain this…” she gestured awkwardly at her appearance, “I would.”

Much to Tara’s delight the guard smiled and extended his hand, which she shook gratefully. “I’m Riley,” he motioned to his ID tag, “Riley Finn, and I’m guessing today’s not going like you planned.”

At this Tara actually found herself laughing, “Not at all, no. Tara Maclay, pleased to meet you.”

A look of understanding suddenly appeared on the young man’s face. “Tara…Tara Maclay…of course…I should’ve known.” Tara looked at him quizzically. “Oh,” Riley stood suddenly, “I’m supposed to escort you up to Miss Chase’s offices, make sure you find your way alright,” he moved in closer to whisper conspiratorially to Tara, “This place can be kind of a maze.”

And with that, Riley quickly scooped up Tara’s messenger bag and led her off towards the elevator, chatting animatedly all the while.

Riley was just finishing up his life story when they reached the 22nd floor, “So I received an Honorable Discharge from the Marines after that…and here I am.” He smiled winningly at Tara.

Tara, who had been nodding along, trying to gather her thoughts, smiled. “That’s…amazing. I’d love to hear more…” Riley looked excited and ready to explode with his exploits since becoming a security guard until Tara quickly finished, “Some other time, okay?”

“Miss Rosenberg, Miss Chase on line one,” Willow’s assistant cradled the phone on her shoulder, “Says it’s urgent.”

Willow turned back towards her corner office and rolled her eyes, the gesture going unnoticed by her eager assistant. “Thanks Amy,” she said with a forced cheerfulness, “I’ll get right on that.” She shut the door behind her with a sigh and picked up the phone. “Cordelia, what is so urgent that you couldn’t walk the 100 feet to my office?”

“Willow, hi,” Cordelia said, her voice sounding faraway. “I need you to do me a teensy little favor.”

Willow began to look over her schedule for the day. “I hope it involves hiring someone to fix the faulty wiring in that phone of yours…I can barely hear you over all that interference.”

“Yes, about that Willow…I don’t actually happen to be in the office at the moment. You see the reason I’m calling is…”

A football field’s distance away Willow’s voice could be heard at the reception desk. “YOU WANT ME TO WHAT?! WELL IT BETTER BE A DAMN GOOD MASSAGE, CORDELIA, OH I SWEAR TO GOD…”

The blonde and brunette receptionists exchanged glances before returning to their respective tasks.

“Chase Enterprises, how may I direct your call?” The blonde bubbled into her wireless headset.

Meanwhile, the brunette looked to have entirely different matters on her hands, “Well I don’t know…what are you wearing?” she murmured huskily in reply to the deep voice on the other end of the line.

“FAITH!” Buffy Summers stomped over towards the brunette’s desk, “Yes, just one moment, sir,” she spoke quickly into her headset, before slamming her hand down to hang up Faith’s line.

Faith chuckled and grinned impishly at her blonde counterpart, “Aw, c’mon B, I was working it over here!”

It was at this exact moment that Riley, Tara in tow, decided to make his presence known. “I think your employer might get a kick out of what you consider ‘work,’ Faith.” Riley laughed as both receptionists gave him startled looks.

“Riley!” both women spoke the name affectionately, if a bit flirtatiously.

“Buffy, Faith, how are you today?”

“Great.”

“Five by five.”

Riley smiled at the receptionists, his gaze lingering on Buffy perhaps a moment longer than necessary. He seemed suddenly to remember his charge, and motioned for Tara to come forward.

“I want you to meet someone.”

Buffy and Faith regarded the shy blonde at Riley’s side, sizing up the potential competition. “This is Tara, she’s interviewing to be Miss Chase’s Personal Assistant.” The two receptionists let out simultaneous breaths of relief. “I was told I could leave her in the care of you two lovely ladies until someone comes down to fetch her.”

Tara, who did not particularly like the idea of being “fetched,” decided it was time to speak up. “It’s nice to meet you both. Riley, thanks so much for, um, everything. Hope I can find some time to hear more about…that…thing you were saying.”

Riley positively beamed. He nodded shyly at Tara, then at Buffy and Faith. Awkwardly, he patted Tara on the back, and said quietly, “I think you’ll find everybody’s real nice here. See you around.” Then he was gone.

Faith was the first to speak. “So, you wanna’ be Cordy’s bitch, huh?”

Tara looked at the brunette, mouth agape. “Um, I, uh, I wouldn’t exactly say that…”

Buffy, who had finally managed to recover from her own shock at Faith’s words, managed, “I think what Faith meant to say was, ‘glad to have you on board.’”

Faith shot Buffy a dirty look and murmured under her breath, just loud enough for her alone to here. “I’d be glad to have her on any board in this office.”

Tara put on her most confident face and smiled, thinking idly that invisibility would come in handy right now.

“Hey, Buffy, Faith, I’m supposed to interview someone for Cordy. A potential personal assistant.” Three pairs of eyes looked up see a disgruntled redhead enter the room. “Yeah, I know I know, Cordy’s assistant, why am I interviewing her, blah blah, you thought I was her assistant…save your jokes…anyway if you hear from a Miss Maclay see her to my office, would you?”

Willow’s green eyes met the blue of the disheveled blonde in the entryway of the reception desk. Yea,Tara thought, invisibility would sooo come in handy right now.

_________________
"Yeah, a lot of young people nowadays are experimenting with shortness. Gotta nip that in the bud." Riley in "Family"

You closet romantic you,
Strange how Karma works, isn't it? This is the oppostie of what film reviewers call a "meet cute".
It's more of a "meet hostile and then spill her drink on her" kind of opening.
The Cosmic entities who maneuver us around like so many pieces on a chess board for their amusement must have delighted in the irony of this moment.
Tara, in all her disheveled glory, stands in front of Willow as the candidate for Cordelia's assistant.

_________________
I can deny chicks in chainmail nothing.
Amberhol-from the land of sky blue waters.
No Mere Music Hall, This my novel available directly from rosestindog@gmail.com.

Hee, what a hilarious scenario you've set up, Katie! Not only is Tara interviewing in Willow's office, but due to Cordy's flakeage, now it's the person who spilled the iced chai all over Tara who will be interviewing her! If she feels unqualified for the job, then perhaps Willow will give it to her out of pity. Either way, I have a feeling that office hijinks are going to be happening!

I love the Riley, Buffy, Amy, and Faith that you've written also. So from what I can tell, Faith and Amy are receptionists, Cordy is the big boss, and Willow and Buffy appear to be manager types, maybe vice presidents? Willow certainly feels comfortable enough telling Cordy off on the phone.

I can't wait to see what comes next. Not only am I enjoying the storyline, but I'm also really appreciative of the way you write description and dialogue. You have a lot of little chortly-moments in here and you also create a palpable feeling of anxiety when you descibe Tara's distress. Eagerly awaiting the next chapter!

_________________
Stocking Stuffers: Little Gifts from RKT

sorry but i'll just be repeating what everyone has said. i really enjoyed reading your fic so far! the set-up and characters are funny, the dialogue's great, story moves along snappily. yeah!

I just wanted to take the time to individually thank everybody who's commented so far, this is my first posted fic and I'm really glad you're enjoying it. Your support means so much to me.

First and foremost to Tempest Duer who has had to put up with my crazy mood swings over the past few days when I was worried about whether or not I should continue the story. You have been instrumental in getting this thing up on the boards and convincing me that yes, it is worth posting and keeping up with and I am so glad you like it.

To SallyMcFine Thank you for commenting and continuing to comment, it's your kind of support that keeps a very sensitive girl posting. I was afraid the love/hate angle wouldn't go over very well with the Kittens and you've proven me wrong, thank god. As far as office hijinks there may be a few surprises coming your way in the next few chapters... but I promise not to dissappoint.
Thank you for noticing the description and dialogue. Before I started this story I was basically just coming up with hundreds of possible plots and then when I'd start ALL I could come up with was dialogue and I was worried it wouldn't translate well into story form. Anyways...I'm ecstatic to be proven wrong. Keep reading!

To JustSkipIt *Gets back up* Okay...playing it cool Can I just say, huge fan. I'm totally flattered that you like the story, or might grow to like the story, or don't hate the story at the very least...Your fic was some of the first stuff I read when I discovered W/T, right around the time I discovered girls, yes, I'm an infant compared to many on the boards, but oh well...anyways, I already said I'm super duper flattered right?

To DarkWiccan another writer who I absolutely adore the work of, I'm glad you thought it was funny and liked the writing. I hope there aren't any hard feelings over the Starbucks debacle. Like I said, at the risk of being chased by an angry mob, the coffee culture is a complete and utter mystery to me and I think you're attention to detail is great. I don't think you were stupid at all, in fact, your knowledge of the inner-workings of Starbucks would've come in handy when I was writing Chapter 1...stay tuned for another (possibly more positive) Sbux encounter.

To taralicious, great name btw, you have no idea how closeted my romantic is. I think the great thing about this story is it's given me the opportunity to say Katie's Hard Crunchy Shell, meet Katie's Sugary Sweet Interior...or maybe I'm just insane... ...either way, I'm glad you're enjoying and I hope you stay tuned for more.

To onlyhalfevil There is absolutely NO cause for apologies. I'm ashamed to admit this, but every day is this uphill battle with myself whether or not it's worth it to continue the story. I'll check back in every couple hours and just seeing a new reply makes me all happy inside. So thank you sooo much.

_________________
"Yeah, a lot of young people nowadays are experimenting with shortness. Gotta nip that in the bud." Riley in "Family"

Title: The Office
Author: Closetromantic19 a.k.a. Katie
Feedback: Is greatly appreciated.
Spoilers: None.
Setting: Uber. Contemporary.
Rating: PG-13 to R
Disclaimer: Don’t own them.
Notes: Thoughts in italics.

Part 3

Willow was sure the hundred yard trek back to her office had only lasted about three minutes, tops, but the icy silence in the interim made it feel like forever. She wrung her hands together for the umpteenth time under her desk and wondered how many minutes had past since she and the blonde…say her name, Willow…since she and Tara had been sitting in her office in silence.

Finally, the redhead managed to calm herself enough to peer over her computer screen and take weary stock of Tara’s demeanor. The overwrought blonde was looking daggers at Willow, who promptly cast about her office for anything else to look at.

“Sooo…” Willow began wryly, “This is ironic, huh?” She forced a laugh, which Tara did not share.

“Irony tends to be sort of ironic that way,” Tara murmured stonily.

Willow regarded Tara contemptuously, and in under a second she was all business. “So, Miss Maclay,” she began sharply, “What specific goals, including those related to your occupation, have you established in your life?”

Tara balked at this line of questioning, unnerved by Willow’s harsh gaze. “It’s…uhm…I…” Willow’s raised an eyebrow in silent challenge and Tara appeared almost to shrink in her seat. “Maybe we could come back to that one?”

Willow had yet to release the blonde from her unwavering stare. “Very well,” she said caustically, “I guess that answers my next question: ‘are you a goal-oriented person?’”

Tara gritted her teeth, seething. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Willow smiled a tight-lipped smile. “Let’s move on, shall we? What do you think it takes to be successful in this career?” she asked briskly.

“Clearly not people skills,” Tara quipped venomously.

If Willow heard the remark, she showed no sign of it. She surveyed her list of questions for a moment and returned her focus to the woman in front of her. She sighed audibly. “Why did you decide to seek a position here at Chase Enterprises?”

Tara groaned. “I’ve been asking myself the same question ever since we sat down.” Willow scowled.

“Well then, I see no reason to prolong this farce any longer than I already have,” she sneered. She returned her focus to her computer screen.

She was surprised when she did not hear the sound of the blonde’s departure, and even more surprised to see the blonde relax her posture and breathe a tranquil breath.

“See, I’ve been asking myself…” Tara began quietly, her tone conveying equal parts amusement and uncertainty, “I’ve been asking myself what I’m doing here.” Noticing Willow’s confounded stare she smiled wryly, “Here at Chase Enterprises, not in an existential sense.”

Despite herself, Willow chuckled and graced Tara with an encouraging smile.

“I mean…” Tara continued wearily, “I’m not a superstitious person...But days like today I just have to wonder if Fate isn’t trying to tell me something.”

Willow nodded in understanding. “I feel that way sometimes.” She leaned forward and put her elbows on her desk. “Like the universe is conspiring against me or something.” She laughed impishly. “I had an interview at Harvard,” she began confidentially, “Oh, it was the worst. I was stuck on the ground for three hours in Dallas. By the time I got to the interview I was completely exhausted and I had this horrible cold and I was like an hour late for the damned thing on top of everything else because I had somehow managed to write the time down wrong and…I don’t know, you know? I just…when stuff like that happens you can’t ignore it, you know?”

Tara was sitting fully upright now. “Yes! Exactly, it’s like…some kind of…”

“Sign,” they finished in unison.

Tara smiled ruefully. “So that’s why I can’t take this job.”

Somewhere deep inside Willow felt a pang. She forced herself to smirk. “If it makes you feel any better you weren’t going to get the job anyway.”

Tara merely shook her head and smiled. “Well…anyway…it was…nice sort of almost meeting you Willow.” She extended her hand, which Willow shook gingerly. “Best of luck with um…everything.”

Willow forced herself to return the smile despite the growing pain inside. “You too, Miss Maclay, and good luck to you too.”

Tara was half way out the door of Willow’s office when she turned. “Please,” she said warmly, “Call me Tara.”

_________________
"Yeah, a lot of young people nowadays are experimenting with shortness. Gotta nip that in the bud." Riley in "Family"

Katie, what a twist! I didn't see this coming - I thought for sure Willow would end up hiring Tara. How are the girls going to see each other now - is Riley going to waylay her in the lobby and get her to sign up to be a security guard? Heh.

I liked Willow becoming all officious and defensive when Tara was accusatory and not deferential in the interview. She did seem to do a drastic about-face when she started telling the story about Harvard. Guess coldly professional doesn't suit her.

I was surprised at the leve of insubordination coming from Tara, heh! Glad she's no doormat - after her morning she needed to stick up for herself. Please do continue this story; it's delightful.

_________________
Stocking Stuffers: Little Gifts from RKT

wow! cool

I'm so curious now!

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when you're with me, baby the skies will be blue, for all my life..

Katie, I have just read the first three parts of your story and I have to say this is fantastic, I love the interplay between the characters and already you have managed more unexpected twists than a rollercoaster. Keep it up, I am well and truly hooked.

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TARA: Breakfast will make all things better.
WILLOW: Ooh, pancakes could go in bellies.

Bargaining

Haha, I told you it was worth it honey! Ah, well... I'm proud of you, you know that. I just love your sense of humor.

Here, have a little dancing stickman.

_________________
My LJ |My MySpace |My original poetry

Title: The Office
Author: Closetromantic19 a.k.a. Katie
Feedback: Is greatly appreciated.
Spoilers: None.
Setting: Uber. Contemporary.
Rating: PG-13 to R
Disclaimer: Don’t own them.
Notes: Thoughts in italics.
Lyrics are from the song “Burning Bridges” by Jason Mraz.

Part 4

“What happened to the hottie?” Faith appeared in the doorway of Willow’s corner office.

A head of red hair popped up behind a large stack of papers, “Jesus you scared me…I didn’t hear you come in.”

Faith eased herself into one of the plush leather chairs opposite Willow’s desk. “That’s me, mousy little Faith.” She quirked an eyebrow at Willow. “I practically fade into the scenery.”

“Can I help you with something then, Faith?” Willow snuck a quick glance at the smirking brunette and fiddled with a nearby paperweight.

“Yeah, where’s the hottie?” Faith baited yet again.

“The who now?” Willow feigned indifference. Faith wasn’t buying it.

“Oh, shy blonde girl, about yea high,” Faith motioned, “completely soaked despite the total lack of humidity in the air today…dead sexy?” She looked challengingly at Willow.

Willow hazarded a wary glance at Faith. “If you’re talking about the woman who interviewed for the Personal Assistant position…”

“I think you know exactly who I’m talking about, Red.” But Willow continued as if she hadn’t heard.

“She left about ten minutes ago.” At this the redhead frowned.

Faith gaped openly at Willow. “And you just let her go?!”

“I didn’t let her do anything.” Faith gave her a disbelieving stare. “And yes, I did.” She slumped down into her chair, defeated.

Faith shook her head and turned to leave. “Can I just say, Rosenberg, that for a brain…you can be a complete and total fuckwit?”

“And what was I supposed to do, Faith,” Willow asked hopelessly, “Ask her to marry me?”

“Nope,” Faith grinned, “You just look like you could’ve used the work out.” The door shut just in time to absorb the impact of a rubber kitten-shaped pencil sharpener.

Faith inched the door open wide enough to be heard again. “Plus, she seemed kinda into you.”

Tara shouldered her way through the rapidly closing elevator doors and slumped down against the wall. The gentle opening chords of an unfamiliar song began to play as she began to descend the twenty two floors back to Riley, back to her car, back to her everyday life.

♪I know exactly how you feel
you were this close to closing deals now
when everything fell from out your hands
you were forced to decide on other plans now
you figured it best to just ignore it
otherwise you're only living for it yea
and if anyone ever wondered why you did it
you'd swear they’d never know you sold your soul to the
burning, burning, burning bridges♪

Is that what I’m doing, Tara wondered, burning bridges? Am I reading the signs wrong? Am I making a huge mistake?

She stepped out onto the first floor, and glanced toward the security desk. Riley was already moving towards her, a sad smile on his face. “Didn’t get it, huh? Come on, let me buy you a drink…”

Meanwhile somewhere on the 22nd floor Willow was listening to the same song.

♪ You know exactly what I want so
I don't have to be so damn upfront
no matter the moment we decide to make our minds up
I know a man who may need a new assignment
to hand in his heart and take his last vacation
attempting to spoil imagination
if anyone ever wonders where he went
I wouldn't say that he spent his time driving over
burning, burning, burning bridges♪

Tara shook her head, “I don’t think that’s such a great idea, Riley.” Riley nodded contritely.

“Well, maybe some other time then, here let me give you my number,” the broad-shouldered man handed her a small slip of paper.

Willow stared numbly at the chair where Tara had sat, it seemed only moments ago. She could still feel the blonde in her office.

♪burning, burning which is
nothing more than a longing for being uninvolved
uninvolved
uninvolved
uninvolved♪

Maybe Faith was right, she thought, maybe I shouldn’t have let her go. Maybe I should have gone after her.

Tara shuffled dismally along the sidewalk and to her car. She fumbled with her keys and opened the door.

♪ oh, desire can cause heart attacks ♪

Willow barreled down the stairwell and out into the lobby, looking to Riley for any indication as to where Tara had gone. He merely shook his head.

♪ oh, desire can cause heart attacks ♪

Tara adjusted the sideview mirrors and put her messenger bag down in the passenger seat. She took one last glance in her rearview before beginning to pull away from the curb.

♪ oh, desire can cause heart attacks ♪

Willow bounded down the sidewalk, knocking on car windows, glancing around helplessly for any sign of the blonde. She found none.

♪oh, desire, it won't bring you back♪

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"Yeah, a lot of young people nowadays are experimenting with shortness. Gotta nip that in the bud." Riley in "Family"

ahhhh..... snarkiness. Beautiful.

Love the snippiness that turns suddenly in to contemplative camraderie.

Can't wait to see more of the Willow/Cordy business dynamic - should be a barrel o fun.

- Boschi

Well after reading what has been posted so far I don't know if I should laugh or say aww. I love the 4th post, made me feel like I was watching a movie. What more can I say besides "this story rocks"? The only word of advice is be careful not to rush the story. Too many times I have read stories with terrific plot lines that have been rushed and lose something in the hurry. We are all very anxious to get to the end, but don't lose the middle parts because they're just as good.

I really hope this post makes sense and now I'm going to bed because my eyes are starting to blur.

}|{ Catie }|{

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All evil needs to triumph is for good men to do nothing.
- Edmund Burk

Sweetie, I love the use of the song. CBrymm's right, it's like watching a movie. I think this works really well, it's a bit unexpected (even for me) but I adore it. I'm very proud of you.

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My LJ |My MySpace |My original poetry

Katie,
Again well done, you.
This is playing out as the romantic comedy genre's twisted tinged with acidic hostility cousin.
Brings to mind all sorts of ways in which the ice can be melted between Willow and Tara.

_________________
I can deny chicks in chainmail nothing.
Amberhol-from the land of sky blue waters.
No Mere Music Hall, This my novel available directly from rosestindog@gmail.com.

Ack, will WIllow really miss Tara or will Tara notice her in the nick of time? I was kind of hoping that Tara would go back upstairs and say "I don't want the job, but I do want to ask for a date." Anyway, that wouldn't have been completely realistic, I guess.

I'm curious about why Faith thinks that Tara seemed into Willow - I had thought she thought Willow was sort of annoying/spastic and Willow was kinda rude in the interview.

Please continue! Must know what happens next.

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Stocking Stuffers: Little Gifts from RKT

Wow you update fast!

I liked that Part 3 followed realistically from the totally awkward and ironic situation they found themselves in. However I felt that near the end carried into Part 4, they were too suddenly into each other, just like that. Perhaps more development can be had and explained backwards.

Still, it's very enjoyable reading, and to me, that is a huge factor in what's good. Just yesterday I finished a Harry Potter fic, 14 chapters in a go... and it left me nauseated with a headache. Well, hope that's not too out of point, but just to say, your fic doesn't do that , please continue writing! Thanks!

oooooo its getting exciting
update update!!

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come into my darkened room where im waiting...to please you...

Goldielocks gives this three very healthy bowls of porridge. Lol I think this is awesome, but of coure you already know that. Oh and I still don't want your damn soup.

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Evil is always obvious in retrospect

Title: The Office
Author: Closetromantic19 a.k.a. Katie
Feedback: Is greatly appreciated.
Spoilers: None.
Setting: Uber. Contemporary.
Rating: PG-13 to R
Disclaimer: Don’t own them.
Notes: Thoughts in italics.

Part 5

“I can’t believe you let him talk you into this.” Cordelia was seething.

Willow shrugged. “I’m his best friend, Cordy. Somebody had to be here to keep the bloodshed to a minimum.”

Cordelia rounded on Willow. “I’m your boss, I outrank him!”

“Oh please,” Anya was quick to throw her hat into the ring, “Without Willow, you’d never be able to keep the company afloat, you’re hardly her superior.”

“And already the evening is off to a great start.” Xander let out a deflated breath.

“I’m really glad you decided to call me back, Tara,” Riley began conversationally. “I was beginning to think I was losing my touch.”

Tara felt for the man but she couldn’t let her “date” go on under false pretenses. “Riley, I think there’s something I should tell you.”

“Cordelia,” Willow approached the brunette cautiously, “Don’t you think it’s a little bit childish to pull someone’s hair?”

“She…started…it,” Cordelia managed through gritted teeth, refusing to loosen her hold on Anya’s coppery locks.

Xander was covering his eyes. “Tell me when it’s over Will.”

“Alexander Lavelle Harris!” Cordelia and Anya practically shouted in unison, before turning to regard one another in contempt once again. “Shut up.” “No, you shut up!”

Willow took a sip of her wine and shook her head. “It’s funny, but whenever the two of you are around me I can actually feel my IQ dropping.”

“Wait, run that by me one more time,” Riley was thoroughly lost. “You’re what now?”

“Riley, just give it a few minutes, it’ll come to you, I promise.” Tara smiled obligingly at the handsome young man. “I’m going to the ladies’ room. I won’t be long. That should give you some time to figure it out.”

Riley watched Tara disappear from view, and ambled towards the bar. He needed a drink. It was then he spotted a familiar redhead. “Willow?” he called out through the crowd. “Willow Rosenberg is that you?”

Willow turned at the sound of someone calling her name. “Riley?”

Riley managed to avoid the rush of oncoming waiters from the kitchen and was at Willow’s side in no more than a minute. “Hey Willow, what’re you doing here?” He noticed her friends. “Hello Anya, Anya’s friend…” Xander stood up and extended his hand.

“Xander Harris, nice to meet you.” Riley shook his hand politely and his gaze fell on Cordelia.

“Oh, Miss Chase, I didn’t even see you there!” he offered her his hand. “It’s a real honor to…”

Cordelia regarded the broad-shouldered man with imminent disdain. “Do I know you?”

Willow was furiously trying to elbow her in the shoulder when Anya said loudly, “That’s Riley, the security guard in our building. We see him every day.”

Riley retracted his proffered hand, and pretended not to notice the slight. “So…” he began nervously, “What’s the occasion?”

“Xander and I are—“ a hand immediately clamped firmly over Anya’s mouth and Xander laughed nervously. “I think what An means to say is, that she and I are big fans of the French cuisine, right, dear?” Anya, mouth still firmly covered, shot Xander a death glare.

“Hey Riley, I got back to the table and you were gone, is everything okay?” Tara appeared at Riley’s right.

“Riley, my man,” Xander removed his hand from Anya’s mouth, “Aren’t you going to introduce us to your date?”

“Oh I’m not his…” Tara began quickly but was cut off.

“Yeah, this is…” but Riley was also cut off.

“Tara?” Willow stared between Riley and the blonde in abject horror. “You two know each other?”

“Well it’s nice to meet you Tar—“ Xander extended a hand to the blonde, unaware of the mounting tension around him.

“Wait,” Riley was staring at Willow, “How do you know Tara?”

“She interviewed for a position at…” Willow rattled off angrily and stopped, “I don’t have to tell you this!”

Anya had been watching the proceedings in silence up until now. She cleared her throat and shouted over Riley and Willow’s mounting argument. “Xander and I are engaged!”

Everyone in attendance wore matching looks of shock, except for Cordelia. She looked furious. “You’re engaged?!” She shrieked and ran out of the restaurant.

Xander shot Anya a dirty look and took off after Cordelia. “Cordy…wait…”

Willow spared one last spiteful glance at Riley before following her best friend. “Xander…I’m not so sure that’s a good idea…”

Anya, Tara and Riley were left alone at the table. “Wow…” said Anya finally, “This is awkward.”

Willow was surprised to find Cordelia standing on the sidewalk. “Where’s Xander?” She eyed the angry brunette suspiciously. “You didn’t kill him, did you?”

Cordelia rolled her eyes. “He went to get the car. Their car. The car that’s jointly theirs.”

Willow wondered for a moment if Cordelia had lost her mind. “Cordelia…not that I mind but…why the sudden interest in semantics?”

Cordelia spared Willow a mournful glance. “Because they share everything now…they’re getting married.” She turned and went back inside.

She found Tara sitting at the now abandoned table. “Where did they go?”

Tara looked lost in thought. “Who?”

Cordelia pressed on, “You know, that guy and…her.”
Tara looked up, “Oh…I guess she went to go find her boyfriend. Or was it fiancé? I had a hard time following the whole thing, honestly.”

Cordelia took a deep gulp of scotch. “That’s because Anya’s certifiable.”

Tara gave a noncommittal murmur which Cordelia took to be one of wholehearted agreement. “She’s a bit…abrupt, I guess.”

“Exactly!” Cordelia jumped in, “I mean who does she think she is, announcing their engagement, and interrupting everybody else’s conversation. I mean that’s totally rude.”

Tara shrugged, “I…she was just excited I guess.”

Cordelia nodded emphatically. “Oh, you’re right, she could not wait to share that bit of late breaking news with everyone. It’s so like her to take an evening like this and make it all about her.”

Tara regarded Cordelia kindly. “So you uh, you love him, huh?”

Cordelia slapped her empty glass back onto the table. “Exactly! I love him! What does that skank know about love anyways?!”

Tara shook her head. “I really wouldn’t know…”

Rejuvenated by another gulp of scotch Cordelia was on a roll. “Nothing, exactly! She doesn’t know anything about love!” She paused for a moment and looked at Tara. “I like you, you know…you get it.”

Tara was just trying to keep up. “I do?”

Cordy was now gesturing with her empty glass. “Yes, you definitely do. What’s your name again, Tami?” Tara started to correct her but decided not to bother. “Tami, you definitely get it! That’s the kind of people you are!”

Tara raised an eyebrow but said nothing and Cordelia continued. “Tami, Tami, what do you do for a living?”

“I manage a—“ Tara began but was again cut off.

“Tami, I want you to come and work for me, how does that sound?”

“It sounds…”

“Great! So you start Monday.” Cordelia slumped forward onto the table, fast asleep.

“Hey Cordy, I’ve been looking all over for you!” Willow rushed in to find Cordy face down on the table. She gave Tara a questioning look.

“She fell asleep about two minutes ago,” Tara said quietly, “I haven’t had the heart to wake her.”

Cordelia sat straight up and regarded Willow intently for a moment. “Willow, I want you to meet Tami. Tami’s going to be my new assistant.” With that, she slumped forward again.

Tara and Willow exchanged amused glances. Well if that wasn’t a sign, they both thought, I don’t know what is.

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"Yeah, a lot of young people nowadays are experimenting with shortness. Gotta nip that in the bud." Riley in "Family"

OOOHHH DIBS!

ETA wow! what a great story! really funny! it had me in stiches seriously!

can't wait to find out what happens now that they will be working together...



i love signs!

update soon!

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I like how fast you update, Katie.

I was a little confused at the beginning because I couldn't figure out if Tara and Riley were at the same table as Cordy, Xander, Anya, and Willow. I think it was because all the dialogue ran together without any other descriptive cues to take us from the WCAX table to the TR table.

So I take it that Anya and Xander called a dinner to announce their engagement and invited Cordelia and Willow? I'm trying to figure out why Anya and Xander would have invited Cordelia (I'm assuming that Xander used to date Cordelia, although maybe not since this isn't canon, maybe she has an unrequited crush on him) if she's his ex. Seems a little cruel.

Clever way to get Tara back to Chase Enterprises, I guess she'll be working there after all.

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Stocking Stuffers: Little Gifts from RKT

LMAO!!! OMG THAT WAS SO FUNNY!!!
I'm cracking up here lol. Wonderful as always.



hehe

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Evil is always obvious in retrospect

Hi

this is a cute fic! i like it! more more more!!!



Kirstin

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"Who knows what true happiness is, not the conventional word.. but the naked terror. To the lonely themselves, that wears a mask, the most miserable outcast hugs some memory.. or some illusion." - Joseph Conrad