distractions in the workplace

Who: Evelyn and Ian
Where: Drake Hotel
When: Late afternoon/early evening

Evelyn had the cab driver drop her off a block from the hotel and walked up the rest of the way to side alley entrance she used when she was working. She was uncomfortable with using the main guest entrance, whether on the clock or off. The simple dress, coat, and scarf she wore were clean and of good quality, but it didn’t measure up to the luxurious standard of the hotel guests. So she avoided the main entrance, feeling it would be a bit unprofessional to use in anyway, and greeted one of the kitchen staff smoking outside the side door.

He eyed her quizzically. “Thought you weren’t workin’ today.”

She gave up a tired smile. “Yeah, well… something came up, so now I have to talk to somebody about my Saturday shift.”

“Heh, good luck,” he snorted, flicking ash off the cigarette. “Some function today… all the workers are runnin’ around while the supers kiss ass.” He flashed a bitter grin. “But nothin’ new about that, eh?”

Evelyn just shrugged and smiled. “Gotta try.” He had a valid observation, but she wasn’t going to comment. Instead, she gave him a small wave and made her way up the steps.

“Later, ’melia.”

“Later.” It felt weird being called ‘Amelia’ when she wasn’t in uniform, especially since she was still shaking off ‘Evie’ at her brother’s and parents’. The name had been a spur-of-a-moment decision she had made after almost literally stumbling across the job. She was looking to get out of her current job with no luck. One day, standing at the newsstand perusing and aviation and travel magazine, she overheard a woman complaining about work. In particular, the woman was complaining about being stretched thin over too many hours at the restaurant. Evelyn didn’t need to listen much longer to learn the woman worked at the Drake Hotel, which was located just two blocks up. So, still dressed in her office clothes, she made her way to the hotel, found an employee entrance, and inquired about a job opening to the closest person that seemed in charge.

Evelyn gave her name as “Amelia Wright” before she even realized it. But, thinking on it later, it seemed a good decision. The lawyer she had been working for knew where she was from and what she did or didn’t have, and he had nearly succeeded in pressing that to his advantage. The less people knew about her, the less they had to take advantage of, and the better off she’d be.

The workers were running around, and Evelyn wouldn’t be able to catch any of them long enough to ask about Saturday. So she made her way to the supervisors’ office; the previous comment about them being too busy kissing ass was probably true, but she could at least post a note on the bulletin board outside their door.

Ian was leaving the supervisor's office just as Amelia walked up. His brow was furrowed in frustration, annoyed that things weren't going as smoothly as he'd like, but when did they ever. Upon seeing the lovely hostess his face changed, frustrations smoothed and were replaced with a wide eyed wonder, the look of a young man with a crush. "Amelia, I didn't think you'd be working today? What a pleasant surprise." Ian purposely tripped over his words, appearing nervous although he never was. He'd hired her for her smarts, but he couldn't have her compromising his plans. To combat it, he positioned himself as the slightly silly hotel manager who was desperately attracted to her.

“Hi, Mr. Sullivan,” Evelyn grinned. She liked him. … And it was more than obvious that he liked her. And there were worse things in life than being flirted with by a young, good-looking hotel manager. Evelyn was a young woman of twenty-three who could more than appreciate a charming young man with a schoolboy crush. But the fact remained that Ian Sullivan was still the hotel manager and her bosses’ boss. And tempting though it may be, she knew that getting romantically involved - or even just physically involved - would be more than asking for trouble. It was Fact #1 in every profession. Hell, if she hadn’t realized that before, her last job had certainly confirmed what a slippery slope that was.

“I’m actually not working today,” she gave an apologetic smile, and emphasized the point by directing attention to the non-uniform she was wearing. She then pointed to the bulletin board down the hallway. “I was just dropping by to see about giving up a shift this weekend.”

Ian was genuinely disappointed and he let it show. She would probably interpret it as disappointed she wasn't going to be around to court, and he was truly disappointed that his most intelligent staffer was off on a day when he needed less idiots on the floor. "That's a shame," he told her, letting himself take in her simple dress a little longer than necessary. "If you run into issues getting the day off let me know and I'll make sure it gets done," he told her, meeting her eyes again with a hopeful smile.

Evelyn worked very hard to keep her smile steady and not too bright at the response. She had never considered herself reserved. But ever since high school she found herself checking her emotions, both good and bad, often enough for it to start becoming habit. For the sake of not wanting to disrupt her job, she tried not to show just how much she liked, well, being liked. Sometimes she didn’t entirely succeed, but tried not to come off as too encouraging. “Thank you, sir. I’ll keep that in mind.”

Although, if she went to Sullivan every time she needed a personal favor… well, it could send the wrong message to people – and she doubted it would go over well with her co-workers. But the offer was definitely good to know. She made her way around him to the bulletin board and found… the usual paper pad and pen were gone. Really? She worked in a hotel, and they couldn’t even keep paper and a pen by the bulletin board?

Well, looked like she’d have to ask Sullivan for a personal favor after all. “Do you have pen and paper?”

"Always," he told her eagerly, his face conveying excitement at helping her. From his coat pocket he pulled out both a pen and the small notepad he carried around, tearing out a sheet for her to use and handing it over with the pen. "I found it's easier to just carry that sort of thing with me all the time."
"Thanks." She normally did carry a pad she nabbed from the hotel around, but she had intentionally left it at the apartment before going to see her family. She jotted down the shift hours, and her name. There was a slight hesitation as she debated what contact information to put down. Her apartment didn’t have a phone – she shared one with the other girls on the hall. The idea of somebody calling for Amelia, and having it be the same Evelyn who answered the phone when her family called… but, well, they had to get a hold of her somehow. So she put down the number, and posted the paper next to a newly posted “Attention Staff” letter that highlighted some changes made to various protocols.

Evelyn skimmed it. Most of it was actual common sense stuff that they had already been doing in practice anyway. Sadly, some people might have needed the reminder. But most of the actual changes seemed to her very… counter-productive. She frowned. There was a bit about checking in with a supervisor after a good number of basic tasks – which was the last thing they needed if they were busy. Some of the supervisors had little actual working experience to know whether things were being done correctly, and half the time they were impossible to get a hold of anyway. She tried to repress a cringe at the problems she could already see this causing.

“Huh, I thought they were discussing just… putting up a checklist? I mean – I heard one of them say something about putting everyone on the same page.” Evelyn had actually overheard no such thing – it was a simple idea she thought should be implemented. She would have liked to take credit for it, but just because Ian Sullivan liked her didn’t mean he’d like a hostess telling him what she thought his hotel should do. And having everyone on the same page something they needed. For the sake of saving her job needless strife, she was willing to forego the credit.

“But it’s nice to see they’re focused on the hands-on details,” she added, carefully. Which was absolute crap. It seemed in every profession, ‘supervise’ meant to watch the others work and direct them without really understanding. Sometimes it seemed a miracle that the hotel was still running.

Ian tried to keep the scowl off his face. The new policies was something he was more than annoyed with about the restaurant. The idea was when he'd hired the supervisor staff was that he could stay out of that portion of the hotel. Restaurants can be run by morons, they always had been, and it wasn't the main draw of the hotel. It was exclusive and luxurious but it didn't need to stay under the same management to secure what he needed from it. Actually hiring people like Amelia would suffice to keep his plans in check. She knew how to behave and how to treat the more prominent patrons and that was what mattered. Only the numb-skull supervisors he'd hired to run the place seemed hell bent on ensuring that every person of worth that worked under them would consider employment elsewhere. "A checklist?" he asked, giving her space to explain. He doubted it was an idea she overheard, she'd added that on too late at the end.

Evelyn eyed him for a moment, pausing as she considered just how much detail she should give. If she gave too much detail it would be obvious that the idea was hers – or, that she was a very nosy employee with nothing better to do than eavesdrop on her ‘superiors’. Or maybe he already suspected the truth? He was a bit silly when he talked to her, sure, but he was at least adept enough to keep the hotel running in spite of what she had observed was a not-so-stellar staff. He couldn’t have been too clueless. Maybe the idea actually interested him, or maybe it was just his interest in her… whatever the reason, he was asking for more info.

“Just… it seems it would make their lives a bit easier.” And it ease hers, as well. “Put up a checklist of what everyone is supposed to do… and if they want accountability then make each person initial or sign off on it… this place must have a copy-press, right?” The machines had been around most businesses since before the turn of the century, there absolutely had to be one somewhere in the hotel. “Make copies of a blank checklist so each day has one.”

At some point through her response she dropped the “wasn’t-her-idea” charade and her voice got a bit more animated as she mentally worked out the details pertaining to the new system. She couldn’t help it. She liked working out problems, improving things, making things efficient… In the past, she had even thought about studying engineering when she made it to a university. Unfortunately, the mundane restaurant duties didn’t give her mind many opportunities - which was frustrating. But she had only grabbed at the job out of desperation, after all.

Ian smiled outwardly and inwardly he cringed. She was smart yes, but she was also one of those women who wanted to fix things all the time, wanted to make things work "better." As much as he appreciated her tenacity he was annoyed that it was just another aspect of her personality he'd have to keep an eye on, another aspect that could see through his charade.
"I think that would be a possibility. Of course I promised the supervisors that I'd let them run the place as they wanted to, but if you don't mind, I'll run the suggestion by them. Who knows, they might want to run with it." His smile was sweet, but not patronizing, more like he thought she hung the moon.

Evelyn checked her excitement. Or more, his words checked it for her… even though it looked like he hadn’t meant to. He said he’d run it by them, but that he was going to let the supervisors decide. Even if they ended up opting for a checklist, they would undoubtedly screw it up. Evelyn didn’t like leaving things to other people. She especially didn’t like leaving her ideas, of all things, to other people. For a split moment her disappointment slipped through, but she quickly remembered to cover it up with a smile. It wasn’t heartfelt, and it didn’t quite reach her eyes. It was the kind of smile that wouldn’t get past her brother but faked enough to fool most people. And the kind of infatuation Sullivan seemed to be under usually did more to blind the senses than anything else.

“Well, I’m certain they’ll know what’s best.” Like hell they would. But, who knows… maybe she could talk to one or two casually… point them in the right direction. She wasn’t keen on manipulating people. She was turning into a habitual liar, yes, but that wasn’t really manipulation. She preferred to set her mind on tangible problems. But this was a problem that, if solved, would make her life easier. And some of the supervisors were ambitious enough to easily jump onto an idea and call it their own.

Ian doubted that they would know what's best but he kept it to himself. He didn't hire them to do what's best, he hired them to just keep the place in check. He noticed that she was disappointed but he smiled through it, letting her think she'd fooled him like he let everyone think. "Did you need something else or would you do me the honor of escorting you out?" It was old fashioned, but gentlemanly to offer his arm like he was. It gave him a more distinguished feel and he liked that, plus it seemed far more respectable, as if his little "crush" would be proper and not scandalous if it ever came to fruition.

“No, I just came in for that…” Evelyn paused, and for a moment was visibly taken aback by the offer. The old lawyer had flirted with her, yes. But his suggestions had skipped straight to her visiting one of his apartments within the city, and even offering to ‘rent’ out a luxury studio he owned. He danced around the subject enough for her to know she could take care of rent with more than just money. And although dinner and drinks were occasionally hinted at, he never once put being publicly seen with an office clerk on the table.

So she had been more than skeptical when the hotel manager first showed an interest. But he had been blatant where the lawyer had been secretive, and polite where the other had been crude. Although she no longer doubted the attraction, she had always doubted the actual seriousness behind it – stories of ‘Cinderella’ and people getting married across classes were classified as fairy tales for a reason.

Her skeptical mind shot down the part of her that was saying actual Cinderella stories do pop up now and again. And she compensated for such a naïve thought with a greater show of reserve. But she did accept his arm in as gracious a manner as possible. “Thank you.”

Ian guided her out from the back of the restaurant and into the main lobby of the hotel towards the door. It was exposed, but he didn't mind and in some ways it was what he wanted. There were rumors floating that he was interested in the pretty hostess, and those on the staff who saw them together would continue to let the rumor fly. That was good for him; it gave the impression that he had a heart and even if he slipped and didn't show it regularly his employees would note the instance. As for the rest of the crowd who might see them, Ian wasn't concerned. Few noticed him for long enough and those who might? They would just assumed he was catering to another guest of the hotel.

Evelyn remained quiet as they walked out, and she worked hard to casually avoid the gaze of any staff. Her mind, as usual, was harassed with a flurry of thoughts. There was nothing new there, except this time she didn’t trust herself enough to speak. But she bore through it enough to maintain her composure; and she managed to not leaning on his arm in a manner that would toe the professional line.

The, well, chivalry of it all was affecting. No, she had never been treated ill by any guy she had cared for – if anything, it was her own preoccupation with escaping her neighborhood that hurt her past relationships. But, even when they meant well, the guys back home were certainly more… casual?... about things. This was different; and she really didn’t mind. So she worked hard to not show it. It wasn’t just that he was her boss. In fact, it was mostly about her. He didn’t even know her real name, and – though she liked him a bit in that moment – she wasn’t going to change that. She couldn’t even bring herself to be vulnerable in front her family… and the look on his face if she revealed what a liar the girl he liked so much was… would just hurt.

Outside, she quickly debated when the best time to let go of his arm would be. She wasn’t sure what etiquette was required after being properly escorted by a gentleman. She didn’t want to let go too soon and come off as impolite, but she didn’t want to hold on too long either and come off as anything more than polite. So she settled for a moment or two after they stopped walking, where she casually released her arm from his and used it to adjust her scarf.

“Thank you, sir,” she smiled, flashing some teeth but keeping it small. She wasn't trying to be coy, just... reserved for her own good.

"Always a pleasure," Ian commented, smiling in return, the perfect mask displayed to the world. Smoothing his vest as if he were nervous he watched her from behind the mask, curious of what she was thinking. It was obvious she was trying to hold back from being too pleased with his supposed infatuation, guarding herself in ways most women wouldn't. This didn't bother him too much as he preferred the chase and actually having a relationship would require more work than he was interested in investing. "It's a shame you aren't working today, I fear they could use more help than they are willing to admit."

“Oh…” she considered it. Whether he was saying it just to get her to stay or not, he was right: it was hectic in there, and it wouldn’t be long before some got to their wits’ end. They didn't just need help, they needed her. In the end, the restaurant would get through the day without her, but she knew she made things run smoother – even if others were too preoccupied to notice. She had a talent for anticipating problems and fixing them before they ever became an issue. She went where she was needed before anyone realized they needed help, and she knew when to follow orders and when it was best to work around them. And she loved it. Even though she would have preferred some credit – and had no intention of staying there forever – she loved it. The mundane shifts were miserable for her; but frantic busy days that had everyone else pulling their hair out? That was her forte.

She didn’t get too many days off, but Evelyn didn’t have any plans set for the evening. Yes, she needed a breather and distance between herself and Sullivan – but on the job and in her work uniform she was never anything other than professional. In fact... working a busy day at the hotel would be better for her than sitting around and thinking too much. Not to mention she could remove her number from the bulletin board and try giving away her shift in person.

She absently fingered her scarf just before settling on a decision. “I would need to change, first.” Her uniform jacket remained in a locker at the hotel, but her shirt and skirt were at home. Thinking about the evening ahead quickly sobered her into ‘work mode’; her expression adopted the professionally polite stare it usually wore when dealing with the hotel staff and bosses. “But I could make it back just before dinner.”

"Well that wasn't really my intent," Ian started, somewhat taken aback but relieved at the same time that she'd offered to work anyway. "But if you want to work, I won't stop you. And I can't say I won't enjoy you being here. But don't feel like you have to." He let the words stammer a little, giving the impression that she had caught him wildly off guard. Stepping forward half a step he reached out and touched the hand that was fiddling with her scarf. "I wouldn't mind seeing more of you today." It sounded sheepish, as if he was embarrassed to admit it.

Yes, she actually wanted to work. She knew it would sound incredibly weird to admit. It was the kind of job you only really took if you couldn’t find better and the kind of shift anyone in their right mind would avoid working. Unless they really needed the money – which she didn’t, she had enough to cover her living expenses and help out her parents as well. She wanted to work, because it meant she wouldn’t be idly sitting around and thinking herself into a worry about her brother, Saturday, or Ian Sullivan. Although had she not known that about herself and just been an outsider listening in, she would’ve assumed she was doing it to please Sullivan – or doing it just to see him.

Evelyn’s hand stopped as she felt him touch her. For a brief second her whole body froze up. Giving him a strained smile, she let her hand drop away from his as she took a small step back. “Oh, it’s – it’s not a problem.” She couldn’t control her emotions, but they didn’t make her decisions. She could control how she handled herself, at least.

Ian smiled inwardly when she stepped back. His "attraction" would thoroughly distract her plenty and it would make life easier for him. The face he showed was sheepish, shoving his hands in his pockets while stepping back again, making the gap between them even larger. "I appreciate it, I do," he offered, eyes downcast. Looking up slightly but still behind his lashes and forced a small smile. "I'll see you soon then?"

“Yeah, soon.” Although she partly hoped that wouldn’t be the case. Evelyn considered herself someone who learned from her mistakes – and the previous job… had been a mistake. Thankfully she had found another before she did something she regretted. But she would be hard-pressed to let herself be backed into a corner again.

To be fair, Sullivan wasn’t being backing her into a corner. He didn’t ‘forget’ to hand her a paycheck when she refused him. At her nonverbal rejection, he didn’t look annoyed or entitled – as if she had no right to say no to him. Instead he just looked… sorry. And sheepish. And it made her feel bad, but not enough to change her mind. If she had another place she could go, she might consider it. At least, if the relationship went south – which, in spite of all of his earnestness she couldn’t help feeling that it wouldn’t work out in the end – she would have an exit strategy. But this job was the best she could get at the moment, and she wouldn’t risk losing it.

“I… should get going then.” She walked over to one of taxicabs parked near the main entrance and slid into the backseat. She really only used them going across the city to visit her family, but taking the cab would give her plenty of time to sit a little bit home before coming back. Enough time for her to think about things, but not enough to start over-thinking. As the cab pulled away, she gave Sullivan a final polite smile before resting her head back against the seat. Between seeing her brother and talking to Sullivan, her mind just felt… stressed. She didn’t need days off like this.