Not one to forego teasing when the opportunity was within easy reach, nodding my head in recognition I chimed in, “AhhhhSue, I didn’t know you were a numbers gal.”

“This is so embarrassing!” she said in response.  “But come on – did you see her?” 

Her dreamy look was quite unbecoming but she didn’t need to know that.

A grunting Alice interjected, “She’s not my type, and Paul would certainly mind if I thought so.  Come to think of it, your current squeeze wouldn’t appreciate it either even if you have just started dating her Sue.” 

“But ok, I can see the attraction.” Alice conceded.

“***** and smart. What else could you ask for?” Playfully nudging Sue on the shoulder.

Reverting to my previous stance of giving both a difficult time, I mustered as much authority as possible in my tone, “Now girls.  We have to practice some sense of decorum here.” 

My forehead furrowed in mock disdain as I pressed on,  “They’re our guests and should be treated professionally.” 

Pointedly looking from one to the other I continued, “Admire her for her talent and skills related to the statistical and complex modeling work that needs to get done.  Our launch is but a few weeks away mind you!” 

Backing out of the room in pursuit of making my intended visit with the Marketing department, I then decided to fuel the fire a bit. 

That was after all a company mandate – ‘inspiring’ individual contributors in the workplace however best achieved – per my discretion of course.

My parting shot would also clarify my earlier admonition as being entirely and purely humorous.

Craning my neck toward the two-some, I devilishly said, “You’re right thoughshe is hot!  Forget about her intellectual skills. Admire her for how her ***** looks in that suit!”   

Not done, I whisper conspiratorially, “Can you imagine what she looks like in the bedroom without her calculator and glasses?” 

My taunting eyebrows lifting in unison repeatedly.  “Or maybe even better — with them!” 

Chuckling wholeheartedly, satisfied with the damage I’d caused, I winked in their direction and stepped out of the room, quickly turning the corner and subsequently crashed into someone. 

Instinctively, I bent over to pick up a pen and leather cased object that fell to the floor – victims of our collision. 

Who on earth stands right by a doorway unannounced without it being interpreted rude?  Well except if I were the transgressor of course. 

Levels of fault easily adjusted to my scale.

Quite irate at the intruder to my space, my planned scolding and stern ‘Watch it!’ never left my lips. 

Instead, I just hope my mouth wasn’t agape. 

Without a doubt, she had heard part if not all of the exchange. 

*****! 

Damn these carpeted floors!

I had no defense for what I’d said, partly or wholly heard, for her consideration.  Where’s an earthquake when you needed one? 

In fact, I’d take any natural disaster at this juncture.

“Ms. Kennard”

“Ms. Porter”

Calmly a question followed, “Would you kindly direct me to Conference Room 1?”

All trace of managerial assurance gone, I answer the only way I can.  At least she couldn’t fault me for not being decisive. 

More appropriately she should appreciate my being an excellent delegator.

“Umm,” calling behind me, “Alice? Would you show our guest to CR1?” then shoving the calculator and pen in her hands, made a hasty departure even a cheetah would be envious of. 

A lightning quick exit was my only concern!

Utterly embarrassed, I would cowardly seek shelter somewhere and wait for my red if not crimson face to abate to it’s natural coloring. 

If it ever would again.

I didn’t know that behind me, the reason for my harried escape was smiling at my retreating figure as I raced away.

—

Thanks for reading!