Icing On the Cake OR Office Romance X 3

Valentine Showcase 2009

On a clear early December morning, three successful bachelors invest in the HUGE 'Garnet Point' building as landlords of established businesses within. Here, they will plan their own new company/office (DC&E) AND posh apartments in it as well. Besides the prospect of making a fortune, what else could put 'icing on the cake' or crumble it?

Derick Dickerson (the brains with most of the money) show his new partners, Clyde Clyburn and Erick Eckerson some of what they signed up for:

Well Guys, there it is ... GARNET POINT. It's built on, around, and through solid ROCK! I can't wait to show you what's inside and the plans for OUR office, MY penthouse and YOUR own apartments here too, if you like. Hang on to your hats, gentlemen! You are about to embark on the ride of your lives.

This is BIGGER than BIG that will make each of us not just rich but FILTHY rich! We are now landlords of some of the largest companies in town along with three huge government offices committed to 10-year leases. They alone will carry us until 'DC&E' starts making millions and it WILL! Trust me, it won't be long before you'll be buying your dream homes, vacation houses, sports cars, boats or whatever you want! Money will be 'no object.' I PROMISE!

As the Information Technician (IT), this will be the biggest challenge of Clyde's career. He's confident but a bit concerned about how he'll get along with these other two totally different personalities. And he also wonders about living in an apartment in the same building where he works and that his apartment is right across the hall from the boss' penthouse and Erick's apartment too! Hm? Could get a little too cozy for his comfort but he can't afford anything else right NOW and only hopes Derick is right.

But Erick, the Marketing Manager, is 'all over' THAT idea and already imagining the convenience of bringing a date to the nightclub right below his apartment that just happens to be only an elevator ride to work, the gym, a bowling alley, shops, etc! 'Icing on the cake' Who needs a CAR? Then Derick jolts the excited young man back to serious business:

Erick, I hand-picked you and Clyde for my...uh...OUR new company (DC&E) and the investment of GARNET POINT. Out of 100's that applied in your fields, I picked both of you for your brilliance and success records! You signed the 'dotted line' so stay focused. The 'perks' will come in time. Until then, your job is #1 priority. OK? *Boy! I sure can relate to THIS kid!*

Christmas passes, the new year begins as the remodel of the DC&E office, Derick's penthouse and his partners' apartments are completed. Clyde finished installing/programming the computers so now it's time to hire people for their Customer Service department:

Erick, I've got several excellent candidates I'm interviewing this morning. Finish setting up your office and Clyde will show you a few more things on the program he designed. Then I'll introduce you guys to our new Customer Service staff.

Erick is only hoping he hires a 'bevy of BABES,' while Clyde is just eager to get going. ;)

Soon, the Customer Service (AKA 'bevy of BABES') canditates arrive for their interviews:

Hi, I'm Susan Sanderson. I understand there are only 2 positions they are interviewing for?

I think so. Nice to meet you, Susan. I'm Cleo Calyburn. *whisper* I wouldn't be relaxed enough to read the paper while waiting. She must be pretty confident...or something? *quiet snicker*

*whisper* You picked up on that too, huh? *whisper* Maybe she's still searching the want ads? *really quiet snicker* Hey, looks like you're first! Well, good luck! Maybe I'll see you later.

Sure! I'll wait for you in the coffee shop. Good luck to you too.

Cleo, your resume is VERY impressive and you are a delightful young lady. *OMG she's HOT ... love that vintage look!* I'm sure my company would benefit from your experience and talent. And of course there will be oportunities for advancement. I'd like to hire you on salary with excellent benefits, if that is agreeable to you. Will you join me ... uh ... I mean US? *Oh PLEASE say yes!* And can you start as soon as tomorrow, Hon?

*Hon?* Uh...yes...of course, Mr. Dickerson! I'll be here first thing in the morning. You can count on me and I won't let you down, I promise. This is SO exciting! Thank you, Sir!

Susan, you are well suited for this job so I'm willing to pay a straight salary that's more than what you are currently making plus better benefits. There will also be oportunities for advancement as well. However, I'd appreciate your answer today and will, of course, respect the customary 2-week notice you'll need to give to your employer. What do you think, Hon?

*Hon?* Uh...well, how could I say 'no' to THAT? It almost sounds 'too good to be true' but if I have to decide today, then YES! I'll turn in my 2-week notice tomorrow! Thank you, Mr. Dickerson! I'll be in touch.

Wonderful and thank you, Susan. Wecome aboard! You may call or email me, if you need to. *Not exactly a 'looker' but sweet and VERY smart. Hope she doesn't change her mind but how could she?*

Suzanne, thank you for coming in. I've already hired the other 2 gals for the Customer Service positions. But I saw you in the lobby and thought I could use a temporary, entry-level clerical position on a trial basis, if you're interested. You don't have much experience so this would be a minimum-wage job but with the same benefits as those on salary. There's also the possibility of it becoming permanent, if you work hard and maintain a good attendance record. Can you start, say...tomorrow? *Oh please say YES. THIS is 'Icing on the cake!*

Sounds GROOVIE. Like...AWESOME! Um...I'm sorry, what's your name and the name of this company? *giggle*

*You're kidding, right? What did I just do?* Sweetheart, my name is Derick Dickerson and the company is DC&E. *Hm... Not the 'sharpest knife in the drawer' but what a STUNNING creature...just my TYPE! 'When opportunity knocks...!' God...thank you for making me rich and handsome! WHEW! I think I need a cold shower.*

During the interviews, Clyde has been working diligently in his office being 'in the zone' fine-tuning all of the computer programs everyone will be using.

And Erick is also 'in the zone' working just as hard designing their advertising campaign, web site and the 'new ownership/management' announcement of GARNET POINT. As if that wasn't enough, he had to update all accounts needed for the other business in the building, etc. *WHEW! I think I'm going to need a clerk for some of this and a really good looking one too! Like a little 'icing on the cake?*

The Customer Service candidates were hired on the spot and after introductions, they start chatting with the other partners:

Hey, Babe! I'm Erick, the Margeting Manager and one of the partners. Welcome to the group! So, what's your story? Are you married, gotta boyfriend or what, Hon?

Hi, Erick. Thanks but it's not 'Babe' OR 'Hon' ... it's SUSAN and my STORY is that I'm here to do a job, same as you. No, I'm not married and yes, I DO have a boyfriend. That's pretty much IT. *I don't believe this!*

Geeze! I'm really sorry. I wasn't 'hitting' on you, just being 'freindly.' *What a cold fish but kinda cute! Maybe I can slip her a few 'clerical' tasks?*

Oh...it's OK, Erick. I'm sorry too but we understand each other now, right? No hard fellings here so I'll see you in a couple of weeks. OK? *What a JERK but a very good looking one. Hope he's not going to distract me too much. That could be a real problem in more ways than one.*

Cleo, you'll really like the program I designed for DC&E. It's SO 'user friendly' but if you EVER find something that I can modify to make it easier for you and Susan, just let me know and I'll get right to work on it. The other programs are ones you already know but if you need any help with them too, I'm just a few feet away. OK? *She sure is pretty and SMART too. Wonder if she has a husband or boyfriend?*

Clyde, right? That's very nice of you. I can't wait to learn your program and sure, I'll let you know what I think after using it. I'd love to chat more but it's getting late. I'll see you in the morning, OK? *What a sweetheart and so HANDSOME! Oh dear! Here we go AGAIN! If I'm lucky, he's...oh nevermind! He's just a nice guy that's willing to help the new employees for the good of his company. Get a grip and go meet Susan in the coffee shop.*

But Susan wasn't in the coffee shop:

Cleo! Oh good! I thought I missed you! I'm IN and shocked! I mean, I didn't think I even had a chance! So, what do you think about this company, the guys, Mr. Dickerson? HE kinda gives me the CREEPS.

There you are! Well, it sounds like a great outfit and I guess Mr. Dickerson is OK. I wouldn't worry too much. I'll bet you're smart enough to handle him or ANYONE! Cyde is REALLY nice but I didn't get a chance to talk to Erick much. Why?

Well, Mr. Dickerson kept referring to me as 'Hon' and Erick called me 'Babe' AND 'Hon.' I may have come on too strong about THAT with him but I just don't appreciate it. I mean...REALLY!

Oh, I know but lighten up a little and give 'em a break. They're rich, spoiled BOYS with a new TOY. Trust me...you and I will teach them how to run this place and they'll learn to treat us with RESPECT in a VERY short time so relax, HON. ;)

Oh cute...real CUTE! Thanks, Cleo! I feel SO much better! We'll be working together! I'll see you in a couple of weeks. Take care and I'll call or e-mail you! *What a neat lady. Maybe we'll become good friends? I hope so.*

You too and don't WORRY so much! This is going to be GREAT! *Poor kid. Hope she'll work out.*

Still in the DC&E office and lagging behind is Suzanne:

Oh, Mr. Dickerson! Your are so FUNNY! *giggle* I think working for YOU is going to be a very PLEASANT experience. *giggle*

Susan, just call me 'Derick' and you just might be right about that. *I'm already wondering how to get you to my penthouse and what to give you for Vanetine's Day! As if I could guess. A little 'icing on the cake,' perhaps?*

Oooo, Mr. Dickerson...I mean...DERICK! But MY name is SUZANNE. *giggle* Guess we're...like...both bad at remembering names, huh? *giggle* *I should...like...get him something for Vanentine's Day cuz he's...like...SO...COOL!*

A year had passed since Derick's spontaneous hiring of Suzanne as a 'temp' without his partners' agreement, which didn't go over very well. Then he gave her 'permanent' status without consulting them first and that REALLY PO'd everyone, especially Cleo & Susan. It's been no secret that the two of them are 'involved' but the fact is, Suzanne can't even file paperwork in order or do any other basic clerical tasks without totally screwing them up. And this unusually harsh winter isn't helping with the overall atmosphere in the DC&E office.

Cleo & Susan managed to make it to the office but it wasn't easy. With the bad weather, resident complaints about the snow-covered driveways & walkways, maintaining the functions of DC&E, they're pretty stressed out and TOTALLY fed up with Suzanne:

Cleo, where is SUZANNE? Did she call in 'sick' AGAIN?

No, she called to say she'd be late because the snow plows plowed her car in last night. The same thing happed to me so I got up at 5AM to shovel my car out. I made it to work on time and so did YOU.

Oh REALLY? Actually, I've been here since 7AM and saw her car in the parking garage under the building. It's probably more like SHE got 'plowed' in Derick's penthouse! When are they going to fire her? She does and knows absolutely NOTHING execpt how to surf the internet for designer clothes with Derick's credit card! I've about had it and ready to QUIT! *If it weren't for Erick, I would. He knows I broke up with Tommy months ago so when is he going to ask me out? I think I'll drop a hint by giving him a Valentine gift or something.*

I know and I've been complaining to Clyde about too. I even mentioned that I'm thinking about looking for another job because of Suzanne! If it weren't for HER, we'd have gotten our raises by now. Anyway, Clyde said he'd talk to Derick today. Hang in there. We really don't want to leave ... do we? *If it weren't for Clyde, I'd quit in a micro-minute.*

Later that morning after Suzanne and Derick FINALLY show up, the other partners confront Derick about her:

Listen up...Cleo is thinking about looking quiting and Susan is threatening to do the same. Both of them have brought a LOT of business to DC&E as well as managing this whole building but Suzanne is a waste of time and money. She just doesn't 'perform,' except for YOU in your PENTHOUSE! We can't afford to recruit a whole new Customer Service department so you need to fire her and you need to do it TODAY! YOUR 'Icing on the cake' is beginning to sour.