Thanks for the reviews y'all!
:luv:
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Miami, Travel Agency
Lori: *puts down phone, grabs pen*
Boss: *walks over* You've made a lot of money this week, Lori. Good job.
Lori: Thank you.
Boss: Although I am concerned about a deal you gave the newlywed couple. You said they could pay 500 up front and then the rest as a post-dated cheque.
Lori: Yeah, I just figured since they were just married that they didn't want to start out worrying about the money they were going to use on their honeymoon.
Boss: Hm. Well, next time I prefer that you speak to me before you go ahead and approve these special offers.
Lori: *lifts brow* All we offer is special offers.
Boss: Okay, let me make myself clear. YOUR special offers.
Lori: No problem. Won't happen again.
Boss: Good. Because I'd hate to lose a good employee.
Lori: *smirks*
Boss: Now, our new travel package is going to be heading to our most popular cities. We have companies in LA, Houston, Orlando, New York, and we even have one in Mexico. I need you to take a little trip.
Lori: You're already asking me to fly to some random city to distribute a new travel package?
Boss: You have the best people skills.
Lori: ...We're talking about
me right?
Boss: You negotiate quite well and you know how to sell this package. I want you to travel to New York tomorrow and set up a campaign there at our sister store.
Lori: I'm sorry, I don't think I c-
Boss: It's not suggestion. All your expenses are paid, you'll be staying at the Mandarin Oriental. *hands over brochures and tickets*
Lori: Uh...are you sure you have enough money to put me up in a 5-star hotel for a week?
Boss: We make good money in this business. People want to fly to Miami from all over the world and that's what we do. Now you're going to apply that same principal to our other cities.
Lori: *nods* What about other expenses?
Boss: What do you mean?
Lori: You don't really expect me to stay cooped up in a hotel room for 7 days, do you?
Boss: You're there on business, not on vacation.
Lori: I understand that. But I'm going to need a rental car or something to get around or even money for cab fare.
Boss: That will be taken care of.
Lori: ...
Boss: What.
Lori: I have responsibilities here. I'm supposed to...I'm on probation.
Boss: Your P.O has been notified and it's been cleared.
Lori: Wow, this must be a top-notch company.
Boss: It is. We believe in turning down and out folks into successful business people so I hope you'll jump at the opportunity. Most jobs won't even bat an eye at your pretty face once they see your criminal record.
Lori: Point taken.
Boss: Get packing.
Next morning, New York; Mandarin Hotel
Lori: *looks around*
Doorman: Ma'am? May I help you?
Lori: What? Oh. Yeah, I'm supposed to be staying here.
Doorman: Well you've come to the right place.
Lori: *lifts brow*
Doorman: The front door. *smiles*
Lori: *nervous smile* Wonderful. Tell me, does this hotel offer...rides?
Doorman: You mean like a chauffeur.
Lori: Yeah.
Doorman: Whatever you work out with the front desk, we'll be happy to accomodate.
Lori: No it's okay, I can take a cab.
Doorman: You sure? We offer safety as well as comfort.
Lori: I think I can take care of myself.
Bailey: HOLD IT. I know that tone ANYWHERE.
Lori: *looks over*
Bailey: *runs over* I KNEW it was you! Barely recognized you but still, *laughs* here you are in my little city.
Lori: ...Bailey.
Bailey: Damn right. *hugs Lori* GIRL I HAVE MISSED YOU.
Lori: Could have fooled me.
Bailey: *lets go* How have you been!
Lori: I've been okay, wh-what are you doing here?
Bailey: I moved back here after treatment. It's so strange seeing you here, I thought I'd never lay eyes on you again, which actually I thought was a good thing but I've kind of missed you. *grabs Lori's hair* OH MA GAH! Look how pretty you are. Did you do this yourself?
Lori: *pulls head back* Yeah, look, it's great seein' you and everything b-
Bailey: OH THAT SOUTHERN CHARM! OH YOU. *flaps hand*
Lori: What are you doing
here.
Bailey: I came down here to shop.
Lori: Of course.
Bailey: How did you end up getting stacked up in here? *looks up*
Lori: Business.
Bailey: You have a job? Gosh, we have so much to catch up on. You need to come over to my place tonight. I'm having Chinese take-out.
Lori: *looks at watch* I should probably get checked in.
Bailey: Nonsense, you're going to come shopping with me. OH this worked out just perfectly 'cause I was like, going to stop by the Empire building this afternoon.
Lori: *lifts brow* Why?
Bailey: My friend Sammie works there. I have to drop off the keys she left at my place.
Lori: And why is that perfect?
Bailey: Because you need to see The Big Apple, honey. What a perfect place to see it than the largest building in New York. *smiles* After that, we can get some frozen yogurt.
Lori: Look, it's not that I don't want to go, because that's awfully gracious of you but I'm here on business and I can't just walk away and galavant around the city with you. I'm sure there are hundreds of great sights and things but it's just not really a good time.
Bailey: But we haven't seen each other in forever.
Lori: You didn't even like me when we knew each other.
Bailey: Well I'm not a drunkard anymore. Well, not so much.
Lori: That's really great, Bailey. It is, I'm happy for you.
Bailey: Come on Lori, this is important. When are we ever going to get to spend time together again?
Lori: *angry sigh*
Empire State Building--elevator
Lori: *taps foot*
Bailey: You seem impatient today.
Lori: *looks at watch* I need to call my boss in the next hour or he'll have the cops on my ass.
Bailey: Relax, we'll be in and out.
Lori: *sigh* Where does your friend work? All the way at the bloody top?
Bailey: 90th floor.
Lori: *rolls eyes* This elevator couldn't go any slower.
Bailey: We're almost there.
90th floor
Bailey: *grabs Lori* Come on, she's in that office back there.
Lori: *looks around, walks*
People look over
Lori: We're allowed to be up here, right?
Bailey: Of course. *knocks on door*
Lori: *crosses arms*
Samantha: *opens door* OH HI! *smiles* I didn't know you'd be stopping by.
Bailey: You forgot your keys, hun. *hands over keys*
Samantha: Thanks! Hey you want to come in for a cup of coffee or something?
Bailey: Sure!
Lori: I thought this was an 'in and out' sort of thing.
Bailey: Sammie, meet my friend Lori.
Samantha: *smiling* Hey.
Lori: *nods*
Bailey: She's a bit shy. She's never been up here before.
Samantha: Well it's a beautiful day, you should go check out the observation deck and take some pictures.
Lori: No, I'm okay, I've actually got to get to work.
Bailey: She's a stickler for her job.
Samantha: *scoffs* I wish some of my employees were. I don't think I've gotten a report on time in months. *looks at watch* Which is just perfect because I've got a meeting with the Port Authority and the Chief of Police in an hour.
Bailey: So just fire them all.
Samantha: *laughs* Right. *looks at Lori* So where are you here from?
Lori: Miami.
Samantha: Wow, you must be cold here.
Lori: Not really.
Bailey: Where is your business thingy?
Lori: Uh...*reaches into pocket, pulls out paper* Somewhere on...Church Street. I don't know where that is.
Samantha: Across town.
Lori: Great, and I'm here without cab money.
Bailey: OH I COULD TAKE YOU!
Samantha: Bailey, I thought your lisence was still revoked.
Bailey: ...Oh yeah.
Samantha: Is there maybe a chauffeur service at your hotel?
Lori: Yeah but I don't want to be chauffeured in some expensive vehicle all day. I'd rather not stick out like a sore thumb. *shrugs* I guess I don't really have a choice though.
Bailey: When do you have to be there?
Lori: Tomorrow. *looks across room*
Bailey: You silly thing, we can spend all day together then!
Lori: *staring across room* Uh huh.
Bailey: ...Lori?
Lori: ...
Bailey: Anyway, Sammie do you think you'll have time to come over tonight? I've got that new flatscreen.
Samantha: Oh yeah I heard about that. Did you rent anything good?
Bailey: HA, you'll have to come over and see for yourself.
Lori: Who's that?
Bailey: *looks over* What?
Lori: There, across the room in that office.
Bailey: Oh that's Scott.
Lori: *looks at Bailey* Say again?
Bailey: Scott Finch, you used to know him. *smiles* Small world.
Samantha: You mean my supervisor? Damn guy has a bigger office than me. And no wonder I can never get a report on time, 80% of my employees are women. Nice guy but kind of distracting.
Lori: And how did Bailey forget to mention this before we got here?
Bailey: I didn't think it really mattered. People move on, right?
Samantha: The guy's a strange supervisor. He's always the first one to get here and the last one to leave at the end of the day. Real employee advocate too.
Bailey: What and you aren't?
Samantha: *laughs* Look, I like the people who work here but I'm not going to bend over backwards for them. He actually submitted them for health insurance benefits. That decreases the amount our company gets to spend on advertising. He's going to get into shit for that.
Lori: Excuse me, I have to get back to my hotel. *stands, leaves*
Bailey: I should go make sure she doesn't get lost anything. *stands, leaves*
Samantha: Go nuts.
Outside office, near elevator
Bailey: *runs over* You're not even going to go say hi?
Lori: Why? Like you said, we move on.
Bailey: Yeah but you guys were close, right?
Lori: *lifts brow* No.
Bailey: You were friends.
Lori: Barely. Besides, he's busy and I wouldn't even have been here if it weren't for my job and your friend's keys.
Bailey: That's fate if you ask me.
Lori: I didn't. *pushes button*
Bailey: Come on, I'm sure he'd be glad to see you. That is if he recognizes you...
Lori: Maybe some other time.
Bailey: How about right now.
Lori: No.
Bailey: He won't bite.
Lori: How do you know?
Bailey: Because I've known the guy since highschool. If I go with you, will you at least say hi? You don't need to have a big conversation.
Lori: *angry sigh* Fine.
Near office
Bailey: *knocks on window* ...Would you get away from the wall? He won't see you that way.
Lori: That's the point.
Scott: *opens door* Bailey? What are you doing here?
Bailey: *smiling* I was returning Sammie's keys and I noticed you were here.
Scott: Is there another reason you're interrupting an important phone call?
Bailey: Yep! *grabs Lori*
Scott: It better be g-..ood God.
Lori: *staring at floor*
Bailey: LOOK WHO I FOUND WANDERING THE STREETS! LORI!
Scott: *crosses arms* Yes, I see that.
Lori: Hi. Bye. *walks away*
Bailey: Whoa, just a second. *grabs Lori*
Lori: I said hi. Now I'm leaving.
Bailey: Oh come on, that was no 'hi'. *pushes Lori into office, walks in* So Scotty, how's work going? *hangs up phone*
Scott: N-...*sigh* Fine, just fine.
Bailey: *smiling* Lori's here on business. Isn't it great? *jumps up and down*
Scott: *looks at Lori*
Lori: *glaring*
Scott: And she looks really happy to be here.
Bailey: Oh she's just nervous 'cause she thinks you bite.
Lori: *punches Bailey*
Bailey: OW! Ha, you got a strong arm there. *rubs arm*
Scott: *smiles, sits on desk* You look good.
Lori: You...also do. I guess.
Bailey: It's 'cause he's going to the gym.
Scott: Thanks for that, I appreciate it.
Bailey: No problem.
Lori: *sits on window ledge*
Bailey: OH OH since Lori's coming over tonight for Chinese and Samantha's coming over too 'cause I have that big screen, why don't you come too! It'll be like a reunion.
Scott: It's not a bad idea.
Bailey: Excellent.
Scott: Lori, honey I get a tad uncomfortable when people sit on the ledge.
Lori: Oh. Sorry. *stands*
Scott: *stares at Lori*
Woman: *knocks, walks in* Mister Finch, I have that report handed in.
Scott: Good.
Woman: Um, is it okay if maybe I took off early today? My kid's school just called, my daughter's sick.
Scott: Take the rest of the day.
Woman: *smiles* Thanks.
Scott: Drive safe.
Woman: I will. *leaves, shuts door*
Bailey: Man you're such a pushover.
Scott: So Lori, where are you staying?
Lori: Mandarin Oriental.
Scott: Impressive hotel.
Lori: Yeah well it's not on my dime.
Scott: *smiles* I can imagine.
Lori: *nods*
Bailey: You're supposed to respond to my pushover comment.
Scott: Bailey, could you please give us a minute?
Bailey: Um no.
Scott: *stands, grabs Bailey* I insist. *opens door*
Bailey: You're actually throwing me out of your office.
Scott: Not much of a pushover now, am I.
Bailey: *frowns* Very funny.
Scott: *closes door, turns around* It might be easier for us to speak if we're not constantly being interrupted.
Lori: Actually, this was just a pit stop. I have to go. *walks to door*
Scott: *grabs Lori's hand*
Lori: *looks up*
Scott: Humor me.
Lori: *sigh*
Scott: *lets go* How have you been?
Lori: I've been okay. I have a new job. It's not the best job in the world but I'm able to rent a home.
Scott: And apparently travel.
Lori: *scoffs* I hope it's just a one-time thing.
Scott: Why?
Lori: Traveling just never really sat right with me. So you uh, it looks like you're doing alright for yourself.
Scott: *laughs* I suppose that's one way of putting it.
Lori: Your employees seem to like you.
Scott: Most of them just want to do a job and be treated as human beings. So I try to be fair.
Lori: And the ones who don't do their job?
Scott: Well if they don't want to do their job, they can sit their ass on the curb outside.
Lori: *smirks* Spoken like a Judge's son.
Scott: *smiles*
Lori: So. *walks further into room* You must have a great social life out here what with all the clubs and company parties and things.
Scott: Is that your way of asking me if I have a girlfriend?
Lori: *shrugs* It's just a comment. Besides, Bailey did say you were going to the gym.
Scott: *laughs*
Lori: What.
Scott: You assume it's for some woman.
Lori: I didn't say that.
Scott: Is it a problem if I have a girlfriend?
Lori: No, of course not. It's your life.
Scott: *nods* Do you have a boyfriend?
Lori: *stares at Scott*
Scott: You must have met
someone in the last couple of months.
Lori: That depends on what
your answer is.
Scott: Why?
Lori: ...I don't want to seem pathetic.
Scott: Fair enough. I'll take that as a no.
Lori: What about you?
Scott: Finding someone wasn't exactly on my list of things to do when I got back.
Lori: So that's a no.
Scott: That's a no.
Lori: Why?
Scott: *lifts brow*
Lori: I mean, look at you. You're young, accomplished, fairly okay-looking.
Scott: *smiles* Fairly okay-looking. That's a new one.
Lori: *looks down at nails* Well I didn't want to pay you too much of a compliment and inflate your head or anything.
Scott: Of course.
Lori: Yeah.
Scott: Then again, I wouldn't imagine it's too hard for someone to find
you. You're young, determined, beautiful...
Lori: *smirks*
Scott: Sorry was I inflating your head too much?
Lori: *smiles*
Scott: Ah there's that smile I knew you had.
Lori: Alright you've made your point.
Bailey: *walks in* Okay I've been standing out there forever. You have that job thing, don't you?
Lori: I thought you wanted me to visit.
Bailey: I thought you wanted to leave.
Lori: *shrugs* Maybe I should thank you.
Bailey: *smiles* Oooh were we having an interesting conversation?
Scott: What would you consider interesting?
Bailey: I don't know, were you two making out or anything?
Scott: *frowns* I'm at work.
Lori: And we're barely friends.
Scott: *looks at Lori* Barely?
Lori: I didn't exactly think we were bestest best friends.
Scott: Obviously not.
Lori: What, you thought we were?
Scott: No. But 'barely' isn't how I would put it.
Lori: Then how
would you put it?
Scott: You tell me.
Bailey: Did I just start a fight?
Lori: Yes.
Scott: No.
Lori: No?
Bailey: Um...maybe I should leave again. *walks away, shuts door*
Scott: So what are we?
Lori: Friends, I guess. I mean, I've never really had many so I don't know. Are you mad?
Scott: I haven't decided.
Lori: I'm sorry, it's just weird because we only knew each other for a short period of time and then I left. I assumed we would all just move on. Anyway, I'm going to head out. It was nice seeing you again.
Scott: You too.
Lori: *leaves*
Bailey: *walks in* Yikes, where's she headed in a hurry? Did you yell at her?
Scott: *staring at door*
Bailey: Helloooo. *waves hand* SCOTT.
Scott: *blinks* What?
Bailey: Ugh, nevermind. You kids and your lack of attention span. Okay, be at my place at 7pm, no later.
Scott: I'll be there at 7:30.
Bailey: *rolls eyes* I say 7 and he says 7:30.
TBC............................
