Working first shift meant fighting morning rush hour traffic for five miles. Bald tires, slippery roads and impatient drivers multiplied the danger of getting into a fender bender. Cruising at the pace of a turtle, what would normally be a twenty minute excursion turned into a one hour journey of paranoia. A busted heater caused the windshield to fog from the warmth of his breath, rendering it nearly impossible to see. Rolling his windows down was the only way to keep the moisture out. Already late, Jonathan knew the consequences he faced once he arrived.
Bursting through the lobby doors to escape the howling winds biting at his ear tips, he steadied every step to avoid slipping on the icy sidewalk. “Jeez it’s cold out here” he thought, balancing himself as if to walk a tight rope. Rushing to the elevators, he finally made it to the third floor, rubbing his hands vigorously to get the blood flowing. A lackadaisical stroll in an effort to thaw out before signing in concluded another feat against Mother Nature. His presence triggered an invitation to the supervisor’s office as he took off his thick bomber jacket.
“Sorry about being late again, it’s really slick out there” He stated to his supervisor as he approached to take his seat.
“Okay, well you might wanna think about leaving early Jonathan. This is the fourth time this week you’ve been tardy” A slight look of frustration creased her forehead.
“I know… it won’t happen again” Nervous reassurance spilled from his cold lips. Another tardy meant losing his job.
The twelve hundred square foot office space housed eighty cubicles with computer monitors and phones. Chattering voices overlapping the sound of fingers pecking away at keyboards; illustrated the boisterous environment of the call center.
Jonathan was always met with a smirk from his supervisor since the day he started. Having only been there a week, her shunning reactions remained a mystery. She disliked him for reasons unknown. With each walk by, he smiled knowing the gesture would be returned with futility. “Wow, and I thought it was cold outside” he thought.
Casual introductions on his first day gave Jonathan a chance to get acquainted with most of his co-workers. Whether it was in the break room, hallway or at the work station, friendly interactions with a slight undertone of salacity became a regular encounter over time. Wading in a pool of sharks with a bloody leg was the denouement which deterred him from entertaining sensual advances. Office romance was a lesson he learned well just a few months prior to moving to the state.
Keeping things on a professional level was the way he preferred it. No headaches, no worries and no drama. Other people nosing into his personal business reinforced his adamancy.
Being the “new guy” was never easy especially when jealousy was added to the mix. Like a lion sniffing around in the territory of another, Jonathan was met with resistance from day one. His good looks and friendly personality seemed to threaten one of his male co-workers. Capturing the attention of marveling eyeballs left a perturbed feeling of animosity thick in the air. Rick, the “Don” of all, stood to be his only enemy. Watching with the same intensity as a crocodile waiting to ambush a thirsty zebra, he followed every movement Jonathan made. After noticing the intrepid gaze, Jonathan knew right away there was going to be a problem with him. To avoid future confrontations, he politely introduced himself to break any tensions.
“How you doing, I’m Jonathan” extending his hand.
“Rick” He answered with an apprehensive impulse as he reluctantly returned the gesture.
That was as far as the conversation went. Rick turned from him in a passive manner leaving Jonathan standing there in amazement at the rudeness.
Every year the company hosted a Christmas party. Secret Santa gifts were passed around anonymously to each participant. Held at an exclusive Hotel, each person attending was responsible for their own safety after the bash. Holiday lights and decorations sprinkled the ballroom while seats were taken in preparation for an introductory speech on the annual event.
Alcoholic beverages and finger foods followed an extravagant dinner with all the trimmings. This was Jonathan’s first as a new recruit to the team. Dressed in a black suit with a silver gray tie, he stood out like a sore thumb. Standing alone with a martini in hand, he watched the crowd from the bar. His slicked back hair and olive skin exuded a suave appearance even James Bond would envy. A few minutes later, Rick approached with his escort. She was stunning in a tight fitting dress that showed every curve. Looking at Rick, Jonathan couldn’t help but have a nasty dislike for his arrogant, self centered personality.
“Hey Jonathan, where’s your date buddy?” A devilish smile crept across his face.
“I’m just enjoying my drink Rick” Staring at the woman on Rick’s arm.
“Well, you know Sheila…She’s my fiance”
“How nice” Jonathan acknowledged, sipping his glass, never taking his eyes off her.
“Take it easy on the liquor buddy. You may have a long cold drive home” Rick patronizingly suggested.
The inappropriate remark left Jonathan fuming at his audacious remark. An approximate grin through fiery eyes made it clear to Rick that it was time to pester someone else. “And Merry Christmas to you too Prick, I mean Rick” raising his glass.
Walking away, Rick flashed a mean- spirited glance over his shoulders at Jonathan. Finishing his drink, Jonathan stepped out into the hallway. He was met by Sheila, who was on her way to the ladies room.
“Oh excuse me” She said, pausing momentarily, her reaction inviting. “Are you leaving already?”
Jonathan was temporarily at a loss for words but quickly regained his composure.
“Yea, I was gonna head on out, this party is little boring”
“They always are”
“So why do you keep coming?”
“You know? That’s a good question” She chuckled. They’re eyes fixated on each other. “I guess because Rick likes to come to these stupid parties”
Jonathan wasted no time going in for the kill. There was nothing sweeter than stealing the girlfriend of the guy he despised. “Well…If you want, I mean you’re more than welcomed” he gestured toward the exit.
Looking around in a nervous manner to see if anyone was near, Sheila turned back toward Jonathan.” Ok… I’ll just call him and tell him I got sick”
As they exited the building in a cloak and dagger fashion, Jonathan confessed. “Ok let me just warn you, I don’t have heat in my car”
“That’s Ok, we can take mine, it’s right over there” She pointed, then quickly folded her arms to embrace against the cold.
As they drove off, Sheila could see Rick peeking out of the building. Pulling her cell phone from her coat pocket, she dialed his number. “Shhh be really quiet” After three rings, Rick answered. “Where the hell are you?” He blurted.
“I’m sorry honey, I’m really sick”
“Well how in the hell am I supposed to get home”
“Just catch a ride with someone there. What about that guy at the bar, what’s his name…Jonathan”
“Oh come on Sheila don’t act like you don’t know him..he’s….” Rick was saying before the interruption.
Sheila began to fake like she was coughing. “Oh my God, I’m gonna throw up. I’ll see you at home” She then hung up.
They both laughed all the way to Jonathan’s apartment. “I knew that guy was a first class idiot” Jonathan stated. After arriving, a fierce kiss took place before even getting in the door. It was animal attraction. The night was long as they made passionate love. Lying in bed, something pierced Jonathan’s thoughts for a moment.
“I just remembered, I don’t have my car”
Sheila looked at him. They both chuckled. “You know we have to work tomorrow don’t you?” he asked.
“It’ll be okay, I’ll take you to pick it up in the morning”
“How are going to explain staying out all night to Rick?”
“I’m not worried about it. I’ll think of something. He always believes everything I say anyway”
After thinking for few seconds, Jonathan knew there wouldn’t be enough time in the morning. Just then, he turned to Sheila. “I’m gonna be late tomorrow. You’re not going to fire me are you?”
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