A/N: Please excuse any grammatical or spelling errors. My beta is currently missing and I have tried my best proof reading this story.

I'll try to update the second part of this chapter in a day or two.

Disclaimer: Can I at least of Spike?

It was almost dusk when Buffy Summers walked into her father's backyard armed with several trash bags and a recycling bin. Cool air blew onto her face, releasing several strands of hair from her tight ponytail. The sky was purple and a few sun rays were still visible behind the clouds. Just two hours earlier she had been celebrating with fifty other guests her father, Hank Summers', fifty-fourth birthday.

Hank was the assistant director of a LA based law firm named WolframHart. He was a very accomplished man, having worked at the firm for over twenty years. The only thing that bothered him was his position as assistant director. He deserved more than being an assistant. He deserved much more. And the opportunity for advancement was just around the corner.

The current director, Simon Collins, was soon retiring to a small estate in Derbonshire, leaving his position available for anyone the law firm's Senior Partners saw fit. It was common knowledge throughout WolframHart that Hank was most likely to get the job. He was the most experienced out everyone.

Buffy bent down and began to pick up the Pepsi cans that littered the lawn. Throwing them aimlessly into the bin she began to think of the small art gallery in Sunnydale, a town only two hours south of Los Angeles. It was owned by WolframHart, but was currently on the market to be sold. It was her mother's dream to own the gallery, but financial hardships made it almost impossible for Hank to buy it. Now five years later, her mother was dead and it was up to Buffy to buy the gallery and fulfill Joyce's dream. She alone could not buy the gallery, but if her father became director, he'd have the opportunity to buy it for half the price.

A cool breeze blew, causing Buffy to shiver. Dropping the trash bags onto the grass, she walked inside to get a jacket. As she slid the patio doors close, she noticed Hank fumbling through the kitchen drawers. She walked towards him and lightly tapped him on the shoulder.

"Anything wrong Dad?"

Hank looked up at her and smiled, "Just looking for my keys."

Buffy walked over to the kitchen island and picked up a pair of keys, "You mean these?"

Hank got up and wiped his forehead, closing the cabinets and drawers he plucked the keys out of Buffy's hand. "So that's where I put them." He then walked into the main foyer with Buffy in tow. "I'll be back soon." he said.

Leaning against the doorframe, Buffy frowned "Where are you going?" Hank looked over his shoulder as he walked towards his car. "I got the call from the Senior Partners, the wanted to see me now."

Buffy smiled, "What for?" she teased.

Hank rolled down the car's window, "I don't know, something about a promotion I hear." And with that he sped out of the driveway and down the street.

Chuckling to herself, Buffy went back inside the house. Opening a closet she pulled out a jacket, put it on, and walked back outside. As she passed the kitchen, the phone began to ring. She was going to ignore it when she saw on the caller ID that it was Willow, her best friend for god knows how long. Picking up the cordless receiver, Buffy continued going outside.

"Hello?" She said. Immediately she was greeted by the redhead's chattering.

"Buffy? You there?"

"Yea"

"Great, could you meet me at the Expresso Pump?" Buffy could tell something was up.

"Sure Wills, I'll be there in five." Buffy turned around and took her car keys out of her back pocket. She pulled out the driveway, and as she drove down the street, she tried desperately to stay withing in lane. Buffy was a terrible driving. It was simple fact.

Fifteen minutes later, Buffy was running through the entrance of the coffee house. She spotted Willow sitting in one of the booths, twirling the straw in her coffee mug. When she spotted Buffy she waved her over.

Buffy sat down, and after declining the waitress's offer for coffee, began to listen to Willow.

"You see," the redhead began, " I was at the office and I overheard the Senior Partners talking." Buffy nodded, Willow was WolframHart's main computer technician. "And they were talking about giving the upcoming promotion to somebody else."

Buffy looked up, shock evident on her face. Seeing the look on her face, Willow hesitated before continuing, "Apparently the Senior Partners want someone with new and fresh for the firm."

Buffy looked up, "So this means–."

Willow nodded, "The Senior Partners wanted to talk to Hank because he wasn't getting the promotion. Some twenty-five year old who just got out of school is."

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Cheers! Rowena