I lay no claim to Twilight ©, but this storyline is mine. No copyright infringement is intended.

Word prompt: Technology

Monday, a few weeks later, saw Rose kneeling under her desk - with her ass in the air - trying to trace the source of a particular computer cable that she was convinced had no purpose except to ensnare her foot every time she stood up from her desk.

"Damn technology! Why does it have to be made up of so many frickin' wires and shit?"

A slight cough from somewhere above her made her scream in fright and jolt her head against the underside of her desk.

She shuffled back on her knees, right hand cradling her skull, and looked directly into the amused eyes of Emmett McCarty.

"Ms Hale."

He continued to look entertained as he held out a hand to help her to her feet. Rose debated declining, but she was feeling a little woozy and he was her boss after all. Her recollection of that fact caused a scowl to mar her features.

"Mr McCarty, thank you."

She rose to her feet as gracefully as possible and tried to brush the lint from her skirt.

"It is Mr McCarty isn't it? Or would you rather I called you Mr Masen? Or sir?"

Once again, Emmett's features seemed unable to hold a positive human emotion for long and settled back into his customary frown.

"Mr McCarty is just fine, thank you, Ms Hale. Now, if you'd be so kind as to tell my father of my arrival..."

He trailed off and looked at her expectantly. Rose felt herself bristle at his tone.

"Is Mr Masen expecting you today?"

Emmett looked annoyed at the subtle reminder of his last visit. Since his unsuccessful attempt to see his father almost a month ago, he hadn't returned to the office, and Rose had wondered if father and son had patched things up. In fact, she had found herself thinking about the asshole incarnate that was Mr Emmett McCarty far too often since that fateful afternoon.

"Yes. We agreed to meet at three o'clock and as it's now after that time, perhaps you'd be so good as to announce me?"

Rose didn't miss the accusation in his tone and resisted the urge to tell him that he should have arrived before the appointed time, if he was that anal about his time-keeping.

"Follow me, please."

She felt his gaze on her back as she tapped gently on Mr Masen's door before entering.

"Mr Masen, your son, Emmett, is here to see you."

Emmett entered the room behind her and Rose watched the exchange between father and son curiously. She didn't miss the way the father's eyes lit up at the sight of his son, but any affection between them was quickly cloaked behind stiff formalities. If Rose had to guess, she would have said that the son was especially anxious to maintain an unruffled front.

Emmett shrugged out of his coat and held it out to Rose expectantly. Again, Rose found herself biting her tongue at his imperious attitude. This man didn't just need to be brought down a peg or two; he needed to be relieved of an entire clothes-line full of pegs!

"I was just about to bring your father his afternoon break. Can I get you anything Mr McCarty?"

Rose noticed a flicker of sadness pass across Mr Masen's face, but with a tilt of his head downwards, it was gone. She winced internally when she realised that the father at least didn't view his son as a McCarty.

"If that pathetic excuse for a coffee-maker is still in use in the canteen, then no, Ms Hale. You may get me a double-shot, low-fat cappuccino from the cafe on Moore Street."

As he spoke, he reached into his pocket for his wallet and missed the look of outrage on Rose's face. She schooled her expression back into passivity, as she accepted the cash he held out to her.

"I'd also like a chocolate muffin. If there are none left, blueberry."

He turned away without so much as a please or thank you, and Rose and Mr Masen shared a look of solidarity.

"Mr Masen?"

"Just my usual pathetic excuse for coffee. Thank you, Rose."

Rose grinned delightedly at Mr Masen's response and he gifted her with a small smile, as she left his office.