Just Say Yes
Helena returned to her office, knowing she knew she had left Tracy in capable hands. She knew Eileen would do a good job – not because she adored Helena, but because she knew that Helena and Myka were destined to be together. Surely, if anyone could get through to this thick-headed woman, it was the resident romantic.
"I am going to be very honest with your, Ms. Bering-Benson," Eileen started. "There isn't anything in the world that could convince me Ms. Bering and Ms. Wells don't belong together." Tracy sat across from the young woman as they both sipped on the best tea Tracy ever tasted in her life.
"I feel a little awkward talking to you," Tracy said. "I mean, it's not like you can tell me anything negative. That woman is your boss. She could fire you."
"I understand that, but if you could just spend some time with both of them, I really think you will come to understand this for yourself," Eileen said.
"How do you know so much about them?" Tracy asked, wondering if this was a script Helena had handed her.
"I've seen them together at work and outside of here. There is just something about when they are together that makes the universe seem right," Eileen said, staring off into space.
"Isn't your boss…," Tracy started to ask and couldn't miss the instant change in the light blue eyes. She went from sweet to glaring in under a second. "…used to getting what she wants? I read the papers," Tracy said as confirmation.
"You read - the papers?" Eileen asked, now feeling sad for the woman. "Ms. Bering-Benson, I am about to go to a luncheon where at least fifty people will hope to get a chance to talk to Ms. Wells. And if they do, I promise you, they will go home and tell their families about it. It's that big a deal. You are staying with the woman. You have access to talk to her or even just see her with your sister. Use that time wisely, Ms. Bering-Benson. Open your eyes and take in what you are seeing, because I guarantee you, you will never see a more devoted, caring, loving woman in your life as you will see Ms. Wells is when she is in your sister's presence."
"I'm here to make sure my sister isn't getting in over her head," Tracy tried to explain.
Eileen was exasperated. She understood that not only was this woman discourteous to her boss, she was doubting Myka – and that was just as high on Eileen's list of venial sins. "I believe we're done here."
The change in her hostess' tone made Tracy snap back and stare at the youth.
"It's been a pleasure," Eileen said, standing.
"Oh, well yes, thank you," Tracy said following her out of the small kitchen area.
Eileen wanted to apologize for ending it so abruptly, but something inside her told her not to. It seemed to be a struggle that she was more in touch with lately. Wanting to apologize, or give into someone at work or accept their excuses, seemed to be pushing up against an innate sense that it was not acceptable. The image she had of these two divergent parts of her inner self was two bulls locking horns – one was Sullivan and one was Wells. She already knew who would win. She just knew it. She needed a new image.
Eileen took the elevator down to the 16th floor and left Tracy at Millie's desk. As if she knew her sister was back, Myka opened the door to her office.
"Eileen?" Myka asked, concerned that Helena was not there.
"Ms. Wells asked that I escort your sister back," Eileen said in a friendly tone.
Tracy seemed tired, but seemed okay. She walked into Myka's office and Myka thanked Eileen and closed her door.
"That's no match made in heaven," Millie said of the pair and Eileen nodded her head.
"So how was it?" Myka asked unsure of what had taken place. She was just glad Tracy was back in her office.
"People really like you here, Myka. You're very lucky," Tracy said sadly. She remembered what that was like at Burke & Sons.
"Tell me about you and Kevin, Tracy. What's going on?" Myka asked as they sat on the couch.
"We're okay. He's been very supportive, but I just had to get away. Things have been tense for a while now," Tracy summed up.
"He's a really sweet guy. I'm sure he'll understand, Tracy, but you have to meet him half way," Myka said, grabbing the box of tissues and offering her sister one to wipe the tears.
"Look at us – I came all the way here to help you and you're the one doing the helping," Tracy said, blowing her nose loudly.
"I didn't need any help, Tracy. I am, and have been doing, just fine," Myka pointed out.
"What happened with Sam? I thought he was your one," Tracy said. She was more comfortable talking about Myka's faux pas than herself.
"He was a 'one', alright. The one to get rid of," Myka laughed. "Tracy, Sam was a nice guy, but he was overbearing and verbose and a control freak."
"And she's…..?" Tracy let out of her mouth. Didn't those adjectives also fit Helena?
"Tracy, I don't have time to tell you all the things Helena is to me. You are trying to see in Helena the things you've read about her. Helena is wonderful and kind and makes me feel like the most special person in the entire world," Myka said, and the smile grew on her face the more she thought about her.
"Her assistant said I should spend some time with you two and I would see it. I guess I'm staying – for your sake," Tracy said.
Myka was still lost in thoughts about Helena – a place she visited often. "Sure," she said, having trouble getting back on track.
"I think I'll go shopping," Tracy announced, having enough of her time at Wells Corp. "Do you want to come?"
"Oh, I can't now, Tracy. I have….," Myka hesitated and looked at her watch and got up from the couch. "…someplace I have to be."
Myka hugged her sister goodbye and gave her directions on how to get to Macy's Department store, which was a straight walk down Broadway to 34th Street. Then Myka hurried to get to her appointment.
"Now remember, Ms. Sullivan, the purpose of interacting with employees is to assess whether or not they understand the vision that is Wells Corp. We have a responsibility to bring biotechnology from the future to today's consumers. We do that better than anyone else. Staff members must be on board with your vision in order to be successful. So make sure you pay attention today as we meet with them," Helena instructed as they rode the elevator together to the staff dining room.
"Mrs. Frederic said someone will introduce you…," Eileen said.
"Someone? I do not need to be introduced to my own staff," Helena ranted.
"Well, Mrs. Frederic says there's a format…," Eileen said, looking at her iPad.
"Ms. Sullivan, have I taught you nothing?" Helena asked as the doors opened. "Never let someone dictate how your meetings will go."
And with that the Brit waltzed into the dining room where a hush fell over the crowd of fifty people. Helena didn't say anything before checking out the number of tables and number of people sitting at the tables. She turned to Eileen.
"We will visit each table for fifteen minutes. Five minutes of introductions, three minutes of questions or concerns, seven minutes to address them," Helena said.
Eileen set the timer on the iPad. Helena walked to the front of the room.
"Thank you for coming today to the first departmental luncheon. It is my pleasure to host this event, which I hope will provide you with an opportunity to discuss matters that you feel are important about your work. I will spend fifteen minutes at each table which means this meeting will conclude at one thirty. I cannot take up too much of your time or I'll have to answer to Mrs. Frederic," Helena said and people laughed.
Then Helena moved to the first table, sat down and started to listen to introductions, issues, or concerns and in many cases, people sharing what a great company this was to work for. Eileen sat next to Helena, watching how she engaged each person – even those who were reluctant to speak to the CEO. She was charming and funny, and most of all Eileen notice – very much at ease. Helena heard people's names once and then called them by it when she answered their questions. When the time was up, Helena thanked them and told them if she did not address their questions, to please see her in her office anytime. Table after table had their turn and when Helena was done, and only then, did she look up at the overhang section above the dining room. There in the corner, in the shadows of the unlit area, sat Myka. She had wanted to see Helena with the staff members. It was a chance for Myka to watch Helena from afar, and to watch people's faces light up when she sat down with them and talked to them.
Helena knew she was there, but didn't look up until she was done giving the employees her full attention. She smiled at Myka who didn't want to interfere. It was the most subtle exchange of a mutual glance – but it spoke to both of them. Myka loved to watch Helena with the staff members because it was in this venue that confirmed Helena was a great visionary and leader.
Eileen was right – everyone who was there went home and talked about their encounter. One of the attendees discussed it over drinks with a possible future employer. Adelaide Nathanson was ruining her chances when she reported that from everything she could see Helena was unwavering in her foresight about Wells Corp. The only thing the woman had to offer was an unsubstantiated rumor that Helena was purchasing a company that had nothing to do with biotech. It was a tidbit, but enough to keep Ted Grayson interested.
Tracy took in the sites of Manhattan that afternoon and didn't return to Myka's house until dinner time. She texted Myka every half hour to say that she hadn't been mugged or worse. Myka took advantage of the few minutes she had with Helena alone before her sister was due back. The pair sat on the couch in the living room together.
"I just need a moment, darling," Helena said, picking up her iPad to check something. She was expecting an important email.
"How was your day?" Myka asked, moving over closer to Helena as she checked her tablet.
"It was very productive," Helena said, still distracted. "What did you do today?"
"I sneaked away from my office to watch my boss today," Myka said, as if she didn't already know Helena knew. She was in a very playful mood.
"Really? And do you have a habit of spying on her?" Helena asked, anxious to find the communiqué she was expecting. Myka played with her Helena's hair, sitting next to her on the couch.
"Yes in fact, it's one of the things I enjoy most about my job," Myka said, pulling gently on the strand of hair. For some reason, Myka enjoyed distracting Helena when she was trying to concentrate. Helena did not want Myka to see her screen, so she tried to keep it tilted out of view while still playing along.
"So you're telling me you are paid a very good salary as Chief Counsel and yet, you waste your time lurking in hallways?" Helena teased, but in a serious tone.
"But I can't help it," Myka practically whined in jest.
"And why is that, Counselor?" Helena asked, her tone unchanged and her eyes glued to the list of emails. There were dozens of thank you emails from her staff for the luncheon that day, which she appreciated, but were elongating the task at hand.
"Because I was spying on someone I really like. In fact, I would stare at her all day if I could," Myka said, touching Helena's cheek with the ends of her hair and tickling her. She playfully swatted Myka's hand away. Where the devil is that email, Helena wondered?
"This will not bode well with your boss. In fact, I'm certain when we bring this habit of yours to her attention, she'll fire you," Helena said matter of factly, scrolling down the pages.
"Oh no, please don't tell her," Myka pleaded. "I'll do anything," she said slowly, in a breathy tone. Myka's playfulness moved up a notch and suddenly the email wasn't so urgent.
"Anything?" Helena said, putting her tablet down quickly on the table, practically tossing it.
"Yes, anything," Myka said impishly.
Helena turned with a scandalous look in her eyes. "I'm sure we can work something out," she growled as she pulled Myka down, covering her in kisses and gentle touches. Myka screamed at being forced down on the couch gently, but forcefully. Helena was just whispering in Myka's ear what she could do to earn her silence when she had an idea.
"Stay right here," Helena said, running out of the room...and right into Tracy as she came into the hallway outside.
"Oh Helena!" Tracy said as bodies collided. The Brit grabbed Tracy to steady her. "Where's Myka?"
"Myka? She's...busy, yes - we are in a meeting. I'm ...buying something ... and I need her to expose …..uncover…..any issues," Helena said, trying to get away. "You should eat. Leena has dinner."
"Oh okay. Can I talk to ..," Tracy asked, turning to enter the room.
"No! Myka can't be ...disturbed. I don't want her to lose focus. Mustn't let her lose focus," Helena said, grabbing Tracy gently by the wrist and taking her to the kitchen. "Leena, do we have ...," Helena said rushing to the refrigerator and grabbing the container of fruit. She turned to both women staring at her. "Myka…needs…strawberries," Helena said, her voice cracking a bit.
"Strawberries? Now?" Tracy asked.
"She…yes," Helena said unable to form sentences.
Tracy looked over at Leena who simply smiled and asked if she wanted more sauce for her salmon. "Your assistant suggested I spend more time with you and Myka. She thinks it would help," Tracy said, stalling Helena's exit.
"Yes, wise girl that Ms. Sullivan. You should listen to her," Helena agreed – not realizing what she was saying as she left. Helena moved quickly through the hallway and back to the living room, where she closed and locked the door.
"Was that Tracy? Is she back?" Myka said sitting upright on the couch.
"Yes, she's eating dinner and requires no attention. Your attention should be spent on buying my silence," Helena said, producing the fruit.
"You want me to watch me eat fruit? This will buy your silence?" Myka asked confused.
Helena sat on the coffee table directly in front of Myka. She took out one of the strawberries and her dark eyes smoldered with intent. "You have to bite it before you can eat it," Helena pointed out, placing the tip of the berry on Myka's lips.
"So you like me to….. bite it first?" Myka said, getting back on track.
Helena's mouth opened, but no words came out. "And to guarantee your silence, do you want to bite…it…. gently …or …bite …it….hard?" Myka asked, batting green eyes as she waiting for the answer. Myka opened her mouth and white teeth slowly bit down on the fruit as Helena watched.
"Hard, bite ….hard," Helena finally said, pushing Myka back down on the couch and kissing her strawberry stained lips.
Moments later, Tracy decided to see if Myka was done working with Helena. She knocked on the living room door and asked – "Myka? Are you almost finished?"
"Yes! Yes! Yes, Oh God, yes!" came the unintentional answer screeching through the door.
I hope this worked better. As always, I listen to your feedback and suggestions.