Underground
Millie Barone was a rare find. While most people used the administrative assistant position as a launching pad to reach higher jobs up the corporate ladder, Millie was content at perfecting her craft. She dismissed others' pity long ago, and instead, built a strong network of other people in her position. Millie organized luncheons and impromptu meetings when any of them had questions about how to help their bosses with something. The identity of the close-knit group was kept quiet, and membership was on an invitation-basis only. Their mission was simple – help their bosses in any way they could. Their efforts made them indispensable.
The group was made up of the men and women who were the administrative assistants to most of the Directors at Wells Corp. Millie and Sandy were considered to be the most fortunate because they worked for Myka and Irene, who were considered the kindest bosses. Eileen and Tara were the ones the group felt sorriest for because they worked for Helena and Artie, the hardest bosses.
They welcomed Eileen into the group after the usual vetting process. The fact that she made it past six months with Helena proved she was worthy. When most didn't think Eileen would last, Millie knew otherwise. She recognized that Eileen possessed the skills that made a successful assistant. Among them were dedication, trust, belief, and discretion.
Millie instructed the group on how they must get to know their bosses so well, that they could anticipate their needs and wants. What made this challenging was that each boss was different. Some bosses welcomed the help; others swore they didn't need it. Newer members were taught by the more senior ones on the artful way to work with their superiors. "You can live vicariously through them, but they must never know that," was on the list of Millie's Creed.
It was the development of this group that gave the assistants a sense of belonging and pride. When Sandy wasn't sure how to handle Irene's birthday, the group met over lunch to discuss it. When Artie was promoted to Chief Financial Officer, Tara took care of donating the expensive car Helena gifted to him because he couldn't bear to do it himself. When Pete asked Kelly where he could get a diamond pendant for Jane for Valentine's Day, she reached out to fellow group member Ralph, who knew a guy in the jewelry business.
If the group was a militia, Millie was their four-star general. Not only did she organize the clandestine meetings if something big was going on, she insisted that they work as one and in secret. This was no small feat considering that they were so loyal to their respective bosses, that they often would not reveal the details about their boss' situation. This was what made it possible for Eileen to be part of the group, because they knew she would fall on the pen before divulging anything about Helena.
"She's an assistant on steroids," Millie once shared with Sandy. She attributed Eileen's intensity to her youth. It was perhaps the only thing that Millie got wrong about the girl. Millie did recognize what talents Eileen brought to the group. She was the most romantic person Millie had ever met, and she didn't even need food.
The only outsider who knew about the group was Claudia. Millie knew she could be trusted and approached her one day with a special request. The group needed a fast way to communicate with one another, and so the private messaging program was written and developed by their Director of IT. Millie insisted that the desktop icon be a heart. That way, each of the group members could send out a message to the others only.
Millie reached out to Eileen when Myka stuttered over what to get Helena. This would be their first Valentine's Day, and therefore Millie placed special significance on it.
It came as no surprise to anyone that Valentine's Day was Millie's favorite holiday. She believed they should rewrite the book on the day because she felt it was exclusive, and made it her mission to redefine the day to include everyone. The fact that the holiday fell on a Friday this year only excited her more. Plans included making sure that everyone had a heart-shaped cupcake on their desk that morning, special luncheons, and drinks after work for anyone who wanted to come.
Right now though, Millie was focusing on her own boss and her needs - whether she wanted the help or not.
Upstairs, Eileen read the message from Millie with the same intensity that Helena was reading the script in her office. So far, the writers were on target. She asked Eileen to arrange for Jaime and Joanne to stop by the office for a run-through before they headed to the airport. Then she remembered what Myka had said. In reality, she knew Myka had nothing to worry about. She texted Myka that the entertainers were on their way to the office, and it was enough to make Myka rearrange a morning meeting so she could drop by Helena's office.
"Are you going to select these two and be done with it?" Myka asked, after giving Helena a copy of a report she had already given her, as her excuse to stop by.
"I would like Ms. Sullivan to decide since she will eventually oversee this project," Helena said.
"Yes, let's be done with it," Myka repeated, trying to seem disinterested, but appearing adorably annoyed instead.
"Are you… jealous, Myka Bering?" Helena asked.
"No! I am …," Myka said haltingly, "….maybe."
As much as Helena did not want Myka to feel discomfort, she enjoyed it when Myka got possessive. The CEO had never allowed that to happen before, and she liked it.
"Myka, you have nothing to worry about," Helena assured her again, but then added, "….with me."
It was the bait Myka couldn't resist. Of course she knew Helena would not do anything, but she didn't have the same feeling about that actress. A few minutes later, Jaime and Joanne were in Helena's office to read through the script. Eileen watched them carefully. Almost as carefully as she watched her boss.
Eileen was looking at Helena differently today. She was not just gazing at her with admiration. Now she was watching her body language, her choice of words and where she focused her eyes. "Success leaves clues," her mother told her, "So learn all you can from her." Kathleen wasn't completely sold on Helena Wells, but she did understand what she could teach her daughter.
"Ms. Kelly, you are enamored with the young HG Wells. You are intimidated of course by her brilliance, but you're dying to get to know her, too," Helena instructed on the first meeting of the characters.
"Oh you're going to have such a hard time playing this woman, Jaime," Joanne teased her friend.
In reality, Jaime Murray felt as if she was born to play this part. And Helena agreed. She portrayed the character with the right amount of confidence and poise, and oozed the brilliance that Helena was looking for. Joanne had a bit more of a challenge, not because of the script, but because she felt the weight of Myka's stare on her the whole time.
Helena was so confident about Jaime's performance that she turned her focus on Myka. She watched Myka's eyes lock onto the actress; her nostrils flare just the slightest, as she watched Joanne talk to Jaime in character. Myka didn't even like the idea of someone paying attention to Helena's lookalike. Helena wanted nothing more than to dismiss the actresses now and yet, their presence was making Myka….. hot and bothered, but mostly hot, Helena thought.
"What do you think, Ms. Sullivan?" Helena asked when the actresses were done.
"I like the way you portray HG Wells, Ms. Murray. I believe it when you talk about how frustrating it is that your brother gets the credit while you do all the work. And Ms. Kelly, you are very convincing as someone who has just met the great HG Wells for the first time and is both excited and intimidated," Eileen said sincerely.
As much as Myka was happy to see that Eileen could in fact make a decision in front of Helena, she wasn't happy that the Canadian actress was so good. Helena was impressed that Eileen spoke directly to the two women. That was a good sign.
"I think we are in agreement then," Helena said, rising from her chair. "Ms. Sullivan will see that you are sent the necessary paperwork. I do hope you have a safe return trip," Helena said, shaking Jaime's hand.
"I look forward to seeing you again," Jaime said politely.
"This is going to be great fun," Joanne said. She went in to hug Helena, but retracted when she saw the look on Myka's face and settled for the handshake.
"That is one protective girlfriend," Joanne whispered to her friend.
"Well, why the bloody hell did you kiss her?" Jaime asked.
"She looks so much like you," the actress explained.
Eileen ushered them outside and closed the door behind her.
"Ohhh!" Myka said, grateful that was over.
"Eileen likes those two," Helena said innocently.
"That's fine, as long as they don't need to do any more HG Wells tours or strategy sessions or 'get a feel for the character'," Myka ranted.
"I do like you when you're jealous," Helena confessed, unable to hold back the smile on her face.
"Helena Wells! Are you enjoying this?" Myka asked, feigning her annoyance.
"I might be, yes, a little," Helena said, in a guilt-laden tone.
"Helena!" Myka said, trying to sound shocked.
"It's not my fault," the Brit protested. She moved in on Myka, slipping her hands up the elbow length sleeves on her navy dress.
"I'm not so sure about that, Wells. You did invite them here this morning, right?" Myka asked, crossing her arms.
While Helena found jealous Myka enticing, Myka adored Helena trying to get herself out of trouble.
"I had forgotten your decision, which by the way was very courageous," Helena said, letting her fingers rest on Myka's shoulders under the jacket she just invaded.
"Courageous?" Myka asked, trying not to shiver from the sensation of Helena's touch.
"You went…. over your boss' head. You know what that leads to?" Helena asked, feeding Myka the line.
Myka dissolved in the suggestion. "It leads to a very good time," Myka retorted on cue. She laughed and pulled Helena in closer to kiss her. "I better check those wings," Myka said when Helena pulled her hands back. Myka pushed her hands to touch Helena's shoulder blades. "Hmm, still need a little work."
"I beg your pardon," Helena said.
Myka was lost in the fantasy of Helena actually sprouting wings from her shoulder blades. "Large black ones," Myka let out and Helena looked at her.
"What are you talking about?" Helena asked, lost in the conversation.
"What? Oh, nothing," Myka said, not ready to reveal that thought for fear Helena would go downstairs to the lab and grow real ones.
"Well then, I think since your first venture was so successful, you should try doing it again – tonight," Helena said, getting back to her original thought.
"I think I like this power," Myka laughed, falling into Helena's shoulder. "I wish I could stay here all day, but alas, my boss needs me to do some work."
Myka kissed Helena and made herself pull back for fear it was too tempting to spend the day with her and get nothing done. As soon as Myka left, Helena returned to her desk and remembered what she had asked Eileen about before.
"Ms. Sullivan, why is my schedule filled with names of people I have not heard of?" Helena asked into the intercom.
"Mrs. Frederic told us to open your schedule to allow employees to book time with you at breakfast, lunch, or dinner," Eileen explained.
"Is the woman mad? Get her up here now!" Helena shouted into the phone. Helena looked closely at the screen. She was going to have dinner with Pete and Jane next Tuesday? "This is a joke!"
Within minutes, Irene waltzed into Helena's office casually.
"Are you insane?" Helena greeted her.
"So many have asked that same question when I describe my job," Irene answered.
"What is this?" Helena asked, swinging her screen around to face the woman sitting on the other side of her desk.
Irene squinted and leaned over. "How you're spending your free time next week?"
"The hell I am," Helena said, waiting for Irene to explain this.
"I'm actually surprised we got that many people who wanted to be with you alone," Irene said – and meant it. When she heard about this idea, she was afraid Helena's feelings would be hurt if no one signed up.
"I beg your pardon?" Helena said, insulted and getting off track.
"Well Helena, you're not exactly considered the warm and fuzzy type. No offense," Irene said and still was being sincere.
"The warm and what? Madam, did you not see people at the Christmas party talking to me?" Helena said, defensively.
"Yes, yes I did. That's a very good point," Irene conceded and almost satisfied her boss. "Well, I have work to do so if …,"
"Wait," Helena said remembering why she called the HR Director in. "What is this?" she asked, waving her hand at the screen.
"It's your get to know the employees program you initiated," Irene said flatly.
"The what? To get to know whom? I did no such thing," Helena declared.
"Didn't you just have dinner with Ms. Sullivan and her family?" Irene asked, because this was how the whole thing got started.
"Yes," Helena stated.
"Well, there you go. One down, two hundred and ninety-nine to go," Irene smiled.
"Two hundred…?" Helena asked aghast.
"Two hundred ninety-nine," Irene restated. "We have fifty official chickens it would appear," she continued and laughed at her own joke.
"Would you stop and explain this to me. My dinner with Ms. Sullivan was not part of a program. I do not wish to get to know my employees better," Helena protested.
"Well, according to Ms. Sullivan and Ms. Donovan..," Irene explained, but Helena was already shouting for the two to them to come to her office. As luck would have it, Claudia was at Eileen's desk and the two of them shot through the door.
"Yes boss?" Claudia asked.
"As tiring as it might be, would you please explain to Mrs. Frederic that she is mistaken and that I did not initiate any program to get to know my employees better? Therefore, she should contact these two hundred individuals…,"
"Two hundred ninety-nine," Irene bravely corrected her.
"Two- hundred-ninety-nine people and tell them there has been a terrible mistake," Helena said, exasperated.
"It wasn't Mrs. Frederic's idea," Claudia said. Helena looked at Irene who gave her the 'I told you so' look that Helena abhorred.
"If you two were responsible for this….," Helena started.
"Not us, no way, ah ah," Claudia said, her hands up in protest.
"We wouldn't do that," Eileen joined in.
"Get me the person who thought this was a good idea. I want them here now. I shall chew them up, spit them out, and then fire them," Helena said, thinking of how two hundred and ninety-nine people would be disappointed.
Eileen ran to her desk and called Myka.
"Boss, I think maybe ….," Claudia tried, but was dismissed with a snap of Helena's fingers.
"How are you going to undo this?" Helena asked her HR Director.
"How am I?" Irene asked surprised, but started to think of a plan.
"Here she is," Claudia said when she looked outside to see where Myka was.
"Helena," Myka said slowly.
"Myka darling, please give me a minute. I need to take care of a terrible blunder by firing someone," Helena said, waiting for the coward to show their face.
"Helena, may I talk with you?" Myka asked, hoping to save herself the embarrassment of confessing in front of a crowd. As soon as Eileen said that Helena was upset about the program she told them about, Myka knew she was in trouble.
"Myka, we have a bit of an emergency here and I need to take care of it. You see, someone has suggested that I wanted to spend time with my staff in hourly increments - for the rest of eternity!" Helena said, her voice getting louder at the outlandish predicament someone put her in. "And when that person appears, I shall have them explain to me why they told Ms. Sullivan and Ms. Donovan I initiated such a plan, and then I will fire them!"
"Rut r-oh," Claudia said, pulling Eileen back with her.
"Oh no you won't," Irene said authoritatively.
"You are really getting on my nerves," Helena said directly to the older woman.
"Ms. Bering?" Irene said, knowing Helena's plan was about to backfire.
Helena looked at Irene. Then she observed that they were all looking at Myka. "This was your bloody idea?" the disbelieving boss asked of her Chief Counsel.
"Well? Kind of," Myka said, sorry she didn't tell Helena sooner.
If Helena didn't find Myka so adorably cute when she was admitting guilt, she might have exploded.
"I'd like a word alone with Ms. Bering," Helena said, with something else completely in mind.
Eileen and Claudia scampered out of the office. Irene slowly got up from her chair. "I'll work on the solution," the HR Director said to Myka, patting her arm. "And don't worry, Ms. Bering. Everyone knows she's more bark than bite," Irene said to poke at her boss.
"Biting is exactly what I had in mind," Helena said seductively, much to Myka's embarrassment that Mrs. Frederic heard her.
"I am sorry, Helena. Eileen was worried that you were going to her house for dinner and I assured her by telling her you were doing it with everyone and I am so sorry for this mess," Myka said genuinely.
"Over my head, behind my back, tsk tsk," Helena said slowly. "Is there no place you won't go, Ms. Bering?"
'Ms. Bering in trouble. Better make Valentine's Day gift spectacular,' Eileen typed furiously to Millie.