Chapter 2

After 8 months working at the Account Department for Stark Industries, Pepper knew for sure that she had made the right choice. She loved her job. Every week there was something new… and after working there for so long, she was able to see what Stark Industries - S.I. - was all about. It wasn't just a weapons company; they make an effort to create new technology to make people's lives easier. There were so many advances! But people usually just saw it as a weapon company… that fact bothered her a little. She couldn't help but think about the quote of its founder that she saw on her first day: "Better living through technology," it's says, and Pepper really believed that.

Every time she approved some research project, Pepper would tell Richard in an attempt to change his view of her job. Not that it worked but she was trying. It didn't help when every now and then they would see on magazines pacifists blaming all the evil in the world at their weapons, much less when it's controversial CEO was spotted getting drunk or with different women on his side.

Every time Richard saw something like that he would tease her:

"So… have you seen him yet? Is he really like that?"

And every time she would answer:

"His office is very far away from mine. Not everybody who works there get to see him."

If Pepper were honest with herself, she would admit that the more she was getting to know S.I the more she believed in its work! And they could do even more good!

It was with that motivation that she went into work the following Thursday. Pepper left her purse on her desk, looked at the pile of paperwork waiting for her but decided before she started to get a coffee. She was drinking her coffee peacefully and overheard her co-worker gossiping about the event she had attended just recently.

"Oh he was so… SO handsome at that event!"

Pepper had a little idea of who they were talking about.

"Tell me about it!" said the other woman. "I swear if he gave me a chance I would make him forget all about those women… best sex in his life"

"I bet yours too… I read about a model that had slept with him…"

At that moment, Pepper decided to leave.

That's enough trash talk for this morning, she thought. Trying to sleep with a man because of his money or simply because he is famous… have those women no pride at all?

Honestly, Pepper didn't know if she could blame Tony Stark for his womanizing attitudes… I mean clearly those women fly for him like bees fly for honey!

It wasn't uncommon Pepper heard some women talk like that or fantasize about their famous boss…

At her desk, Pepper began to review the files in front of her. Her job was to check the numbers and the costing… ensuring everything matches and approve it. If there were some mistakes it could cost millions for the company. It was very rare to find an error in those documents as before it came to her desk it needed the approval of the manager of its sector, so normally if they find something wrong they rejected it.

After lunchtime, Pepper decided to analyze a document that was at her desk. This one was big and a hard one since it evolved most of the sectors of S.I. It went through Technology, Research and Development and the Weapons Sectors. Everything was looking fine. Of course, she told herself, at least four people review it!

But in the middle of the document there was a math mistake. Finding it a little odd, since it was approved for all departments before her, Pepper started again.

I probably made a mistake.

But no. There it was again.

Why did everyone let it pass? she questioned. The protocol was to return the document to its owner. Pepper went to the last page to see who she needed to address it to.

There it was, signed in a messy handwritten signature: T. Stark

Uncertain of what to do, Pepper took the document to her Manager. After explaining the situation, he took the file and went straight to the last page. Seeing the signature he said:

"Let it go Miss Potts. You can approve this." He gave her the files and went back to his work.

But Pepper insisted. "Sir, if I let this go it will cost us millions of dollars!"

"Did you see who signed it?" He didn't seem to care about her motives.

"Yes. But what does it have to do with anything?"

"So you believe you know more about math than Tony Stark?" His tone of voice was mocking her. "Tony Stark: a world renowned genius?!"

"No. Clearly not," she said trying to keep her calm. "...but he could be having a bad day and not paying attention-"

"Let it go Miss Potts. I won't repeat myself. You are dismissed."

Pepper left his office in silence. Looking at the files in her hand she sat at her desk thinking.

If I approve this, and the company loses money they will go after the ones who did it… I'm sure Mr. Stark won't be the one to blame. After all the rope always breaks on the weaker side, right?

She made up her mind, took the files and left her Department and walked towards the main administration building. As soon as Pepper arrived on the floor of the CEO she saw two secretaries apparently very busy to even look at her. On her side, there was a huge door with a name written:

Tony Stark

CEO

Pepper walked towards the secretaries.

"I'm sorry… I need to speak with Mr. Stark," she said trying to sound as polite as she could and attempting to keep herself calm.

The youngest secretary gave a quick look. "Do you have an appointment?"

"Ah… no! I work at the Account Department… I need to speak with him about a mistake he made in one of his files." She showed her the closed file. The youngest suppressed a laugh at the idea of Tony Stark making a mistake. But the oldest one took clear interest after Pepper said that.

"I'm sorry but I can't let you in without an appointment," insisted the youngest.

"I'm sorry but I don't think you understand! He needs to know about these documents!" she said raising her voice a little. Meanwhile the oldest one stopped working and was just watching the scene.

"You can't go in... you are a rookie here right? Mr. Stark does not make math mistakes… find another excuse to meet with him."

"Excuse me?!"

Is she implying what I think she is?

"You heard me! Go back to your work and wait to meet him at a Company event or something. I have work to do!" said the secretary, very impatiently.

"You can't speak to me like that!" Pepper was trying really hard not to make a scene...and having to use all her willpower to not hit the girl.

Before the secretary could answer, the man of the moment opened the door to look at the fuss outside his office.

"What is going on here?" he asked amused.

"I'm sorry Mr. Stark but this woman here-"

Pepper interrupted her. "Sir, I need to speak with you about a mistake you made in those files," said Pepper showing him the document.

"Really?!" He smiled like the whole situation was a big joke to him. "OMG. A mistake. Where?"

Pepper and the secretary were feeling a little odd by his behavior. The older secretary also seemed to be very amused.

"Here sir." Pepper showed him and explained how she had found it.

"Oh dear! Indeed… there it is!" She didn't miss his tone. Like he thought the situation was hilarious and was trying to act serious and not laugh. "Yeah… yeah… leave the file there Miss..?"

"Potts, sir. Virginia Potts".

"Really? That's your name? You don't look like a Virginia… it's an old people's name".

"People usually call me Pepper." She wasn't sure why she was telling him that.

He seemed pleased with that.

"Hum… Pepper… Pep… Pepper Potts… kinda like it!" Tony popped the "p" every time. "Well… thank you miss Pepper Potts." He gave her his best Playboy smile and went back to his office.

-o-

Later that night Pepper and Richard were searching on the internet for places where they could have their wedding.

During those months, her savings with Richard were slowly growing and they were already looking at some houses to buy. Richard insisted that it was to be THE house: a house in a perfect neighborhood, a perfect yard, bedrooms for eventual children – as he says. And Pepper insisted that those houses were too expensive for them right now.

"It won't hurt to look at the prices and dream about it." It was always his argument and they ended up spending some weekends visiting some houses for sale.

"I like this one," she told him. "It's simple, surrounded by nature and I think it will be perfect."

"Yeah… but it's a little more expensive than the others."

"Well we are waiting for so long, a little more won't hurt, right?" She gave him a peck on his neck. "Besides, we don't have enough money for our house yet… Why are we looking at this already?"

"I don't know," he held her close. "I guess… I just… want to marry you".

Pepper smiled at his confession.

"Well, we can't start a wedding with our accounts on red, right?"

"You were always the wiser one." He kissed her. Pepper had the intention to make it deeper but the phone had other plans.

"Hold it," she said, kidding. "Let me get it."

Ignoring the complaints of her fiancé, she answered the phone. "Hello."

"Good evening. Is this Virginia Pepper Potts?" said the man, sounding insecure about her nickname.

"Yes. It's me. Who is it?"

"My name is Mark. I work for the Human Resources of Stark Industries."

Human Resources? She thought, feeling strange about this. "Yes… how can I help you?"

"Tomorrow when you arrive for work can you pass by the HR? Miss White needs to speak with you."

"Yeah. But what is this about?"

" That is all I know ... She wants to talk to you in person."

"Yeah, okay… I'll be there". She hung up the phone. "Oh no!" she whispered.

"Ginny, what happened?" Richard started to be worried, seeing how tense she was.

"HR wants to talk to me tomorrow."

"So..?"

"That can't be good." Pepper was tense and worried. Thousands of different scenarios were playing throughout her mind.

"So? You said last week that they were happy with your work! Probably its nothing to worry about. Maybe it's about some other documents that they need."

"No. Not after what happened today." She sat next to him and started to tell him everything from finding the mistake, confronting her boss and the secretaries and meeting Mr. Stark. "That can't be good… How can you make a fuss in front of the CEO office and not be punished for this?"

"But… You saved them money! They can't fire you!" he said, trying to reassure her.

"Richard, I can't be unemployed now! Our wedding… our house!" She was starting to freak out. Richard tried to comfort her.

"Ginny. We can't do much now… lets go to sleep and tomorrow you will see. It won't be what you are thinking."

Her night was horrible! Pepper almost didn't sleep as she was thinking about what she would do if she lost her job! Just last week she and Richard were looking at houses to buy!

At sunrise, Pepper was already dressed and ready to leave.

She arrived at S.I. and went straight to HR. Patricia White was already in her office and saw the redhead.

"Miss Potts! Good morning! You came earlier than expected."

"I received your message last night." Pepper tried to control her anxiety.

"Yes. I need to talk to you. Come to my office please." Patricia held the door as Pepper entered and sat in front of her desk.

Pepper couldn't wait until Patricia was seated and started to speak.

"If this is about what happened yesterday… I'm really sorry for all the fuss I caused. It wasn't my intention to-"

Miss White raised a hand and asked her to stop with a huge smile on her face.

"Why does every body assume they are called to HR for problems and bad news?" she asked amused.

Pepper felt herself smiling back.

"It is about what happened yesterday. But it's nothing bad," she quickly added after seeing Pepper's face. "Actually I have a job proposal… more like a request."

"… wha- what do you mean?"

"There is an opening… The salary will be triple of what you have now, and you will be working directly with our higher executives. However the hours can be a little crazy and you will need to travel from time to time."

Pepper was confused.

"What job is it?"

"Mr. Stark's Personal Assistant."

After a few seconds, Pepper finally spoke again.

"I-I don't think I'm qualified for that".

"I know it sounds scary… especially because of his… reputation. But believe me when I say this: You are more than qualified. He requested you himself."

"Wha-?" Now Pepper was even more confused!

"Yes. You are free to deny the offer, but I personally believe that it's a great opportunity. Seeing your application you have ambition to work among executives right? It's the perfect position for you to see how this world works first hand."

"This is too sudden… I'm not sure-"

"Here". Patricia delivered her some papers. "This is the job description. Everything is there, including your initial salary. Why don't you take them? And take your time to read them… Spend the weekend thinking about it and on Monday you can give me an answer?"

"I- okay… I'll take a look at them."

"You can go home now."

"Home?! But-"

"We want you to really think about this. Take the day off and please consider our offer."

Still very confused about everything Pepper thanked the woman and left S.I.

She was alone at home since Richard was working, so Pepper decided to read the job proposal. Everything Patricia told her was the truth. She would be working with one of the most powerful business men in the world, therefore she would have accesses to powerful people being able to see how they do business… and the salary! Pepper even did the math! If she was able to work just one year as Mr. Stark's Assistant she would be able to pay for her wedding, buy the house that she and Richard were dreaming about, and even the honeymoon! And with a recommendation letter from Mr. Stark she would probably get a job even at the White House!

The benefits were looking good! The bad thing was Mr. Stark's behavior and reputation! She didn't know the man but he was probably a handful.

Maybe I will be able to do it if I treat him like a spoiled child!

When Richard arrived home, he was very worried about her and as soon as he saw her he asked what had happened. Pepper told him all about her meeting with HR, the new job, the benefits and her calculation using her salary as base to achieve their dream.

"You will reject right?" he asked as soon as she stopped talking, like he didn't even consider what she was saying.

"Did you hear what I just said?"

"Yeah."

"And that's the thing that you ask me? If I do this for one year, only one year, I can get a job anywhere I want with his recommendation!" Now that Pepper had exposed the idea for him, she was really excited about it, and his rejection wasn't making much sense to her.

"I don't care! I don't like it!"

"Why not?!"

"Ginny, you will be working directly with Tony Stark"

"Yeah! That's exactly the point!"

"It is Tony Stark… and you are my girlfriend," he said as if his arguments were obvious. Seeing Pepper's confused face, he continued. "He is a womanizer.. Come on! It's Tony Stark!"

"I will pretend I didn't just hear that." Really, how can he even suggest it?

"What?"

"Listen," her tone was calm and firm. "I'm reporting to you what happened. It is my choice! It will be good for us, good for my career! I am seriously considering this and I would love to have my partner by my side and not be a jealous freak!"

Richard stopped after hearing her.

"I'm sorry I didn't mean it in that way." He sounded more calm.

"I said 'I will pretend that I didn't just hear that," she said, clearly still upset.

"It's just… You are the most capable woman I know… And it sounds like hell this job!"

"It can be tough… that's why I need you with me," she pleaded to him.

"Whatever you decide Ginny." Richard held her close, trying to assure her that he didn't mean what he had said. In his arms, Pepper relaxed a little.

-o-

On Monday morning, Pepper had made up her mind and went to HR to accept the job. As she expected, Patricia was already there.

"I'm so glad to hear that!" said Patricia. "Come on. Let's introduce you to your new boss. Keep in mind that he can be very… eccentric!"

"Yes. I'm very aware of that!" Pepper smiled, a little nervous.

Arriving at the CEO office floor Pepper saw the older secretary again.

"Mary!" called Patricia and the secretary looked at them smiling. "This is Virginia Potts. She will start today as Mr. Stark's PA. Can you help her with her new tasks?"

Mary left her desk and came to her side.

"Sure! I would love to!"

"Good luck Miss Potts," said Patricia before leaving.

"Come on dear," said Mary. They went to the secretaries' desk and she asked Pepper to sit beside her. "You will be responsible in organizing his agenda." She gave Pepper a bunch of notebooks and papers.

"And, make sure he goes for it! You will also have to help him with his personal requests, such as organizing his trips and everything else he wants." Mary kept explaining to her everything and showed her how to do the most common tasks.

As the hours went by Pepper finally asked: "Where is Mr. Stark?"

"He hasn't arrived yet."

"It's almost 11am!"

"That's what I meant when I told you 'make sure he goes for it'. He usually arrives a little late. Don't worry, it's your first day and he is probably coming. Tomorrow, though, this would be 100% your problem." Mary let out a little laugh. "Don't worry! You will be fine!"

Pepper gave a smile of encouragement.

"How long have you worked with him?"

"All my life, basically," she laughed. "Almost 28 years. I was his father's secretary."

"You're kidding!"

"No! I basically saw that man grow up…"

The sound of the elevator interrupted their conversation. Three men stepped out: one was an older baldy and full beard man who she recognized as Obadiah Stane, the second man at S.I. The other was her new boss, dressed in a blue navy suit and the third was a man dressed in a black suit and white shirt. He was not saying anything but was looking at the room and never let Mr. Stark's side.

Stane went in a different direction and Mr. Stark and the other man came their way. While he passed in front of the secretary's desk, Stark tabbed twice on the table and Mary greeted him.

"Good morning, Mr. Stark." She looked at Pepper and whispered: "Go!"

Pepper followed him to his office and spoke:

"Good morning Mr. Stark. Starting today I will be your Personal Assistant-"

"Yeah! Pepper right?" He gave her his best playboy smile and bit his lip while looking at her. "Couldn't get away from me right? I can't blame you… I tend to have that effect on women."

"It's Miss Potts. And thank you for the opportunity." She corrected him and his smile grew bigger. He turned his back to her and went to his desk. For the first time, Pepper was able to really look at him. During their first encounter she was really nervous about those documents, that didn't pay attention in the man that caused her troubles. Now, in his office, she decided that all the pictures that she saw of him did not do him justice. The man was just gorgeous, plus, there was something about him, some energy or whatever - she couldn't figure it out yet - that made him even more charming.

Now I can understand why he is such a womanizer.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the unknown man from before.

"Hi, it is nice to meet you. I'm Happy Hogan. Driver and bodyguard." Although his face were serious his eyes were really gentle.

"Hello Mr. Hogan. It's good to meet you."

"Please call me Happy."

"Yeah yeah yeah…" Tony interrupted them. "Now we all know each other. Pepper, be a lamb and clear my schedule today, okay?"

Pepper was silent for a second. Remember, treat him like a spoiled child.

"Are you feeling ill, Mr. Stark?"

"It's Tony. Tony. It's okay. You can call me that… in fact call me whatever you want. And no, I'm not."

"Then, Mr. Stark." She emphasized his name. "You still have a meeting at 1pm and an interview at 4. These are the main topics of the reunion." She gave him the files. "I took the liberty to separate them for you-"

"You are killing me with this," he interrupted her.

Pepper pretended she hadn't heard. "..and as you can see those are the numbers we have so far. I suggest you take a look at them-"

"Which I won't."

Again she ignored him and kept talking. "Is there anything else that I can do for you, Sir?"

Tony smiled. "Come on, it's your first day let's celebrate! Clear my schedule so we can do that."

"No, thank you… I'm going to pass on that. Will that be all, Mr. Stark?"

His smile grew at her politeness. "Yes. That will be all Miss Potts."

As Pepper was closing the door of his office she heard Happy speak.

"Sir, I like her."

And surprisingly, Tony answered. "Yeah, me too."

Pepper looked at the secretary desk and Mary sent her a positive sign. Pepper was nervous but more confident and a little proud of her first contact with her new boss.