Chapter 2
The Phoenix staff were taken on a tour of their new premises, beginning with the reception area. A modern reception desk with the logo on the wall behind and a comfortable waiting area made them "ooh" and "aah" appreciatively.
"It's class," said Colin authoratively. "I mean, it just gets in your face and screams class."
"We've put in this switchboard too," said Mayer, pointing to the reception desk. "So you'll have a receptionist answering and screening all in-bound calls, except those to your direct lines, of course."
"Receptionist?" asked Spike. "As in cute, blonde and perky?" He nudged Frazz, who chuckled appreciatively.
"As in 50 plus, short-sighted and bad-tempered," muttered Lynda.
"At least she'll have a nice phone manner," teased Spike. "I'll just chat to her from my desk. Wherever that may be."
"All in good time," replied Mayer, good-naturedly. He led them around the large and airy open-plan office and showed them the various meeting rooms and department areas, including the kitchen and bathrooms (no more unisex toilet!) Finally, Lynda could stand it no longer.
"Where's my desk?"
"In your office," replied Mayer with a smile.
"I have an office? You mean, I'm not on the floor anymore? But how will I get people to work?" blurted Lynda. Mayer laughed.
"Always the editor. I think you'll find, Lynda, the position of this desk meets your needs." He gestured to the end of the room, where raised a few steps and completely fronted with glass was an office with LYNDA DAY – EDITOR on the door. Lynda entered and sat down at the desk.
"I can see the whole newsroom from here!" she gasped.
"Thought you'd like it," replied Mayer.
"Mr Mayer, thank you. I can guarantee, you won't be disappointed in the Junior – I mean, The Phoenix."
"I don't think I will either," he replied. "I've been in this game long enough to know a good thing when I see one, Ms Day. Bobby Campbell was a fool not to hang onto you and the Gazette, for that matter."
He walked out of Lynda's office, leaving the editor sitting at her brand new desk. Suddenly, the phone rang, startling her.
"Who knows this number? The office isn't even open yet!" she said, picking up the phone. "Hello, Junior – I mean, hello, Lynda Day."
"Ms Day? This is Joe from Beefcake Escorts. Your date will be arriving shortly."
Lynda smirked at the phone display which tellingly read SPIKE and then looked out onto the office floor where she could see the man in question lounging at a desk with his back to her, feet higher than his head.
"Nice try, Spike. Next time, use someone else's extension. And by the way, I can see you!"
She watched as he spun around to face her. Hanging up the phone, he sauntered up to her office.
"I wasn't lying, you know. Your date is here," he said, propping himself up in the doorway.
"Really? Tell him to come in," said Lynda sweetly.