A/N: As befitting the day, here's a holiday themed chapter. Unfortunately, adding scenes of the festivities at the protagonists' homes would have resulted in an inordinately long chapter – at least by the standards applied to this fic. This admission of guilt aside, enjoy!

Chapter 8

Sarah blinked repeatedly, but the image of Chuck was still there. She recovered quickly though. She hadn't been so good at both her day jobs and her secret life by not having acting skills that would do an Academy Award winner proud. Thus, her voice had just the appropriate tone of surprise when she spoke. "Chuck?"

"Sarah?" Chuck was equally surprised to see her there.

"I take it that you two know each other," Mary ventured.

"We met in Europe," Sarah replied, turning to face her employer.

Mary Bartowski was a very perceptive woman. "Tell me something, Sarah. The company you last worked for in Europe, the one you told me you weren't at liberty to talk about due to the confidentiality clause… Would it happen to be Carmichael Industries?"

"Um… yes. You know about it?"

"Mom, Sarah knows all about my other job. Come to think of it, not giving her a letter of reference was a serious omission on my part."

"You should have given her one. I'd have hired her in a heartbeat without even bothering with the interview."

"From what I see you still hired her."

Sarah alternated between looking at mother and son. Obviously, Chuck's career as a CIA agent was no secret to his mother.

"You look confused, dear," Mary told Sarah. "Let me explain something: Carmichael Industries appears as a legitimate outfit. As I said, a letter of reference from him would be a mark of the highest confidence."

"This is a bit much, if you know what I mean, Mrs. Bartowski."

"Of course. Take your time to let it sink in. Chuck, what did you want?"

"I wanted to give you this. I finished the game I was writing and proofed it with Morgan and Bryce last night."

"And…?"

"It's perfect, if I say so myself. The guys agree with this assessment, too."

Mary took the folder in her hands and browsed through the contents for a minute. Then she turned to Sarah. "Now you have your new work assignment, Sarah. You are going to work on the advertising and marketing campaign for this new game. Coordinate with the Software Division on the matter."

"Yes Mrs. Bartowski."

"I'm impressed, Chuck. You told me and Stephen that you'd have it ready by Boxing Day, yet you finished it even earlier."

"Thanks Mom."

"You look tired," Sarah said, noticing the dark circles under Chuck's eyes.

"I had a few late nights," he shrugged.

"Since you're here, you might as well have lunch with your father and me, Chuck. Sarah, you can come along too, if you like."

"I wouldn't want to intrude on your family time."

"Nonsense, we are going to be talking shop and it will be mostly about your new assignment."

"Well, until you and Dad are ready to go, I think that Sarah and I can talk about the game."

"Good thinking, Chuck. Sarah, we're done here."

"Let's go to your office," Chuck said.

"OK. I'll report back to you when I have something, Mrs. Bartowski."

In the elevator, on the way to the Marketing, PR and Advertising Division, Chuck noticed how rigid Sarah's posture was. "You don't have to worry about it, you know."

"Worry about what?"

"I'm not going to kill you for knowing my real name. And I'm not going to tell my parents about your secret and make them fire you either."

"For a moment I thought…"

"No, I didn't believe for a second that you'd join Orion simply to find out ways to overcome the security systems they make. You said you'd find an honest job."

"I had no other choice, remember?"

"Sure. But from what I saw, you are good at what you do here. Mom must have been pleased with your work to put you in charge of the promotion of a new product."

"I've been working here for two days, Chuck."

"Don't you like your new job?"

"I love it."

"My point exactly." They got out of the elevator and he followed her to her spacious cubicle. He smiled when he saw the paperweight as he took a seat.

She got behind the desk and immediately started typing on her computer. "I'm pulling out everything there is in the system about the previous games released by the Software Division," she said by way of explanation. "I need to know the demographic we want to target and calculate potential sales as well as plan an effective pre-release promotion strategy."

"I can already see this game doing even better than the previous ones."

"You can't possibly know that!"

"Yes I can. First, it's my best work so far and, second, I've seen you at work, Sarah. You can make it a runaway hit if you put your mind to it."

"Just let me figure out how to do it first…" Then she spied one of the general duties people, a young man with a Call of Duty t-shirt. She knew it was a game, for she had heard Chuck discussing it repeatedly with Bryce and Morgan. An idea came to her. She stood up and waved to get the young man's attention.

He saw her and came to her cubicle. "How may I help you, Ms. Walker?"

"Do you play computer games?" Sarah asked bluntly.

"Yes ma'am, a lot."

"How do you find out about an impending release?"

"Well, there are several ways to do it. There are the gaming forums on the web, for one."

"Go on," she urged impatiently.

"The companies producing the games also announce future releases on their websites. It's where people pick it up from and then spread the word."

She turned to Chuck. "Do we have a page in our site dedicated to games?"

"It's in the software section."

She browsed the page for a moment. "That won't do. We need a dedicated games page." She scribbled something on a pad, tore off the top sheet and handed it to the runner. "Get this to the webmaster or someone under him. I want a page exclusively for the games we make set up… yesterday. Tell them to put it in the software section, but make sure to include all the games we have released so far in it."

"Now?"

"Hold on, I have a couple more questions. What other ways do you have to find out about new games?"

"Companies also make announcements in their social networking pages. The webmaster is in charge of that as well."

"I'll make screenshots and some teaser trailers," Chuck offered. "We can post those all over the place, Youtube included."

"Looks like I have my work cut out for me," Sarah said and dismissed the runner. "All we discussed up to now won't cost us a cent."

"You could have asked me all those questions, you know, Sarah. I'm a gamer too."

"I didn't forget. But for some reason I had to ask someone younger."

He smiled and just sat there watching her work, until he felt the need to answer a call of nature. "Excuse me, I have to go to the little boys' room."

"I'll be right here, Chuck." As soon as he left, she opened a web browser window and typed something in the search bar. Reading from several websites, she started taking copious notes. She was so deeply absorbed in her task that she didn't notice Chuck's return. He in turn thought that the look of intense concentration on her face was really cute, especially the way she chewed on a swizzle stick. Her desk phone rang, startling her out of her thoughts. She answered it. "It was your mother. Apparently, she managed to pry your father from his computers and they are on their way down. They said to meet them at the lobby."

"The lobby? Not the cafeteria?"

"That's what they said."

"Okie-dokie. Shall we?"

"Gimme a minute to put this place in order and we're off."

Stephen perked up when he saw his son approaching together with the bright young lady his wife had mentioned.

"Hello son. Mary says that you claim you outdid yourself this time."

"I'm happy to say I did. But now I'd like to introduce Ms. Sarah Walker. She'll be in charge of the game's promotion."

"Enchanted," Stephen said, gallantly kissing Sarah's hand. She was suitably impressed. The two Bartowski men shared a lot more than the evident physical resemblance.

"Why aren't we going to the cafeteria, Dad?"

"I cooked the same thing they're offering today for your mother yesterday."

"Okay."

"Besides, I know a place that serves the best burgers in town."

"You asked Morgan."

"I admit it. I called him."

"Morgan knows the best places to find food items for less than ten bucks," Chuck explained to Sarah. "The man has a black belt in dumplings."

"I kind of had that figured out back in Zurich."

"What are you guys not telling me?" Stephen asked. "Mary, did the kids meet before Sarah came to work for us?"

Chuck answered the question. "Sarah was briefly and most productively employed by Carmichael Industries."

"I see," Stephen winked at Sarah. "How good a boss was my son?"

"The best," she replied honestly.

"So, how do you like it here at Orion?"

"I've only been here for a couple of days, but I'm beginning to think that this is going to be the best job I've ever had. I'll certainly never get bored."

They made some more small talk as they walked to a nearby diner. The lunch time rush was just beginning, so they were able to get a booth quickly. They made themselves comfortable and waited for someone to come and take their order.

"Right now, I lack the experience to say anything about the prospects of the game once it's released, but based on sales figures for previous releases we can assume that with a vigorous and aggressive advertising campaign it will turn out to be a success."

"Define vigorous and aggressive, please," Mary said.

"From what I saw the department I'm in was more focused in promoting the hardware the company makes, plus the associated software. The games have been somewhat ignored, even though they do have a lot of potential sales wise. I sent an unofficial memo to the Orion site webmaster, requesting to have them set up a webpage dedicated to the games, which will naturally be forwarded to you for approval. I believe gamers will take a look at earlier releases if their interest is piqued by the latest game. Unfortunately, we don't have the time to effectively market it for the holidays, but if we generate enough buzz about it throughout the gaming community…" She let it hang. The others understood what she meant perfectly.

Right then, a petite brunette came up to their booth. "Hi," she said. "What can I get you?"

Stephen looked at Mary and she nodded. "We'll take two double burgers, with fries and onion rings, plus the barbecue sauce."

"The lady will have a cheeseburger, medium rare with extra pickles. I'll have the same, with extra bacon," Chuck added. "And chocolate shakes all round."

The young waitress quickly jotted it all down. "Your order will be ready in a few."

"You remembered," Sarah said, turning to face Chuck.

"Of course I did. I also remember how you like your pizza: vegetarian, no olives."

"How long did you two work together?" Mary asked, intrigued by the interaction between the two young people.

"Less than a week," Chuck replied.

"But we learned a few things about each other. Living and working under the same roof has such an effect on people," Sarah said.

"What are your holiday plans, Chuck?" Stephen asked. "I think we talked about work enough."

"I'm officially on leave until well after New Year's. My boss gave me an extra week. So, I think I'll be partying for the next few days. In fact, I've been invited, like every year, to the Burbank Buy More holiday party, and of course I'll attend the Orion holiday party as well."

"Buy More?" Sarah queried.

"Chuck worked summers at the Burbank Buy More as a Green Shirt salesperson at first and then in the Nerd Herd," his mother explained.

"My old boss always invites me. What about you, Sarah, any plans?"

"I won't miss the Orion party, but I'll also have to attend another function at my parents' business."

"What business are they in, if you don't mind me asking?" Mary said.

"Mom began with a restaurant that belonged to her parents. Then, with my Dad, they expanded into hotels. They now own the Miller and the Maison 23 as well."

"Whoa, wait!" Mary exclaimed. "You're Emma Walker's daughter?"

"You know her?"

"Mary and your Mom were once honored as businesswomen of the year by the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce," Stephen informed her. "As for me, I met your father that day. He sure can shoot pool."

"That's why you disappeared to after the awards ceremony?"

"Yeah, Jack and I went to a nearby bar for beer, pool and darts. It was getting a little too stuffy for our taste."

They kept up the lighthearted banter until Alex, as her name tag said, brought them their food. The burgers were indeed delicious. Afterwards, they went back to work.

-o-

A couple of days later, Chuck was getting ready for the Buy More party. He and Morgan were invited every year and were unable to attend only once, as they had been on a mission abroad at the time. Ellie found him in his room, trying to decide which shirt to wear.

"Are you getting ready for a date?"

"Not exactly, sis. I mean, I have an engagement planned, but it's not a date. I've been invited to a party."

"Would that be the Buy More party?"

"Ah, you remembered."

"Of course I did. Are you going there alone?"

"Nope. Morgan is coming to pick me up."

"I should have known. Why can't you find a nice girl to date, Chuck? I haven't seen you dating since Hannah and that was years ago. Unless you've suddenly become really good at keeping secrets from me."

"Ellie, I don't have much time for dating lately, especially not now. Mom and Dad gave the green light for the promotion of my new game and this time I want to be kept in the loop. So, which shirt should I wear?"

Later, as Morgan was driving them in his Pacer to the Buy More Plaza, his phone rang. "Aren't you going to answer it, Chuck?"

"I will, if I manage to find it first… Got it! Hello? … Sarah, hi… no, I didn't look into it yet… Thanks for the heads-up... By the way, what are you doing tonight? … You're still at work? … Tell you what, be at the lobby in five minutes. Morgan and I will pick you up. The Buy More party is tonight and you sound like you could use a little bit of fun… I insist. I can do that, you know… OK, see you in five." He turned to Morgan. "We'll need to make a stop."

"I heard, dude. What was that all about?"

"The short version is that my Mom hired Sarah and assigned her the promotion of my new game. You should have seen the look on her face when I visited Mom at the office a couple of days ago."

"She knows you are in reality Chuck Bartowski?"

"Hey, I know even more about her."

They found Sarah waiting just inside the lobby. Chuck got out of the little car and waved. She saw him and hurried to meet them. "Hi guys. Morgan, it's good seeing you again."

"Likewise, Sarah. Chuck, buckle up and let's go."

Sarah's arrival caused quite a stir at the Buy More. True, two or three female employees were quite lovely looking girls and some of the male employees had pretty girlfriends, but it was the first time a true Goddess graced a holiday party with her presence. At one point, while Chuck was getting them some punch, Sarah was talking to some of his former colleagues, namely the store manager and a couple of Herders.

"Sorry about the delay," Chuck said as he approached with two full cups. "There was a line at the punch bowl."

"Thanks Chuck," she said, accepting the big plastic cup. What he'd said about the line caused something to click in her head. The more she surveyed the store and the outside parking lot, the more the idea appealed to her. "Mr. Tucker…"

"It's Big Mike," he corrected her. "Everyone calls me that."

"Well, Big Mike, I was thinking… What would you think if Orion Computers were to host the release event for Chuck's new game in your store?"

"Here? You'd launch a game here?"

"I did a little research on game releases. Apparently, people camp outside stores before the release of the more eagerly awaited games. If we can stir up enough interest in our latest game, the Plaza would be the ideal venue."

"I'm 100% with her, Big Mike. What would it take? I can formally ask Corporate."

"They'd approve in a heartbeat. Such events mean publicity and increased overall sales. You're welcome to host your event here, on one condition."

"Shoot."

"That's precisely what I want to do. You see, we want to film a brand new commercial for the store. Sarah here would be a great addition to the cast."

"What do you think, Sarah? It's your call," Chuck told her.

"I'll do it," she agreed. "This place meets all requirements for a spacious and safe venue. We'd be stupid not to take the opportunity."

"Yeah, and it's not like you lack acting skills and experience."

Big Mike took a good look at her. "You were the girl in a cheeseburger ad a few years ago!"

"Wow, I can't believe people still remember that one after all those years!"

"They do, especially when it whet their appetite. Jeff!"

"You called, Boss?" Jeff was a balding man in his forties. But now he was different than the last time Chuck had seen him.

"Yes, we found the last Herder for the commercial. You can begin assembling the equipment. We shoot on Tuesday."

"I'll get on it, Big Mike."

"What happened to Jeff?" Chuck asked when the old Nerd Herder left.

"Your sister's boyfriend fixed him, Chuck. As it turned out, his behavior was the result of reversible brain damage due to gradual carbon monoxide poisoning. The moment he stopped sleeping in his van, his head cleared."

"I'm impressed. By the way, have you guys seen Morgan anywhere?"

"He was heading for the bathroom the last time I saw him," Sarah replied.

"There's probably a line there, too. For the moment, let's go back to having a good time."

-o-

"Where have you been?" Carina asked when she intercepted her sister outside their rooms.

"I was at a holiday party in Burbank."

"Burbank? Did Mom and Dad throw a party? If so, I must have missed the invitation."

"No, the party was at the Buy More Plaza. My employers' son, whose game I was tasked with promoting, is kind of a guest of honor, from what I gather. He thought I needed a break from work, so he invited me along."

"Go on," Carina urged impatiently. Maybe Sarah had finally decided to act impulsively for a change.

"The place is ideal for the game release event. To cut a long story short, Chuck and I sweet-talked the manager into agreeing to our proposal. All it is going to cost us is my participation in a commercial they'll be filming for the store."

"I meant this Chuck character. How did it go with him? And what's his last name again?"

"Chuck Bartowski is my bosses' son, sis. He's a nice enough guy, but you know I'm not at all into mixing business with pleasure."

"You don't know what you're missing, then. Wait, Bartowski you said? Wasn't it a Mary Bartowski who shared a fancy award with Mom a few years back?"

"The same," Sarah confirmed. "Her husband also played hooky with Dad after the awards were presented and they went to a bar. Needless to say, Mrs. Bartowski looked pretty pissed. Poor Mr. Bartowski will spend the night on the couch, I guess."

"Summing it up, did you have a good time?"

"Yes. I had a great time."

"Will you be seeing your Chuck again?"

"He's not my Chuck. But yes, since we're working together… Plus, there is the Orion holiday party tomorrow and the Walker Enterprises party just before Christmas Eve. I think I'll ask him to accompany me to it."

"I'll get to meet him then."

"Try to keep your paws off of him."

"No promises," Carina purred

HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE!