Chapter 8 Back to Business
RPOV - Ranger's Apartment
Stephanie and I got back to Rangeman late on Sunday after a a day of shopping on 5th Avenue, a carriage ride around central park, and Stephanie forcing me to eat hotdogs from a street vendor. They were surprisingly good. Steph was hesitant to buy anything at the first few stores but once we made it to the Bvlgari store she immediately changed toon. She got several different items from their bath sets and allowed me to buy her a beautiful pair of diamond earrings. She got a silver pair of Jimmy Choos that made her almost eye level to me making me almost lose my control and take her right in the middle of the store. Finally I reached the limit I could persuade her when we visited the Coach store as she would only allow me to buy her a small clutch despite her love for one of the black leather handbags.
On our way home Stephanie fell asleep and I slipped into my zone. As we were pulling back into her apartment she began to stir. I asked if she would like to stay here or come back to my apartment and stay with me. She decided to come back and stay with me so we went upstairs and she quickly packed some more clothes before she got in her car and followed me back to Rangeman.
The next day I woke up with her wrapped up and practically on top of me. I placed some gentle kisses to her exposed neck before she stirred awake.
"What time is it?"
"Almost 7"
"Wow you didn't workout this morning?"
"No, I'll get some time in the gym at lunch today. Now should I call Ella to bring us some breakfast?"
"Mmm I love living with Batman."
I chuckled as she moved off the bed to go to the bathroom. I quickly placed a call to Ella asking her to bring up breakfast for two. Then I followed Steph into the bathroom pulling her into the shower with me. Once the water was cold we finally made our way out to get ready for the day. I finished getting dressed first so I started getting the breakfast set up on the dining room table. I placed an egg white omelet and some fruit in front of me and then some chocolate chip pancakes and fruit for Steph. We ate in silence for a few minutes before Steph's curiosity took over.
"So what's on your agenda today?"
"Well I have a core meeting this morning to catch up on everything I missed while I was gone and then I figure I'll hit the gym and then spend the afternoon doing paperwork. Then maybe around 6:30 we can have dinner?"
"I think that…" she paused. "Can you do dinner at 5?"
"I can make that work. I can just do some paperwork up here after. Why? What do you have going on today?"
"Well I'm still doing my training schedule with the team but because of your meetings I figure I probably have the day off from those activities." I nodded knowing that would be the case. "So I'll probably work on some paperwork, Tank has me working on a proposal for a new payroll system, and then I'll do lunch. Then this afternoon maybe I'll see if Manny needs help on any installations. But tonight is the first day of my painting class down at the community center."
I quireked my eyebrow up at her hoping she'd elaborate more. She got up and disappeared into the bedroom. She came back with a notebook in her hands hesitating before handing it to me. I smiled at the Batman logo on the cover before opening it. I flipped to the first page and saw her resolutions. I flipped through to the next pages to read some of the details she made. I made mental notes to help her find a new furry friend, particularly enjoying the name Rosie as it reminded me of my Grandmother Rosa. When I got to the hobbies page my query was answered
I made another mental note to help her out with her dancing hobby. I had noticed that the figure out my love life pages had things crossed out for both Dickie and Joe so it was reassuring to know that she was serious about the break up with Joe. I didn't have reason to not trust her but it was still good to read in writing. I saw that my name didn't have anything written next to it but I didn't comment on it. Instead I closed the notebook and handed it back to her.
"I can help you with your dancing goal"
"Really you know how to dance?!"
"Yes, My family always made sure the men in the family knew the basics of ballroom dancing."
"Sweet, I can't wait!"
We finished up breakfast and I put all the dishes into the dishwasher as Steph put her notebook back and fixed up her makeup. Then we headed down to the 5th floor holding hands in the elevator leaning into each other for comfort. I walked her to her cubicle and kissed her goodbye before leaving for the leadership meeting. I made another mental note to look into what I could do to get Steph her own office.
Bobby POV - Conference Room 3
We were 3 hours into the leadership team meeting. Before the updates Ranger gave everyone an update on his government contracts. Tank had gone first updating Ranger on the overall business including the other branches and then over Stephanie's training. Lester went next giving an update on the clients and contracts. Hector the details of the updates to the equipment and installs in relations to the clients. Ram gave an overview of the training in the range for each of the men including who was coming up on recertification. Hal gave everyone an update on the local FTA's and bond's business, Cal gave his update on our outstanding contracts with the various alphabet agencies, and I had given my update on everyone's physicals. We had now moved into the financial and legal updates which was always the slowest and most boring part of the meetings.
My mind was drifting as I was thinking about my plans for Valentine's Day. At first I had no idea what to get Lester or plan for the day. I knew that all of the other guys thought we were both single and would want to go out and find some women to screw but that couldn't be farther from the truth. I need to find a way for us to go out together without raising questions from the other single men who were planning on going out to a local club that night.
I finally figured out the perfect solution when I was browsing online for romantic ideas for your next date before bed one night. There was an advertisement for a small bed and breakfast in Sea Girt that still had openings for the night. I then decided that I would tell people that I was going to visit with my sister who lived in the area. As an excuse for Lester I knew that his sister also lived in Point Pleasant so it would make sense that we decided to travel together. No one needed to know that neither of us were really going to visit our sisters.
I had told Lester about my plans last night and he had agreed to the plan. The only part of our plan that didn't have a solution was getting the time off. Typically on major holidays the core team would work additional shifts so the other men could have the days off. Normally this wouldn't be an issue as two of us would always do the day shift and the other two the night but with all four core team members in a relationship I knew that none of us would want the night shift.
Tank and Ranger had finished talking through the last of the financial information so I knew it was almost time to discuss the core team schedule for the month. Lester, reading my mind nodded to me and could see by the twinkle in his eye that he had a plan. Ranger introduced the topic and Lester raised his hand before speaking.
"Gentlemen" The other rolled their eyes at Lester's formality as they knew he only used it when he had an agenda. "First, welcome back Ranger. I hope you are ready to get back to work. So as always when Ranger returns he has granted myself, Bobby, and Tank a week off to use this month. Tank when would you like your week?"
"Next week I'm taking Lula on a trip to Louisiana to meet my family"
"Okay Sounds good." He wrote the information down on the calendar we used to keep track of the schedule before typing it up. Now the Saturday you get back is Valentine's day so the core team will be covering shifts. Would you prefer night or day?"
"Well since you mentioned Valentine's day I assume that you want the day shift" Tank responded correctly reading into Lester's statement. "Lucky for you we are scheduled to get back late Friday so that works for me."
Ranger nodded agreeing before penciling in Tank's shifts. Before confirming with me or Lester though he surprised us by turning his attention to the members of the Beta team.
"I've been thinking. I think it's time that we start giving you guys more responsibility and expanding the core team. What would you think about that? It would come with an increase in pay but I should preface that it will come with added responsibility and working on holiday's."
Hector, Hal, Cal, and Ram all looked around at each other, smiles slowly starting to grace their faces. "Hell yeah Boss" Ram spoke up first. "I'm in!" Hal added. "Where do I sign?" Cal asked. "I'm in too, Gracias" Hector rounded out the responses. Ranger then reached into the stack of manilla folders he brought with him and pulled out four contracts handing them to each of them.
"Now back to the schedule would any of you like to fill in the remaining shifts on Valentine's Day?"
"My girlfriend and I have plans for a weekend in Philadelphia" Ram chimed in.
"I can cover the night shift" Hal replied.
"I can do day shift." Cal added.
"Count me in for the day as well." Hector once again went last.
Ranger nodded and recorded the information. "That gives me, Lester, and Bobby the opportunity to take the day off. I'm gonna also work the day shift but if you two would like to skip this holiday that is okay with me but I do expect the holiday shifts to even out by the end of the year." He paused to look at both me and Lester waiting for our nods of acknowledgement.
"Perfect then I will take the day off and I will also be taking the following week off to visit my Sister if that's okay?" Lester piped up.
"I also planned to take the day and the following week off to visit my sister." I added to the conversation.
"We can plan for that." Ranger penciled in all of the shifts before putting his pencil down. "I will be taking the Sunday after Valentine's day off but I will be working all other days of this month. I plan to travel to the other branches in March to conduct the annual audits but we will discuss that next month."
He stood up to collect the signed contracts from the Beta team. "I think that cover's everything. Thank you again for your help in running this business while I have been away."
I made my way out and back towards my office where Lester met me a few minutes later. Closing the door behind him and locking it as Stephanie reminded us we needed to be more aware of. "Wow, I did not expect all of that to workout!"
"I know! I just hope you're ready for a week of play." I winked at him before pushing him down onto the exam table in a passionate kiss.
SPOV
I spent the morning at my cubicle going over various business softwares to present to the core team at the end of the month. I found three potential options: the cheapest one did just the payroll, the middle tier option did payroll and digital scheduling, the highest one was all inclusive as we could keep employee paperwork filed, do payroll, and do all of the scheduling. I wasn't sure which one they would want to use so I prepared proposals for all three options. I'd have to get Hector to review the software for cybersecurity as well.
After lunch in the breakroom I made my way down to see Manny in the equipment room. I was going to stop in and see Ranger but they were still in their meeting. Manny was preparing for an install at a new Greek restaurant just outside the Burg. I offered to assist and helped him pull the remaining items together. We boxed everything and headed out. We split up the sensors and cameras and I headed outside to get started on the cameras in the front of the building.
I was trying to get the drill to reverse out of the cement when I heard someone walk up behind me. The drill slipped out and cut my hand before I managed to turn it off and climb down the ladder. I turned around to see Joe standing there.
"Hey Cupcake. I haven't seen you in a while. How have you been?"
"I told you not to call me that. Actually I believe I told you to leave me alone and never speak to me again." I gritted out of my teeth as I reached down and wrapped a towel around my hand.
"Oh come on Cupcake. You didn't really mean that. Why don't I come over tonight? I can bring meatball subs and we can watch the game then maybe spend some time in the bedroom? The boys miss you too, you know."
I cringed at his suggestion. "No thank you. Don't you have a girlfriend?"
"That doesn't matter. Come on, what do you say?" I looked at him quizzically then it dawned on me.
"Trying to find a reason to break up with her before Valentine's Day?" He growled before slamming down his cop face. "Joe, maybe you need to do some self reflection. Your almost 35 years old if you really want all those kids you always talk about wanting maybe it's time you stop screwing around, breaking up with your girlfriend before major events and holidays, and grow the fuck up."
"You're one to speak, what are you screwing everyone at Rangeman now. I heard Manoso's back I don't think he'd be too happy hearing his men have been using you this past month. I know all about your running around all over town with his men."
"Not that it's any of your business but, I have recently taken a full time position with the Rangeman and have been assisting them on jobs and getting properly trained this past month and I am not nor will I ever be Rangeman's slut. My heart belongs to Ranger so I suggest you move on with your life." His face got all red and puffy before he turned grumbling to himself a slew of Italian coming out of his mouth as he got in his car and drove off.
"Hey Manny!" I opened the door to the restaurant and called in for him.
"What's Up Wifey?" He saw the towel around my hand and quickly climbed down from the ladder he was on. Crossing the room in two strides he grabbed my hand and started applying more pressure. It must have been deeper than I thought since the blood started to come through the towel and the lights started to go out around me.
I woke up in a hospital bed in St. Francis with Ranger sitting by my bed holding my good hand.
"Babe." He leaned over and gently kissed my forehead. "The doctors stitched up your hand it was almost all the way through. What happened?"
I was still a little groggy but I was conscious enough to remember what happened. "I was installing the camera outside and Joe surprised me and the drill slipped." I saw Ranger's forehead get tense at the mention of Joe.
"Don't worry. I told him that he needed to give up on any hopes of a future he thought or thinks he might have with me. I also told him my heart belongs to you and only you Carlos." I gave him a weak smile as my face was still waking up.
"I love you too." I'm gonna go get the doctor so I can take you home. It's almost dinner time so I hope your still free to share a meal with me."
"Oh no!" I quickly backtracked as he looked at me with questions in his eyes. "I mean of course we can have dinner tonight. But I just remembered that my painting class is tonight. I mean I guess the stitches are in my left hand so I should be able to paint and write."
"Relax Babe. You can still go to your class. If you'll have me I can join you." I nodded at him accepting his answer. Ranger called the doctor in who gave me some care instructions which Ranger said he would give to Bobby. I wouldn't be able to do much training on anything that involved my hands but Ranger said that he would figure out what that meant for my competency exams and not to worry about it.
We got back to Haywood and had a wonderful chicken, rice, and seasonal vegetable dish that Ella had made. Then we got ready to head out to the community center. We got to the classroom and picked out two easels in the back so Ranger could keep his back to the rest of the room. The teacher was an older woman about my mom's age. She apparently took up painting after her husband passed away from cancer 20 years ago. Then after she retired from teaching elementary school she decided to switch gears and teach painting here a few times a week. This was her beginner class that would explore all types of paint mediums but she also taught advanced classes in different mediums.
Today she wanted to see where everyone was at so she put a picture of a beautiful sunset on the screen where the dark blue ocean met a skyline filled with orange, red, pink, and purple. She asked us all to utilize the acrylic paints she had set out at the front of the classroom. We got up and gathered the paints we wanted to use and returned to our small 5x5 canvases. Ranger said we should turn our easels away from each other so we could surprise one another.
About ten minutes from the end of the hour she asked us to put our brushes down so she could come around and see our work. As she was talking with the other students, me and Ranger showed each other our creations. I went first showing him a near replica to the picture on the screen. It turns out that I had a raw talent for blending colors and creating realistic features to the water and sun in the picture. Ranger looked at me seriously impressed which was echoed by the teacher as she had made it around to us.
Tanger went next and it took everything in me to keep from laughing as I looked at Ranger's painting. The colors were over blended and were creating a brownish yellow color. The water was okay but it didn't have any dimension to it as he had just painted it blue. In the corner it looked as if he had tried to add some birds but they just looked more like black smudges.
"Oh well dear it looks like we have some room for improvement here." The teacher said making some notes in her notebook before moving on to the next student.
"Wow I never thought I would be better at something than the infamous Ranger." I sing songed while poking him in the stomach.
"Watch where you put that Babe." He growled at me.
"How about you take me home and then you can put your fingers wherever you want" I leaned up and whispered in his ear. It wasn't a very good pick up line but I was hoping to pull the tiger's tail. He gathered our things, helping me slip on my coat before grabbing our paintings and rushing us out the door. I'm not even sure if the class was officially over but it didn't matter we were home and back in our bed within 15 minutes.