Yes, yes, yes, Norah shouted in her head as soon as she was back in her vehicle. She had tried her best to act mature and not like a nervous wreck, which she thought she had pulled off pretty well considering, except for the fact of bringing up Jerry Coke her boss. Luckily, she wouldn't be working for him much longer. She was hoping the situation at the Hotchner estate would be totally different from her current work environment. She loved her job at the Hotchner nursery and if it wasn't for Coke she could've stayed there for the next 30 years and been happy.

She should've kept her mouth shut there, even if it Hotchner hadn't seemed upset.

She hoped she hadn't made a bad impression. Complaining about one of Hotchner's employees, especially her superior, was not the way to impress him, even if it was the truth.

Norah worried her lower lip a little as she set the car on autopilot as she didn't want to drive right now. The car rose gently into the air and started driving towards it's set destination.

No, she had still been hired, though she wasn't sure she believed it until the contract came through on her link or her computer. She wasn't going to tell anyone until Aaron Hotchner's signature was on the contract along with her own only then would she contact anyone or start to believe it.

Norah worried as the car drove, worried that the interview and the easy conversation hadn't been real, Hotchner had been so understanding about her not wanting to reveal who the predator in his organization was. She wondered if Hotchner was really going to do his own investigation.

He seemed honest and truthful, so he probably was going to have one of his people investigate though she doubted she would hear about it or the conclusions of that investigation.

Her auto dash rang saying she had a call.

"Computer answer call," Norah said.

"Hi honey, just wanted to see how you were doing," came the voice of her mother as well as her picture on the screen.

"I'm fine mom. In fact, I just interviewed for a new position one with a considerable increase in pay," Norah told her mother.

"That's wonderful honey," Irene said. "So do you think you got it?"

"Don't really know mom, I just came from there. I'll know in a day or two I'm sure," Norah said fudging the truth a little, as she didn't want to get her mother all excited until she was absolutely sure that Hotchner wouldn't reject her, just because she had mentioned her problem with someone at work. Most bosses didn't want to hear about one of their employees problems not unless there was a lawsuit or something over it, one that directly affected them. Most bosses expected you to solve such problems yourself and didn't seem to care when you couldn't because it happened to be the manager of the whole nursery who could fire you if he cared too. Of course, Coke would have to come up with a reason for it, though making one up wouldn't be too hard she was sure. She suspected that Coke would just expect her to go quietly and not cause a big stink. If her boss really believed she'd go quietly then he didn't know anything about her at all.

"You call me the instant you know, understand?" Irene demanded. "I'm kind of surprised that this happened so soon as you're only 30, honey."

"Yeah, I know I was kind of surprised to, especially since I didn't put in for any new position," Norah agreed.

"So where is this position?" Irene asked.

"Still, in New York at the Hotchner estate," Norah explained.

"Wow! This is really mega!" Irene exclaimed using her younger daughter's expression.

Her younger sister Rose was still in college, but was graduating this year.

"Yes, it is and I was kind of surprised to be contacted," Norah admitted.
"So Hotchner needed a new gardener?"

"A new head gardener," Norah told her mother excitement beginning to take over her a normal calm tone. "I'll have seven under gardeners as the gardens are quite extensive and from what I could see, as I drove up the long drive absolutely gorgeous. The other head gardener was leaving because of a family emergency."

"That's great honey. I hope you get it," Irene told her daughter. "Your father will be so happy for you."

"I'll let you know," Norah promised.

"You make sure you do," Irene told her mock severely. "This is a really big moment for you, so I want all the details as soon as possible."

"You'll get them as soon as I do," Norah promised before she hung up.

~~~Aaron and Norah~~~

"So you escorted Ms Greenway out yourself," Derek said.

"So what if I did?" Aaron shot back seeming unconcerned at Derek's question.

"Oh, nothing really, just that it's pretty unusual," Derek said. "You usually call me to escort whoever it is back to the elevator that's all."

"What exactly are you implying Derek," Aaron asked with a neutral expression.

"Nothing really," Derek said with a shrug. "Just that've you've been alone for a long time."

Aaron knew exactly what his old friend was implying.

"I won't say I'm not attracted to her, because you'd know I was lying. I've always preferred blondes something you know very well," Aaron said finally. "We'll see where it goes, but I'm not about to rush into anything. She'll need a chance to settle into her job for one thing and learn the grounds. She might see it as a conflict of interest if I go that route, considering that technically, I'll be her boss."

"That's a very good point," Derek said.

"I won't force her into having a relationship with me if it makes her uncomfortable. We wouldn't want people talking about the fact that she got a job because she's having sex with the boss. You know it wouldn't matter the real truth," Aaron said.

"Another point," Derek admitted.

"I can handle any media exposure and also sue them six ways to Sunday if necessary, but as for Ms. Greenway neither one of us have any idea how much she'd be willing to put up with from the media or from other people. People who would only call her a gold digger who only married me for my money. I can stand the heat, but can she? That's a question we'll need answered before or if we get seriously involved."
"From Penelope's research Ms. Greenway isn't used to being in the media. She's basically a nonentity to them," Derek said.

"Which will change if she gets involved with me," Aaron said. "We'll see where it goes. I'm willing to put up with a lot of crap, but it's also not just my decision."

"Well, I suppose, we'll see," Derek said finally.

"Yes, we will. We are both just going to have to be patient," Aaron said. "Now, I had better get my lawyers on that contract for Ms Greenway."

"By the way, when I reviewed the security disc she was drooling over your collection of cars in the garage, she looked very reluctant to pull herself away, so that might be a point of interest that you share. I wouldn't go buying her a car though until you're sure you'll relationship is solid," Derek mentioned

"So she's in car enthusiast then," Aaron said looking pleased. "Which means she won't object whenever I buy a new one."

"I wouldn't get to excited, Aaron, as you need to convince her to be your girlfriend, as that's the first step. Don't get ahead of yourself and ruin your chances," Derek told his friend.

"Thanks for the information Derek I'll make sure I'm careful in winning over the lovely Norah," Aaron promised.

Derek took that as a dismissal that was and left Aaron to his business.

Derek couldn't help, but hope that a relationship worked out between Aaron and Norah Greenway, as he knew his old friend had been lonely for sometime now. He could have any woman he wanted at the snap of his fingers, but he didn't want anyone that was just going to throw themselves at him at least not on a permanent basis. Those women might be good for one night stands but nothing else. Derek couldn't blame Aaron for being far too choosy in who he wanted to date. He deserved to be happy and there were a lot of con artists not to mention other shysters out there. He just wanted his friend as happy as he was with Penelope. He and Penny hd been married for several years, though their were no children as of yet. He had been blissfully happy ever since he had given into his feelings and he knew that Aaron had been happy for them as well. Their wedding gift from him had been a honeymoon to the colonies on the moon, someplace he knew that Penny had always wanted to visit.

Once his friend was gone Aaron sat back in his chair, a genuine leather deal and contemplated his meeting with Norah Greenway. Derek was right about one thing and that was she was very attractive, with her blond hair and blue eyes. Her causal clothes had hardly concealed her figure and she oozed a sexuality that she seemed to have no idea about. He had always preferred blonds something Derek knew and Norah was hardly plain or unappealing. In fact, because she didn't act like she was better than anybody not in his social strata just made her rather more appealing then not. He had dated plenty of nice women over the years, not just those that were shallow or full of themselves, but some with depth and personality. He had never fallen truly in love though, but that might be about change.

~~~Aaron and Norah~~~

"Look at this!" Norah told her best friend excitedly, thrusting out her communicator for her friend to see.

"What's this?" JJ asked, as she took the communicator from Norah's hand.

Jennifer Jareau was a very pretty woman with long blond hair and baby blue eyes just like Norah, though her body was differently shaped. She was of average height and slender.

JJ worked at one of the premier news stations in the city, which was also owned by Aaron Hotchner. Of course Aaron Hotchner owned at least half the city so it wasn't surprising they both ultimately worked for the same man, even if not directly.

"Is this a contract?" JJ asked blinking as she read it from the screen of Norah's communicator.

"Yes, it is," Norah grinned happily. "I had kind of a meeting with Aaron Hotchner today, though I didn't know it was an interview. His secretary called me and requested I come."

"Did you apply for any other job?" JJ asked and Norah shook her head

"No, I didn't and there was no advertisement in the paper. On the other hand, I can understand Mr. Hotchner's point of view. He would've had people lining up outside his front gates had he put an advertisement in the paper and a lot of them might not have had the proper qualifications for the job, which would have been a waste of Hotchner's valuable time."

"So what's his position for?" JJ asked.

"Head gardener," Norah answered. "Apparently, the other one had to leave for a family emergency."

"Why doesn't he just promote one of his other gardeners, as he's bound to have at least half a dozen. I've heard the ground on his estate are quite extensive," JJ questioned. "I would love to see them someday I've heard they're gorgeous."

"He explained that none of them are ready to be promoted. He said a few of them have no imagination and the rest don't have enough experience or the proper qualifications."

"So why hire you?" JJ asked puzzled. "I don't mean that as insulting, but you're just one cog in a vast empire. I wouldn't even think he'd know you exist. While you're good at what you do, it's not like you have enough of a reputation to be noticed by someone like Aaron Hotchner."

"That's exactly what I told him too," Norah said with a smirk. "He told me that he had his computer expert go through his employee files, as he has access to those as technically we are his employees. He said he had her stick to Manhattan, Brooklyn and New Jersey at least to start."

"So you're saying if he hadn't found anyone in those areas he would've expanded his search," JJ said and Norah nodded. "He said he started with the employee files because that was easier. Of course, he would have expanded if he had too."

"Exactly," Norah agreed.

"But he chose you out of all the other applications," JJ said amazed.

"There was only three ahead of me. I'm sure he had a list of at least 50, but thought I fit the requirements, so told me I was hired. I'm to start in two weeks, as that supposedly gives me time to turn in my resignation at my other job and let's them find someone else. That's only if I sign the contract, which I haven't done as yet."

"Well, this is great news," JJ said finally, excited for her friend. "So are you going to sign this contract or not?"

"I want you to go over it first, as you have more experience with contracts then I do and make sure there's nothing in there that's going to get me in trouble. You know the kind of stuff I mean," Norah explained.

"Yeah I do," JJ agreed. "You don't really expect there to be do you?"

"Of course not," Norah said, "but I'd be an idiot not check or have somebody else do it."

"True," JJ conceded. "I'm not a lawyer though."

"Still, you should spot any funny business. He said he'd pay me triple to what I make now so make sure the amount is correct," Norah said.

"Wow! That's quite an increase in pay," JJ said blinking.

"Yes, which is one reason I accepted so fast. If I told him I had to think about it he would have interviewed other applicants and probably hired someone else. As far as I know, he's as honest as they come. There hasn't never been a single whisper of anything shady."

"That doesn't mean that there aren't some skeletons in his closet," JJ said.

"I know," Norah agreed. "Still, this is my dream job and I'm going to at least give it a try. Besides, this will get me away from Coke."
"That's true," JJ agreed soberly.

"If it wasn't for Coke making those unwanted and unencouraged advances I would've been happy at the Hotchner Nursery for the rest of my life," Norah said.

"So he hasn't quit bothering you?" JJ asked.

"No, in fact, he's nearly cornered me a couple of times," Norah shivered. "I barely managed to slip away."

"And one of these days, he probably is going to manage to corner you," JJ said and Norah nodded in agreement.

"Exactly," Norah agreed. "I'll be lucky if he doesn't sexually molest me at least, as that's his purpose after all, as what's the point of trying to corner someone like me, someone who is basically a nobody, if that wasn't his intention?"

"Then he'll probably warn you to be quiet as no one would believe you if you told," JJ said also shivering at the scenario. "That's how men like him operate."

"He could threaten to fire me on some trumped up cause, make sure that I never work in any nursery owned by Aaron Hotchner again. He'll put the word out that I'm a troublemaker, that I'm not worth the trouble of interviewing and you know how people are."

"Most people will believe the gossip and most of them won't bother to look for the truth," JJ said soberly. "I'm actually glad you're getting out of that situation, by starting to work for Aaron Hotchner. That's bound to be a better situation than the one you're caught in."

"And the raise in pay is more than decent," Norah added.

"I'll say!" JJ agreed. "The contract seems okay," JJ said finally as she read the whole thing slowly on the communicator screen and then read it a second time just to make sure she hadn't missed anything. "You still might want to take it to your lawyer though, as I'm hardly a professional."

"If you say it's okay, then it's okay," Norah told for friend. "I hate to waste the money on a lawyer just for them to tell me the same thing. You have experience with all types of contracts."

"Well, I can't blame you for not wanting to waste the money. After all, who knows if this job is going to work out?" JJ said.

"That's not actually what I'm worried about," Norah admitted. "I'm worried about getting into a similar situation like with Coke. If anybody dares try to molest me I will report them and that's a promise. I'll be the one in charge after all and the others will be underlings, even if they've been there longer. I'll have that authority. I'm just hoping I can work in peace, without anybody trying to back me into a corner so they can molest me."

"I'm sure there's cameras everywhere so it'll probably be caught on video if that happens," JJ said.

"It would be just my luck if one of them backs me into the one corner that doesn't have a camera close enough to catch what happened," Norah said cynically. "After all, they'll know the grounds better than I will at least at first."

"Don't be so pessimistic," JJ said, though she could really blame her friend either, considering what she had endured from her current boss Mr. Coke.

Norah simply gave her a look and JJ sighed. "You're right, you have a right to be pessimistic considering. I'm just trying to encourage you to not automatically paint all you're underlings as like Coke or even the big man himself."

"I won't," Norah promised. "There has to be at least one bad apple in such a vast empire, I know that."

"Probably more than one," JJ agreed. "After all, Hotchner employs thousands of people."

"Tens of thousands," Norah agreed. Norah signed the contract electronically and looked up. "I'll send it right away. It should reach him in just a few seconds."

"I would go ahead and send it," JJ told her seriously. "The sooner you get away from Coke the happier I'll be."

"You and me both," Norah agreed fervently. "I think I'll just resign and not to go back, even though I'm supposed to give them two weeks notice. I'll just take some of my vacation time."

"That's probably smart," JJ decided. "Why give Coke another chance to try to corner you?"

"Why do you think I'm going to do it that way," Norah said. "I might not be so lucky once he knows I'm leaving. I'm sure he believes he has plenty of time to try to corner me. What a creep! People like him don't need to be in positions of authority."

"He doesn't know you very well then," JJ said. "You'd put in a report at least and that'd at a minimum."

"I'd sue his ass off is what I'd do," Norah said seriously.

"It's just as well you're leaving then as you have no proof unless it was caught on camera," JJ said.

"Did I mention I'd be wearing one of those micro cameras. Mom didn't raise any stupid daughters I promise you. Coke would never know what hit him as all I have to do is show him the recording and he'd back off, as that would be the smart thing to do. Coke isn't stupid, just persistent."

"That's actually a really good idea," JJ laughed. "He might say it's a fake, but I bet you it would still make him sweat and back off. You can make a copy and put the original in a safety deposit box. You can still do that if anybody on the Hotchner estate causes you trouble."

"That would be the whole point and yes, it's still a viable option, but hopefully, I won't have to use it," Norah said with a smirk.

~~~Aaron and Norah~~~