"So what exactly happened?" Roxie asked her brother, once he had called her the next day.
Spencer told her all about what had occurred doing dinner at Rossi Manor.
"So why did you not accept immediately. It sounds like a good opportunity to use some of your skills," Roxie told her brother once he was finished.
"Maybe," Spencer said. "Still, there's something suspicious about the situation."
"Like what?" Roxie asked in an exasperated tone.
"Well, for one thing Mr. Rossi sat me beside his daughter. It was as if he was trying to play matchmaker," Spencer explained.
"What's so suspicious about that, Spence?" Roxie asked with a raised eyebrow. "And don't you dare say that you're not good enough for this Michelle. That's our father talking. It's no wonder mother kicked him out as he was useless."
"You know I live simply for a reason Roxana," Spencer tried knowing that his words would only make his sister roll her eyes in exasperation.
"Spencer," Roxie sighed her exasperation clear. "You are wasting your life and your talents. I told you this on multiple occasions. You will not turn into William Reid if you have more money than necessary to live. You're not the greedy type at all like our father is. That man should be shot and acid poured over him while he's still alive for the ideas he gave you about yourself. Why in the hell did you bother to get all those degrees if you don't use them?"
"While that would be rather amusing to see our father squirming in agony we're not actually going to go and do that," Spencer said smiling. "We can certainly imagine it happening, but we can't actually do it as much is both of us might want to."
"Don't tempt me," Roxie said seriously. "I'm half convinced I should march into his office and give him a tongue lashing for what he did to all of us, but especially you."
"Just leave it alone Roxie," Spencer said. "You're not going to make a difference and you know it. Our father will always do exactly what he wants. He's been out of our lives for a long time now, though at least he sent child support payments for all of us while we were underage."
"I suppose that's something," Roxie said grudgingly. "So are you going to accept the offer?"
"I don't think so," Spencer said slowly. "There is no way I can work with Michelle without wanting her sexually and I don't see a relationship between us working out."
"Spencer!" Roxie yelled.
"Even if we got along and became friends I doubt that her father would approve of her hooking up with someone like me. I am nowhere near their social position or their wealth," Spencer added, but it was clear he didn't believe his own words, that he was just coming up with the excuses to not get involved with either Rossi.
For some reason he didn't understand he was very attracted to Michelle Rossi, but how could someone as sophisticated and wealthy as Michelle be interested in a guy like him? He was no one special. Sure he was moderately attractive and certainly not an ugly duckling, but someone like Michelle with money, connections, power and beauty to her name could do much better than him.
The thing was he'd had very vivid dreams of Michelle last night. It was as if his subconscious was trying to tell him something and while he was normally clueless when it came to emotions like love he understood what the dreams were trying to tell him. He wanted so badly to ask Michelle out on a date, but he was so afraid of rejection that he stopped himself. He just didn't see how someone as beautiful as Michelle could be interested in plain, old ordinary Spencer Reid. Besides, his point to his sister that David Rossi would likely never approve was also holding him back.
"And yet Rossi set you beside his daughter during dinner, so you're probably wrong about what he would do." Roxie said pointedly, bringing Spencer out of his thoughts. "If you are interested in this Michelle and she likes you to I don't understand why you don't ask her out. If she says no fine but you have to make an effort."
"Michelle should marry someone with their own money," Spencer's started to say, but then stopped at his sister's furious expression, which boded ill for whoever that was that had made her mad, in this case, that being himself.
He should know better than to say stuff like that to his sister who was only three years younger than him, as Roxie had certain ideas when it came to her brother. She was definitely more violently minded than he was. Spencer knew Roxie only wanted to protect him not only from his father, but from himself. His father had installed certain ideas into his head when he had been young and unfortunately with his memory they were very hard to shake.
"I'm going to go kill our father," Roxie said totally serious her blue eyes snapping furiously. "That bastard is still causing problems, even though he's been gone for years. Spencer listen to me and don't interrupt, understand?"
Spencer said nothing nodded and Roxie seemed satisfied. "You need to throw out everything William Reid ever taught to or you overheard, as it's nothing but verbal trash. You may share his DNA but that's about it really. If you deny yourself a possible chance at getting married and of having a family then I'm going to come up there and drag you to the psychologist by the ear. Well, either that, or rap you upside the head until you see things more clearly. William Reid installed so many of his own sick ideas of what he thought about you into your head it's a wonder you don't have a split personality.
"You have to know that most, if not all of the things he told you or you overheard are not in the least true. I want you to call and accept Rossi's offer, you hear me? It's clear that you're very interested, but your falling into the same old pattern of not wanting to put yourself out there in case you get hurt emotionally. There's nothing wrong with being wealthy so long as you use it in the right way. I know you fear you will turn into your father, become greedy and arrogant, but you have to see yourself the way others do. You do not share the greediness or uncaring attitude of our biological father.
"For one thing, you actually love and care about your family something that can't be said of our father. How many times did you help me, Rocco and Lynnette? Without being asked I might add. How many times did you put ointment on our bruises or our scrapes when mom wasn't available? How many times did you read us bedtime stories? Or offer to help us with our homework? That's what family does Spence, something that father never did, not even once. You always looked out for us, when mom was working. I understand why you feel you'll turn out to be just like him if you have to much money, but your personality is set as you're nearly 35."
"Yes, I'd like to help out with this charity but I don't think I could do it," Spencer said. "I could never hang around Michelle for long without revealing my feelings."
"Have you been listening to a thing I said, big brother?" Roxie said. "Are you going to make me come down there and grab you by the ear?"
"I'd rather you not thank you," Spencer said absentmindedly rubbing his ear where Roxie had grabbed it on several occasions to get him to listen.
"Then you listen and do as you're told," Roxie told him and her tone brooked no argument. "If I didn't believe that you'd be happy taking David Rossi up on his offer I would never force you into it, but you need to get out of your safe little world and take a chance. You'll be far happier if you do and that's the only thing I want for my brother."
"Alright fine," Spencer sighed in exasperation and frustration. "I'll do it."
"Good! You're to call me up and gave me regular reports, you understand? If you're not actually happy working with the Rossis then feel free to quit, but you at least have to give it a chance, understand?" Roxie told her brother fondly. "Also, you are to ask Michelle out on a date since you seem to really like her," Roxie added.
"What?" Spencer squeaked in shock. "I can't do that."
"And why the hell not?" Roxie asked her brother in an amused tone. "It's clear that you really like her, as I've already said just minutes ago. Don't you want a family of your own someday?"
"Sure, but I figured I'd never find anyone that would be willing to put up with all my quirks," Spencer admitted. Roxie knew that her brother really meant faults, but he didn't want to upset her again she was sure. "I'd love to give my mom some grandchildren."
"Everybody has quirks," Roxie told her brother firmly, "and yet, they still get married, they still have families. Just look at our father after all," Roxie added sarcastically. "Even those like William Reid have families, even if he failed when it came to being a real father."
"You have to know that's one reason I put off getting married, as I definitely don't want to emulate him," Spencer said.
"Spence? You are nothing like our father. Have faith and confidence in yourself and you'll be just fine. Don't make me contact mom over this, so she can give you a tongue lashing," Roxie warned her brother seriously.
Spencer winced at that as he knew very well that his mother Diana would indeed give him a tongue lashing and then she'd likely go to his father's office and give him one as well and rake her ex-husband over the coals. Since that would likely only get her in trouble with the law Spencer didn't want that to happen
"I'll call them then and let them know I accept their offer in a couple days," Spencer finally said
"Why wait so long. You might change your mind if you do that you know," Roxie told him.
"Because I told them that I'd let them know my answer within 48 to 72 hours, and it's barely been 24," Spencer answered.
"Spencer don't be an idiot. You are smarter than this. You know if you put it off you're going to change your mind. You go ahead and call the instant you get off with me, you understand?" Roxie all but ordered him. Her brother was a kind, intelligent man, but he could also be incredibly indecisive when it came to certain types of decisions.
Roxie cursed William Reid in her head as she knew who was responsible for that indecisiveness. She was tempted to go set his car on fire in revenge for what he had done to his own children, particularly Spencer, but knew doing so would only get her in trouble with the law. Still, she was very tempted to do just that to teach their no good father a lesson he wouldn't soon forget.
Spencer sighed and agreed to call David Rossi as soon as he hung up with his sister. Roxie was right he would likely change his mind if he waited too long. As for asking Michelle out...He wasn't sure he could do that, which he knew made him a coward, but he just couldn't see how someone as beautiful as David Rossi's daughter could be interested in someone like him and that was only if her father didn't object to a possible personal relationship. Something he considered a strong possibility at least. While David Rossi had been polite and even friendly during dinner he suspected that could change in an instant if you made him angry.
One thing Spencer didn't understand was why he had told them so much about his life, but for some reason he felt he could trust both of them. Still, it was rather surprising that he had told than anything at all about his childhood, as he usually didn't talk about it...at all. Also they had just met, so why he had felt the need to tell them so much...
He realized suddenly that his father had scarred him, even if those scars were internal and not external. That was what Roxie and his other two siblings had been telling him for years, but he had never really listened or at least it hadn't stuck in his brain. It was suddenly very clear, that his father had done him some damage, emotionally and mentally at least. Really, he had already known that, deep down, but had refused to acknowledge it.
Spencer's thoughts turned back to Michelle, who was gorgeous on the outside and so far didn't seem like a spoiled, rotten brat, though Spencer realized he was going to have to get to know her much better, before that could be determined with any certainty. She might just have been on her best behavior when he had shared dinner with them the other night. Of course, it was quite possible that she wasn't spoiled at all, but he supposed he would see, as she had to show her real personality sometime.
That Michelle wasn't married yet wasn't really that surprising, as 30 was quite young nowadays, but also as far as he knew Michelle hadn't been involved with anyone that David Rossi could possibly object to.
Spencer dialed David Rossi's number from memory, not even having to go into his contact list where it was saved
~~~Spencer and Michelle~~~
"I am so glad you finally accepted my job offer," Dave told Spencer as he was escorted into his home. "I didn't expect you to call so soon however."
"Blame my sister," Spencer said with a half smile, half grimace. "I called her to tell her how things had gone and we argued. Roxie definitely knows how to get under my skin and knows where to punch me where it hurts the most."
"I'm assuming that you don't mean physically punching," Dave said.
"No, but she sure does know how to punch me with her words. I know she's only looking after my welfare, but that doesn't mean that she can't be rather demanding and insistent, when she believes it's in my best interest," Spencer explained.
"So she's the one that convinced you to take me up on my job offer, at least for the time being," Dave interpreted.
"Yeah, she is," Spencer agreed.
"Well, I'm glad your sister has your best interest at heart," Dave said. "I feared that I'd have to do something more drastic get you to join this little project."
"I'm sure there are other people out there with my qualifications," Spencer said, even as they entered Dave's office
"Sure, there are, if I wanted to hire at least half a dozen different people instead of one," Dave said. "You don't realize how skilled you are Spencer, how special and unique. There is not one person I could find that had all your qualifications, especially no one as young as you are. Why hire half a dozen people and waste money when I can just hire one and save a bunch of money in the long run. Of course, if there was no one like you around then I would've hired those people."
"You don't need that many different people to set up a charity," Spencer said.
"Maybe not, but you do to run it," Dave said and then went into all he and Michelle would be doing. "Besides, I have other projects in mind that could use your talents as well."
"I'll agree to work on this charity thing and then we'll see," Spencer said.
What Spencer didn't tell Dave was what else Roxie wanted him to do and that was to ask the man's daughter for a date. Even if Michelle accepted he still couldn't see David Rossi approving of such a personal relationship, though maybe he was underestimating the man. He really didn't know much about the Rossis after all.
"I figured you would say that, so I had a contract drawn up where you only work on the charity. If or when you want a more permanent position just let me know," Dave offered.
Spencer read over the contract rapidly and then nodded. It was exactly what Dave had said and was only for a year. The pay was more than decent as well and was more than he was making currently at his other job.
Dave watched Spencer as he read the contract much faster then anybody else he had ever seen. It was apparently another talent of Spencer's. He was definitely impressed. As Spencer seemed to absorb everything he read in less then a minute. That was really some amazing talent that his future son-in-law had. He was looking forward to having grandchildren, but he knew he had to be patient.
"This is only for a year," Spencer pointed out think it was some kind of mistake.
"That's how long I think it will take to get it running smoothly," Dave explained innocently. "Of course, if you want to continue after the year is up then all you have to do is tell me. I don't want to put you under too much obligation until I'm sure that this is what you want."
"Well, that's rather enlightened of you, Mr. Rossi," Spencer said in surprise. "I certainly don't know any other bosses that would go out of their way like this."
"I'm sure you've heard that I'm different from most bosses," Dave replied.
"Yes, I have heard some rumors," Spencer said. "Still, you have to take that kind of gossip with a grain of salt, since people tend to exaggerate them or get them wrong entirely with too many retellings."
"True," Dave agreed. "It's unusual to hear such wisdom from one so young."
"I'm nearly 35 Mister Rossi, even if I know I don't look it," Spencer informed him simply. "My birthday is in a couple months."
"I apologize, that comment was rather on called for," Dave admitted sheepishly. He tended to forget sometimes that everybody was young compared to him, but being young did not preclude being wise.
"It's okay," Spencer promised him. "I take no offense, because I know how young I still look. I just have one of those faces that seems ageless."
Spencer read the contract over again just to make sure he hadn't missed anything, then signed on the dotted line with the pen that Dave handed him.
"Excellent! I'll make sure I get you a copy of this for your own records, while I keep the original," Dave promised. "Welcome to Rossi Industries. Michelle is looking forward to working with you, even if that's only for the next year and I'm looking forward to having you around often for the next few weeks at least."
"I assumed you'd give us an office in one of your buildings to work together in," Spencer said again surprised.
"We could do that if you really want to," Dave said. "I just thought that you'd work easier with less distractions here. I do a lot of my work right here in this office. The problem with an office in some building I own, is those places tend to be busy. There'd be people talking on their communicators walking back and forth past your office. You'd be able to hear the noise from people that were close to you in other offices."
"I know how to block out things like that," Spencer said, "but if you really don't mind it might be easier to work here."
What Spencer didn't say was that he could get away from Michelle if he needed to before he did something stupid if he was here in the Rossi home, but there would be no way to get away from her if they shared the same office, except to leave the building completely.
He didn't think he could stand being so close to the woman he was already in love with if they shared an office, no matter how large. It was going to be hard enough to concentrate with her delicious scent wafting up his nose and them brushing against each other accidentally. He was going to have to have a will of iron in order to resist Michelle until the project was done. After it was, he might sign another contract with Rossi for something a bit more permanent depending if he was going to encounter his daughter on a regular basis. He knew he wouldn't be able to resist Michelle forever, probably because he didn't really want to.
"Splendid!" Dave exclaimed. "I'll set you up a space of your own where you and Mellie can work in peace. There is plenty of room in this house, believe me. Now, that that's settled you're welcome to stay for lunch, but if you have other plans then that's okay too."
"I wouldn't want to impose," Spencer said a little hesitatingly. "I've taken up enough of your time, as I'm sure you have very important things to be doing."
"Not really," Dave told Spencer. "I do take days off to relax. The only piece of business I had planned for today has just been completed."
Spencer knew that Rossi meant himself and the contract he had just signed, which had taken no more than half an hour.
"I was actually planning on taking a swim, in the pool, that's a couple levels down," Dave added and watched Spencer's eyes go wide in amazement.
"You actually have a pool inside your home?" Spencer asked.
"Yes, it's very convenient," Dave said. "We're also members of a country club and while the water is clean in the pool it's not exactly private. There's always a ton of people there, except early in the morning. None of my family always has time to go to the club and take a swim before coming home. Of course, it's still used regularly."
Spencer was trying not to blink in astonishment at what he was hearing. On the other hand, he knew the lives of the idle rich were different from other people, though he supposed the time idle didn't apply to David Rossi, as it was clear that he worked to expand his holdings, which gave thousands of people jobs.
"You're welcome to join me for that swim if you like," Dave suggested with the distinct twinkle in his eyes.
"Oh, no, I wouldn't want to disturb your afternoon swim," Spencer denied. "Besides, I don't have any swim trunks. I don't even own a pair, since I never go swimming anymore. I haven't been swimming in years."
"I believe we can take care of that," Dave said with a mischievous smile.
Spencer looked confused at what Dave meant, but finally realized that Dave was talking about sending someone out to buy him some swim trunks. "That's okay Mr. Rossi I don't necessarily need to use the pool, though it's nice of you to offer."
Dave said nothing, but was already determined had to buy a few pairs of swim trunks in Spencer's size for whenever he came over to work with Mellie. He hoped that Spencer would soon become a permanent residence once he got together with his daughter. Of course, he knew that getting Spencer and Mellie together was not exactly a sure thing.
"If you're sure you don't mind I think I will join you for lunch," Spencer said after a few minutes. "The dinner I had here was excellent."
"I'll give your congratulations to the chef," Dave said.
"You do that, as he really is an excellent cook," Spencer said.
~~~Spencer and Michelle~~~