Line, shadow, stroke, texture.
And then the phone rings, crashing my flight. "Clay Mantlees office." I bark as I finish the sketch. I transfer the call and continue back into my world, reminding myself the reason I'm here is to pay my bills.
"On company time?" the voice rings above me.
I look up and see Thea standing there, smiling. What a beautiful smile. She leans over the desk to see my sketches.
"I like the blue."
The blue linen shirt is basic enough but I reduced the collar so it's more formal. The classic American cut with a Japanese influence. If Thea likes simple design, does she like her women like that as well?
"Can I see more?"
For you, anything. I flip through the various pages, showing her my collection of drawings and sketches. She stares them down, her eyes unwavering.
"Would you mind I showed these to someone?"
"Look," I respond. "I appreciate it, but I don't want to get fired. I'm a secretary."
"Obviously, you're not. "
"I was hired to be a secretary. They'll-"
At that moment Thea reached forward and took my sketch pad. I was about to say something when she put her finger to her lips, motioning for me to be quiet.
I paused. She was so darn cute about it I didn't care if she showed them to Pat Buchanan. Down the hallway she went, disappearing around a corner.
The phone had been ringing but I didn't' hear it until the 4th chime. I reached for it but it had already been sucked into voice mail.
"Who was it?" yells my boss from inside his office.
'Satan. Your place in Hell has been confirmed' is what I wanted to say. "Sorry," I respond. "I went to the bathroom. I'm checking it now."
I punch the appropriate buttons and discover whoever it was didn't leave a message.
I knew my boss would think I missed the call from Ralph Lauren. I lie and report "Louisa from the mailroom. She dialed wrong."
He muttered something and I returned to alphabetizing his file.
Who did Thea give my book too?
I didn't care who it was as long as he or she could find me a new job.
