Plain Jane.

(A/N: So this was published last night but when I reviewed it, I realized the whole chapter didn't publish (~TT-TT)~ My internet was wonky but no biggie! Here we are - officially! I hope you guys have some laughs with this story and enjoy some cameos from one of my favorite characters from an author friend! Her inkitt name is Bel and she wrote 'Love In The Darkness.' It's a really juicy story - check it out! Bel, if you are REREADING this, thank you for all the wonderful ideas and for allowing me to use one of your beloved characters for this chapter. God bless and until next time!)

Plain Jane. That's what the workplace dubbed her. She was as plain as the color white or toast without butter. Dressed with fitting slacks and a turtleneck, she wasn't anything extraordinary. Her face was simple with no makeup aside from a little eyeliner and mascara. Her attire and hair were styled practically; tightly pulled up in a neat bun.

She sat at her desk, typing some replies to clients on behalf of her boss. Black rectangular glasses sat in their place on her face, covering her brown eyes. The frames looked more suited to a male's face. On her, they made her seem all the more plain.

All in all, Jane Blair was very average.

Average weight, average height, average hair color...so plain, but Jane liked it that way. Being plain suited her fine - it made it easier to do her job and get paid. 'Plain Jane' suited her very well.

Taking a break from typing emails, Jane looked over some cases her boss had coming up. Usually, this wouldn't be in her job description but Jane's boss was a bit carefree at times.

Ricky Evens was the boss around here. He started the law firm from the ground up and since then, he's been climbing up the ladder quite smoothly. It was partially thanks to his studious nature that came out when on a case. The rest of his success was due to his secretary. Thanks to her, Ricky could enjoy some leisure - especially after winning his cases.

Although that did come at a price.

"Congratulations are in order sir." Jane didn't need to stop her work to greet her boss. She could smell the Versace cologne he wore and hear the taps of his Testoni leather shoes.

It always amazed Ricky how his secretary could just sense his presence. Since she first joined the firm, he had yet to catch her unaware and it made him briefly wonder if she was psychic. That or she had planted a micro-chip in him via the coffee she served. Either way, it spooked him when she knew he was behind her.

"Thank you, Janie." Ricky coughed awkwardly, brushing off the brief paranoia in favor of a more realistic worry.

Jane's eyebrow twitched at the unprofessional nickname her boss gave her. Janie sounded childish. Other than the disproving frown, Jane didn't scold Ricky for it.

Ricky on the other hand continued standing there, awkwardly staring as she worked. She knew why he didn't just head into his own office but made no comment. This part always unnerved her boss, she knew it, but she didn't care. If anything, striking fear in her boss amused her to no end.

Ricky was every woman's dream - aside from Jane. Seeing the man who can make plenty of women into melted cream squirm like a frightened child before her - pleased her to no end.

"Ms, Blair," Ricky swallowed the lump in his throat. Times like this, he wished his secretary was easy to talk to.

"Yes?" Jane continued clacking away on her keyboard.

"My colleagues and I will be celebrating our victory with this case tonight..."

"So you plan on getting stupid drunk again?" Intense brown eyes finally met her boss's green eyes, challengely. Jane regretfully recalled the last victory her boss celebrated. He had vomited all over her passenger seat - the stench barely went away last week. "Is that why you're still in my sight? You want me to babysit you again boss."

Ricky had to repress a shiver of fear. Steeling himself, he tried to assure her, "I'm not planning on that...again but just in case...could you be on standby? I don't want to make a scene again..." 'Don't show weakness. Don't show weakness. Don't show weakness.' He chanted mentally.

Ricky swore his secretary was some sort of predatory cat in her past life - maybe a lioness or something of the sort. Still, he forced himself to stare into the eyes of the beast, which somehow seemed more intimidating the longer he stared. Part of him wanted to just apologize to Jane and escape her burning glare.

"This time, I expect to receive an overpay." Jane repressed a smirk at the dumbfounded look on her boss.

"Huh?" Ricky sheepishly blurted.

"Don't 'huh' me." His secretary mocked. "You act like I didn't have plans today." Usually, she didn't but her boss didn't need to know that. Also, ironically she did have plans for tonight - she was going to eat out with a friend. "Since I have to cancel my plans, I might as well make it worth my time. Also, I'll be technically working off the clock and last time I didn't ask for any compensation. Even when you barfed all over my seat."

'Make it up to me.' It was practically an order Ricky couldn't deny. He should have seen this coming but still, he whimpered. His wallet was definitely going to feel this in the morning.

That's how Jane the Plain ended up at a bar that cops and lawyers frequented, staring bored as her boss mingled. His boisterous laugh clanked off the walls, joined by his friends and females who obviously lusted after Ricky.

Of course, the ladies would drool over a man like Ricky Evens. He's a typical male lead. He was tall, olive-skinned, and fit with shiny copper hair and beautiful green eyes that reminded girls of spring. All in all, Ricky was pretty hot and successful to boot so who wouldn't want to bag him?

Jane couldn't see the attraction. In her eyes, Ricky was loud-mouthed, clingy, and immature. He looked fit but Jane can testify that he could be pathetically weak. He was also over the top with things and that attracted him way too much attention than needed.

'Others can chase him - just leave me out of it.' She scoffed into her cup. All Jane wanted was for the night to be over so she could get paid and sleep. With the extra cash, she would be able to afford to treat her beloved nephew soon. Also, there were some books she had her eyes on at her favorite store.

"Jack Daniels on the rocks, please." A familiar voice pulled Jane out of her planning. She made eye contact with the voice's owner.

"Ms. Blair." Benjamin Turner, a attorney from another firm greeted. He smiled brightly at the brunnet but the joy didn't reach his eyes.

Jane politely waved. "Mr. Turner."

Turner was a respectable man and a great attorney. He and Ricky had battled each other in court on a few occasions; each one either prosecuting or defending their clients. Jane had met him on such occasions and found Benjamin calming to be around. It was a drastic contrast from her boss, Ricky.

From what Jane observed, Turner also was quite diligent in his work. Hearing him plead his cases showcased the kind of talent he held within the law. Last but not least, the man was simple but elegant in his choice of wardrobe, which could mean he was great at managing his money. If Jane were to be interested in ANY man, Benjamin would fit her preference.

"If you're here, that must mean Mr. Evens is here as well." Benjamin didn't need an answer from Jane since Ricky's obnoxious laugh rang out, confirming his assumptions. "Sorry." He half-joked, figuring Jane would be the one driving her boss home. He thanked the bartender for the drink and took a sip.

"Sorry to you as well." Blair sipped on her virgin pina colada. "You don't look like a 'Jack Daniels' sort of guy." She indicated to his drink upon noticing his questioning gaze. "Not to mention you suck at faking a smile. Something must have gone sideways for you today. I'm sorry for that."

Having a technical stranger read him point-blank, stunned the attorney. Heck, his OWN secretary didn't even realize how down he felt today. Part of him oddly felt touched that this lady could see through him - the other part felt really spooked. Maybe she was psychic?

Well, there was no point in hiding it. "Don't be sorry." Benjamin sighed, taking another sip of his drink. Life hasn't been going well lately, at least in his dating life. His first girlfriend shot him for breaking up with her. Now, his current girlfriend was acting crazy over every little thing. He brought her everything she wanted, but nothing was good enough for her.

He felt small because of that...like he wasn't good enough. What more could he do? "Ms. Blair?"

"Yes?"

Tentatively, Benjamin asked, "You're a female...out of curiosity, what would make you leave a guy you were dating - Hypothetically!"

'So he was dumped.' Jane kept that thought to herself. The man already seemed embarrassed by his own question. Carefully pondering this, Jane replied. "A few things maybe. If the guy cheated on me, talked down to me; hit me, or had a lack of self-control." Those were just a few things.

Those weren't the answer Benjamin wanted to hear. His face fell slightly and he sighed. "Those are great reasons but then... what's wrong with me?" He mumbled the last part but his drinking companion caught it.

"Why did she leave you?" Jane asked curiously, shocking Mr. Turner.

It felt weird sharing something so personal with his rival's employee. Maybe the drink was somewhat impairing his judgment. Still, it felt good to have someone who would listen, especially when his best friend was busy with his own love life.

"I don't know, honestly. I treated her right; never raised my voice. Anything she desired, I brought her, and those things were expensive!" What more could he have done?

"Then she's a fool and so are you." Jane smiled into her glass. She wanted to laugh at the look on Benjamin's face.

"What!?" How was he the fool?!

Jane clarified. "She's a fool for dropping you, and you're a fool for blaming yourself for this breakup. Mr. Turner, you seem like a great man and a kind one at that. You care deeply for those you love, so stop foolishly blaming yourself for a silly girl's decision." 'That's right, a girl - not a woman. A woman wouldn't let a man like Benjamin get away'

Oddly enough, Jane could see her best friend taking a liking to this lawyer. She should really call her friend when she gets the chance. Maybe she could set the two up?

Benjamin wasn't so sure how he should take that. If he should be offended or flattered. Good thing he didn't have to make the choice. "JANIE!" Ricky sprung up to the two, interrupting their peaceful conversation. "Dance with me, Janie! You look like such a loner here."

Before she could react, Jane was pulled off her stool and spun around. Benjamin watched the strangeness unfold, feeling sorry for the female secretary. How Ricky treated her, could be considered harassment. 'She could make a pretty penny if she sues,'

Jane, on the other hand, was getting irritated. Her boss's breath reeked heavily of alcohol - enough to make her want to vomit. Also, he got too touchy when intoxicated like this. That's another reason why women mistakenly assumed they had a thing with Ricky.

This was her cue that it was time to go. Benjamin watched, quite shocked, as Jane wrapped an arm around her boss's neck. On the other side of where they stood, it would've seemed like a romantic embrace of sorts. That was until Ricky paled and hunched forward with a groan.

Upon closer examination, Turner could see Jane's fist uncurl to join its sibling to prevent Ricky from falling. "Oh my, look at that." Jane flatly stated. "My boss isn't feeling well." Truth is, she punched the wind out of him. Turning to her companion, she asked for help taking Ricky to her car.

With the two of them, it was easy dragging the attorney's body and sitting him in the front seat. Ignoring his whimpers of pain, Jane buckled her boss in and positioned his head in case he puked. She may not like her boss but if he choked on his vomit, she'll be out of a job.

"I apologize for his behavior," Jane faced Benjamin again. "And thank you for helping me." That's how the night ended.

Ricky woke up the next day with a massive headache and an even massive stomach ache. It felt as if Jane had rammed him with her car - twice. He tried to think back to the night. He remembered the drinking game he had with his friends before he noticed Jane talking to someone at the bar. After that, the memories are nonexistent.

On the nightstand next to his bed was a cup of coffee and some Tylenol, with a letter that read:

You weren't feeling well towards the end of the night. You kept complaining about your stomach too. There's some soup on the stove that you can reheat. Have a nice day, boss. - Jane.