Daddy Issues

“Where are my portfolios?!” Sue Raymond yelled walking into the Human Resource Department of her publication company, Ray Publishings. “Do I have to fire someone?”

“Here you are Miss Raymond.” A lanky boy who looked to be in his early twenties handed her a stack of folders, timidly. He looked up cautiously at Sue, seeking approval. She looked down at him sternly and he flushed and scurried away. Sue was very beautiful despite her harsh nature. Her employees were often intimidated by more than just her stern demeanor.

“Finally,” She skimmed through the files while walking back down the hall to exit the office. Employees parted like the red sea, so she had no trouble traversing the halls. On her way out she called back without looking up. “Henry, my office now.”

*******

David Henry squirmed in the chair opposite Sue in her grand, plain, white office. He felt an uncomfortable heat despite the 17 degrees Celsius air conditioning unit running. He watched Sue flip through the remaining folders of applicants for the position of head of the Romance Publishing Department. His eyes darted from her perfectly angular face to the folders and back. She was in no way overshadowed by the grand dark oak desk that spanned the space between them. The tenacious air of superiority around her could never go unnoticed. David squared his shoulders and straightened his spine. He had been building up the courage to pop the question for some time now. He was a good enough looking guy; shaggy blond hair, nicely built, blue eyes; a pretty boy.

“Miss Raymond, would you allow me to take you out?”

“No.” Surprise went as quick as it came to David and was swiftly replaced with disappointment.

“Have Jackie set up interviews with him, her, her, him and her, for later this week.” She placed the five acceptable folders in front of him and discarded of the rest seeming unfazed. It was as if he never spoke. David muttered a nearly inaudible yes ma’am and plod out the office.

Not long after David left, Sue’s secretary came in announcing the arrival of her brother, Mark. “Should I let him up?” Jackie asked. She was never sure what to do with Miss Raymond. For the sake of keeping her job, she figured it was always safe to ask.

“Tell him I’m busy. I have a lot of work and I don’t have time right now to listen to his pleas on behalf of my sperm donor.” Stoic, Sue spoke dismissively.

“Gee sis’ I see the love is as strong as ever. ” Mark pushed passed Jackie, stepped into the office and plopped down on the chair where David once sat. Jackie gave Sue an apologetic look and waited, hopeful that she wouldn’t get in trouble. Sue just sighed and waved Jackie away. “You know, your employees are terrified of you.”

“I know, and I prefer it that way. They’re less likely to disappointment me.” Sue stated as a matter of fact. “If you’re here to try to get me to go see that man again, you might as well leave now because it’s not going to happen.” Sue spoke calmly. There was no resentment in her voice, no remorse, no nothing. She’d long since locked those emotions in her skeleton closet and threw away the key.

“It wouldn’t kill you to go visit him just once, he is your father after all.” Mark tried to reason with her.

“On the contrary, he’s your father not mine. He’s made that clear on countless occasions.”

“And he’s apologized for that countless times!” Mark threw his hands in the air. They had had this same discussion too many times to count. If it weren’t for his promise to his mother, he’d have given up long ago.

“That he has but if you can do or say something that you know will hurt me then why should I accept an apology. Sorry doesn’t mean jack shit.” Sue was numb and Mark realized that. He was afraid that he was too late, that their father was too late to change anything.

“Susie—”

“My name’s Sue.” She deadpanned.

“Sue,” Mark began again. “I’m sorry that he treated you that way, I’m sorry that you had to suffer but please, for mom. You know—”

“Stop.” She held up a hand cutting him off again. She stood with both hands on her wooden desk. “Please do not try to use mother against me. I love my mother and I love my baby brother and I would do anything for them. You know I would do anything for you...But that one thing. I won’t go to see that man, not now, not ever.”

Mark got up and sighed. He faced his sister head on. “You know I won’t give up right?”

“And you should know by now, I won’t change my mind.” Sue retorted. “Here are your tickets for the Gala in three months. Make sure mom gets a nice dress.” She reached into her desk draw and walked around the desk to give her brother the tickets. She hugged him tightly and kissed his forehead. With her five-inch heels she towered above his 5 foot 10 inch frame about two inches. “I’ll see you later?”

“Sure.” Mark kissed his stubborn sister’s cheek and left her office.

Sue leaned against the front of her desk and breathed a breath of relief that the conversation was over. She could hear faint shouting coming from the hallway. It was getting louder. Her door was flung open and a man walked in with Jackie trailing behind him.

“You can’t just come—Miss Raymond, ma’am I told him he can’t just come in here without an appointment but...” Jackie trailed off under Sue’s glare.

“If you are unable to perform your job properly Miss Sollerre, I might have to find myself another secretary.” Sue growled.

“Sorry ma’am, won’t happen again.” She ducked her head and quickly left the office.

“Hello, my name is Vladimir Mikaelson.” The man stuck his hand out.

“I don’t particularly care who you are, why are you in my office?” Sue asked irritated.

“I’m here to apply for the job of Romance Publishing Department Head.” Vladimir responded.

“Look Mr. Mikealson—” Sue began.

“Call me Vlad.”

“That’s not professional.” Sue narrowed her eyes at him.

“I like to connect with characters around me as I want my readers to connect with characters in my stories. You see I’m also a writer as well as being a publisher. I acquired my master’s degree in literature from Wellington University.”

“If you read the advertisement, you’d see that applications were to be sent in and an interview would be set up with me if I liked your application.” Sue explained.

“I figured I’d make a better impression than my application. I’m a story myself. You can read me just like I can read you.” His eyes gleamed with something Sue didn’t like. Dark brown orbs that looked like they saw into her soul.

She ripped her eyes away and glanced at her watch. “It’s time for my lunch. Leave your application with my secretary. I might get back to you.” She grabbed her purse and phone and walked out of the office, expecting him to follow.

“I’ll join you.” Vlad smiled.

“I prefer you didn’t, Mr. Mikealson.” Sue turned and glared up at the dark-haired man. He was just a few inches taller than her.

“You should reconsider.” Vlad smiled knowingly.

“Do I have to call security Mr. Mikealson?” Sue threatened growing more agitated by the second.

“No that’s not necessary, I can take a hint.” He handed his application to Jackie and walked towards me. “Have a good lunch Miss Raymond and you should take an umbrella.” As if on cue the thunder boomed, and rain came pouring down. As he passed by heading towards the elevator he mumbled under his breath, ” Don’t get wet, you might melt.”

Sue gasped and narrowed her eyes at him as he waved, and the elevator door shut. Vladimir Mikealson had a knowing grin on his face and his eyes twinkled with mischief. He knew she had heard him. If he wanted to get the job, he sure had a funny way of showing it. The nerve of that man, Sue thought.