ROLEPLAY HQ - rekindled-flame

TW: sexual content, alcohol, drama, angst, more TBD

Alex let out a nervous sigh as she stood outside of the large building where she would be working, First Choice Finance. First Choice Finance was a large financing firm that handled accounts for businesses and individuals all across the city, and they had been hiring for a secretary for one of their executives, the CEO. Alex had secretarial experience, so she applied. She had been working at a different company and was feeling rather bored and stagnant, so she needed a change. This wasn't the only reason she had left her old job. She had been there for several years, and during her time there, she had been dating a man named Oliver Adams. Their romance had been... really intense, and unfortunately, it just didn't work out, and because of that, they broke up. But, people kept asking her about Oliver. Why did they break up? What had he done? What had she done? All of it became too much, and Alex was over it. Thankfully the questions stopped after a while, but every now and then, people would tell stories about her and Oliver, and she knew she couldn't take it anymore. So, here she was. The website didn't list the CEO and that was probably for a reason, so she figured she'd meet him when she started. She wasn't too worried. he was probably some old man that just didn't know how to use a computer. She could handle this. She headed inside the building. She wore a black pencil skirt and a black and white stripped button up shirt with a pair of black heels. Her hip length black hair was fluffed and curled at the ends, and she only wore a little makeup. Just some eyeliner, mascara, and a light lipstick.

14:59

The building was all First Choice Finance, and just had different departments. A tall woman wearing a black pantsuit came out. "Can I help you?" She asked Alex, her short blonde bob haircut neatly combed down. "Hi, my name is Alex Carlisle. I'm here for-" "Oh, yes. You're our new secretary. Of course, right this way." The woman grinned. "My name is Debra. I'm one of the managers here. I over see administration. It's wonderful to meet you. It's been rather hectic without a secretary. I hope you don't mind starting quickly? The job is really simple. You will just be focusing on scheduling Mr. Adams's schedule, sending emails, and entering some data." Alex tensed a little as she called him 'Mr. Adams', but then again, Adams was a common name. Oliver wasn't here. He couldn't be. "Yes, of course. I'm sure it'll be fine." "You can always ask me questions. Your email is already set up, and I'll check in on you today. There's a work book that explains everything you'll need to know." The two traveled up to the top floor of the building via the elevator, and once Alex and Debra got to the top, Debra held the door. "Mr. Adams' door is all the way at the end. He's expecting you." She smiled. Alex nodded. "Thanks, Debra." "Good luck, Alex." She grinned before she hit the button to her floor. The elevator doors shut and Alex turned to walk down the hallway. The halls had several windows and copy rooms, filing rooms, and a large conference room. The door to the CEO's office was right at the end, and she walked down the hall. She got to the door and she knocked. Once she was allowed in, she stepped inside. When she entered the office, her eyes widened when they landed on the man sitting at the CEO's desk. "...Oliver?" @Matt Writes

Oliver’s work had become slower than usual in the time it had taken to find and wait for a new secretary to be found. This has been frustrating to him, something that he wasn’t used to. Oliver was successful, through mostly his own commitment and hard work, though it had had its downsides too. His last relationship broke down for similar reasons. A relationship that, to all purposes had been a strong one, mentally and physically. Definitely physically. Alex was perfect, admittedly, he failed to ever really tell her that enough. Oliver was the modern, successful man. Tall, dark and handsome. 6 ft. Muscular and athletic. He looked after himself. Tattoos. A knock on his door meant one of two things, today especially, either something was wrong, or his new secretary had arrived. “Come on in…” he invited to the knock. Seconds passed before he heard his name. He knew that voice. That was a voice he hadn’t heard for a while, but he hadn’t forgotten it. Surely not. He looked up. “Al?…” he asked. He didn’t need her to confirm. Of course it was Alex. He paused for a moment. What was it? Happiness? Excitement? Nerves? He stood to his feet. What on earth must she be feeling right now. Admittedly, she looked fantastic… @Super Sonic Vava

Alex felt her heart race as Oliver stood. "Oliver...?" She asked again. This couldn't be real. This could not be real. She felt terrified, and her stomach was twisted in knots. The last time she had seen him they were at each others throats. They were constantly fighting and screaming at one another and it was too toxic to continue their relationship. Now, here he stood... As her boss. "T-There has to be a mix up. I...I'm here as the CEO's secretary." She looked back at the door and her face paled as the plaque on the door read, "Chief Executive Officer: Oliver Adams". She swallowed nervously, looking back at Oliver. He looked... wow. He looked great. But, why? Why was he the CEO? Was God playing a cruel joke? If so, it was insanely fucked up. @Matt Writes

Oliver stood, silently for a moment, allowing Alex to compose herself, perhaps come to terms with the situation before her. With a gentle smile, he broke the silent. “That’s me, Alex… apologies” he said with a gentle smile and laugh. She had a right to be concerned, anxious, even to have second thoughts. “Close the door, we can have a chat. This is unexpected for both of us”. Again, his smile composed, understanding. Oliver called for the lady who had escorted Alex in. “Can we get some water, please” he requested. “Take a seat…” he suggested to Alex, smiling. His eyes again, subtly exploring her figure and outfit. He needed to stop that, it wasn’t professional. “Tell me calmly. What are you thinking?” He asked. This tone of voice, this approach from him, it was almost alien to her, not the man she remembered. @Super Sonic Vava

Alex shut the door and she walked over to Oliver's desk. He had two large chairs in front of the desk so she sat down in one. It was plush and comfortable. She fixed her skirt as she sat down. Debra responded to his request for water with a pleasant, "Yes, Sir!" And while they waited, Oliver asked what she was thinking. She let out a soft sigh. "Honestly, I'm thinking... 'what the fuck? Who cast this cruel joke on me?'" She shook her head slightly. "The last time I saw you, Oli, was... Was several years ago, and it wasn't on good terms. So forgive me if I'm not jumping up and down to see you right away..." She said quietly. "But, I promise not to let my personal feelings get in the way. I'll do a good job for you and I promise to make sure I am a good secretary." @Matt Writes

Oliver pushed a water in Alex’s direction and sat back in his chair. This was quite the start to a new week, not one he expected. “I’m sorry” he paused. “I don’t have any real ‘say’ in the hiring process. The best performer is chosen from the pool, so in that case, congratulations” he laughed gently. “I’m not expecting happiness or you to jump up and down, all I’m expecting is the same I’d expect if anyone else was sat there, professionalism.” He told her. “Now from what I used to know of you, I’d like to think you’ll be a natural. I just need you to learn the role” he smiled. Oliver looked at the time on his watch. “Alex. I have a meeting at 0900, so ten minutes. Go and sit with Debra for an hour, sign the papers and learn the basics. We will go out for lunch, on me and chat expectations” @Super Sonic Vava

Alex wasn't surprised that the CEO wasn't involved in the hiring process. Most bosses typically weren't, but it would have been nice to know who the CEO was at least before she applied. Was that even public knowledge? If it was, she should have looked more closely. He complimented her and she felt her cheeks burn a little. She looked down at her lap and she nodded slowly. "Yeah. I can do that. Thank you." She was a little surprised that he was still able to compliment her. He then told her that after she met with Debra, they'd go out to lunch and chat about the expectations for the job. "Sounds good," She stood up and she smoothed her skirt. She gave him a small smile and she quietly spoke. "It's good to see you, Oliver." She then turned and left to go find Debra. She didn't want him to see the sad tear that ran down her cheek. When Oliver and Alex broke up, it was painful. Awfully painful. Now that she had finally started to get over him... he comes back into her life? Who fucking makes up this shit? Alex did as Oliver instructed and she met with Debra and signed all her paperwork. She got the rundown of her job, and it all seemed easy, so, when it was time for lunch, she headed back up to Oliver's office. She knocked on the door. "Oliver?" @Matt Writes

Oliver looked toward the office door as it opened, his eyes visible over the computer screens. Alex stood in the doorframe. Not a sight he’d thought he’d ever see again. Oliver looked at the time in the corner of the screen. “Lunch?” He paused. “Let’s go…” he stood to his feet, taking his coat off of the coat hook at the side of his desk. “Debra, we’ll be back in an hour, I’ll call anyone back once I’m back. No disturbing my lunch” he smiled to them both as he closed his office door behind them. “Let’s go…” he smiled to Alex, pressing the elevator door call bell. “So, how’s it going? How was that?” He asked, she’d had the morning to come to understanding about the role. “Questions?” @Super Sonic Vava

Alex followed Oliver out of his office. He had removed his coat an god damn he looked handsome. How the hell could he go around looking so good and not be hers... That thought stung, but she shrugged it off and continued following him. He asked how it was going and she nodded slightly. "It was fine. Debra was very clear with her training and I didn't have any questions. It was actually... refreshing." She chuckled. She tucked some of her dark hair behind her ears. "So... How are you? Have you... been well?" She asked, but as the words tumbled from her lips, she felt stupid. She didn't really want to know the answer to this question... @Matt Writes

reaching the elevator and pressing the call button, Oliver leaned against the cool metal wall. He had no idea Alex had either checked him out or felt as though he looked as good as she thought he did. Their eyes crossed paths briefly as she asked him her two piercing questions. She seemed softer, calmer than the Alex he knew from recent years as she tucker a loose hair behind her ear. Admittedly, her hourglass figure appealed to him, so too the healthy memories between them. “I’m umm.. I’m okay” he paused with a smile. “Yourself?” He asked. A caring tone to his voice. He pondered for a moment as the elevator doors opened. “I’ve been well, I think. I’m settled, I know what’s next in my life, I think” he laughed. “Are you um, are you seeing anyone?” He asked. The first essence of weakness or intrigue from either of them. @Super Sonic Vava

Alex felt a bit... frustrated as he said that he was okay. Well, maybe not frustrated. Maybe a little confused. She didn't want him to be okay... She wanted him to say he missed her, that he was sorry. "I'm...okay." She said softly, thinking that honestly, perhaps okay was the best expression right now. She stepped inside with him as he began to explain more on why he felt the way he did. "Well that's good." She didn't go into why she felt just okay. He didn't need to know that her life had been pretty messed up since he left. He then asked the dreaded question... Is she seeing someone? She let out a painful sigh. "No, and I don't want to talk about it." She mumbled, shaking her head. She then glanced over at him. "What about you...? Got a cute girlfriend back at home?" @Matt Writes

Oliver had no idea his response to her would bother her. Even after so long apart & the history between them, we still felt something for her. It was almost warm for him to know she hadn’t replaced him. They’d grew apart and grew to hate eachother toward the end of their relationship, but he still wanted the best for her. He shook his head as the elevator arrived at ground level, they walked outside and turned left toward the restaurant for lunch. “No cute girlfriend in my life, I’ve had a few flings since you left, but that’s it…” @Super Sonic Vava

"Oh... well, that's cool." She mumbled. After she left? He had left their relationship long before she physically got out of the relationship, and he was really trying to flaunt that he had some flings? "Were they... good? Did you have fun with them?" She asked, looking at him for a moment. She wasn't really that curious on good these other women were, but, she wanted to know what he said about them. About how she compared. The fear of what he would say make her stomach tighten as she waited for his answer. @Matt Writes

Oliver noticed the tone of her voice. She was snappy, but still asking. Has he said too much? Too little? He pondered as she asked him if they were good. They walked through the crowds, turning a block onto the road for the restaurant. He felt it was time to be honest. See how she felt about what was about to leave his lips. “None of them come close to you, Alex”. A small smile crept across his lips, though he didn’t turn his head to face her. “I’ve been trying to replace you, but can’t” he laughed gently. “I was actually going to message you, months and months and months ago, but I was too scared” he explained, laughing more. It sounded crazy. All of a sudden, these two ex lovers were thrown back into eachothers lives through a job advertisement. @Super Sonic Vava

Alex felt...sad, as he said that he was going to message her, but was scared. "Really?" She asked softly, turning her gaze to look back up at him. "I...I almost called you when I got this job, but, I didn't think you'd answer so I didn't." She laughed softly. "Seems we both are honestly just... helpless." She felt so stupid. They both clearly had missed each other, but, so much had happened between then and now, and she wasn't even sure he wanted her anymore. They walked to the restaurant and were seated at a secluded table. Alex sat down on her side of the booth and the waitress came over and handed them menus. "Can I start either of you off with a drink?" "I'll just have water." Alex smiled. The waitress turned to Alex, "And for you, Sir?" @Matt Writes

Oliver sat opposite Alex as she waitress suggested drinks. “A water. We’re behaving today Cassie. Are you well?” He asked. He seemed to know the waitress. Cassie nodded. “I’m good. If you need anything, let me know”. She said, turning to leave. The two of them shared a moment of brief silence before Oliver broke it. “So, we both felt the want to contact the other, but decided against it… funny how fate can sometimes intervene, eh?” He paused. His feelings were strange. Since she walked into his office, a lease of something has come over him. Was it the past showing itself again? Was he intrigued? Was it actually that, for once, the time was more right than ever for them both? Or, now that she worked for him, was it all too late? “Helpless, eh!” He laughed. @Super Sonic Vava

Alex watched the two interact but she said nothing. She chuckled a little as he seemed to show off that he wasn't helpless. "No, I guess it seems you are not helpless. Not anymore." She mumbled. She thought back to their relationship and why they had gotten so... broken. What had happened to them? Why were they so angry all the time? Well, life had made things messy, and both of them seemed to be stubborn and aggressive. They fought all the time, and one thing lead to another, and both she and Oliver were at each others throats almost constantly. This meant that their once hot and passionate relationship had taken a rather rough start, and because of that, they had been fighting a lot. Then, in an instant, their relationship ended. The waitress brought their waters over and Alex took hers and began to sip it. "So.. you wanted to reach out to me?" @Matt Writes

Oliver nodded. “I did want to reach out. I was thinking about you one evening. About us. About what we’d left behind. I wrote out a message, then deleted it.” He laughed gently to himself, replaying the moment in his mind all over again. “I uhm”. He paused. “I think I was lonely. I remember wanting you for one more night”. He shook his head. Highly inappropriate given her employment status and history between them both. “Maybe it’s time for a stronger drink than water” he laughed. The tension was high. Was it awkward? @Super Sonic Vava