In Her Head - Collision Course

What have I done?

Elle awoke refreshed, partly that was to do with a call from Belinda last night. Dinner was fun, the children were excited around the dinner table telling her all they got up to before and after school. They loved Nancy, she was very hands on playing with them, they baked, created and danced. Apparently they all had a fashion show at the park after school, other children were joining in with them. That was the highlight of their day, Nancy truly was a gem. Once they cleared away, Elle, Emily and Michael got the packed lunches ready for the next day, the children bathed and then Elle tucked them into bed and read them a few chapters of a story. Currently they were on Wolf Brother, the kids loved anything, super hero, supernatural and mythological. Elle gave them a kiss and cuddle goodnight then headed downstairs to read a company information booklet, without giving too many details it explained that within the next four months Skeel International will be expanding into the world of finance. All matters will go through the Media Department to ensure all publicity received on this venture is positive, there will be lots of interest and eyes will be watching closely. It listed company priorities over the next month, Elle made a note to free up some time for Peter to deal with internal meeting needs, with that in mind Elle could now help with action plans for the Media Department. Elle put everything away and started to head to the kitchen when the phone rang, it was Belinda. It didn’t shock Elle too much as Belinda was motherly, she had also told her she would give her a call if anything came up.

Belinda let her know that she will be in a little later tomorrow, she will take her round to introduce her to all the departments when she gets in. Belinda explained that she didn’t want Elle walking into an email in the morning when she had time to just pick up the phone, she also offered some help in finding childcare if it was ever needed. Belinda then asked if she enjoyed her first day and let her know that they were pleased she joined the company. They spent around half hour on the phone. Elle cried when the call finished, this was all new and strange to Elle, she actually felt liked.

Elle made her way to work, she opted to get the coffees closer to the office seeing as she was taking one in for Peter, she couldn’t quite get her head round the fact that he was a caramel latte man and chuckled at the thought. When Elle reached the office, Peter was already at his desk, she could smell coffee in the office already, “Mr Skeel, have you already had a coffee?” She questioned. Peter smiled, “can you really smell coffee?” he asked. Elle raised her brow, he avoided the question, most would answer Elle at the raise of her brow but Peter didn’t, he just sat there grinning wider.

If you keep grinning like that, I swear, I will wipe it off your face, you smarmy git! Elle thought. She felt angry with him but couldn't quite work out why it was so intense.

“Mr Skeel, I opted to get a coffee closer to the office instead of going to my favourite coffee shop because I promised you a coffee,” she chided. Peter was still smiling, Elle put his coffee on the table and went to walk out, she was upset, she had told him she would bring one in for him, it was a waste of money for him to just be wasting it. Elle was halfway to the door, “Elle,” he called, she stopped and turned around to face him, brow still raised. “I haven’t had a coffee, thank you for this. I use a body wash that smells like coffee,” he explained. “I need a new addiction,” she said aloud, Elle groaned, she hadn’t meant for that to come out. Peter laughed and Elle dashed out of the room. 

Mind your tongue Elle! She scolded internally.

Elle started to get ready for the day ahead, she checked the articles that mentioned Skeel and emailed them to Peter with her own short versions in the body of the emails and included possible actions, he just needed to reply yes or no. Elle studied the team names and positions within the Media Department, she would need to know these first. While she was studying list, Peter emailed yes to all of her suggestions, she then fired off emails to the relevant team members with a promise that she would be round to meet them soon. 

Elle really needed to talk with Peter, she hadn’t met the team yet and this was her second day. Elle had no intention of alienating them, she breathed deep and knocked on Peter's door. Peter raised his head at the gentle knock and smiled “Elle, your suggestions were great and I appreciated the shortened versions of the articles, it saved a lot of time for me,” he said. Elle felt pleased, but she wanted to get straight to the point so she started “Mr Skeel, I…” “Peter, please,” he interrupted. “Okay, Peter, I haven’t met the team yet and I should’ve met them already,” She said. Peter palm faced as if he just realised something. “I’m so sorry Elle, let’s go,” he said. Elle panicked, “No, I just need directions, you have enough to do, I just thought that as this is the second day I want to make sure they know who I am and that they can approach me if needed,” she explained. Peter smiled at how considerate she was but got up anyway, “Elle, I should have taken you straight down there yesterday but it was manic, it completely slipped my mind,” he offered. The Media team are on the 10th floor with Finance and IT. We have 25 in our team but you will probably only need to speak to a few.” He explained as they walked out of the Executive Offices to the lift.

Once inside the lift, they discussed different ways of communicating with the team, if there should be anyone that he would need to communicate with instantly and meetings that would need to be arranged. The lift doors opened and Elle breathed deep.

That coffee scent is intoxicating, she thought.

As they exited the lift, Peter put his hand on the small of Elles' back to guide her to where they were heading, she tensed but carried on walking hoping he wouldn’t notice. Elle knew it was just a friendly gesture to lead but she really wasn’t comfortable with any male touching her, Peter dropped his hand and she relaxed a little. They walked through a door that led to a small corridor that could only have been 5 steps long before it opened out showing a few meeting rooms to their left, filing cabinets on the right to section out work space with lots of desks just behind them. There were lots of staff and quite a few looked at them, The girls looked lustfully at Peter, the women and men smiled as they were passing and the boys, well they just looked jealous of Peter.

Not everyone can be handsome, eh lads? Elle thought.

“Finance,” Peter whispered to her as if he didn’t want to interrupt anyone working. Out stepped a man of around 68, smiling as he offered his hand to Elle. “Marcus Farthing, Finance Manager,” he greeted. Elle smiled back “Elle Collis, EA Media Department,” she returned. They made small talk for a short while and Elle really warmed to him. Peter joined in, it was obvious that they knew each other well, with promises between Marcus and Peter to meet for a drink after work soon, Peter and Elle continued on their way. “Such a frump, thinks she is running the show,” The voice said disgustingly, Elle stopped in her tracks, she knew that voice, Elle could feel the tension coming off of Peter and realised he had also stopped. “But she has only just started, why would she behave that way? And to get you told off too, that’s just wrong,” the other voice chimed in. “I know, it’s so unfair. I have even heard that she isn’t any good, she was that bad on her first day they sent her home early,” original voice stated.

Peter and Elle couldn’t be seen on the other side but, with the layout of the offices, they could hear it all.

“Well she hasn’t even come to see us yet so that would explain why,” the other voice pipped “No she probably just thinks she is above everyone, bet she will try to be nice to everyone, make sure you let them all know not to trust her,” the original voice encouraged. Peter was red in the face, Elle caught sight of Peter's face

He’s gone red because I found out why he really sent me home, you moron Elle, she thought.

Elle paled, she couldn’t listen to any more so she continued walking forward. Peter caught up to her quickly, “I will deal with that,” he mumbled. Elle didn’t have it in her to respond, so they continued in silence. When they reached the back of the office floor, they were in the Media Department, all of a sudden three people were in front of her smiling. The one in the middle, a man who appeared to be around the same age as Elle offered his hand. “Matt Wilkes, Newsroom Manager,” he introduced Elle shook his hand smiling. “I will be up to see you as soon as I can Elle but, right now I really have to take care of something,” Elle knew how busy it was and didn’t expect everyone to drop everything. At this a young woman stepped forward, “Carla Hays, Communications Manager,” she said, shaking Elles hand. “Jack Worth, International Affairs Manager,” he offered. Elle warmed up to them and they walked around the various desks to say hi to everyone, it was like a whirlwind and Elle thanked every individual she met, for their time, they then said goodbye.

Elle already had an idea for a team meeting but she pushed that thought out of her head, she wouldn't be here that long, she was about to have an uncomfortable conversation with Peter. There is no way I will stand for this, you coward Peter Skeel, she thought.

Peter took Elle to the back end of the room where there was another door that led to a service lift. They made their way back to the office in silence. When Elle reached her desk Peter started to speak, “that situation earlier is being dealt with as we speak, I am sorry you had to hear all that,” he said finally addressing the elephant in the room.

Sorry because you got caught, you are no good, just like the other idiots I have had to deal with, can’t be honest with me so you talk to other people! She fumed in her head.

“Mr Skeel, words are exactly that, just words, her outright lies will be dealt with by me. What has angered me is the fact that you made an excuse to send me home yesterday without being honest with me. If you would have told me yesterday that I wasn’t good enough for this role then you wouldn’t have needed to see me today. I do not like being talked about behind my back and I detest lies,” she seethed. Peter stood there open mouthed, what the hell is going on, he thought. Elle pulled her bag from the drawer ready to leave, Peter had to make her stay. “Elle, put your bag down, I cannot lose you,” He pleaded, Elle could hear the sincerity in his tone. “I do not want your pity Mr Skeel, please understand I will find another position, I appreciate honesty even when it hurts. If you didn’t think I was good enough for this position yesterday then it was your job to tell me, not the rest of the staff,” she spat. He folded his arms over his chest and tilted his head to the side, “Elle, I haven’t said anything of the sort,” he defended. “Do you really think so little of me?” He asked. “How would she know I left early?” she asked, raising a brow. “That is exactly what I want to find out,” he stated. “Get IT on the phone for me,” he requested, walking into his office. “We will talk later,” he promised.

Elle sat down shocked, how can I believe him? What will I do now? Stay or go? I need this job though, can I trust him? she battled.

Elle picked up the phone and called the IT team lead, she then transferred the call to Peters line and opened her email. Elle decided she would wait until their conversation later to decide whether she should leave or not, he sounded truthful earlier but she couldn’t be sure.

A short while later Belinda turned the corner smiling at Elle, “good morning sweetheart, how are you?” she asked. Elle returned the smile, it was nice to see a friendly face. “You honestly do not want to know,” she said dryly. Belinda frowned, Peter walked out of his office and almost bumped into his Mother, “hold your horses cowboy, where’s the bee in your bonnet?” Belinda joked, “Sorry Mother, I just need to go and talk to Dad,” he answered over his shoulder as he was already on his way. Belinda looked back to Elle, “okay, spill,” she demanded. Elle didn’t know where to start so she started from when they got to the Finance Department right up until now. “Do you really not feel good enough? Is that why you believed he would do something like that?” Belinda asked gently, Elle couldn’t even respond, she couldn’t even look up at Belinda. “She knew I left early yesterday Belinda,” she said deflated realising she probably shouldn’t have jumped to conclusions. Belinda sat down on the seat in front of Elles desk and grabbed her hand. “Elle, check his sent mail to Frank,” she suggested. Elle looked at Belinda and Belinda gave her a smile and nodded, Elle did, she opened the mail Peter sent his Father yesterday and gasped.

Good afternoon old man,

My EA just sorted out my security issues and promised me a coffee in the morning. Don’t you go getting jealous now. You might want to tell Mother to up her game :-)

Elle moved on to the next email from this morning.

Good morning old man,

Not even 30 minutes into the work day and look at the attached, My EA has just saved me hours of work, hahaha. In your face! My help is better than yours. If you even think about pinching her, I will sue. Think we need to give Toyah a bonus.

“I need to talk to him and apologise,” she said. Belinda smiled and walked round to give Elle a hug, “don’t be so hard on yourself darling. I would have thought the same too, it will be fine, you’ll see,” she advised. Belinda walked off leaving Elle to her thoughts

So he likes the way I work, he is even emailing Frank to wind him up. If this is something that would wind Frank up I must be doing something right. I am going to give that b***h a piece of my mind once I have apologised to Peter, how dare she! Oh sugar, what if he doesn’t want my apology and thinks I am too much hard work? Oh Elle, what have you done? She cringed. Elle put her head on the desk and groaned.

“Elle can you come into the office,” he requested, it wasn’t even a question. Elle tensed but she walked round her desk and into the office. “Close the door please.” he told her.

Oh s**t, I am so in for it now! Elle thought. Elle had a feeling of dread in her stomach, so far this morning she has told him to his face that she doesn’t believe his words and has very little faith in him as a person. It was one thing to think it but another to say it, yup, I have officially alienated my boss, she continued her inward turmoil.

“Elle, firstly I think we have a lot of trust to build so I suggest that we have a trust building exercise day,” he started.

Nooooooo, no, please no. Anything but that, please. How am I going to manage that? Yay, give the fat girl exercise! Probably some bloody army thing.. ..hmmm, will we have weapons? She thought, her heart started beating faster in her chest, she could feel the prickles of sweat across her forehead and her hands were becoming clammy.

“Mum is arranging something as we speak and we need to do this as soon as possible. She is going to let us know when and where,” he continued. “Becky has had her contract terminated, I won’t tolerate bullying of any kind and that was social bullying. Kelly has had a written reprimand because of her part in it, she has also had a sharp lesson in the dynamics of office gossip and the professional damage it can bring,” he finished.

“I didn’t want anyone to lose their job, I would have handled it,” she said sheepishly, still beating herself up about her lack of trust.

You don’t know him so how are you going to trust him? Stop beating yourself up and say what you want to! You are stronger than this Elle, don’t show fear. She encouraged herself.

Peter ran his hand through his hair, exasperated he told her, “Elle, we cannot put up with that here. Could you imagine the media getting hold of that? You know the damage it will do, we have zero tolerance for that.”

Elle nodded, not quite trusting herself to talk yet, she knew and she would have done the same if the roles were reversed but she didn’t want to be beholden to anyone. This was all foreign to her, her chest was becoming tight so she focused on her breathing.

As it eased she started talking, “Mr Sk..” “Peter,” he jumped in. “er, Peter. I apologise for jumping to conclusions, it was unprofessional and will not happen again,” her tone was apologetic. “Why would you think I would talk about anyone?” He asked. Elle breathed deep.

How am I going to explain this one? Be honest, tell him what you saw, she internalised.

“I jumped to conclusions when I saw your embarrassment as they were talking, and added to the fact that she knew I went home early it made sense.” She confessed.

“Elle, that was anger!” He spat out, “we are going to be working closely together and I need you to trust me but I will clear a few things up first.” he told her. He walked around his desk to sit in front of her, he was a sight to behold resting on the desk in front of her. Elle looked up to his eyes trying to avoid gazing at his broad chest, she waited for him to start with her heart beating in her chest. “Elle, I will never talk about a member of my staff to anyone else but them, if I had any issues you would know as the only person I would have discussed it with would be you. As for how she found out, we have let go of a member of the Exec Reception team due to information being shared, we cannot trust that sensitive information hasn’t been compromised. It also led to the incident that happened today,” he told her honestly. 

He put his hands on Elles shoulders and her breathing hitched, Elle tensed, she was inches away from his face. “Elle, so far you have managed the security of this departments information, without breaking a sweat I might add, you have picked up on inter department communication and rectified it, you saved me hours of work and a headache. I am in awe of how you can juggle lots of different things at the same time. You are more than capable of this position,” he promised her sincerely. He dropped his hands to his side and leaned back, Elle cleared her throat and stood up. “I am sorry I jumped to conclusions, it shouldn’t have happened,” she said sighing. “Thank you for what you have said, it has helped clear a few things up,” she assured him. 

He likes me, he likes my work! She gleefully shouted in her head. What if he is just saying that to make me feel better? What if he.. ..Shut up Elle! He likes your work, now get back to it, needy much? She argued with herself.

“Elle, I understand what you may have been feeling but in future I would like for you to have more faith in me,” he stated and walked back around the desk to his chair. Elle left his office feeling like a schoolgirl and spent the next 10 minutes chastising herself over her stupidity. Belinda turned the corner and took Elle on a tour around the different departments. There were a lot of people to meet in one day and Elles' head was spinning by the end of it. By 3pm, Elle was exhausted but she didn't dare ask to leave early. 

What an i***t! How could you be so stupid and put him in the same boat as that vindictive little girl. It was such a bloody needless situation, if only I had just kept my trap shut! 

“How is it going honey?” Belinda asked, breaking Elle from her thoughts. Elle smiled at Belinda. “It’s okay, slowed down a bit. I think I should take the phones or I will probably fall asleep,” Elle said laughing at the last bit. Belinda chuckled, “honey, I sorted the trust building session, they have just got back to me. You are both going on Thursday but, you have to be there by 8:30am.” She announced, Elle wanted the ground to swallow her whole, “Will you be okay to do that?” Belinda questioned. Elle nodded, her mouth was dry and she couldn’t trust herself to speak just yet. “Great, you will both be finished by 1pm and then you can both grab lunch after, you won’t be expected to return to the office so that’s a bonus,” Belinda beamed. “Thank you Belinda, where is it based?” She asked. Belinda responded, “I will send it all through to you both, it’s about 45 minutes away by car, we will have our driver Billy take you both there and drop you home, he..” “It’s fine Belinda, I can take my own car,” Elle cut in, Belinda wasn’t having any of it. “Elle, this isn’t up for argument, you are both doing this for the sake of the company and opening up communication between you both, your wellbeing is of our utmost importance here. As our most trusted driver, Billy is to take you there and bring you back, enjoy the rest while you have it,” she told her firmly.

Suck it up Elle, suck it up. Elle warned herself.

“Okay, thanks Belinda.” Elle said. “Honey, head home. The deadline for editors is 2pm, you are very good at what you do, it takes you much less time to do things than others, that is a positive. For the rest of the week just finish up early unless something comes up,” she told her. “That’s a good idea,” Peter said coming out of his office, “I am about to wrap up here and head off myself, Elle, look at it as a reward for hard work. You have accomplished more in just a few hours than what my previous assistant managed in a week,” he proudly said. Elle could see the honesty in his eyes, she wasn’t going to pass up the offer.

Elle cuddled the kids a little tighter that evening, she tossed and turned all night. Sleep came for Elle at 3am. 

The following day, things were nowhere near as hectic and Elle was caught between grateful and stressed. She spent a lot of time in her head, she was freaking out. Belinda had organised an escape room trust building session, but rather than a few minutes in each section, this one actually had harder challenges and their time was 30 minutes in each section. They would be on their own trapped in these rooms and had to build trust with each other to make it through. Elle wasn’t looking forward to it at all, trusting was way out of her comfort zone, not to mention being in close proximity with her boss for longer than 10 minutes. Elle face palmed, she was bound to do or say something stupid.

Roll on tomorrow, yip de flipping doo, she rolled her eyes groaning inwardly.