Yellow Sticky Note Hero

By M. A. Weagle

Any one of us, by random chance, is only moments away from becoming a celebrity and that isn’t necessarily a good thing.

Jake and Rachel both work for the same company and as luck would have it, in adjacent cubicles. This is unfortunate because they shouldn’t really be located in the same solar system. Now there is definitely a physical attraction, but that’s where it ends. The problem is that Rachel loves rules and order. Jake loves the snapping sound you hear when a rule is broken. Their lives are about to be interrupted by the United States’ most amateur and pathetic home-grown terrorist. Rachel inadvertently turns Jake into a hero and then the media machine kicks into high gear, creating ‘Jake’ the celebrity, Rachel is not happy (and that’s not a good thing for anyone). When the terrorists seek retribution, the craziness expands tenfold.

It’s comforting to know that when things are most dire, the authorities will step in under the guidance of their rules, regulations and policies, and screw things up even more

• Language: English
• Publisher: M. A. Weagle
• Release date: Oct 20, 2019
• ISBN: 9780463517642

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Yellow Sticky Note Hero

By

M.A.Weagle

Copyright 2019 M.A.Weagle

Smashwords Edition

Smashwords Edition License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite ebook publisher and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

Cover by coversbykaren.com

Table of Contents

Start of Book

Prologue

Epilogue

Author’s Note

About The Author

Connect With Me

PROLOGUE

The pretty brunette leaned forward in her office chair and opened the email. Her intelligent eyes squinted. What the hell is he up to now?

------------------------------------

From: Jake Tandon……..

To: Rachel Auburn………..

Join the fight – Tuesday September 9th

Every day across the world, someone is impacted by stupidity in the workplace. In fact, studies show that 100% of people have either been affected or know someone who has been impacted by stupidity in the office. The financial loss and emotional impact is huge. The hurting goes on but it doesn’t have to be this way. Together we can create a future without office stupidity.

Take a moment and join the fight, for a future without stupidity in the work environment. On Tuesday September 9th, the national day of mourning, wear a yellow Post-it note over your heart, to show your solidarity.

Jake Tandon

Regional Chair for;

A Future without Office Stupidity and

The Yellow Post It Note Campaign

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She slowly shook her head. OMG, he is going to get himself fired one of these days.

The great storm worked its way up the east coast. A Category 3 hurricane, she showed no respect for borders. She crossed four Caribbean nations laying her misery before working her way up to Florida. She glanced by Miami leaving both the wealthy and the poor alike in safety. Homeless people laying on the beach and wealthy South Beach women in 5 inch heals all equally spared.

She worked her way up the continental US where she hesitated off Georgia, as if trying to decide whether to hit that all time favorite hurricane bulls eye, Cape Hatteras, or roll on towards Long Island and eventually Cape Cod.

All along the north east as far north as Canada, people battened down the hatches and watched the 24-hour news channels. The poor, the middle class, and the celebrated rich of the Manhattan’s and the Newport’s of the world, equally concerned. They all watched as the storm strengthened to a 4.

People rushed out to buy gas, water and storm chips. The wealthy stocked up on extra diamond earrings. The 24-hour news channels jockeyed to get the celebrities viewpoint on global warming and hurricanes. Ironically no one was too interested in the views of scientists. A cone of fear spread out in front of the great storm.

As far north as Nova Scotia the Atlantic angrily raised deep swells, while tropical humidity, pushed far north, hung in the air like an unanswered question. Danger was coming. You could literally feel it. The force of nature cannot be fought. The laws of nature rule us all – the famous and the not famous.

All hurricanes go north. But what if the rules changed. What if the danger went south? One of the sad failings of modern society is this mistaken belief that we have total control over our destiny. Previous generations were not hindered by this foolishness. They understood just how precarious our positions truly are. What we really have is the ability to guide ourselves, adjusting our sails, like a yacht on the ocean, to change our course; making good choices, making bad choices, but our own choices none the less. But we should never forget that forces much greater than ourselves surround our shell of control, ready to throw us off course at a moment’s notice, dashing our hopes and dreams on the rocky shores at the edges of life. Once you accept this you have two choices- try to increase the order of your everyday life to compensate, or wander randomly through life with a smile on your face. But never forget the great truth. Adversity is ultimately the mother of most great victories.

Life was so simple before ISIS came along. There was only one crazed terrorist group trying to kill us. It is so confusing now with multiple terrorist groups. In hindsight those times were good. Like days of our childhood; when we spent an endless summer with our friends, young and carefree. It was Andy Warhol who said that in the future everyone would be famous for 15 minutes. I am certain proof of that. Love, celebrity status and terrorism don’t usually go hand in hand, but they did for me.

My name is Jake and if you think hard back into the recesses of your mind you will probably remember my story. It was all over the news. I was big stuff – at least temporarily. It had that great combination of potential violence, heroism (at least it looked that way), male female conflict and with some sex appeal thrown in (actually quite a bit of sex appeal, come to think of it). You will probably even be surprised that you forgot the whole thing, but that’s how it goes in a world where everyone is famous for 15 minutes and the news cycle is 24/7. There’s just too much foolishness to keep it all straight. I am here to tell you the rest of the story because you should know what really happened. It’s not healthy to have heroes without peeling back the layers. But most importantly, in hindsight, it’s kind of a fun romantic tale underneath all the layers of people trying to kill me. One thing I have learned is that ultimately love is all that matters. Everything else is just life clutter. The whole thing actually started with a girl (as it so often does). But I am getting ahead of myself.

CHAPTER 1

Jake perched precariously on the stool, because Rachel had needed the whiteboard put up in the boardroom and since she couldn’t quite reach he had been recruited. I know she probably just wants to look at my butt he thought to himself.

Okay how’s this? he asked.

That is very nice, Britney said.

Katie giggled. Concentrate on the whiteboard, not his butt, dummy.

Jake twisted around to look down at the girls, smiling Now girls, be good. You are offending me, he teased"

Oh stuff your ego. Just concentrate for a minute, Rachel responded angrily. Sheeshh, what an idiot. Who the hell does he think he is? Besides it’s not like he is innocent. I saw him looking at my butt.

As she backed up to see the whiteboard better, her hip bumped the stool. Now if Jake had been properly balanced, he probably would have been fine. But being half turned to look at Britney and Katie, well let’s just say that he wasn’t exactly following workplace safety rules.

He felt himself wobble and for a split second he almost stopped the fall. He had that momentary disturbing feeling of weightlessness until he landed roughly. He might have even been hurt except that he landed comfortably on top of Rachel, who fell to the floor, a bit spread eagelly.

Jake’s 200 athletic pounds had her pinned to the floor. Their faces were two inches apart and Jake couldn’t help but admire her green eyes.

Harold came running out of his office. What happened? Harold was in charge and like most managers he was only partially incompetent.

Rachel almost killed Jake, Britney said

I did not.

It was an accident. Jake said Uhhmm it was an accident, right?

Yes, now get your big fat ego off of me. Rachel’s green eyes glared into Jake’s dark brown eyes. He smirked in response (not necessarily the recommended response) Jake wasn’t good at subtle.

No stay right there. Everyone looked at Harold.

You could have a serious injury.

Really, I am fine, Jake said.

Really, we are fine, Rachel echoed.

I said don’t move!!

Okay, Okay I am not moving. Hmm now what do I do he thought. This is a bit awkward.

Rachel glared. Part of you is moving, she whispered.

What do you mean… ohooho. Jake felt what would normally be a comfortable twinge but what really wasn’t in this situation. He shut his eyes and tried to think of something unsexy. Rachel’s pretty face kept popping into his head though. Dam I thought things were a bit awkward before.

Rachel hissed, I am telling you to stop that now.

It’s not that easy. He whispered.

It had better be or you will get a well-placed knee.

I’m trying, I’m trying.

Well you better try harder, she seethed. Which if you think about it was really an exceptionally poor choice of words.

What are you trying,’ Katie asked. What’s going on?"

Rachel had enough. She reached under Jake’s shirt and pinched.

Ouch Jake rolled off.

Rachel got up and stomped away. Hers hips swayed sexily as she made her way back to her cubicle. Jake tried not to watch her.

Oh my Britney said. She nudged Katie.

Jake realized that he was on display, shall we say and quickly snuck back to his cubicle.

I thought I told you two not to move. Jake, are you okay? Harold called out.

Britney looked over, He’s just a little stiff. Katie burst out laughing.

Harold went back to his office shaking his head. "Honestly this place gets stranger by the day.

CHAPTER 2

Monday

No one could remember exactly when it all started. Like most office coworker relationships, it certainly started off polite and friendly enough, but somewhere along the line things just fell off the rails, big time.

Disputes between people at the office aren’t all that unusual. We don’t get to pick who we work with and to be frank, it is hard enough to get along with our romantic partners, let alone random people we end up spending 7 to 10 hours a day with. But it was the magnitude of the ongoing dispute that was particularly unusual and damaging.

Work relationships are a lot like a sandcastle on the beach. They have the little moat with a wall lined with crabs for protection and seashells that line the castle for detail. Everyone is happy but you know the whole thing is still ultimately built out of sand.

One day the other person does something that annoys you, but you shake it off. Oh well they didn’t mean it or maybe I am being too sensitive. It’s kind of like when the tide rises and the first wave laps the wall of the sandcastle. The walls are still strong but it grabs your attention. This is something new.

Then maybe over the next few months a few more disagreements happen. The tide is picking up force and the wall of the sandcastle of your relationship are starting to weaken. At some point, you have an actual fight but someone apologizes and you make up. It’s like you threw some more sand on your castle to strengthen it.

But it’s all for naught. The tidal onslaught has started. There is no going back now. No amount of apologizing can fix this. One day you wake up and realize you can’t stand your co-worker. You don’t remember exactly when you went from friendly to moderately frustrated to mortal enemies but it just happened.

One of the most fascinating things about office dress codes is that they are invariably created by 55-year-old white men. It is generally accepted that there are only two demographic groups that are more clueless about fashion; international terrorists and dolphins. Interestingly both are also listed as more fun to hang out with, especially the dolphins. At least you can wear jeans around them. Jim looked on amusingly at his coworkers. Rachel was looking at Jake in a very exasperated way. This was a very common look for her, especially when it came to Jake.

You can’t just wear jeans! Rachel said, as she stood with her hands on her hips (her rather attractive curvy hips we might add). She flipped her hair back and glared for effect.

Jake leaned back in an attempt to make his chest look bigger and his abs tighter. It was working but Rachel would never admit that. Why not? he asked, craftily hiding a smirk.

Because we don’t have casual Fridays here, a very frustrated Rachel replied.

Sure we do, just look around you. Hey Jim, do we have casual days?

Jim shyly turned his head. Uhh I’d rather not get involved.

Look if we don’t have casual Fridays then why are people wearing jeans?

Rachel sighed in an exasperated way. Because you started it and they all thought the rules had changed, but they haven’t!

I wouldn’t just casually break the rules. If you looked really closely you would see a look on his face that was a cross between confusion and a smirk.

You break the rules all of the time. If you looked closely you would see a look on her face that was a cross between anger, exasperation and maybe a slight hint of bemusement.

Bill – do I break rules?

Bill (who in his late 50’s had seen everything) looked very bored- well actually very bored and mellow. Yes, I would have to say that you do, he answered in a dry monotone voice, turning his attention back to his coffee.

Oh. Jake actually managed to look hurt.

See.

Okay but no one is as anal about rules as you are.

I am not.

Jim, is she anal about rules?

Well I’d really rather not get involved. Jim backed away slowly.

Bill?

Oh, yes I would have to say that she is. He too backed away a safe distance.

Rachel pecked away at her Iphone. Here look at this.

What’s this; Office rules – note 3.2.4.5a professional dress code. Well dam look at that.

So am I right? I just want to hear you say that I am right!

Well if you insist on getting into technical details.

What other kind of details are there! Rachel looked even more exasperated, if that was possible. She stomped away (in a very cute stomping way we might add).

Jim peered over. He sighed. Why must you do that?

Do what?

You know what you are doing.

Jake smirked. Uhmm no I don’t think I do.

I will spell it out for you: a n t a g o n i z e h e r.

Oh that. He smirked even more.

I believe that it is some sort of courtship thing, Bill mused.

Jake glared at him. Bill, I guarantee you that it is not flirting.

There are other people who think that it is as well.

What other people?

Well Britney and Katie do, Lynn is on the fence, Mark and Carrie say no way.

I didn’t know that we were such a big topic of discussion.

You are very entertaining.

Rachel came back into the room.

Jake smiled. Hi welcome back. Do you like my jeans?

She stuck her tongue out and went to her cubicle. Goof she said under breath.

Ok I admit it. I like to get her going. See we have this thing going on. She feels the need to fuck with me so I fuck with her right back. Metaphorically of course. It’s this little game we play, except I bring much more skill to the contest. What can I say. It’s a small way I can get back at her but more than that, it’s just so much fun. Honest to God, the reaction is just too priceless. I believe there are two types of people. Those who get pleasure by getting a rise out of the Rachel’s of the world and those who don’t possess the combination of wit, verbal skills and mental cunning to do this. It’s a calling really. Somebody has to do it. My favorite part is when she stomps off in those cute little skirts. Honestly no one does cute stomping better than Rachel.

Rachel stomped into her cubicle. I really don’t understand how people can be so haphazard about things. Just living their lives with no order or plans. It makes me stressed just to think about it. Rules and order are what separate us from animals. A structured world is the foundation that allows society to improve and move forward. Things don’t just happen on their own. Ask any mom.

CHAPTER 3

The North Atlantic was a mess. Even this far north of the hurricane, (which was slowly drifting safely out to sea) gale force winds lifted the waves to 18 feet. Safely in the enclave of Halifax Harbour, white caps still churned angrily.

Jim looked out the window at his harbour view and marvelled at the force of nature. He sighed. Doesn’t even compare to the force of people. It was just another day in the office with Jake and Rachel. Entertaining, yes, but very fatiguing as well.

The office in question was located in the IT Department of the headquarters of Noran Resources, originally a supplier for offshore oil rigs. As time went on they had bought a medium sized financial services company and a local brewery (primarily so the executives could get free beer and hang out with the girls they hired for marketing campaigns). The financial services wing quickly took off, raking in millions. When the offshore oil section died a peaceful death, it was already too late to change the name, which was now strongly associated with Finance (and beer). None of this made much sense but really what does. The only issue were the beer commercials, which featured the afore mentioned young women in 18th century bar wench costumes, complete with breasts nearly bursting seductively out of the top of their costumes. The all male executive team loved it, but women found the commercials offensive and women buy beer too. Just not from companies that use women in overflowing blouses. It was Jake who solved the problem. He was in one of those mandatory company wide meetings that you occasionally have to suffer through. He was sitting next to a young female marketing manager who explained the issue in a moment of frustration.

Just keep making the commercials but don’t actually air them, he said.

She stared at him for a moment. Are you serious?

Jake didn’t respond. He just stared knowingly.

She turned away for a few minutes then turned back. They will notice that the commercials aren’t on TV.

Not likely. They are to self centered for that. Besides all they care about is being there for the filming.

She paused again. Isn’t that treating the girls like prostitutes?

Jake squinted. I don’t think it is fair to ask me to solve all of marketing’s problems.

A few minutes later she turned back to him again. That is brilliant. It just might work.

And it did. The Beer Division revenues went through the roof.

Noran Resources and all of its’ employees, including attractive bickering co-workers, frustrated marketing managers, young women in 18th century bar wench outfits (for non aired beer commercials), and obnoxious male executives were all located in Halifax, Nova Scotia on the east coast of Canada. Halifax is a small to medium sized city of 365,000 souls. All of whom, because they live in Halifax, which is located on the Nova Scotia Peninsula, were thrust out into the North Atlantic, where they could conveniently freeze for six months of the year. Like many harbour towns, Halifax had more than its’ fair share of storms, wind and establishments where heavy drinking took place. For some unknown reason the ocean, wind and heavy partying seem to go together. The relatively young workforce of Noran made good use of the bars.

Jim had started with the company a little over a year ago. By some fluke of architecture, there was one cubicle that was larger than the rest and also had a coveted harbor view. Jim could hardly believe his luck – that is until he realized that there was a reason that this office was vacant. No one in their right mind wanted to sit there.

See this cubicle was located directly between Rachel and Jake’s cubicle. This meant that you spent a good half of your work week involved in some dispute or other. Now individually they were fine. It was only when they came into contact with each other that there were problems. This wouldn’t have been a problem, if say…they lived on separate continents. Despite all the turmoil and angst, Jim had a soft spot for the kids as he called them but they were opposites. Rachel at 25 was meticulous in everything she did, with just a hint of spunk in her. If there was a rule or policy you could count on Rachel to follow it precisely. Jake at 27 was a bit of a cowboy who took risks and abhorred paperwork, but there was a strong intelligence behind those eyes. If there