Memos

By Amy J Frey

Melanie Spenser thought her dreams had all come true. A new job that offered her the ability to pay her bills and take care of her son, a new boyfriend that was incredible, life was really coming together. However, she realizes that the crazy people at work can make life d

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookTrail Publishing
• Release date: May 31, 2022
• ISBN: 9781637679159

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Copyright © 2022 Amy J Frey

Paperback: 978-1-63767-914-2

eBook: 978-1-63767-915-9

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

This is a work of fiction.

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Kansas City, MO 64114

Printed in the United States of America

Contents

A New Job

First Days are Never Easy

Communication – Ain’t it GREAT!

Drinks with Derrick

The Really Big Show

Dinner with a Plan

Preparation

Drama, Oh So Much Drama

A Show to Remember

Day 2: The Drama - It Just Keeps Going

Unbelievable Batch of Lies

Meetings about Time

A Real Start of Something Good

How to Get More Work Handed to You without Meaning To

Thanksgiving: A Mixed Bag of Tricks

All Good Deeds Get Punished

A Party to Remember

Christmas Party Part 2 – But Better…So Much Better

The Aftermath Is Punishment in Itself

Computer Carnage

Changes, Changes, and More Changes – and not for the Better

Epilogue: What Comes Around Goes Around

A New Job

The blaring noise beside my bedside table was not my alarm clock. I opened my eyes to look blurrily at the clock. It read 7:15. I bolted up, and became aware that the phone was still ringing. It was Jessica Weiling from Ideal Employment. I had met with her yesterday about looking for a new job. Since I had finished my degree in marketing, the job market had gone south, making it difficult to find more than just part-time or temporary work. However, rewarding, it seldom paid the rent. I have an opportunity for you, but there is going to be a little stress involved, started Jessica. Gessup Industries just called and said they have an opening for a marketing director; however, you need to be at the interview by eight this morning. Do you think you can make it?

I looked at the clock, and it said 7:16. I said, What’s the address, I will get there. I’m not going to pass up an opportunity, but why so early?

They like to test employment candidates to see if they are serious about working. If they don’t make it on time, they don’t get the interview at all. This company can be a little quirky, but I know they pay well. The address is 805 Simpson Street. You better hurry."

Thanks, Jessica, I will make it. I hung up the phone and ran to Aidan my son’s room yelling for him to get up and that I had an interview in now forty-three minutes that I could not be late for. He was actually already up and getting dressed for school. Mom, chill, I will get your portfolio and set it by the steps and get my own breakfast, just get dressed. I just shook my head. For twelve-years-old, he was always my rock of reason. I ran into the bathroom, brushed my teeth, pulled my long auburn hair up into a clip, and made it look like something, applying some eyeliner and mascara quickly to my eyes and running back to my closet. I had a standard outfit ready for any interview. A straight black skirt, white blouse, large stylish belt, pointed-toed black pumps, and small earrings. I gave myself a quick once-over in the mirror to make sure everything was in place and ran out of the bedroom, yelling again for Aidan to get his books and get to the car. I stopped short and just laughed, when I saw him standing at the door, coat on, book bag in hand, and a cup of coffee for me in his other. My, you are the great man of my life. What would I do without you? He said, Well, probably not make your interview. The funny thing about it, he was right. Without him, my life was a mess. He always kept me going in the right way; it was the only trait from his father that I was glad he got.

Looking at the clock in the car, it said 7:30. Half hour to get you to school and find this joint. I handed him my cell phone so he could use Google Maps to give me the location. I told him, The address is 805 Simpson Street, and the company is called Gessup Industries.

Aidan just looked at me with one of his looks. What? I asked. He shook his head and said the address to his school was 1503 Simpson Street. We drive by it every day. I just stared at him. We do?

Yeah, if I remember right, it is a big white building with a funny-looking sign. As we drove by it, I discovered Aidan’s memory was very good. It was a white building with a funny-looking sign. It looked like a big round ball with a G carved into the front face with little essup behind it, kind of like a tail. When I pulled into the school parking lot, Aidan said, Mom, don’t be nervous, I have a good feeling about this. It’s right up your alley—rushed. He got out and turned back and said, Break a nail. I chuckled to myself and said, See ya on the flip side. This was Aidan’s way of saying good luck. He always thought break a leg sounded way too painful, so break a nail was a good alternative.

As I pulled into a parking space at Gessup Industries, I looked at the clock: 7:56. Wow, four minutes to spare. Who knows, maybe Aidan’s good feeling will be right. As I walked into the lobby, the receptionist barely looked up. As I approached, she said, You must be Melanie Spensor. Human Resources is right down the hall, first door to your right. I was impressed and said yes and thank-you. Upon entering the office, I noticed a large picture on the wall of a man in a suit. That would not seem odd other than the fact that it was all done in primary colors similar to a Leroy Neiman sports memorabilia painting. His face was all jagged and red, making his expression almost comical.

Since there was no one else in the room, I sat down to wait for the Human Resource person to arrive. And I waited, and waited, and waited. Forty-five minutes later, I noticed a notebook on the table that had the Gessup logo on it. Upon perusing the contents, I found out that they had been in business for thirty-five years and were manufacturing diesel hybrid drive retrofitting kits. I thought to myself that it sounded high techie and very state of the art and cool. There were also a number of memos that were addressed to potential employees. I read a few of them and noticed a theme: rules. Don’t wear inappropriate or distracting clothing for working in your department was a subject of one. It went on talking about clothing distractions and how it could lead to disciplinary action; however, no specific examples were listed. I wondered if that meant don’t wear open-toed shoes in Shipping or not to wear a backless evening gown in the front office. Both were equally inappropriate; however, in different ways. I could understand completely now what Jessica was talking about with her comments on this company being ‘quirky"; however, right now, I did not care; I just wanted to pay my bills. With Aidan and I on our own, and me tackling my ex’s debt, it meant I needed a better job than waitressing. At about that time, the Human Resources person, Helena Sandavol, presented herself into the room. The reason I say presented herself is, I think I actually smelled her perfume prior to her walking into the room. I believe highly in the artful use of the correct perfume, the one that lingers slightly as you progress through a room but leaves you wanting more. This was a serious assault on the senses. The flowery essence was a breathtaking aroma of lilies that left we thinking of the last funeral that I attended. I followed her into her office, my eyes beginning to tingle.

She began the interview by asking me if I had my resume. I handed it to her with a smile and sat down in her office. She quickly scanned the resume and asked how I heard about this position. I told her that Jessica from Ideal had contacted me early this morning and told me to be here by eight. She told me yes, that that was correct and that they had reviewed the tape of me in the waiting room and noticed that I looked through the notebook. She then asked what I thought of the book. I told her the information concerning the company was interesting and well put together, and that the memos concerning conduct of potential employees was informative on company policies. By the look on her face, this seemed to appease her. I thought to myself, she must have written that pile of drivel. Don’t get me wrong, I understand rules, but if you’re going to spout rules, you need to be specific and not leave room for interpretation. People use wiggle room to their advantage, and that always leaves room for doubt. But maybe that was the way they were meant. If there is wiggle room one way, there is an equal amount of wiggle room for both sides.

The interview went on in this manner for a few more minutes, and then Helena informed me that I would be me speaking with Mr. Gessup. We both rose, and I followed her to the door and down the hall. Mr. Gessup’s office was spacious with a glass desk, love seat, several chairs, and another sports memorabilia-type painting—this time of himself. It was as strange as the first. If I got this job, I would definitely have to find out the story behind these paintings. He stood and walked over to me to shake my hand. As he approached, he seemed to survey my entire appearance, which I took as observant because he did not linger on any part except my face. Hello, I’m Derrick, Derrick Gessup. I extended my hand and said in return, Glad to meet you, Mr. Gessup. I am Melanie Spensor. He gestured for me to sit, and Helena departed with a cloud of lilies following her. Please, Melanie, call me Derrick. We are not so formal around here, Derrick stated. The interview started with typical questions about where I went to school and my general background. This only went on for approximately ten minutes when Derrick stated, Well, I think I have heard enough. I had thought things were going well, so I began to stand to leave somewhat disheartened when Derrick stated, Could you start Monday? I sat rather abruptly, making the chair I was sitting on screech. I smiled, embarrassed, and asked, So this is an official offer? I guess I need some details, job description, duties, benefits, pay—you know those little details. I could see Derrick clenched his jaw, and he ran his hand across his face as if in disgust. He then smiled and said, Helena did not give you a packet of details for all of these items pertaining to the job. I just shook my head no. Derrick rose and said that he would be right back and get one.

Upon his return, I quickly perused the information and looked at the pay and benefits. I was quite pleased. Wow, $62,000 annual, full health, eye and dental. Vacation time was a bit lean and somewhat confusing, one week after a full year of employment, none for the first year, all time off would be unpaid; however, you could use sick time which accumulated by four hours each month as paid time off if needed, and then two weeks after two years. Quite a mouthful, I would have to go over that later. With my ex’s debt that I was paying for, vacation was a figment of my imagination; however, with this rate of pay, I would be able to pay it off a lot quicker, and maybe after a year, we could take a whole week and go somewhere. I would be able to pay all my ex’s bills and feed my son on this. I looked back to Derrick and said, I think we have a deal.

Derrick said, Wonderful, let’s show you around. We walked around the building, him introducing me to a wide range of people. I knew I would never remember all the names for a while, so I just shook hands and smiled a lot. When we got back to the front of the building, he walked to an office and opened the door. It was stacked from floor to ceiling with boxes. This will be your office, and yes, we will have it cleaned prior to you getting here Monday.

About that moment, a nice-looking, very stylishly dressed woman walked up and said, Well, Derrick, whom do we have here? Derrick turned and said, Ah, Renee, I would like to introduce you to our new marketing director, Melanie Spensor. She is going to be taking Hector’s old office, otherwise known as the closet. Make sure to have maintenance clean and paint it this weekend so that it can be occupied Monday. I put out my hand to shake Renee’s hand. She looked at it as if it might bite and said, I am Renee Dandier, and I am the office manager, which means I am responsible for everything here. All that I could think of to say was, Well, I am sure you are very good at your job. You would have thought that Renee’s face was being swallowed by the back of her head. If looks would have killed, you could have considered me pushing up daisies. A sound emitted from her mouth that resembled a bear growl, and she pushed past both Derrick and me and stormed down the hallway. Don’t worry about her, she is having a bad hair day. Derrick laughed. I will make sure that your office is cleaned and painted prior to Monday so that you can get your office furniture and get started. We have a great deal of work to do in Marketing. Our previous marketing director was a failure of epic proportion. He ended up being fired due to having two DUIs that he had to do a bit of jail time. He did not bother to tell us what was going on, he just did not show up one day.

This made me feel a little funny. Why would Derrick tell me this? I know there are always stories to be told, but usually they come out over drinks on Friday or at parties where people are just hanging out and relaxing. I asked, Well, how long ago was that? I mean how long has it been since there has been a true marketing program?

Well, it has been three months since Hector has been gone, but I would say it has been almost a year since anything has been really done. At that point, I just figured that there was going to be a lot of work to be done. I believed I could handle anything. I got the job, and it was beginning to sink in. I got a job, I got a job, I got a job! I wanted to jump up and down and scream for joy, but I held it in—for now. We finished going around the front office, and I was introduced to a group of women that could not be explained as anything less than a gang. They reminded me of the pink ladies from Grease. The only thing they did not have was the black hot pants and the pink jackets.

After we left the front office, we walked back to the Human Resources department, and Helena told me to check in with her on Monday. I will walk you through all of the benefits and give you a policy book that you will be required to review. Next week there will be a few policy tests that you will be required to take. They are computer driven, so you won’t have to bother me with the results. They will be e-mailed to me automatically. I will tell you more about them on Monday.

I exited the Gessup building after a whirlwind two hours. I got into my car and immediately called Lucy Baxter, my very best friend. I got her voice mail and left her a rather spastic message about calling me a soon as she could, that I had great news. About twenty minutes later, she called me back. I told her I had just received an offer for a great job at Gessup Industries and that I started Monday. She was excited for me, but had a few words of warning. Derrick Gessup was a bit of a ladies’ man, and to be careful around him. He had been in trouble before for not keeping his hands to himself. I told her that he had been nothing except a gentleman to me so far and I would keep it in mind. It was just so great to have finally a way to get my head above water and to take care of my son without any assistance.

First Days are Never Easy

MEMO

TO: All Staff

Due to the foul smell coming from the refrigerator, no lunch containers may be stored. Lunches can consist of the following: canned soup, frozen dinners, or sandwiches. NO LEFTOVERS WILL BE ALLOWED. As always, not adhering to this directive could mean disciplinary actions.

Note: Only 1 frozen dinner can be put in the freeze per day – if you don’t eat it, then you are required to take it home. Anything left in the freezer will be thrown out daily by 3:00pm.

Note: If you go out to lunch – do NOT bring your leftovers back into the building. They will be immediately thrown away.

At exactly seven forty-five on Monday, I entered Gessup Industries to start my new job. As directed, I went straight to Human Resources to do orientation and to sign up for all the benefits and to get the information needed on these computer policy tests that I needed take. Helena looked up from her desk at me and just shook her head. What are you doing here, and why are you so early? she asked rather abruptly. I was rather dumbfounded and said, I thought you asked me to stop by your office first to pick up a packet of information about policies and benefits and such. Was this not the case? About being early, I guess I am just excited about this opportunity and want to get started. She just shook her head and smiled. Here is a temporary key card so that you can get into the building, I will have your permanent card later today. You need to have this with you at all times. Get a lanyard or something so that you can wear it around your neck. It is the easiest way not to forget it at home. You will only get this one card, and if you lose it, there is a $250 charge that will be your responsibility. Go to your office and start putting everything in order, and I will bring all the materials to you.

She just returned her gaze back to her computer screen without as much as a welcome to the company. I wasn’t quite sure what to do, but I figured that I should exit her office and go to mine. I was quite excited to have an office, this was great. That excitement lasted approximately thirty seconds, or the time it took me to walk down the hallway to my door. As I opened the door, I was accosted by the overwhelming smell of fresh paint and a pile of office furniture boxes. There must have been at least ten boxes of stuff. I noticed a memo of the top of the stack of boxes.

Memo

To: New Employee or New Office Occupant

All assembly of new office furnishing is the responsibility of the new employee (office occupant). Do not under any circumstances ask for help! If you are not able to put it together – then come back to Human Resources and put in your resignation.

Human Resources – Helena Sandoval

Wow, that is a little harsh and kind of a challenge. Well, I guess occupant meant me - and I guess I was going to be up for a challenge. I looked around and felt a bit overwhelmed by the magnitude of items that I would have to put together. There was a desk in a huge box, so I assumed it was a least somewhat assembled, a wheeled chair, two other chairs, bookcase, a lateral file cabinet, and a credenza. I was pretty good about following directions and putting things together, but this was a lot. In addition, I had obviously worn the wrong clothes to do this. Dress heals, a knee-length skirt and nylons were definitely not furniture building attire. I thought I would start with something easy—the two extra chairs. How hard could these be, they were literally only four pieces. Within ten minutes, I had the first chair put together and began on the second. Within an hour and a half, I had all of the chairs and the bookcase was assembled. Now onto the harder stuff. The lateral file took almost two hours to put together. At this point I started to place all these items where they needed to be and breakdown all of the boxes flat. There was such a stack of cardboard that I needed to find a dumpster or recycle bin somewhere. I exited my office and ran right into Renee. She said, Well, now I know where all the noise and paint smell are coming from. You should close your door so that you don’t disturb or give anyone a headache from your office. I replied, Would you happen to have a fan around here? I would be happy to close the door as I am working on this, but I don’t want to asphyxiate from the fumes. Renee just looked at me and stormed off in a huff, saying something about not being someone’s lackey. Wow, she was a very unhappy person. Who gets that mad for someone asking about a fan?

About that time, Derrick walked around the corner. He had a huge smile on his face and asked how I was doing with all of the furniture. It became policy about two years ago about putting everything together yourself, he said. I think it was Renee that put that policy together, because she felt that if you ordered it, you should be held responsible for it.

Oh, I am doing fine. I just wish I would have known that I would have been doing this today, I would have worn something a little less difficult to build in. The moment it came out of my mouth, I knew it was the wrong thing to say. Derrick stepped forward and said softly, "But you look so good, especially when you are using the tools. He then placed his hand on and patted my back. I could have sworn that he lingered long enough on the middle of my back to verify if I was wearing a bra. I took a step back and bumped into the doorway to my office. The cardboard that I had in my arms fell immediately to the floor, making more noise that Renee heard as she made her way down the hallway. My jaw just about dropped when she showed up with a fan. I said, Thank you, Renee, I appreciate you getting me a fan. The paint fumes are strong in here. Also is there some place that I can dispose of this cardboard? I have broken it down into smaller pieces, but I don’t know what to do with it."

Renee replied, I will have Maintenance come by and get it, but in the future, you can take it out the back door of the building. There is a dumpster that is marked for recyclables. Just make sure you take your keycard. If the door closes, it locks. She smiled widely at Derrick and gave him a little wink. There was obviously more here than meets the eye. That probably accounted for her being helpful. She was quite attractive when she smiled, she did not look quite as harsh as before. Derrick stated, Well, I will check on you later and begin to bring you projects that need to be completed. As he turned and walked away, the smile drained from Renee’s face, and she grabbed me by the arm and ushered me back into my office and said, Keep away from Derrick, he is mine. I saw your little flirtatious exchange in the hall. I replied, Don’t worry about me, I have no intentions toward Derrick. I am here to do a job. He was just asking how it was going with the furniture.

Well, just keep it that way. We have been together for almost two years.

"Thank you again for the fan, it will help a lot in circulating the air. I only have the credenza and the desk to put together,