To ASSociate or Not to ASSociate...

On this evening marking Barack Obama's 100th day as president, I sit in my bedroom on my laptop looking back on my first nine days since setting my life back on track. I have no one to nurse, no one to worry about comforting, no one, that is except for myself. This is my show...working with the hand that I have been dealt; which is much better than Barack Obama's. I have a job, an apartment, the most supportive friends; I have a life.

The girls at RD Capital Partners welcomed me back and filled me in on the most recent firm gossip over lunch at Chopt. Which VP was now married and may begin a family soon. Which member of the accounting team became so drunk at last year's RD Capital Team Conference that she fell into the bonfire; and then attempted to pick up one of the hot associates. Oh, yes, and speaking of that particular associate, he was looking quite tasty according to Sarah and Kayla.

"Yes, Frankie you missed a bit. I know you were a taken woman when you last worked with us, though Cole is now single as well", smiled Kayla.

Cole was a cute, young associate who had mesmerizing blue eyes and golden blond hair, which was cut perfectly short. Though I would serve as the assistant to a principal, another associate, and Cole, I had not yet seen this cutie.

"Why haven't either of you chased him then?", I asked.

"Well, I have my own guy who has been on my mind; actually I would like to ask you what you think. I met a hot Aussie, which we must discuss...though after filling you in on Cole.", said Kayla

"Yes, and well, I don't date colleagues," Sarah chimed in.

"Ah, what a coincidence," I began, " neither do I. He sits four offices down from my cubicle and if I am supporting him as his assistant, I can't, well, you know...ahem...support him, um, in other ways. We all remember what happened to those kids at the advertising agency, now don't we?", I said; barely finishing the sentence before busting out laughing.

"Stop that!", pleaded Kayla, "We should make a pact so no one dies from choking on our food while eating and sharing funny stories. Breathe, chew, swallow, speak."

Sarah and I looked at each other and couldn't help busting out laughing. "Oh you are both perverts!", yelled Kayla.

"We didn't say anything, though you are obviously right down in the mental gutter playing with us!", I accused,"Let it rain!"

Back at the ranch, er, office, sitting at my desk, I heard Sarah greet Cole, as he walked in. He looked around the corner and saw me and asked,"Hey Frankie! How are you?"

If the financial sector was suffering, then you wouldn't know it by looking at him. He looked different. Same features, though much more attractive. Much more...manly. It may sound cliche, though was he working out more often? He looked like he should be sailing on The Cape and spending summers at The Vineyard. I could have ripped him from a Polo advertisement. If Helen launched one thousand ships, then Cole could certainly save the economy.

Kayla was watching from her cube, located next to me, and grinning to herself pretending to work on a partner's itinerary.

"Great to have you back, Frankie," continued Cole.

"Happy to be here, Cole," I replied,"Quite fortunate actually. Need help with anything?"

"No, I'm all set. Thank you."

I took him in for a moment longer than one should.

"Excellent," I snapped out of it,"Well, let me know if you need anything at all."

"Will do, thanks", replied Cole, walking away with a smile that could light Times Square, and the bridges, tunnels...yes, you get it.

"Well you are a darker shade of scarlet, Frankie!", observed Kayla.

"It's the Irish skin...Kayla O'Rourke; you should be quite familiar with its tendency to burn," I replied defensively and took a sip of my mango nectar.

"HMMMM," thought Kayla",...I wonder if Cole burns. You know, last year Mack (a partner) held a barbecue at his home. Cole looked smashing in his swim trunks..."

I spit out the tasty beverage and coughed furiously, as mango nectar shot out of my nose, "The rules still apply!!!!!!", laughing.

No, this deal is definitely not bad...not bad at all. --Frankie