Guilt

Dave watches as Charlene screams about how this had to be a nightmare. That any minute now she was going to wake up in a sweat soaked bed. That she would be young again and…

And to think I only came her for a severance package to take Maggie out along with…

Maggie. Dave’s eyes narrow. Maggie wouldn’t approve of this. It was funny, but it was way beyond the realm of payback. A little more vindictive that was really necessary.

With a sigh he wishes for Charlene to go back to normal, along with everyone’s image of her. However he did make her think it was a dream. Sort of like A Christmas Carol type thing. She had met her future self. Old, bitter, incomplete. Now it was just up to her to make it right. A second chance. He also implanted the new severance package of twenty thousand per year. Might as well make sure Maggie’s first time (of many) with me is something to behold, he thinks.

“Oh, Dave. Marlise. How are you…” Charlene says after suddenly calming down. She glances down, “Why is the maintenance man under my desk?”

“I don’t know Ms Vigen. But you were telling me to get Dave’s package ready, correct?”

Charlene nods, a bit distractedly, looking at the **** Sean. “Yes, yes, just get it in for my signature. Also, call Harry. Ask him about why he is not in the office, yet again. I swear, he made me lose one of my best publicists. All because he’s married to one of the directors. Ugh. Waste of space.”

Okay, so I edited about exactly how it went down in her mind. Sue me, he thinks.

Marlise leaves the office, then quickly returns, “Here you are Ms Vigens. Had it all ready waiting for your signatures.”

“Such a bright girl…you know, Marlise. I now have an opening on the team. I think it’s a waste for you to be just a receptionist.” She smiles kindly, something Dave’s never seen her do. Look like her Ghost of the Future has played big part upon her psyche. “Starting Monday I’m going to need you find your replacement, and train her for two weeks. By then I hope to have Harry transferred, Carrie promoted, and you on her team…”

Marlise looks stunned, “C-carrie? But isn’t she…”

Dave smiles, “Never on the job. If she asks if you want to go out for drinks afterwards, look out. But on the job she’s a pro.”

“O-okay. Uhm. Thank you Ms Vigen. I really appreciate the chance.”

“If I didn’t give you the chance, someone’ll just steal you away from us.” She shrugs, then looks back at Dave, her whole face different with a smile on it. “And Dave, After that money is used up, I’ll see if I can get you a job, if not here, then as a recommendation for somewhere else. Okay.”

Dave smiles, and nods. “Yes, Ms. Vigen. And thank you.”

With that Dave turns and leaves the room. Well…now to make sure Maggie’s fantasy comes true.