[Video]

[seawalled]

[when Ellie turns on the feed, she is clearly in the back alley of a Starbucks. broken-down cardboard boxes stamped with that infamous logo are piled up nearby, and she's holding a half-empty packet of madeleines, gesturing with it as she holds the phone in the other.

there is foamed milk all over her apron, and traces of it in her hair like soap suds. maybe that's why she's so worked up. and yes, she may be talking with her mouth just a bit full. like you've never stress eaten!]

Can someone tell me where people leave their bloody decency before they walk out the door in the mornings here? You know, I made it through the hols just fine, but today some woman who couldn't be arsed to take her Bluetooth out of her ear long enough to answer me when I wanted to clarify her order threw her bloody oat-milk latte in my face.

This is a decent enough temp job and I make a mint in tips, but I'm really, really ready to find a desk job. Anyone hear of anything through the grapevine? Indeed and this bloke Craig and his list aren't turning up much.

Comments

Audio

[serpentinthegarden]

What did this lady look like?

[seawalled]

One've the other baristas called her "a total Karen", whatever that means. Especially since the name she wanted on the cup was "Rebecca". ... You're not going to honestly hunt this woman down and do something .... what, demonic?

[serpentinthegarden]

Karen-Rebecca, got it.

[ Now all that was left was to track this one lady down in all of New York. Which would not as difficult as one might imagine... Humans formed patterns and she likely went to that same coffee shop every day at around the same time. He would just have to do a little steak out... What?

Anthony shrugged at the screen. ]

Why not? She earned it. Its not like you asked to go swimming in... wazzthat? Oat milk latte?? Who even orders that stuff?

[seawalled]

More people than you'd think, and I don't understand why. It tastes terrible, I tried it when they got it in. Like someone put cardboard in a blender and added ... pasta water or something. Gluey.

But really, Ant'ny, I appreciate how much you care, but is it really worth it? You showing off in public and maybe getting in some kind of trouble? I know your answer already. Ugh, why am I even trying? Some days you're as bad as Alec.

[serpentinthegarden]

I've avoided trying anything that looks like soured milk.

And I never said I would get caught. I'd just give her a taste of her own medicine, buy one of those cardboard smoothie things and dump it over her head. Payback doesn't have to be fancy.

[seawalled]

That's an excellent policy, and I think I'm going to have to adapt it for myself.

[oh. oh, that does sound like it'd be so very gratifying]

... Only if I get to watch.

[serpentinthegarden]

[ There's his cousin! He knew you had a wicked streak in there some where! ]

You can have front row seats!

[seawalled]

Lovely. I'll have to bundle up and wear a scarf so she doesn't recognize me, though ... I've got tomorrow off, we could do it then.

Text

[consortofalderaan]

I own a private therapy practice. My receptionist is planning to go on maternity leave.

[seawalled]

Well, that's something I could handle for a while. I wouldn't want her thinking she wouldn't have a job to come back to, though!

[consortofalderaan]

You're right. It would be temporary, but it might give you time to find something permanent for after.

[seawalled]

Logical and sensible, yeah. ... I mean, if nothing turns up I can always go back to frothing milk, I s'pose. That's the thing about service industry, they're always looking. And a temp here would be nice to have on my CV.

I expect you'll want me to come and interview - I can make do whenever you're able. I'm hardly about to assume you'll want me starting on the merit of just a little forum chat.

[consortofalderaan]

I would have just gone through a temp agency. But an interview would be the most appropriate way to do this.

What about noon on Wednesday or Thursday?

Network -> Action

[seawalled]

Noon Thursday is fine by me! I'll see you there.

[and at the appointed day and time, Ellie cleans herself up nicely, pinning her curls back and dressing in a chic gray pantsuit and a crisp white blouse. she's carrying a manila folder under her arm with two copies of her CV and her references]

Re: Network -> Action

[consortofalderaan]

[ Ellie would be greeted by the daytime receptionist, Zooey - who was very pregnant - at the front counter. Bail didn't like a posh interior design, opting for something more warm and welcoming.

Zooey led Ellie back to Bail's office.

Bail got up from his desk and moved to shake Ellie's hand. ]

You made it. How are you?

[seawalled]

[Ellie made quite a big deal of Zooey and her baby-to-be, cooing over her and wishing her and the family all the best. she wanted to make sure Zooey didn't see her as a threat to her continued position, after all, and she'd probably need her help learning things if she did get the temp job. when she's led back to Bail's office, she can certainly see why Ben's taken with him - he's quite handsome. she shakes his hand with zeal but not too much force]

Wouldn't've missed it for the world. I'm pretty good today ... [with significant emphasis and all the vagueness that comes with being Different in mixed company] ... Nothing new. Thank you for asking. You?

[she's not too sure if asking him was professional, but it came out quite naturally, and she has a feeling this might not completely be a formal interview, all things considered]

[neverjedi]

I can't help on the job front, but I am more than willing to come and loudly disparage people who can't manage basic manners until they run away?

[seawalled]

That's sweet of you! My cousin's already taken up the banner on this occasion, but if I need it again I can always let you know.

Also, if you're ever near the Starbucks on (address)? Drop on in and ask for Ellie, you can have my employee discount. Different special. [wink]

[neverjedi]

I'd almost rather have an excuse to snark off at assholes, but the Different discounts appeals to my sense of humor and my caffeine addiction.

[seawalled]

Ha! I mean, if anyone does get shirty while you're there, feel free. It's New York, it's bound to happen.

[neverjedi]

One of the reasons I chose to stay here. People can be kind, but they will tell you about overstepping.

Which means I get to do the same thing.

Maybe I'll take the discount and drink really slowly?

Lay in wait.

(Also I can vouch for Bail. If you want to take that offer.)

[seawalled]

Ha, I certainly wouldn't mind the company if that's the route you want to take.

You can? Oh, good. He seems like a really great person, but we hadn't really met. Is it alright if I ask how you know him?

[neverjedi]

We'll make friends while I do.

We're... dating [ Seems the safest word for it.] Have been for a while. Just look out for how scary competent he can be at understanding people. It's a little unsettling sometimes.

[temptationaccomplished]

Oh, my dear, I'm so sorry.

Really, the nerve of some people. This goes beyond even 'entitlement.'

[seawalled]

Thank you, you're always such a sweetheart. ... Most days I can let it slide off my back like a duck, but today it just got under my skin, you know?

I think it's because I haven't had any of the memories in a bit, and I can almost feel it looming... I know you won't ken what I mean, but it's a bit like PMS for your brain.