I'm Coming Out! [Side Story: Exposed!]

[Enver Marshall II]

Just because the male wasn’t in Harper Rock didn’t mean Enver didn’t keep a tab on things. Crash, as useless as he usually was, had his moments of usefulness. Enver primarily received reports about the people he and Crash used to know; people that owed Crash money, people that he owed money to, some hair brained ideas he came up with while he was on whatever drug of the night and then Crash reported in about people that Enver still felt linked to, even if his life was here. Those conversations became fewer and fewer as it appeared not much had changed. But one night, Crash reported something that Enver couldn’t believe. In his absence, the city’s veil, or ruse of the Masquerade had crashed and burned and the funny part of it all? He wasn’t even in the city when it went belly under. It seemed that people, other than him and some of his once upon a time closest friends and allies determined the fate of the city. Enver couldn’t help but chuckle as he thought of Velveteen and her company of goons and how their world must be upside down. To be a fly on the wall.

And then he sat back, folded his fingers together and grinned. He had predicted this sort of thing to happen years ago. He warned everyone and told them they should be making positive connections with humans, but had been laughed at and degraded by those older than him, or those with more influence than him, time and time again. But now? Now, this was a new beginning for vampires and humans. It was time to integrate; positively. Which is something he could do...but how? Going on public television wasn’t an option. Not with the possibility of someone actually seeing what was under his mug. It wouldn’t leave a positive impression. And then it struck him. He was probably one of the few people he knew that hadn’t come out with a book about his life yet. He could do ‘Enver: The Man,’ and then ‘Enver: The Vampire.’ But first thing was first...he would need to collect positive evidence of his every day (night) activities and that meant hiring someone to be his shadow.

While in sitting behind his CEO desk in what was once his old man’s business (now his) in California, an ad was placed on the business section of the crownet. His story started here; sure, but he was resigned to the fact that he would have to go back to Harper Rock. Where his second life, the life of a vampire began. And so Enver typed up the ad, skimmed it over and hit send and waited for the possibility of replies, while he grabbed some paper from his desk drawer, a pen from another, and began to divide his life into pieces, and possible chapters for this book. This was going to be a game changer.

[Indigo]

A cool breeze flowed over the desk where Indigo sat in the makeshift office space she used for both the Apiary as well as Honeygate Studios. Thankfully the air was still working despite the heat wave that had been looming over the area for the last few weeks. Not that it bothered her but those that spent massive amounts of their time within the building constantly complained about how oppressive the heat had been for them.

The blue glow of the computer screen cast a complimenting tint to her face as her brilliant blue eyes darted to the doorway. Nigel entered and in tow was his husband. A pivot in the desk swivel chair had offered enough space that she was able to stand. The pair were bronzed up equally and it certainly was sun exposure influenced and not the monthly all you can eat tanning packages that were available around town. They were back a few days earlier than she expected.

“Welcome back. How was the honeymoon?”

The greeting was what she expected as both came at her ready to take her in. Her long bare arms wrapped gently around both drawing them into her. A group embrace lasted long enough that her head was swimming in the scent of coconut and lime undertones. They smelled great and looked refreshed. A tight squeeze inspired a gasp from her body until she was released.

“Amazing.” Nigel offered first. His hands naturally were sliding into the front pockets of Ross’s cargo shorts holding him tight back against his chest. “Yes?”
“Perfect beginning.” Ross reached back and combed back the dark hair on the head behind him. “How you been? We brought you something.” A hand appeared from behind Ross and she squealed as she tugged it from Nigel’s hand.
“I love you guys!” The tissue paper was tossed from the plastic gift bag stamped with a logo from a shop in Jamaica. Her hands dove in and pulled out a Rasta Royal Empress II halter dress. Pressing it to her chest she leaned in and showered both with kisses. “It is perfect!”
“Glad you like it.” Ross stepped away from the where they had been standing. “Got something else for you. Might be right up your alley. Give it some thought.” A few clicks and he pointed her to look at what he pulled up.
“What?” Her eyes scanned the ad for a PA on the computer screen. She shrugged once she finished. She looked at both of them. “How does this apply to me?”
“You check out who the CEO is then tell me if you are thinking what we are thinking.”

Both nodded to the computer she was still next to. After a quick search a picture came up and she blinked. Another fast entry and there was the film she remembered. She knew it was him. He was nothing spectacular as far as acting went but the film was good enough to hold her attention in general for a B grade distraction during a transatlantic flight. She remembered it because she was on her way back with a set of wisdom teeth that needed to be extracted before her face exploded.

“Serious?” Her indigo orbs danced between both men. “Think I can pull this off?” She bit down on her bottom lip.
“Yes. Get him onboard with your uncle’s vision and think of the exposure that the arts community and the needs it has will get in return. Connections, networking baby.” Ross fingered the top of her honey blonde ringlets that bounced all over when he released them. “Do it!”
“Fine!” She grinned and spun around in the desk chair and started typing away. “It will be great. It will be a shot of professional artist support that we need!”

[Enver Marshall II]

It had been an entire night when Enver’s Human Resource person contacted him and had weeded out the potentials vs ‘no way in hell’ candidates. Enver had been left with three choices left, two female and one male. Each application had been sent to his private email, with thoughts on each applicant and when it came down to it, Enver managed to narrow it down to two. The lone male and then a female. While all three were strong in a variety of areas, the male seemed to have the better paper than all three, but one female seemed to have some real life experience that wasn’t going to be overlooked either.

Interviews were going to be scheduled for both candidates through email. It would go back and forth on a date given, to which various slots would be presented. Friday, July 29th at either this time, that time or another time, in blocks of hour allotments. The decision wasn't going to be made in just a few minutes. Not when this person was going to have to shadow Enver’s daily life activities and help him convey the visage of the male he wanted the world to see. When each applicant picked a time and a day, work began. No way was Enver going to miss the process, he had to have the final say. His office windows were replaced with new windows; double pane insulated glass with a Low-E coating. It was practically invisible unless you knew what you were looking for and apparently kept out ninety-nine percent of the sun’s rays and heat from the sun. While the heat didn’t bother him, it was what had to be done. Couldn’t have one without the other it appeared.

Flying wasn’t going to be an issue. His crew was used to his preferences and stopping often. Just an itinerary was needed as to where they would be stopping. He would be stopping in Indianapolis, to get some sleep and stay out of the daylight hours and then from there, be back in Canada the following evening. Grace hadn’t flown before, so this could be quite the adventure for them both. Time would tell. While Enver wasn’t ready to present to the world his adopted daughter, there was no way he was leaving her behind in case anything went south with his plans. Who knows what society might do when they find out the truth? But if presented with a positive truth, then Enver figured nothing was going to happen. Nothing major anyways.

Enver arrived back in Harper Rock with Grace in tow on Wednesday night, the twenty-seventh. Crash was waiting for them, in a pretty sober manner for the guy, though he had a few bruises and cuts to his face, arms and hands. Enver only shook his head, pulled Grace closer and muttered something about dealing with the guy’s problems later. Crash might no longer be useable to Enver. Which was a shame, they had been through alot together. But delicate situations required Enver to make difficult decisions and this might be one of them. He’d not do anything to the guy, just release him from his allurist hold, but Crash would more than likely be dead within a month. Without Enver’s power, influence and money...it was a pretty certain outcome.

They would be staying in the apartment above the theatre; his theatre. He hadn’t been there in years, but it was as he remembered it. No dust (a service came in and cleaned it once a week for some cash), and Lorde’s bedroom was going to be Grace’s temporary bedroom. Bags were plopped on the couch, before Enver bolted and started putting anything and everything that was expensive up in high, very high places, out of the toddler’s reach. The apartment had a very...bachelor appeal to it, so some things were going to have to be removed, flipped over and hidden to make it half-way reasonable for their time here in Harper Rock. Something Enver was sure Crash could manage, so tasked him with as Enver showed Grace the purple themed bedroom. Once they were settled, a movie was popped in the blue-ray player, while Enver continued working on his story, listening on and off to the last ‘Ice Age’ movie in preparation of the new one about to be released.


Friday, July 29th. 5:00 P.M.

The first interview was with the male applicant. While he answered every question as any experienced P.A would have, he wouldn’t get the job. He failed to realize, or recognize that the person interviewing him, would in fact be his boss. Enver had allowed his beard to grow, hair to continue to be as long as it was while his time in California (taking on that california hippie look he loved to sport while there) and put on a pair of glasses. He didn’t dress as a CEO would, for the obvious reason of seeming to be just a guy who made some decent money to have a nice suit, probably a nice car, and a nice house to book. The middle man sort of appearance. Enver would thank the guy at the end of the interview, ask if he had any questions, answer the candidates questions and then tell them that they would be in touch with him soon. With ten minutes left to spare, Enver would leave the small board room to retrieve a coffee and find the human resources guy and tell them to email the applicant and tell them thanks, but no thanks. Hopefully, the woman would do better.

Friday, July 29th. 5:59 P.M.

“Mr. Waters will see you now, Miss.” The receptionist looked up from whatever she was working on at her computer, to make a quick glance at the female applicant with startling blue eyes. A hand was ushered to the door that had been left open just a crack, while Enver readied himself for the next interview. A pad of paper with some questions were waiting for the woman, along with a bottle of water, an import from France.

He would be sitting at a chair in the center of an oval shaped wooden table that fit six easily, eight pretty well and ten if absolutely need be. The suit coat was hanging behind a large, wide backed leather chair, while he rocked back and forth in the chair, waiting for the second and hopefully more promising candidate. At exactly three on the dot, Enver took a sip of his coffee and looked to the door in anticipation.

Wearing.

[Indigo]

It was odd but for some reason Indigo Knight felt completely relaxed where she was sitting. It was not like the interviews she went on in the past where she waited, palms sweating, mentally reviewing what she would say and how she would sell her look. Perhaps it was the security of knowing why she was there. For once it wasn’t about her look or if it would sell something that needed to be to brought to the public’s attention. In fact it was the opposite. She would be the front person for someone who needed to be in the spotlight. She would be responsible for doing the juggling act of press, public, business and everything else while keeping them moving and shaking. She had seen it done and did it for her own career as well. This was old hat for her and a comfort zone if there was one to be had in the arts and entertainment business.

Maybe this was what the newly turned allurist was meant to do all along instead of standing in front of a camera making love and war with a lens. A lens that really never got her the satisfaction she truly found in the work she was doing for the Apiary and Honey Gate Studios. What made it even more satisfying was knowing that it was Phineas’s dream coming true. A vision was finally at work to promote the budding artists otherwise held back by lack of financial backing. The goal of bringing them into the art world where it could be difficult at best to be recognized even with all the money in the world was finally succeeding.

The figure clinging dress was absent. The typical casual hip look also missing. She was not bringing designer labels to the table this time. Her hair was still styled as if she walked out of a wind storm because there was only so much she really wanted to do with her natural caramel blonde cloud of curls. She owned it.

Indigo’s body language said as much as the female with the job of answering calls and running the office finally looked up from the desk and announced that Mr. Waters was ready to see her. She stood with grace and confidence to reach her full height that was not towering but hardly small. The sharp black ankle wrap heels were as comfortable beneath her feet as if she had nothing on at all. Each long step was accentuated by her lift of her chin while her icy indigo gaze left the desk and the receptionist and fixed on the door ahead that was pointed out. Community art was going to get some extra love if she had her way. The fact she was willing to invest as much of her time and creativity it required to make it happen was about to present itself in with the best interests of the CEO in need of a PA.

The space between door and the frame widened with the gentle guide of her hand. No jewelry adorned her fingers, neck or earlobes.The look was all business and classic just like the black sleeveless halter and dress pant combo. Finding she was not going to be greeted personally by the one in the room at the desk she closed the door behind her. The cup in hand could be containing something worth missing the expected welcoming handshake and she dismissed it as quickly. Maybe this was to be as casual as it all appeared but that would not affect her demeanor. She had a goal just as the one conducting the interviews.

“Good evening.”

Indigo paused at the side of a chair and had no intention of claiming one of the open seats unless invited to do so. She was just as comfortable standing if that would be how things went. Her eyes took in the face that looked familiar beneath the overgrowth of facial hair and glasses that appeared more cosmetic than needed. A smile nearly found her lips but was caught in time and instead she offered up her own introduction.

“I am Indigo Knight and you are...Mr. Waters? Or am I mistaken?”

Wearing ::l:: Hair

[Enver Marshall II]

The second, and last interviewee of the late afternoon pushed the door open and Enver just sat there, looking to see what the person looked like. He had a name and details of her professional life, but other than that? He couldn’t put a name to a face. Needless to say, they had never crossed paths before, but that wasn’t a surprise. Enver; for as much of a social butterfly as the male was, hadn’t been so social the last few months. Years, in truth. The reasons behind it were of no consequence to the male, it just what it was. Which made things easier for everyone important in his life. The guy couldn’t even remember the last time he died...only who had killed him. His cousin. Wonder what she was doing now? The thought brought a small smirk to his features before he watched the woman, in black from foot to neck enter.

She made no move to sit, but she did introduce herself right away. An open ended question from Ms. Knight brought an involuntary delay in his typical response when a person entered the room. Enver recollected himself, stood and extended a hand to the seat across from the one he had just been sitting in. “Ms Knight.” Enver stated after clearing his throat, continuing in the typical epitome of his business meetings and conversations. “Thank you for coming. You’ll have to excuse me for not offering a handshake, but I have a terrible cold.” Enver’s eyes dropped to the box of tissues in the center of the table, as if that would explain their reasoning for being there. He was lying. While Enver looked alive, he certainly didn’t feel alive when touching someone that was alive. And until he knew her stance on things, Enver wasn’t going to share in his private life just yet. Who knows exactly who or what Ms Knight might be? He had no weapons on him, so announcing he was a vampire to someone who might hate them or be a hunter of his kind was an idiotic move on his end.

“Would you like something other than water? We have coke products…Mr. Marshall is a big fan of Coca-Cola.” Enver said before putting a hand on both arm rests and taking a slow seat in the chair. Her question still loomed in his mind and so, he finally addressed it. “Why don’t you tell me?” It was a question asked for two reasons for Enver personally. What type of person she might be, and if she had done any research on who it was she might be working for.

[Indigo]

Indigo watched the man with a focus that she felt as if it had needles jutting from the center of her eyes. It was hard and fixed. She was intuitive and capable of reading most people. This one was proving to send her mixed signals. But she was on it as she prepared to get down to business. While the allurist within started working for her she placed a hand on the back of the chair closest to her right hip. She nodded as he addressed her and offered a motion of his hand that suggested she make use of it. It could be possible that the guy needed a juicy orange and a shot of vitamins C and E with a chaser of folic acid. Or…

Brilliant blue pools shifted to the face across the table that she took a seat at. A silence stood between them as she settled in, the length of her legs folding one over the other and then to the side. Her spine was strong against the chair that was there to support her if needed. Long fingers void of anything to keep hold of found the arm rests beneath inviting each to curl loosely. A twist of her right ankle had the rotation moving her foot slowly to flex upward then dropping back down. Her head tilted just enough that it eased her train of thought and then corrected seemingly as she came up with a conclusion that she was more than willing to share with the one asking her to tell him who he was or wasn’t.

“Don’t worry. I won’t ask for you autograph.” She stretched out her fingers on her right hand so that the edge of the arm massaged the center of her palm. “I have a hell of an immune system. No worries on me coming down with anything that I didn’t enter your office with.” Her voice was relaxed in stating the fact. A brief show of pristine white and perfectly aligned teeth were revealed only to the degree that if there were points to be seen they would be missed by her bottom lip. “I thank you for seeing me and giving me the opportunity to meet with you.” Her eyes stayed on his ignoring the bottle of water positioned in such a way that she was left to assume it was for her. “I find no issues with enjoying an ice cold Coke.” Her eyes had taken a slow tour of the office walls behind him then landed back to where he was sitting. “How about you?”

The idea of inviting more celebrity exposure in boosting the needs of the local community arts program she was trying to get off the ground was slowly taking a back seat to what she was distracted by. There she was sitting and eyeing the one who was supposed to be looking for a personal assistant. He didn’t say he was the real deal but she had a hunch and she was pretty sure she was not wrong. If he was more comfortable in wearing the guise and sitting behind it it was certainly his prerogative. Some felt the need to hide behind something. Indigo preferred to be open and receptive about who she was and what she was. She had no issue with those who accepted her or not. It didn’t take anything away from her in the least. Her brow finally hooked up in curiosity as to if he was going to answer her question.

[Enver Marshall II]

He doesn’t say anything about the autograph comment. Yet. Enver just nodded his head, grabbed his palm pilot, opened his email and sent an email to the woman at the desk. Janine was her name. The email included his request about retrieving a coke and a Mr. Pibb for him and Ms Knight. A woman who was the niece of an artist Enver had been to a show or two before in the past. “I find I enjoy a Mr. Pibb more, but coke is a close second.” Enver said with a grin, as he set the palm down once the email had been composed. “I’d be surprised if you even asked for it. It’s probably worth a third of the price it was four or five years ago.” Enver admitted as the woman at the desk entered the room, one hand possessing a coke, the other with a Mr. Pibb. She didn’t even need to ask which belonged to who as the coke was put down to the right of Ms. Knight, and the Mr. Pibb on Enver’s right. “Thank you, Janine.” Enver said as he popped it open and waited for her to leave the room before the glasses were removed off the brim of his nose, followed by his sleeves being rolled up.

“You’ve done your homework, good for you. I’m not going to waste either of our time asking about anything on the resume you submitted. I’ve read it and if you didn’t fit the potential criteria, you wouldn’t be here.” Enver was in his typical business regime, moving things forward as quickly, but professionally as he could. “Though, I’m curious. Why did you apply?” The soda was put down after a sip was taken from it, his dark eyes on her face. “What I mean to ask is...do you plan on quitting your current position at Honey Gate Studio? ” It was a fair question, in Enver’s mind. There was no point in wasting either of their time, even if she had the right knowledge and appeared seemingly perceptive for the job.

[Indigo]

With the glasses off on and the truth out Indigo felt the small reward of satisfaction in calling it how she saw it. Her hand stretched out, the length of her fingers opening the tab easily on the ice cold can. Of course she did her homework. And it would seem he did as well. Especially if he asked her right off the bat if she intended on leaving her current position as owner of Honey Gate. The can was tapped by a single fingertip but not yet embraced.

“Thank you for the feedback.” She gave a brief consideration to the possibility he could have looked even deeper into who she was so there was no sense in doing a dance around what could very well be obvious. “Because I am committed to my uncle’s vision in making art accessible for all with an interest, talent or dream. In that I have created a non-profit place that exists on the profits of my uncle’s work and the generosity of those in the community arts to make it possible to have a place to create and work free of the financial and materials constraints that are all too common to budding artists and performers.”

She stopped just long enough to make sure she had not lost his attention or perhaps even to give him a chance to point her towards the door. She couldn’t blame the guy if he did. How many strolled in and took over the interview after two questions asked...or was it three? No, two. At least she was keeping track even if she possibly was sidetracking the purpose of the meeting.

“I have no intention of abandoning it. It is a community venture that is supported by those who utilize it. As with such programs it is fueled by the passion and commitment of all involved and runs rather smoothly and flexibly. So, to answer your question there is no need for me to. I have more time on my hands than I care to have free to be honest. I have the ability to fill the position with the skills required and then some. I also am here with an interest in waving the salary package you would be offering if you find me the qualified candidate for this role in your company.”

She was relaxed in coming out with the proposition. What was the worst that could happen? He could pick up his palm pilot and S.O.S Janine and ask for her to be escorted off the property.

“In place of the salary, which I am sure is generous, I would be asking for something in return from you of equal value to the cause I am committed to. Your support and nothing more. Okay, so also add in a good word and the boost of mentioning the program in the right circles I am sure you are in a majority of your work time. Hopefully networking contacts could come out of it that would help the community thrive.” She paused. “Once you have taken a look at it and feel comfortable offering such.”

Now she was ready for that ice cold Coke and maybe even a smile from the one across the table from her. Would it be rude to take the drink with her if she was shot down? Just in case it was she started with a slow sip from the rim while keeping her eyes on him. The table was big enough. She hoped to see it again at another time.

[Enver Marshall II]

Miss Knight gave Enver an answer and then some. He rocked back and forth in the chair at a consistent pace, listening to her inform him that she would not be quitting her other job, why she wouldn't be and eventually asking Enver to endorse it more or less. It was an interesting concept, and one he wouldn't be dismissing so easily. He didn't have to pay her, all he had to do was name drop in the right circles...maybe do some events together...all in all, it was he, in Enver's mind that was coming out with the better deal in the end. But, not something he was going to point out, either.

"A simple no, would have sufficed, Miss Knight." Enver said after a few seconds of a pause, shaking his head and then chuckling. She was passionate about what she was doing and driven to succeed, otherwise she wouldn't be here right now. Enver grabbed the Mr. Pibb and took a long gulp of it as his eyes landed on her resume. He knew it, just as he knew the guy's before hers, but wanted to pretend as if he were thinking of something or about to ask her to expand on something she had put on her resume.

"I have a piece of your uncle's work. Back in my house in Cali. Went to a showing a few years back. Sorry to hear about things." Enver looked up from the papers, before he shoved them over to the left of the desk, while he stood. "Thank you for coming Miss Knight." Enver put the soda down, opened a leather folder and put all her papers in, concluding the interview session. "Keep the soda, it's on the house." He moved towards the door, opened it, and stopped right outside of it. "Oh. Janine will set you up with an in-house email account to use. Your first task is to find me a lawyer. At least a half-way decent one. Once that is completed, email me with the details and be in my office in exactly two hours. Welcome to Marshall Recreational Services. You'll be needing that soda." He winked at Indigo before moving out of the meeting room, to find his office and made a couple calls to some people back home about HoneyGate studios.

[Indigo]

Indigo was about to weigh in that saying no would not suffice since she obviously would not have had the chance to deliver her intent and motives for being there. As soon her lips parted she found her voice paused while his continued to give her a little more information on him. He did do his homework. Phineas work was in his home in California. A smile spread across her face because her uncle’s masterpiece’s belonged everywhere. She wondered which one it was. All of his work was catalogued in her head. Not that it would take much in finding out by going back through the meticulous sale records that her uncle kept. He was obsessive on tracking where each piece went. Then came the rise of Mr. Marshall from his chair with the suggestion to take the drink with her. There was no denying her insides started to feel like they were sinking in disappointment. She hated failing at anything. It got under her skin and fired her up. It was always at that point things became real.

She took the can in hand and shifted from the seat beneath her. The wheels were already spinning as to what her options were in stalling him and selling the idea she had in a different way. He stopped at the door and she found out she wouldn’t have to. Janine was setting her up with an email account. An in-house email account! She was about to do the fist pump with her right arm like she had a no net shot ending the game on the court in her favor but she held back while he stood there. Her first assignment was handed out and it was to find a decent lawyer. They were a dime a dozen. She nodded. Surely she could do that just as soon as she got home and told Adley what she pulled off and who she just met...wait.

Two hours? Her eyebrows lifted. Two hours? she was supposed to secure a lawyer for him in two hours and have the details forwarded him via company e-mail. A smile of agreement and understanding came across her lips as she winked back stepping towards the door. As soon as he was out of sight she darted for Janine’s desk with enough speed she was lucky she didn’t break her neck in the shoes she was wearing.

“I need an in-house email, please.” She patted the desk once with a big grin then turned on her heels that left her curls bouncing with her movements. [color]“I will be back. I just need to grab my briefcase from my car.”[/color] The can of Coke went into the nearest recycle receptacle by the door.

As soon as the office door closed behind her, “Y-E-S!” could be heard in the lobby she left.

An hour later…

Indigo sat at the massive meeting table with the phone on speaker. The voice on the other end seemed to be qualified to submit for approval to Mr. Marshall. Wilson. It made her think of beaches and tropical water and...volleyballs.She inhaled deep finializing the email that would contain all that was required for her new Boss.

“I will be forwarding this and you shall be hearing from the potential client or I. Have a nice evening.”

The call was ended and the enter key was tapped. Her first task seemed all but complete. Once she heard back of course. Until then she took a look around the office while she sat tight with the email screen left open. It could use some color and it certainly could use some updated art.