A mystery office worker who takes the spotlight away from a budding office romance eventually shines a light on what was overlooked.
The Memorable Entrance
AN ethereal beauty enters the room with a rhythmic saunter that arrests everyone’s attention. Over the past few weeks, this brunette’s presence has become a highlight, fueling fashion envy and male fantasies.
Although Daisy’s current role is to answer phone calls and serve coffee, her aspirations are much higher. While work suffers, men line up for lunch dates, eager to mentor her.
The entire high-rise floor of realtors frequently requests coffee just to have her visit their desks. Beyond her looks, all they know is she’s an upper-management hire, perhaps an intern.
Meanwhile, the daily entrance of an extremely professional blonde female named Samantha has gone unnoticed for years. Not only has she been overlooked for advancement, but she isn’t on anyone’s romantic radar. Today, with her blouse on backward from dressing in a rush, she should be thankful to go unnoticed.
Jim, the office’s golden boy, has been the employee of the month for half the year, some say due to his good looks. Samantha sees potential in him with some tweaking, but her flirting over six months has yielded only cordial greetings. Now, she watches him go gaga over Daisy.
The Unexpected Compliment
Samantha pops into Jim’s office to discuss real estate listings. She can’t help but notice the way he leans in just slightly, making her heart race. His lingering eyes and proximity hint that they may both be harboring unspoken desires.
Samantha’s unrequited frustrations almost drive her to seek sashay tips from Daisy, but she refrains. During an unanticipated moment at the coffee machine, Daisy approaches her.
“Excuse me, Samantha. I just want to say that you are a good role model for me and the entire office.”
Samantha is taken aback, wondering if it’s a trap or a distraction from Jim. “Thank you,” she replies coolly. “We all need good role models.”
At that moment, the coffee machine sputters cappuccino on Samantha’s blouse. She immediately begins blotting herself with damp paper towels, imagining that Daisy’s distraction had something to do with it.
“Oh, look at this,” Samantha says in frustration. “I need to focus.”
“It’s barely noticeable. Let me help you,” Daisy offers. While wiping off the counter, her sincerity continues, “No, really. Your professionalism and dedication are inspiring. It’s why I look up to you.”
Samantha’s defenses waver. “That’s kind of you,” she says, a bit more warmly. “But I need to get going.”
Daisy nods, offering a micro-smile. “Just wanted to let you know you’ve been noticed. If you ever want to chat, I’m here.”
With a curt nod, Samantha excuses herself and races toward Jim. Despite her skepticism, Daisy’s words linger in her mind, creating a ripple of doubt in her otherwise determined stride. As she reaches Jim, coffee cup in hand, she wonders if she’s been too quick to judge her rival.
After loosening three buttons of her business suit, attempting to enhance her non-existent cleavage, she tells Jim, “I brought you a cup of coffee.”
Jim looks up, distracted. “Oh, thanks. It’s not necessary,” he replies. “Daisy will be by later.”
Samantha’s smile falters, but she quickly recovers. “Well, it’s always good to have an extra,” she replies lightly while visualizing herself splashing it on his suit.
Exiting after setting the cup down reminds her of the disappointments that have followed her since adolescence. Samantha was the bookworm while other girls went to ballgames with the jocks. In the locker room, girls called her Sam because her lack of curves resembled a boy. To this day, she considers the nickname “Sam” an insult.
The Makeover
Jim’s interest in Daisy doesn’t lead him into Samantha’s arms, causing her to undervalue her admirable qualities. Samantha is well-educated, knowledgeable about geography and fine cuisine, and a successful realtor with a nice nest egg and a well-decorated home.
With a closet full of designer clothing, she decides to hire a fashion consultant. Samantha questions the skills of Julia, an acclaimed young lady covered in tattoos.
“I’m here to make you the desire of every man,” Julia boasts.
“Excuse me,” Samantha retorts with umbrage. “How could you possibly have enough experience to advise me about fashion?”
“With over half a million social media followers, perhaps you don’t deserve my talents. My goal is not to make clients resemble me, but to coax out their inherent beauty.”
“I’m sorry for prejudging you. Let’s start over.” Samantha stands proudly. “This is a designer piece that perhaps needs more accessorizing.”
“Well, you’re no Raquel Welch. The best we could hope for is Audrey Hepburn.”
“I’d be happy with that. How do we get there?”
“Tiffany’s, darling—and the smart use of makeup.”
“Okay, I’m sold if you can teach me how to sashay in a way that attracts men’s attention.”
Samantha’s new fashion sense helps her close several more sales, while Daisy remains the focal point for most men in the building.
The Homefront
An office worker named Chris appears fashionable, thanks to his wife, who also handles household chores while raising a toddler. Chris must take on more household responsibilities when she develops a painful shoulder condition.
His deficiencies at home become evident, and he struggles with tasks like ironing and cooking. When keeping the house clean becomes overwhelming, he hires a housekeeper. He should value his wife’s contributions more, but instead, he fantasizes about Daisy as an attractive upgrade.
The Identity
It’s a Monday morning, and men hold empty coffee mugs in anticipation of Daisy’s entrance. Her appearance entices Chris to make a move. However, the main event occurs when the elevator doors reveal an imposing man in a dark suit. He steps out, causing everyone to fall silent and focus on their computers. Chris’ voice, conversing with Daisy, echoes through the room.
The stately man walks up behind Chris, his deep voice cutting through the air. “Chris, apparently, you don’t appreciate the value of money. Why are you ogling and chatting with my daughter when you should be finishing the reports I requested yesterday?”
Chris pales, stammering an octave above his normal voice, “Oh, Mr. Alexander, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize that you… and her… but we… I mean I… will have that… for you… right away… Right after I… visit the restroom…, with your permission…, Sir.”
Daisy’s relationship with the boss is now clear.
“I need everyone in the conference room for a staff meeting,” Mr. Alexander announces, “Daisy has some things to share.”
“Thank you all for coming. I’m a recent business school graduate who was asked to gather information about office productivity. The chart on the screen highlights deficiencies. A few workers, like Samantha, elevate the team’s average sales.”
Afterward, Mr. Alexander announces some changes. “Sam is the one to watch. Therefore, I am promoting her to the branch manager. With Daisy as her assistant, she will oversee the work of everyone here.”
Samantha fights the urge to correct her boss’s faux pas, biting her lip to avoid protesting the use of “Sam.” Instead, she graciously accepts the position, focusing on productivity. Chris refocuses on his job and family, recognizing what he almost lost.
Samantha’s management skills catch Jim’s eye, even more than her new fashion sense. After ignoring his flirtation for a few weeks, Samantha stops being barely noticeable. Instead, she begins the romance she has worked so hard to acquire. It’s now apparent that more important qualities, not just physical appearance, are what truly matter.
The End
Return twice weekly for miniseries. Use of this material for generative training or republication in any format without authorization is prohibited. Any relation to actual persons or events is coincidental. Login provides the most immersive experience. About 1200 total words. Educational review questions are available for ClinicalNovellas Scholar members.
