Becky noticed the man when he came through the door. She continued filing her nails and hoped that he would just pick up a copy of the paper and go. But no chance, no. The guy had to come straight to her desk and ask a question. Why do they always have to come to her desk? Just because she's the receptionist does not mean that she's here to just answer questions. The nerve.

Becky simply rolled her eyes and gave him this why-did-you-have-to-bother-me-can't-you-see-I'm- the-middle-of-something-important look before replying, "Ms. Gossip is out on the field and the boss is not in today. You can leave a message."

She gave him the don't-even-think-of-making-me-write-a-message look. She's gonna have to ask for a raise.

If Amal or Tera were here they would be running interference. Neither one wants to interview a new receptionist. No one said Becky was the brightest or most efficient, but she is good at... She's good at... Well, she must be good at something!

Becky sat there shocked, with mouth open and eyes wide. She sat straight and closed her mouth. How dare he?! Who was this man and ... ooooooo if she could just rip his eyes out with her sharp claws. Yes, her hands were actually curled and her eyes were squinted into tiny slits. Like a cobra ready to strike. But, what would the boss say? She didn't feel like typing her resume just yet.

She still wants a raise.

No, she didn't know the man, all she cared about was that he dared threaten her. HER! How dare he?! How rude! She gave an indignant little huff and composed herself before replying with that stuck-up attitude of hers, "I do not keep track of their schedule. Like I said, you may leave a message. Or just leave."

She looked confused. Did she say the last part out loud? She touched her chin with her nail file and raised a brow in thought. Yes, she did say that out loud. She gave a little shrug and lifted her chin. He deserved it anyway.

The Lord of Westridge came in through the front door of the Oracle office building, holding a camera that needed more film. He saw the back of someone leaning over the receptionist?s desk; and, of course, the pretty face of Becky.

?Hello, Becky dear. If your nails don?t look extra lovely today, I just don?t know what does.? He gave her a smile and a wink and was about to pass by and head up the stairs to the offices and supply room when he noticed who the special visitor was.

?Why, it?s Lord Travanix! Good day, sir. So good to see you. I must say, that?s a very eye-catching billboard you installed opposite your Chained Inn. I just had to take a picture of it for the paper. I figured a little extra publicity never hurt a business, especially since you?ve must have gone through considerable expense to put that up there.?

He leaned a shoulder on the door jam to the stairway, folded his arms and smiled. ?If you?ve come to thank me, I appreciate it but there?s really no need. Always happy to help out a business owner.? He then looked to Becky and back to Lord Travanix who was leaning close to her, ?Or have you come to get manicure lessons from Becky? She?s really quite good, you know. I?ve seen none better. She practices all the time. It's amazing what she knows about fingernails.?

He went and sat on the end of Becky?s desk, gave her a wink and watched Lord Travanix leave the office and exit the building.

?I do believe he thinks I know who put that billboard up there, Becky dear. It would be interesting to find out; and I wonder what girls have gone missing over the last few days. So many interesting things going on, so little time.?

He got up off Becky?s desk and leaned in close to her ear, ?Be careful, dear. He?s not one to be trusted, or to be taken lightly.?

Gav continued his way up to his office.

Having picked up more film and his Oracle paycheck, Gav trotted down the stairs.

As he passed by Becky, he placed a little box of 6 brandy filled dark chocolates on her desk and winked.

"See you later, Becky."

He had some Christmas shopping to do with his gorgeous Des, and he planned on spending the entire paycheck.