Date: Sun, 3 Jun 2007 19:31:45 -0700 (PDT)
From: Will OBrady <juris_stories@yahoo.com>
Subject: The Emerald Merger, Chapter 3

Disclaimer: Okay folks, you know the drill.  This is a fictional story with
fictional characters and completely fictional business entities.  Any
resemblance to anything in the real world is purely coincidental.  This
story does revolve around a gay relationship and portions of this story may
be inappropriate for minors.  Check your local laws for whether this has
been censored in your jurisdiction.

This is not a stroke story, and the relationship will likely build slowly:
you are forewarned.

This is my first attempt at a story, so any and all feedback is
appreciated.  Feel free to email me at: juris_stories@yahoo.com

Thanks and I hope you enjoy!

The Emerald Merger, Chapter 3


"Nathan's First Day"

Nathan's felt nauseated as he slowly circled his way up to the top of the
parking garage.  He always hated the first day on a new job.  First days
were full of uncertainty, awkward moments, and that complete fear that you
have made a terrible mistake in even accepting the job.  It had been 10
months since Nathan was actually hired by OMA, but now, in July, it was his
first day of official work.  He was terrified.

Only Nathan's closest friends knew that Nathan was pretty much like two
different types of guys rolled into one.  On the one hand, he was shy and
uncomfortable around new people, constantly worried that he was going
embarrass himself.  On the other hand, Nathan had the external,
attorney-persona which allowed him to be outgoing, friendly, and appear
comfortable in any situation.  For today, Nathan was praying that the
attorney side of him showed up.

After checking in with security, Nathan made his way into the cavernous
marble entryway to the company's headquarters that, as Nathan would find
out, employees referred to as "Central City."  The room, larger than many
buildings, had green and beige marble walls and floors which were
highlighted by a glass ceiling three stories above.  In addition to dozens
of leather couches and chairs scattered around the area, the perimeter was
surrounded by a bookstore, coffee shop, dry cleaner, barber shop, and spa.

"One hell of a waiting room," Nathan thought as he made his way over to the
coffee shop.

It was only 8:20 a.m. and orientation was not supposed to start until 8:45
a.m.  Nathan grabbed a tall dark roast and headed over to one of the sofas
to wait for orientation to begin.  This, of course, gave Nathan time to do
one of his favorite activities: people watching.

The people criss-crossing through the area were varied.  Janitors,
secretaries, maintenance workers, and executives were all hurrying in
different directions.  There were a sizable number of military personnel
milling about, no doubt due to OMA's numerous defense contracts, and Nathan
took extra delight in checking out the fit guys in their uniforms.

After finishing his coffee, Nathan was taking one last look around before
he headed off to orientation when he noticed a group of individuals in
suits coming down a large marble staircase.  He probably wouldn't have
given the group any thought except for the hard-to-miss redhead lagging
towards the back of the pack.

Today, Sean Flanagan look older and more mature.  He was dressed in an
expensive blue suit with a pale blue shirt that highlighted his eyes.  Most
of the men around him were taking notes and they were led around by a
pleasant looking, middle aged woman.  Sean was hanging back slightly from
the group, though often nodding and sharing looks with the older British
gentleman that had been with him in the suit shop.

Nathan couldn't help but stare.  He was experiencing the same feeling that
had washed over him only two days prior.  It was a combination of
attraction, warmth, and curiosity.

"Why the hell do I find him so fascinating?" Nathan wondered to himself as
the group passed.  Nathan was getting annoyed at himself, and therefore, as
in irrational extension, annoyed at Sean.

"This is where I work now, why the hell is he here?" Nathan said to
himself.  "I so do not need this type of distraction right now."

Nathan abruptly stood up, feeling it necessary to make his way to the
company's auditorium for the orientation.  He knew he needed to get away.
He was beginning to get more and more angry at himself and the situation.

"Maybe it is just first day nerves," Nathan tried to tell himself.
"Besides, Kris will be at the orientation."  This thought made Nathan
smile.

Nathan had pretty much been in another world since Saturday night.  Kris
was amazingly attractive and, most importantly, he seemed like a really
nice guy.  Nathan and Kris had spoken on the phone 2 or 3 times on Sunday
and Nathan was really enjoying getting to know his new friend^Å or was it
boyfriend?  Nathan wasn't sure yet, but he was eager to find out.

* * *

"Please note that anytime your vehicle is in the parking garage, you should
be displaying the OMA parking permit on your rear view mirror," the speaker
droned on.

Nathan was ready to shoot the Vice-President of Human Resources.  He had
been talking for almost two hours and didn't seem likely to shut up anytime
soon.  Nathan had hoped that he would at least get to sit next to Kris
during the orientation, but unfortunately, Kris was a little late to the
session and was sitting in the back.  Kris had managed a quick wave at
Nathan when he walked in, which had brought a big smile to Nathan's face.

"And that is why it is important to review the benefits package.  Each of
you will be scheduled to meet with a HR representative sometime in the next
few weeks to go over your benefit options in detail^Å" the speaker
continued.

Nathan had almost nodded off when he noticed the speaker motion someone
into the auditorium through its large double doors.  In walked the tour
guide from earlier leading the same group which included Sean.  Sean was
quietly talking on his cell phone as she was describing the auditorium as
one of many meeting sites throughout the building.  The British guy from
the suit shop was now at the front of the group and seemed to be asking the
guide several questions.  It seemed to Nathan that this guy was running the
show.  Nathan wondered if he was an investor or something.

The speaker, however, had paid them little attention apparently unfazed by
the interruption, and had now turned his attention to the importance of
properly filling out tax forms.

As the tour group passed close to his seat, Nathan couldn't help but once
again stare at Sean.  Unfortunately, this time, Sean caught him.

As their eyes met, Nathan immediately blushed and turned his eyes back to
the speaker.  However, as often happens in these situations, now Nathan
felt like he had to look back over there to see if Sean was reacting to him
looking over there in the first place!  After waiting what he felt was an
appropriate amount of time, Nathan casually glanced back over to the group.
While still speaking on his cell phone, Sean turned back and looked
directly at Nathan.  This time, Nathan didn't turn away.  He wanted to, but
couldn't.  For whatever reason, Nathan felt like he needed to get to know
this guy.

What brought Nathan out of his daze was the thing Nathan least expected.

"Did Sean just wink at me?"  Nathan thought.

Before he had a chance to process what happened, Sean slipped out of the
auditorium with the rest of the tour.

"Ladies and gentleman, before I turn you loose to report to your
supervisors, please be aware that tours of our facilities by investors,
stockholders, customers, and government officials, just like the one that
just went through here a minute ago, are commonplace.  We therefore ask
that you keep your desks and workspaces in an orderly fashion.  Legal and
Accounting, this mean you." the speaker finished matter-of-factly.

Nathan stood up and stretched.  It had been a long 3 hours.  He wanted to
catch up with Kris before they headed off to their respective departments,
but he couldn't resist the opportunity to get more information on the tour
group.

He managed his way through the horde of new employees and caught up with
the HR Vice-President as he was packing up his materials.

"Sir, I just wanted to introduce myself.  Nathan O'Dell." Nathan said as he
stuck out his hand.

"Good to meet you Mr. O'Dell." The VP said shaking Nathan's hand.

"I appreciate all of the information you provided us today.  I am sure it
will make the transition period much easier."  Nathan said.

"Well, I appreciate those of you who appreciate me," responded the VP.  "Is
there anything else I can do for you?"

"Actually, Sir, I was just wondering who the tour group was.  Were they
stockholders?"

"Of course not, this company is 100% American owned," the VP said in a
rather condescending manner, "those were representatives of a UK company
which is considering becoming a customer of our aviation division.  That
was a Board member of EIE and his various assistants."

"EIE?" Nathan asked obviously confused.

"Emerald International Enterprises," the VP said with an astonished look on
his face.  "My, you are green, aren't you?  What do they teach you in
college?"

"Sorry, Sir, I am with Legal, so I am not too familiar with the business
end of things." Nathan said trying to restore his credibility.

"And that is Legal's problem, everyone up there is too busy playing golf
and pretending to be busy to actually know what the hell is going on in
this company," the VP said with a rather sour look on his face.

"Yes, Sir." Nathan said as he walked away.

"Great," Nathan thought, "I have already pissed off a Vice-President.  How
the hell am I supposed to know the name of every company we do business
with?"

* * *

"O'Dell!  Where the hell have you been?" screamed George Crock.

"Sorry Sir, I got caught up with Vice President Connelly," Nathan said
apologetically.

"Shit, really?  That is too bad.  Connelly is a fucking prick," said George
has he put Nathan in a friendly head lock.

"Welcome to Legal, your new home."  George said smiling.  "Now listen, just
because I am your boss, doesn't mean that you have to fear me, okay?"

"Uh, sure, Sir."  Nathan responded.

"Now, in a minute we will go get some lunch and discuss some serious shit.
In the meantime, you wanna see your office?"  George said as his eyes lit
up.

"Yes, I would love to," responded Nathan.

Luckily, the tension from earlier seemed to be subsiding.  Though intense,
George had a way of making you feel comfortable with him.

"Well, this is it.  What do you think?"

Nathan looked around.  It was a small office with no windows.  The desk and
bookcase already made the room look like it was about to burst at its
seams.

"Oh, George, thanks.  This will be great." Nathan said not wanting to show
his disappointment.

"Well, it ain't much, but you are the junior guy around here."  George
said.  "After lunch we have set up some interviews for your secretary.
When you hire her, the maximum salary is $26,000 and standard company
benefits.  If she accepts for less money than that^Å even better.  If she
is particularly attractive, the guys around here might even buy you a
beer."

"You want me to hire a secretary on my own?"  Nathan asked.

"Of course, I don't fucking have time to do it.  I tee off at 3:00!" George
said with a wink.  "I am starved, let's go get some food."

* * *

Nathan sat utterly amazed that one individual could curse so many times
while eating a burrito.  It seemed that every other word out of George's
mouth was of the four-letter variety.  Still, George was a pretty enjoyable
guy.

"So, you really ready to be put to work?" George asked.

"Yes Sir.  The bar is over with and I can now concentrate full time on my
work for OMA."  Nathan replied.

"Can I ask you one fucking question?" George asked spraying a bit of chips
and salsa on the table.

"Uh^Å sure," Nathan said cautiously.

"Why the hell do you want to work here?" George asked with a great deal of
intensity.

Nathan felt like he was back in the interview process.  The question made
him immediately nervous.

"Well, OMA is a fantastic company with a great reputation.  I can learn a
lot here and be part of a dynamic legal team."  Nathan said in a steady
tone.

"Oh my fucking God!"  George practically screamed.  "That was priceless.
Like a damn commercial."  George roared.

Nathan wasn't exactly sure how to react and simply stared wide-eyed at
George.

After regaining control of himself, George tried again.  "Look, let me
rephrase.  You graduated at the top of your class.  You interned with the
International Court of Justice in the Hague, for Christ's sake.  You could
have had any job you wanted."

"But this is the job I wanted, and I this is the job I was offered."
Nathan tried to explain.

"Bullshit." George said. "I know that you turned down a judicial clerkship
with the U.S. Supreme Court.  You were considered the top recruit in
International Human Rights law in the nation, maybe even the western world.
Non-profits from around the globe were scrambling to get you.  Now, you
want to come and work for OMA to practice international business and
immigration.  Do you know how fucking boring processing work VISAs can be?"

The intensity at which George was staring at Nathan made his want to run
out of the restaurant.  He was definitely not prepared for this line of
questioning.  Most importantly, he wasn't particularly proud of his answer.

"Look, I am not trying to grill you here, but I am trying to understand
what the deal is."  George said in a much more reserved, fatherly tone.

"Sir..."

"Call me George, damn it," George interrupted.

"Okay, George.  The truth is^Å and I wish it was a more respectable answer,
but I did it for the money."  Nathan said obviously embarrassed.

"Well, it is completely understandable that you want to buy yourself a few
nice things," George said.

"No, that isn't it.  I wanted to work at the non-profits and even though it
wasn't really what I wanted to do, the Supreme Court would have been an
amazing opportunity.  The problem is, with all of those jobs, the pay was a
concern.  I had a full ride to law school, but I still had to take out
student loans to live on.  Those loans were on top of the loans I took out
for undergrad." Nathan said.

"Most importantly," Nathan continued, "my family is pretty much broke.  My
dad, who is a steelworker, broke both of his legs a few years back and they
never healed right.  He can't work.  My mom, who is a nurse, tries to take
extra shifts to make up the difference.  They are both getting up in age
and have very little left in savings due to my dad's medical bills.
Frankly, I need to be able to support them, so I figured with this job I
could send home about $3,000 a month to help make up for dad having no
income.  I probably should have gotten a job closer to them, but, for
reasons I don't really want to get into, I don't really get along with them
all that well.  In short, OMA was the first to recruit me and the first to
give me a salary that could support me and my family."

Nathan visibly sighed as he finished his diatribe.  He didn't know enough
about George to know if he could trust him, but once he had started, it had
all just flowed out.  Nathan felt sick.  All of the guilt and anxiety over
taking this job came back to him.  He had made sacrifices for his family,
and yet they had rarely sacrificed for him.  When would he stop trying to
win them over?

"Well, I guess that explains it."  George said trying to mask the pity in
his voice. "Didn't mean to pry."

"It's okay," Nathan said.  "At least now you know I am committed to the
company for the long haul."

* * *

Nathan's afternoon wasn't much of an improvement over his morning.  He sat
through 2 conference calls, spent an hour on hold with the Department of
Homeland Security, and had his computer freeze up on him several times.

After 4 interviews, Nathan had chosen a secretary.  Much to the chagrin of
the other male attorneys, Nathan did not go for beauty in making his
selection.  Delores was a 50 year old black lady with a severe attitude
about everything.  Nathan didn't really know why he chose her over the much
more pleasant alternatives, but it was just that kind of day.

Nathan was packing up his briefcase and looking forward to forgetting about
the day when he heard his cell phone ring.

"Hello."

"Oh my god!  Did you just love your first day or what?" squealed Allie into
the phone.

Just her voice made Nathan relax a bit.  "Actually, it was hell."  Nathan
responded.

"Don't say that, I am sure it was fine.  But you can tell me all about it
later.  How long before you get home?"

"I am leaving here in about 10 minutes.  I should be home by 6," Nathan
said.

"Great, I will bring Chinese.  I am starving.  You know I haven't seen you
in, like, forever.  Do you think Rick and Sarah will be there?  Maybe we
should just order a few pizzas.  Or we could always just meet somewhere."
Allie quickly blabbed into the phone.

"Sweetie, just pick me up some Walnut Chicken and fried rice.  I will see
you at my place at 6."  Nathan said as he hung up the phone.  He knew from
experience it was easier to end phone conversations with Allie as soon as
humanly possible.

* * *

Allie was exactly what Nathan needed.  They ate, laughed, talked about
trivial matters and sat around most of the evening watching old episodes of
Absolutely Fabulous on DVD.  All in all, things were going well.  Nathan
had filled Allie in on all of the details of Kris and the past few days,
and had even had mentioned his weird run-ins with Sean.  Allie had mostly
giggled when Nathan was describing his attraction to Kris and Nathan knew
that Allie was, herself, pretty attracted to Kris.  On the other hand,
Allie had been particularly interested when Nathan mentioned Sean.

"Maybe it is a sign," she said seriously as they sat side by side on the
floor watching the TV.  "You have now ran into him in two, completely
unrelated places.  Maybe he is the one that is supposed to bear your
children," she concluded.

"Actually, with his whole having a penis and all, I doubt his womb is very
fertile."  Nathan said smirking.

"You know what I mean.  Oh my God you have thought about his penis, haven't
you? Maybe you are soul-mates.  Or, better yet, maybe he is stalking you.
Or maybe he isn't even Irish, but actually one of those white Africans that
send spam out to people's emails telling them that they want to wire 35
million dollars to their bank account."

"Have you ever been checked for ADD?" Nathan asked with a huge smile on his
face.

"Nah, I just don't have the switch in my brain that tells me when to stop
speaking," Allie responded with a proud look on her face.  "It is what
makes me^Å me."

"Well, I guess I am glad you are you."  Nathan said as he laid down with
his head in her lap.

For a good 15 minutes, they were content to just sit each lost in their own
thoughts.  Though Allie was definitely a talker, she and Nathan could often
get to that place where they were both just happy to be around each other.

"I got something to tell you," Allie said as she mindlessly stroked
Nathan's hair.

"What?"

"I got a job."  Allie said.

"That is fantastic," Nathan practically shouted as he sat up.  "Where?
With who?"

"Promise you won't laugh?" Allie said looking a bit shy.

"You know I won't laugh.  Now tell me."

"Greenpeace."

"Really, you got a job doing legal for Greenpeace?  That is awesome!"
Nathan said obviously excited.

Allie was immediately relieved there were no tree hugger jokes.

"Yeah, my folks are going to shit a solid gold brick," Allie said laughing.
"They use more fossil fuels in one month than most countries use in a
year."

Nathan didn't doubt it.  Allie's folks owned an open seas cargo business.

"There is one downside though."  Allie said slowing as she looked directly
at Nathan.

"There are always downsides, Allie.  What is it?"

"The work is at their Eastern headquarters in Washington D.C."

"Oh," Nathan whispered as the reality of the situation sunk in.

"But it doesn't mean we won't get to see each other.  Honest.  I will fly
back here once every six weeks or so and we can hang out and eat ice cream
and talk about sex," she said trying to cheer me up.

"No, it will be great.  And yeah, you're right, we will get to see each
other quite a bit." Nathan muttered though really not believing it.

"That's right.  Things will be just like always.  I promise."  Allie said
as she reached over and gave Nathan a hug.

"Of course they will," Nathan said.

Another silence overtook them, only this one wasn't nearly as pleasant.

"Well, it is getting late and I need to get up in the morning. I better get
to bed soon," Nathan said hoping that Allie would get the hint.

In fact, it was only about 9:15 p.m., but Allie knew not to push the issue.
Nathan had had a very long day and she knew that she had just dropped a
bomb on him.  She gave him one more hug and made her way out of his
apartment.

Nathan was left alone in a very hot, non-air conditioned apartment.  Rick
was staying over at Sarah's because of the heat, and wasn't due back until,
as he put it, "the goddamned heat breaks."

Tired and emotionally drained, Nathan decided to turn in.  As he went over
to lock the front door, his cell phone began to ring.  He looked down to
see who was calling.

"Shit," Nathan said out loud.

It was Kris.  Nathan suddenly realized that he hadn't talked to Kris all
day.  He never caught up with him after the orientation.  He was supposed
to go to lunch with him, but he ended up having a heart to heart with
George.  He even forgot to call him after work.

"Shit, shit, shit," Nathan muttered under his breath as the phone continued
to ring.  He knew he needed to bite the bullet.

"Hello," Nathan said innocently into the phone.

"Where the fuck have you been?  Why the hell haven't you called me?" Kris
was practically shouting into the phone.

"Whoa, hold on." Nathan said immediately on the defensive.  "Can't I get a
`hey, how's it going?'"

"No, I am pissed.  Look, if you only want this whole thing to be on your
terms, then you can go fuck yourself." Kris screamed into the phone right
before hanging up.

"What the hell was that?" Nathan thought as he stared at his phone.

He was exhausted and the day had just continually gotten worse.  After
stripping down and brushing his teeth, Nathan crawled into bed.  Closing
his eyes, he prayed that tomorrow would be a better day.


++++++

There is Chapter 3.  I had a little extra time to work on it this weekend.
I have a pretty busy week this week, but I will try to get the next chapter
out sometime in the next 7 to 10 days.

Thanks for all of the feedback so far.  I really appreciate the words of
wisdom, encouragement, and even the constructive criticism.

Email me at juris_stories@yahoo.com