* X x * x * x * Chapter 23 * x * x * x X*
After the seemingly endless bantering, Jeremy returned to his office and Arthur came out to call Kaye and Felicity for a quick meeting.
He seemed like he was still laughing inside with his glee expression so Kaye wondered what was happening and why were they calling them to the office.
She felt apprehensive about going inside but they haven't done anything wrong as she hoped so it must not be something to worry about. Instead, she was nervous to see Zach in her office for some reason.
"Come in." They heard Zach say from behind the door after knocking. She carefully pushed the door open and looked around in awe.
The office was quite spacious, the interior design was quite modern with all the simple furniture. There are couches set on the left side, in front of the door. Attached to the walls are bookshelves with books of different sizes, some figurines, and a printer to the side.
Her eyes trailed off to find the gorgeous woman she secretly liked. Zach was seated on the chair behind her L-shaped desk while Arthur stood beside her.
"A pleasant morning to both of you, Ms. Jones and Ms. Mayer, please take a seat." Z turned off the classical music that was playing in the background then stood up from her seat and gestured for them to sit. They chose to sit on the long couch. "Would you like something to drink?"
"Good morning, ma'am. We're good. Thank you." Both of them replied.
Both Felicity and Kaye's eyes wandered around and their attention was taken by the collage of photos plastered on the walls of the room.
Although the posters on the walls might trigger OCD, they quite looked aesthetic in Kaye's eyes. She recalled the day they took pictures by the sea so she searched for some pictures that resembled the place. She did see but there were only just two pieces that capture the beautiful sea showered by a gleaming sun.
Kaye's eyes lowered to the table in front of them and noticed two laptops and graphic tablets that were on top of it in front of the couch. Her stares then landed on Arthur that seemed like hiding his smile while throwing a casual side glance at Z. He cleared his throat when he noticed that she was watching him.
"Now, I called you here…" Zach moved around her work table to reach the couch. Grabbing the attention of two girls who sat like they were a captive of some bandits with their legs closed together and their hands glued on their knees.
"...to give you your own company-issued devices such as these laptops and tablets that you can bring anywhere you fancy." Zach started and gestured to the devices.
"I would like for you to sign this agreement to return and care for company equipment." Z reached for the documents on her left side and handed them two the two girls who were listening intently to every word she said.
Kaye observed how Z moved with grace. She was wearing navy blue trousers and a light blue polo shirt with the top 3 buttons undone. She matched the attire with brown suede shoes. She looked so beautiful today as always, is what the voice in her head said.
She didn't notice that she was staring until she saw the papers flop before her. She blushed then took the papers and gave Felicity her own copy.
"It merely says that you have to take ownership of the devices so long as you work with the company. It must be returned in proper working order regardless of voluntary or involuntary exit, resignation, or termination from the company." She said as she sat down on the chair in front of her. Arthur sat down as well.
"You are required to notify a company representative within a specified time in the event of any damage, theft, or other loss of company property. This is particularly important for electronic devices, such as this laptop and tablets that may contain confidential company information.
In your case, you can send either me or Arthur an email and we'll handle it afterward. Rest assured that the company will do some form of cause analysis upon learning of an incident that resulted in damage or destruction of company equipment.
Equipment supplied by the Company shall remain the property of the Company and must be returned for reissue when worn out or you may be held financially responsible for lost or damaged property." Z explained as she looked over her own copy. She gently tap her lower lip multiple times and tried to think, "hmm, what else…oh,"
"The policy also requires that you maintain the equipment and use it only for its intended function in work-related activities." She added.
"Did I miss anything?" Zach looked at Arthur and he replied, "I don't think so. If you missed anything, it is written on the agreement."
"Perfect. Any questions?" Z asked them as they try to read some of the inclusions in the agreement.
"I don't have any questions so far. It's just nice to hear that we will also have the issued equipment that we can bring home." Felicity answered. "Excited is all."
"Well, we're glad you feel that way. I believe that you were told that we work on a flexible schedule right? There is also an option for you to do a 4-day work week as long as you complete the required 40 hours per week." This time, it was Arthur that talked.
"As I am sure you are aware that artists tend to work 12-16 hours a day so we'd rather have you, us, stay at home to finish and meet our deadlines. This is also one of the reasons why we don't get paid overtime, instead, the package is a lot more than the average." Z followed up. "Of course, overtime is always subject to approval and if overtime calls for it then that will surely be delivered."
The two girls nodded their heads in agreement trying to absorb all of the information they were given.
"It was actually Z's idea to issue this equipment that we started implementing a few years back around when I first started here," Arthur added.
They used to provide these devices for free at the start of their employment but there were people that couldn't take the workload and left the company only after a couple of months or before the 1st year evaluation leaving them at a loss of revenue.
"Well, that was rather irrelevant but don't you have any questions at all?" Z asked them once again.
Arthur glanced at Zach who isn't aware but she is technically part of the reason why their new hires give up so easily. No one ever voiced it out but he was sure of it.
Zach was in no way a toxic boss but she was quite stern when it comes to their projects. Zach has this intimidating aura that one would volitionally seek her approval but it was hard to please the young director and the newbies quit before they even got the chance to get to know her better. 'Their loss.' Arthur shrugged at the thought.
Zach decided to end the information she provided so there won't be any overload. She intentionally left out the part where if they happen to stay in the company for 2 years, they have the chance to keep the devices to themselves upon exit but it will still be subject to approval.
"I think we're good, Ms. McCartney. Should there be any questions, we'll let Arthur know." Kaye answered.
"That's good to know." Z nodded her head then asked another question, "By the way, are you both free this evening?"
"I believe so, yes." Kaye answered then Felicity also said, "Yes, ma'am I am."
"Good, let's have dinner tonight for a celebration," Z told Arthur then smiled and stood up.
"You can go now. Read the contract and give it to me before you go home." She raised her hand out for a handshake, "Once again, Welcome to J&Z. I'm glad to have you onboard." Kaye smiled and shook it hesitantly then Z moved on to Felicity.
"Thank you so much." Both of them said again in unison. Z handed her equipment to Kaye while Arthur gave Felicity her's.
Z watched as they closed the door. She slumped back to the couch and sighed in relief after they were no longer in sight.
"How was it, did I kill it" Z worriedly asked.
"I wanna say, you looked cool in her eyes but you could've toned it down a little bit with the 'Welcome to J&Z' part." He mimicked her handshake and laughed heartily.
"Really? I welcomed you here before like that, though?"
"I know but it just looked weird in my eyes for some reason, I can't!" Arthur slaps his legs as he laughs.
"Get out before I change my mind about your promotion." Z glared at him and he just blurted out laughing. He curtseyed once again and said, "I'm glad to have you on board."
Z threw the pillows to Arthur, blushing and roaring. "Get out!"