The United States of America - Alfred F. Jones (st4rsp4ngl3d) wrote in madisonvalley, @ 2017-03-29 18:57:00 |
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Although Tessa had never been a business owner prior to arriving in Madison Valley and therefore had no frame of reference, she felt blessed in being able to have the employees that she did. Molly was a godsend, able to cook large batches of food for the elderly clients who could not make their own food and schedule an entire week’s worth of shifts at the same time; Allison was still helping with technology and keeping organized; and now her newest employee was a bundle of enthusiasm and energy. She was still not sure why he had chosen to work for her, since his skills could have put him a position that offered a much higher income, but she was glad he did. Her clients - especially the female ones - loved him. Will was going to have to watch out, or he might find himself replaced in their reflections. “Good morning, Mr. America,” she said, smiling at him when he reported in to her home office that day. She was working out of the living room today, her office having been taken over by some of Will’s books. The living room was tidier, although the walls - upon which numerous types of weaponry hung - were fuller than usual. Will and Jem had already gone out that morning with their swords and throwing knives, and now they hung neatly on the walls. Tessa looked very much out of place amongst that much hardware, dressed as primly and properly as she was, but she was just at ease there as she would’ve been in any drawing room. Perhaps even moreso. “I have a new assignment for you today.” *** America was pretty excited by this job. Honestly, his time in Madison was giving him a chance to be… Well, normal. He had a little apartment, a normal job, and a generally ordinary, boring little life, with no great diplomatic concerns or meetings with ambassadors or security briefings or anything. It was great. Sure, he loved being America, and he loved his people and was honored and proud to look after his responsibilities, but it was so tiring sometimes. His time in Madison had been like a vacation in that regard. Plus, his job totally suited him as far as he was concerned. He liked talking with people and he liked being helpful, and to top it off, he’d lived during the same time as all their clients, so he felt like he could really connect. “Mornin’ Tessa!” he said, flashing her a bright smile. “A new assignment, huh? Let’s see it!” *** “Mr. Carruthers has a car - a…” Tessa took a moment to read through her notes. “A...Phantom?” It did not mean much to her, but it was obviously a greatly treasured possession of his. “He would like it washed and run...but not driven. Are you able to help with that?” She did not have anyone else on staff who could do much with it. She, Jem and Will were all from a time when cars did not exist, and Molly - for all her power - could not go near electronics without something exploding. *** “A… What?” America was sure he hadn’t heard her correctly. A Phantom? Here? And the old man wanted it washed and run? REALLY? “Sorry, did you say a Phantom? Like, the car?” It had been ages since he’d touched a car so fancy… The President’s limo was fancy, but a Phantom was a Phantom. America knew he wasn’t allowed to run it, but he could touch it. He could even put his face on it, if he cleaned it well enough afterwards. He was totally gonna put his face on it. *** “Yes, I believe it is a car?” Tessa said, all of a sudden not so sure anymore, given Mr. America’s incredulous reaction. “Is that a problem?” Not being familiar with cars at all, she could not quite imagine what had provoked such a reaction. There had been no pictures with Mr. Carruthers’ request, just a simple statement. But Mr. America was reacting like Will did when presented with a new sword. *** “A problem? Heck no!” That’s right! He’d totally forgotten that Tessa wasn’t exactly from the same place he was, so it wouldn’t have registered with her. “It’s just that it’s a really, really, fancy rare car that most people wouldn’t have. But don’t worry! I’ll take super good care of it, I promise.” *** “Oh, I see.” And she did, now. Tessa might not know about cars, but she knew about fancy and rare objects that were coveted by connoisseurs. Will and Jem were the same about books and weapons. “Yes, please, do not damage it. Mr. Carruthers is extremely fond of it, and I would hate to have to find a way to repair it if anything goes wrong. Will you be able to see to it later today?” *** Damage it? America nodded seriously. “I promise, I’ll take very good care of it.” What a crazy thing to happen. He’d thought this job would mostly be cleaning houses and running errands and having tea with old people - Which it often was - but there were really weird things, too, like washing some old guy’s enormously expensive and fancy car! “Yeah, I’ll definitely hit it up today… Got anything else you need me to do?” He gave Tessa a big smile. He was always eager to work! *** Tessa could see she had chosen the right person for this task. With his enthusiasm, America was bound to get the job done, and done well. “That is all,” she replied with a warm smile. “Thank you, Mr. America. I will see you tomorrow.” *** “You got it.” America stood up and offered her his hand to shake. They didn’t know each other well enough for hugs just yet, but pretty soon he was sure they would! “Call me if you do need anything, okay? I’m always willin’ to help out if I can.” |