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There is a certain level of business where the five day business week is an illusion. Where the "leisure" activities of the weekend, be they at a bar, restaurant, social club orgolf course, can have greater ramifications than anything that happens during the days the market is open. And whether he likes it or not, Warren Worthington III has ascended to those levels. Which is why he's having his sunday Luncheon at an executive's club, rather than any of the places he would personally prefer. Recently arrived, he is currently scanning the menu. As has become one of thepublic signatures of the young executive, his long jacket remains on.
*
Alexandra 'Lex' Luthor steps into this particular executive's club for much the same reasons every other individual is here- networking. She checks her coat at the coat check, wearing a suit tailored for a female form but in otherwise male style- pants, button up shirt, bowtie, and vest. The only bit of traditionally female attire? Earrings and designer heels.
Lex moves further into the club, walking over to the table she typically occupies when she visits this location, which just so happens to be next to Warren's table. A news paper is delivered- Sunday edition. "I'll start with a Manhattan." she says, ordering a cocktail. "And bring me one of my cigars, please." This was the sort of place certain powerful people could quietly store their own stock, for a price.
*
There is the smallest, most quiet, stiff of 'issues' at the door as, a handful of minutes after Warren and Lex, another woman dares show her face in the room. Pepper was prepared for it — she knew this club, knew membership was absolutely, only for executives, and knew that women were nearly verboten in it's doors. So, of course, it's the first club she's decided to join since gaining her new title. No glass ceiling would keep her out any longer, she was determined.
"Ma'am, you can be in-!"
"You'll find my membership is in order. Here. The receipt for payment, complete with my current title. You can make phone calls, if you insist. Or just read a bloody paper." Pepper states a touch colder than before, the expression on her still slightly too-thin face is all ice. She will NOT be talked down to. Finally, the host seems to accept that he has to let another woman in and nods for her to go on. Pepper shrugs out of her black overcoat, revealing a body-hugging emerald dress with a high, boat neck collar, nude stockings, and black patent leather heels. She is a vision of femininty in the club, even if her frame looks like she still may be recovering from a sickness. She gives a professional smile to a few of those staring as she walks through the place to the bar.
*
Warren does a double take at Lex's arrival, glancing over from his menu. Not someone he is personally acquianted with, the bald head and masculine attire throw Warren's assumptions at first galance. But once he realizes what he is seeing, Warren just smiles, all to happy to see some of the assumptions around here thrown off. By the time Pepper enters, he has placed his order, and has a cocktail at hand, from which he sips idly. He smiles when he sees her, and lifts a hand to both greet and, by gesture, invite her over.
*
One executive laughs quietly at Pepper's entrance, speaking perhaps a bit overloud, "You know, in my day a woman knew her place.." This causes Luthor to bristle, "Is that so, Mister Germaine?" she says as she folds her newspaper. She turns, golden brown eyes turning to look at said CEO with such fierce intensity that he swallows. "I, uh. I didn't mean anything by it, Ms. Luthor." He's rather cowed by the look- which continues despite his apology. Lex has gutted companies for less. Torn them apart.
Luthor looks up then, smiling quietly, "Ms Potts?" she calls out, "Why not join me for lunch?" she offers in a friendly tone. "It can be rather cold in here for us here, and I'd like to ensure you're welcomed properly."
*
Of course, Pepper expected the cold greeting. That's why she came armed with her membership receipt. What she *didn't* expect were any friendly faces there, at least not this time of the weekend. Warren cuts a familiar figure and she gives him a warm smile in return, nodding to the offered seat, but the incident between the unfamiliar woman and another CEO pauses her. Pepper is still a bit overwhelmed by this all, about to protest that she doesn't want to cause trouble, but Lex's insistance seems to have shut the man up. She gives Lex a nervous touch of a smile, "…Ah…yes. You… You're Miss Luthor, right? I've seen you in the paper… before. The offer is kind. I know Mr. Worthington over there as well. He's a good man, might he join us?" Pepper is achingly polite. Still the proper little lady, she's just dared to reach for the exective stars.
*
Given the circumstances, the direction that Pepper decides to turn is totally understandable, and Warren does not feel slighted. He resettles himself in his chair and sips at his cocktail. He's not the only one in the room that ends up idly watching the two women, as he waits for his food, but his is the one face that is neither a grimace nor a leer.
*
"Of course. I'm familiar with Mister Worthington's company, but I haven't yet had the pleasure of making his acquaintance. I'd be overjoyed to have him join us. And you, Ms. Potts, may call me Lex. Women of distinction need to stick together, after all. It won't do for us to be overly formal." That, somehow, gets a look from a few other executives. Most people wouldn't dare to be so familiar with Luthor. She's got a reputation in the business world at not brokering any sort of disrespect. Demanding to be called Ms. Luthor. If any man had called her 'Miss Luthor' she'd likely have done something to ensure they remembered her preferred title. That Pepper is getting the sort of respect very few in this club can command is likely going to ensure she doesn't have any more issues getting inside- or getting service.
"Would you like a cigar, Ms. Potts? Whiskey? Wine? From my private stock, of course." Luthor offers quietly as she fully sets her paper aside, smiling quietly. "Its nice to have another woman here. Its far too much of a boys club as is."
*
A touch of relaxation cuts across Pepper's slender shoulders as Lex says that Warren is welcome. Pepper flashes him a red lipped smile and a warm, eager wave over in their direction, "Warren, please, come join us? No one should eat lunch alone." Pepper definitely will need some training in the 'style' of a business executive. She was too friendly, too warm, not exactly loud, but she spoke with a candor that was unsuiting whispered business in board rooms. Then she's looking back to Lex with that same smile.
"Ah…Lex, then. Only if you call me Pepper, please? And you're entirely too kind. I know there's been a lot of… discomfort… with the changes to Wayne Enterprises. I can't do anything but prove how good it's going to be, through my work, but a day in and I don't have much proof to show. It's very nice of you to be so… understanding. Thank you. And… a cigar?" Pepper's eyes bug a little wide. That is not something a lady *every*. "I…I'd probably just choke on it. I have some cigarettes, if you don't mind me joining up in that." She finally does fold down into the chair across from Lex, doing her best to look less nervous.
*
Taking his cocktail along, Warren is quick to accept the invitation, saying with a smile to Pepper, "I'd be happy to join you." The wait staff here is, fortunately, quite used to this sort of table shuffling. Approaching the table, he transfers his glass to his left hand, and offers Lex his right. And his is smart enough to dodge the linguistic trap. "Ms. Luthor? Warren Worthington. A pleasure to meet you."
*
"Gladly, Pepper." Luthor offers with a quiet smile. "You'll do wonderfully, I'm sure. You're every bit as capable as any man here, and perhaps even more so. We are as deserving of respect and responsibility as they." First, to Pepper- before smiling towards Warren- half standing and taking Warren's hand to shake it. She keeps her eyes directly on his- fierce and unyielding- no shy flower this woman! "A pleasure to meet you, Mister Worthington. I'm glad you'll be joining us for lunch." she says as she retakes her seat.
Cocktail and Cigar are brought in short order, along with a pair of ashtrays- one for herself and one for Pepper. The cigar is prepared and offered to Lex, who takes it- and lights it using a match. Puff-puff-puff. The cigar itself is elegant- not a fat thing, but certainly not something most women of the time are enjoying. Lex then takes a sip of her Manhattan, and smiles.
*
True to her word, Pepper pulls her little hand bag into her lap and removes a thin, silver cigarette case. She just has normal Virginia Slims inside, still a working woman's cigarette, but Pepper's yet to really adjust to her new lifestyle and position. She slips one free and places it between her lips, about to reach for her own lighter when a waiter ducks in to light it for her. That makes her eyes widen and she nods a thanks, taking in a deeper breath, getting the cherry going. "Thank you, truly. Ah… just a gin and tonic, please? Thank you."
Then she's settled in, watching the other two get to know each other. Her smile is a hint more relaxed, but the set of her body actuallly betrays the fact she's still quite on edge. This is new to her, strange, she's trying to be so careful not to make a single wrong move. "You are too kind, Lex. I'll take those words in a month when I've got the proof on paper. And Warren… I hope you've been well enough? I… I fear I was a bit of a wreck at the party where we met. You were such good company, though."
*
For his own part, Warren does not flinch from Lex's stare. But rather than a challenge, his response is to turn on the charm. Not flirting, precisely. There's not the feeling of implied intimacy, but he is a man who knows that his good looks are a major weapon in his arsenal. He moves to a seat, taking a few moments to get settled in. He ends up leaning forward in his chair as he speaks. "She's right, you know, Pepper… you look around this room and while you won't find any slackers, most of the men here didn't exactly work their way to the top. Many inherited their positions, or at least were given a huge head start in their coareers by family ties. I should know, I'm certainly one of them. But the point is that there was never a question that they could have a place here if they wanted it."
He sips his drink, then nods to Peppe, "I've been well, thank you. I'm glad to see you, and to hear of your new position. A…" he pauses on choice of word, "…mutual acquaintance phad told me you'd been… out of the public eye for a while."
*
Luthor quietly puffs away on her cigar- the scent of the smoke joining the scent of others who are doing much the same. The atmosphere on Sunday, at least, is more relaxed. Another sip of her whiskey cocktail, "Mister Worthington brings up a good point. Very few of these men built their empires." Unlike Lex. "They were either groomed for the position because the previous CEO like them, or they received the position nepotically."
"Its better to have fought and won your position, Pepper. You know what it means to have to struggle. Knowing a struggle means you can better identify a risk, or a struggle yet to come. Its a valuable skill." She offers, taking another sip of her drink to wet her lips. "Every step of my rise to the top has been a struggle. You'll be fighting uphill, but you can do it." Lex pauses and takes a look at her menu. "I'm in the mood for a late breakfast." he says softly to the waiter- who nods his head and takes Lex's menu- off to make the order in the kitchen.
*
All of this attention is almost too much for Pepper, a noticable blush creeping up her thin, high boned cheeks. She's definitely lost weight even from the last time Warren saw her, but her color is good and, it seems, she's recovering from whatever happened. She takes another drag of her cigarette, a slightly embarrassed smile crossing her red lips, "Yes. I went to do some work with the Department of Defense for a while but… I'm more than a secretary. I know this. When Mr. Wayne made his offer… I couldn't say no. So, hopefully I will be back around more often now." She reassures him, some under tone to her voice also saying the worst has passed.
Then her blue eyes cut over to Lex and she nods in understanding, "I…can't say that. Mr. Wayne still has made… a great offer and taken a huge risk on me, but I'm determined not to let him down. It will be a learning experience for… everyone." ANd, sure enough, Pepper is already on call. One of the waiters comes over, 'Miss Potts, you have a phone call. From the office.' She must have told them she was here. SHe immediately jumps up, "Ah…order me some eggs? That'd be lovely. I should take this. I'll be back." And with that, she dashes off to the private phone booth.
*
Warren nods at Ms. Luthor's response to his comment. "One thing I would hold as a personal advantage… Whatever my family history, my experiences have taught me not to judge on appearance, or accident of birth." He glances at Pepper as he says that, but it's more a look of shared meaning than any attept to indicate her to Lex. A few moments later he ends up watching Pepper's hasty departure. He finishes off his cocktail, then says casually to Lex, "The rigors of running a company never end, do they?"
*
"No, they don't. Its either very important, though, to be called on a Sunday- or more likely, someone is trying to rattle her cage." Luthor replies to Warren. "I'd bet whomever wanted that position is likely in accounting, and very likely to make things difficult for her. It'll be her first test. How she deals with that particular gentleman who's ambition outweighed his abilities." She takes another slow sip of her manhattan- then a few more puffs on her cigar.
"So," she says, turning her attention away from Pepper and towards Warren, "Mister Worthington, how is business?"
*
Warren answers honestly, "Business is good." He pauses and gives a slight grimace, "Now, I'll be the first to admit there have been some… growing pains in the company since my father's sudden death. No shortage of the kind of testing you were just talking about. Certain people had to learn that I am neither a dumb kid, easily manipulated, nor am I my father. But I expect big things IN store for Worthington, Inc."
*
"Lovely." Lex replies with an easy smile. "So, big things on the horizon for Worthington Industries. I'm glad to hear it. Very few diversified companies can contend in today's market against LexCorp. Worthington Industries, Wayne's company, Stark Industries, Queen's company." she smiles still, "I do plan to come out on top, though." she says with a grin that could be consider playful- or perhaps its more predatory.
"Still focusing primarily on avionics? Or have your other divisions expanded?"
*
Warren considers his response for a moment. There is such a thing as overplaying one's hand. He smiles, "I think we're long past the days of the Morgans and the Carnegies. Family company or not, I feel like limiting one's interests to a single industry is a recipe for disaster. No… I think diversity is going to be more and more important in business." That statement makes him smile for a moment, thoughts wandering. He sits up in his chair, neer really leaning back. "But I do intend to see that the worthington name continues to be associated with the skies."
*
And, sure enough, Pepper returns, looking part rattled and part determined, her jaw set a bit tighter than before and shoulders squared off. She steps over to the sitting area where the CEOs are and settles neatly back into her chair, eagerly scooping up her gin and tonic to take a deep sip of that. "Pardon me. Perhaps I should not have told the office where I went but it seemed prudent to be… available. Anyway." She clears her throat, neatly crossing her shapely legs and giving them both a more neutral, calm smile.
*
"Wonderful, and I agree completely. You know, LexCorp recently won a contract with the US Government." Luthor offers, "Designing a new jet engine for the current class of jet fighters." The contract in question isn't a secret, of course. A lot of companies were putting in bids for the same project. "Perhaps LexCorp and Worthington Industries can come together on another project I'm working on- a new jet all together. My Avionics division is top notch, but as I recall, Worthington Industries has some technological edge when it comes to particular Avionics systems." The food would arrive soon- Lex's 'breakfast' for lunch is rather standard. Bacon, sausage, eggs, toast. Pepper's would come about the same time. Pepper's eggs arrive at the same time. Lex puts her cigar to the side, and smiles quietly across to Pepper.
"That's something we all give up- at our level, Pepper, we never really stop working. That, however, is why the pay tends to be so good."
*
Conversations like this one are, of course, why executive clubs like this one exist in the first place. Wrren nods to Lex, "A new military jet could be lucrative for both our companies, I'm sure. Obviously we'll have to hash out the details. Bring in the relevant depeartment heads… and of course the lawyers. Always the lawyers." He shakes his head at that. To Pepper he comments, "I hope everything's alright? But that was one of the biggest issues I had when I first took over. Getting used to the phone calls. They always seem to find a way to find you."
*
Another good sip of her gin and Pepper sets it down to take one last drag of her poor, abandoned cigarette and then stab it out before they can all launch into their meals. She gives Lex a slightly more understanding smile, with the edge of a smirk, as the woman comments about never stopping working. "That was also how it was for Stark Industries, but I still wasn't an executive. So, the timing hasn't changed, just the title. I think I'll take this one, for what it's worth." Pepper still looks a bit proud and a bit rushed. She's a woman who has been ushered into a surreal dream over the last week and isn't quite certain it's real.
So, she scoops up her eggs neatly, picking at them like a bird. She still doesn't eat much, even if she's probably too thin to be fashionable these days. The question from Warren brings a hint of a sigh, "It should be. That was just one of the board calling to 'do me a favor' and let me know three of the directors are threatening to resign if I come in to work tomorrow morning. I told him that if they do so, then we wish them luck and thank them for their service. I have a company to help run and I cannot pander to egos." A lesson Pepper might have to learn to do one of these days.
*
"I suggest hiring someone to filter the calls, Pepper." Luthor offers quietly. She grins over to Warren. "See. Called it- trying to intimidate her and strong-arm her to do as they want. How often I've received that same phone call." she chuckles, "I still receive them. These days, though, I purchase and gut the company in question. It does wonders for my reputation." Her grin turns a little wicked.
"You do just that, Pepper. Do not pander to anyone. You're in charge. You have the power. Do *not* be afraid to use it. Ever. If someone wants to try and treat you with anything less than respect? Teach them the error of their ways. You're going to be called a *lot* of things. The boys, mostly, will hate your guts. That's their problem, though, and not yours. If they try to hurt you? Destroy them." It seems to be Lex's philosophy in that sense. Of course, she's known for her ruthlessness when it comes to business. She's as famous for that as she is for her philanthropic work. "And if you ever need any advice, Pepper darling, you give me a call. We can meet here and make all the boys jealous. Of course, they'll accuse us of being dykes, but that's just impotency at seeing a woman in power."
Lex pauses a moment, smiling then, "I was just talking to Warren regarding a potential partnership on a new piece of military hardware LexCorp is developing. Perhaps Wayne Industries could join in on the deal, " she looks to Warren, "To help our friend Pepper out by her being the point of contact for what promises to be a multi-million dollar deal?"
*
Warren smiles and shakes his head, "Not to mention the fact that it's going to be one hell of a jet with our companies all putting in on it? Hell, just rumors of this conversation are probably going to be causing fits ina few head offices I can think of. He starts in on his own food about that point, refocusing on that for the moment."
*
"Oh, I know…the rumors of the fact that I have fucked my way to the top are already everywhere. I'm used to it. Hell, I *was* sleeping with Tony for a while, much to my own idiocy. I've earned this. That doesn't mean that I still won't be good at my job and won't fall to their level. I don't have time for gossip. I'll do the work, and that is all that's needed." But Lex's offer for Pepper to call any time? That gets a genuine, somewhat relieved smile from the redhead. She sits a bit easier, clearly comforted by having someone like the other woman in her corner. "You are… incredibly sweet, Lex." Something no other executive has probably said about Luthor. "I probably will take you up on that."
Then it's onto business and food. Pepper takes another few, too delicate bites. She might not even finish that entire plate, truth be told, but she's doing her best to get some food in her. She arches a brow at the offer of joining in on the deal, considering just what they could actually offer to the matter. "Mm… If the government would not object to such a conglomeration, I'm sure we could offer something. If not assistance in R&D, the production facilities under high security…Or, perhaps, just the security FOR your production facilities."
*
"You let me deal with the contract issues. I'm already in talks with a few generals in the armament department." Luthor offers quietly. "They fully believe an upgraded airforce is the key to keeping the Soviets on their toes. I'm one to agree. A qualitative edge is absolutely key to that." She begins to eat- a bit of bacon. Some eggs. A little toast.
"All of our companies have their particular strengths, and the specifics of such a partnership would have to be hashed out through our legal teams, just as Warren said. Clear lines would be drawn, and communication would be opened to allow our various departments to work in concert." she says with a little smile. "This sort of contract work happens all the time.. One company wins a contract, others are subcontracted in."
*
Warren looks to Pepper, "Considering we'd be producing a plane for them? I honestly thing the only government to object would be the one in Moscow." Unable to resist a little teasing, Warren smiles and then speaks just as Pepper is taking a bite, "You know I'm big on the advantages of air superiority." He liftsh his glass, which was refilled when the food arrived, in salute to the two women at the table, "Im suddenly glad I came here for lunch today.'"
*
Fortunately Pepper's not drinking at the time Warren says that, as she chokes out a touch of a laugh at something probably no one else knows, "Yes, well… I have heard that about you and your talents. I look forward to seeing it in action." Pepper's words might have JUST an edge of a flirt to them there. That could be a problem. While she *didn't* sleep her way to the top, she has the habits of a 'proper secretary' and that includes flirting with the best of them. Much of what she still does is to please a man's eye. Especially one as handsome as Warren Worthington.
But she clears her throat and turns eyes back to the pair, sitting up straighter once more as she sets aside her mostly finished plate. It was a good stab at a meal. "Well, you all know how to find me. I'll put you both on the list of calls that should automatically be put through. I… am supposed to have a secretary. Let's see if SHE quits or not. We'll start working it out and giving the rest of the world quiet heart attacks, no doubt."
*
"She won't. Women will scramble to work for you." Luthor says, first to Pepper- just watching impassively the little bit of flirting happens between the two. Her face is flat, she shows nothing there. "Honestly, I'm currently looking for a new personal assistant as well. I tend to go through them rather quickly. I can't pretend that I'm an easy woman to work for. I demand nothing but perfection from my top-level employees." she says with a little grin.
"Yes, anyways, my people will contact your people- we have preliminary designs and weapon systems already set up. Engines and the like- but there will absolutely be room for improvement. Between the three companies, I imagine we'll get to a place where the skies are filled with our systems and the Ruskies quaking in their boots." She lifts her cocktail quietly to the others. "To a good future, and profitable partnership."
*
"I look forward to it." Pepper clips out. And with that, the trio dissolve into less business, more small talk. But definitely, this will be a meeting the business world worries about for months to come.
*