Finish What You Start

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Adulthood

Lexi's basketball career in college exceeded her expectations.  Her team won not one, but three national championships.  While in school, she discovered a passion for marketing, which became both her undergraduate and graduate majors.  During her entire time at school, she maintained a close relationship with both Michael and Wendy.

Michael's mother recovered from her injuries a month after the incident at the Farm and was able to bring Michael home.  Lexi was there the day she picked Michael up.  His mother had heard all the stories of the powerful young woman who protected and nurtured her son.  When they finally met, Michael's mother collapsed in Lexi's arms and tearfully expressed her thanks.  Lexi was a welcome presence in their lives, being both a great support to the older woman and a "big sister" to little Michael.  Michael remained both sensitive and perceptive as he grew into a handsome and good-natured young man.  His artistic ability grew from incredible to awe inspiring and led him into a career as an animator.   He never grew large, topping out at a modest 5'6 and 130 pounds.  But he had Lexi to teach him how to take care of his body, so while he never grew tall, he was certainly well-toned.

Wendy was adopted by a local couple who lived quite near Michael and his mother.  In fact, the two kids were in the same schools all the way through high school and even attended college together.  The term "best friends" doesn't even come close to describing their relationship.  Michael and Wendy were inseparable through all of the trials and traumas of childhood: adolescence, first loves, first breakups; No matter what happened in their lives, they always stuck together.  Wendy's new parents were gym owners and physical fitness buffs.  They were the perfect people to help mold the stocky little girl.  With Lexi as her role model and her parents' encouragement and gym, Wendy dove deep into the world of strength training.  While not as tall as Lexi, Wendy grew into a beast of beef.  By her 23rd birthday, Wendy was 5'10 and crushed the scale at 245 pounds of muscle.  She was never lured by competitive bodybuilding and the dieting it required.  Instead, Wendy was a strength builder.  Her body carried fuller and more rounded muscle with just the tiniest bit of softness.  Anyone able to look past her man-shaming physique saw a gorgeous young woman with auburn hair and sparkling green eyes that shimmered like pools of glass.

After college, Lexi began her adult life in a small city just a short drive from her little college town.  It was a vibrant place with a robust tech hub and a youthful population.  It was also close enough that she could see Michael and Wendy regularly.  It was there that Lexi landed her dream job with a high-powered marketing firm.  Within six years, her talent and drive took her from an entry level assistant to a team leader for several large national accounts.  Lexi's passion for her work was only exceeded by her passion for muscle.  With basketball behind her, Lexi resumed her journey to build mass.  By the time she was 33, the 6'2 stunner carried 230 pounds of rock-hard ripped muscle.  She was loving life.  If there was one downer in her storybook existence, it was her "rival" at work.  Another team leader, Tony, was jealous of her accomplishments.  He hated that a woman was both bigger and more skilled than him. 

One Monday morning, Lexi's boss, a Vice President, called Tony and Lexi into his office.  The two sat awkwardly far apart as their boss gave them some good news.

"We've won the marketing contract for Apple Computer.  I don't have to tell you that this is the biggest coup we've ever pulled off.  It'll double the value of this company.  We need one team dedicated to the account and I've narrowed it down to the two of you.  Our executive committee will be here in four days.  Each of your teams will prepare a pitch deck for the Apple account and present it to the committee.  They'll decide which of you gets it."

"You can't be serious!"  Tony squawked.  "The Apple account needs a man behind it."  He puffed up his chest proudly.

"Don't hurt yourself Tony."  Was all Lexi said with a roll of her eyes, refusing to take his bait.

Their boss ignored Tony's bravado. "I also don't have to tell you that whoever wins this has set themselves up for life.  So, go to work."

Lexi smiled.  She knew her team was a well-oiled and talented machine.  She hired the best, mentored them well and gave them space to be creative.  They worshipped their leader and would give their all for her. 

Both groups pulled all-nighters to prepare their presentations.  On the big day, the executives arrived, ready to be blown away.  Tony insisted he go first.  His team sat at the back of the room as he tried to give the presentation alone.  He wanted the credit for himself.  Lexi sat behind the executives as well. 

"Let's see how Mr. Big Man handles a little stress."  She thought to herself. 

As Tony nervously delivered his presentation, Lexi slipped off her business coat.  She purposely wore a beautiful silk sleeveless blouse with extra big arm holes to accommodate her size.  Tony's eyes were glued to the striated cannonballs of shoulder that Lexi uncovered as the jacket began to come off.  He gulped visibly when the thick hams of her biceps and triceps were revealed, all wrapped in ribbons of vascularity.  Lexi put her hands behind her head as she watched Tony sweat.  The macho jerk was so intimidated by her, and she loved it.  She loved it even more when he became so entranced by her bouncing biceps and flaring lats that he simply lost the ability to speak.

When it was Lexi's turn, she introduced her team and had each of them present their sections in turn.  She wrapped it all up like a professional showman.  It was clear that the best woman had won.

"Lexi, your pitch was amazing."  The CEO gushed. 

"I have a great team, sir.  They'll make you proud."

"I'm sure they will.  Apple is going to love you.  Is there anything you need to get this project going?"

"Well sir, there is actually."  Lexi said after a moment of thought.  "I have one hole in my group.  I need a killer graphic designer who can plug into our team dynamic and translate our ideas on the fly."

Lexi's VP boss walked up with a smile on his face.  "We might have just the person for you, Lex.  He started this morning.  Let me take you down to meet him."

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[nebulasparks]

I presume the graphic designer is Spencer.

[Wookey]

Great story. Mega karma

[jhunter]

 
Great work so far, glad to see more.

[jstans]

I presume the graphic designer is Spencer.

Either him or Michael.

[phil123]

Great chapter and so much room for more. Would like to read what you have in mind for the graphic designer.

[Mongoose750]

I must admit, it's the best story I read on this site so far.  It captured my attention the moment I clicked it.  The characters are people, and the plot is something other than "crush, kill, destroy."  Please, I implore you, do continue your work.

[WapWap]

Lexi and her Vice President walked down the hall to meet the man Lexi hoped would be the graphic designer her team desperately needed.  Lexi's boss described him as a brilliant mind and an extremely talented artist who came highly recommended by trusted industry partners. 

"Apparently he sought us out." The VP said. "We didn't recruit him.  He was definitely motivated to work for us.  He even took a pay cut to move down here from New York."

Lexi absorbed the backstory as they walked into Human Resources where the new employee was sitting at a desk, finishing his paperwork. 

"Mr. Hughes!"  The VP boomed proudly, "I'd like to introduce you to Lexi Walker, our firm's newest Senior Director and hopefully your new boss and mentor."

Lexi was momentarily distracted by the announcement that she was now a Senior Director.  So distracted in fact, that she missed the gentleman's name.  She hoped she'd hear it again and avoid an embarrassing faux pas.  But when he rose and turned toward her, all Lexi heard was a deafening ring in her ears.  The slight man standing in front of her was Spencer Hughes.

Lexi tried to recover her composure quickly.  She had no idea how Spencer would react to her.  He had to recognize her face or her name, yet his expression gave away nothing.  Spencer extended his small hand to Lexi.

"It's very nice to meet you Ms. Walker."  He said nervously.  "I'm really excited to show you what I can do."

Spencer Hughes was still a small man.  At 34, he was all of 5'3 and couldn't have weighed more than 110 pounds soaking wet.  Lexi's hand engulfed his.  She made an effort to be gentle and collected even as shame roiled in her gut.  She forced a smile.

"It's so nice to meet you Mr. Hughes.  Please call me Lexi."

He grinned in response.  "Only if you call me Spencer!"  he joked.

The VP clapped both of them on the back as he walked out.  "This is great.  You two get to know each other.  Lexi will show you the ropes."

Lexi and Spencer were alone.  She led him out into the hall and down to her office.  Lexi noticed that Spencer walked with a pronounced limp and that his arms didn't hang quite right.  He had a crooked nose and several faded scars on his head that were barely hidden under a mop of hair that was intentionally unruly. 

"Spencer," Lexi said softly, taking a deep breath as she shut her office door behind them, "Do you remember me?"

Spencer looked up at her with doleful eyes.  "I do recognize you.  We went to high school together."

"Is that all?  Lexi asked.

Spencer's face became...what...worried, fearful?  Lexi couldn't quite tell.

"I remember that you didn't like me very much."  Spencer said slowly with a bowed head.  He looked up at Lexi.  "Please Ms. Walker, I need this position.  I'll do anything you demand of me.  I'm the best graphics guy anywhere.  You won't regret taking a chance on me!"

The desperation in Spencer's voice weighed on Lexi's heart and further ripped the scab off of her guilt.  She wanted to fall on her knees and beg Spencer for forgiveness.  She had mutilated him as a boy, and he carried those visible scars even now.  Seeing Spencer every day would be a vivid reminder of her childhood cruelty towards him.  Did he really not remember the day she nearly beat him to death?  It didn't matter in the end; She had to atone for her past and give Spencer a safe home at the firm.

"Spencer," she began as she took his hands and guided him to a seat.  "The position is yours.  I'm sure you'll excel here.  We'll give you everything you need."

Spencer breathed a sigh of relief.  "That's great!"  he beamed.  Let's get started!  I'd love to meet the team."

Lexi stood with a forced enthusiasm.  "Let's do it, Spencer!"  She walked him out to her team and made her introductions. 

With a team as tight as Lexi's, it's always hard to be the new guy.  She made an extra effort every day to ensure Spencer was seen as a valuable asset to her.  The fact that he lived up to his reputation as a skilled designer certainly helped.

A week after Spencer started, Lexi stood at her office door and watched her team at work.  They were all brilliant and she was so proud of them.  Every other Friday, Lexi took her team to an after work happy hour.  This would be Spencer's first with the group, although everyone had been excitedly telling him all week that it was coming.  He was part of the family.  Maybe this was going to be ok after all.

The evening was glorious as they began the several block walk to their favorite bar.  They were an excitable and energetic group and they hustled down the street in gleeful conversation.  Only Lexi noticed that Spencer couldn't quite keep up with them, so she slowed down and walked with him; She wouldn't let him be alone.  The group quickly noticed the two lagging behind and realized why.  They ran back and surrounded their leader and newest teammate and continued the journey at Spencer's pace.

Everyone had a ball at the happy hour.  The mood was festive, and the drinks flowed freely.  Lexi, as usual in these settings, nursed a glass of wine.  She was the adult and made sure everyone else was able to have fun.  On this night, things were going so well Lexi decided to step it up and ordered one more glass, just for kicks.  Most the group was saying their goodnights as Lexi's wine was delivered to the table.  Spencer stood beside her, looking like a child next to her sexy bulk.  As the last of the group left, Lexi took a long drink of the cabernet she ordered and turned to Spencer. 

"Did you have fun?"  She asked him.  "You've certainly won them over!"

Spencer blushed as Lexi took another deep sip.  "It's a great team.  And they're so devoted to you."  Spencer stared up into Lexi's eyes with a dreamy smile on his face."

Lexi thought his expression was curious.  "Is he flirting?" she wondered to herself.  Something else began to occur to Lexi.  The room was spinning.  She held on to the bar top to steady herself.  Lexi closed her eyes tightly, trying to regain her composure.  "How?"  she thought.  "I've only had two glasses of wine."  Despite her efforts, Lexi became more and more disoriented.

"I think I need to go Spencer."  Lexi remarked in confused tone.

"Woopsie daisy!"  Spencer laughed as Lexi stumbled away from the table.  He wrapped her long thick arm around his shoulder with one hand and gripped her waist with the other.  He was barely able to get his arm around her.   "Let's get you home, Ms. Walker.  You've had too much to drink."  Spencer spoke loudly enough for the bartender to hear.  The bartender winked at Spencer as he shook a drink. 

"Someone's gonna get lucky tonight!"  The bartender thought with a snort as the small man guided the hot muscle woman out the door.

[nebulasparks]

Not really an fmg story anymore

[giantgirl7foot2]

Is... is the little guy out for revenge? Love the suspense!

Really liking this story, hopefully the next chapters continue to describe how big Lexi is, especially compared to Spencer!

[totocom]

Not really an fmg story anymore

true, but that's even better. I hope there is a romantic issue