xp_logs | Hope, Warren and Jolene

During one of Hope's duties for Julian, she runs into another mansion resident and his assistant.

Wounded Warriors was one of many causes Worthington Industries donated to. The philanthropic arm of the company was diverse, but it generally ‎stayed to socially appropriate events.

Veterans -- especially injured ones -- were always in.

Jolene Chambers, personal assistant/secretary to one Warren Worthington III, was responsible for the night's events, specifically making sure that the attendees (read: potential contributors) had the media packages and knew exactly what the organization needed.

She'd managed to make the rounds with the exception of Julian Keller's representative, a Miss Hope Abbott. The bio didn't have much information either, but that was what seating charts were for. Walking towards the table, Jolene groaned inwardly. The girl hardly looked old enough to drive, let alone be the PA for someone as important as Mr. Keller. "Miss Abbott?," she asked inquisitively. "You forgot your media package. I'm Jolene Chambers, Mr. Worthington's personal assistant. Mr. Worthington wishes for everyone to have a good evening so please, let me know if I can be of service."

"Thank you, Ms. Chambers. Though I am sure everything will be wonderful." Hope returned with a polite smile, though she could not resist a glance at the slightly clashing drapes hanging from the ceiling. She kept the media package in her lap for the moment, waiting for a moment when she could glance through it.

"I'm sure." Jolene returned the smile, hers tinged with a smirk. ‎"Will Mr. Keller be joining you this evening? He didn't return his RSVP and I need to know for the seating chart."

"Mr. Keller sent his regrets two weeks ago and asked me to represent him tonight." Hope replied with a sweet smile. "My apologies if this was not conveyed properly."

And now Jolene had someone else to focus her ire on. She knew exactly who hadn't passed the message on. "Not a problem," she responded smoothly. "We are simply happy to have a representative. I'll ensure Mr. Worthington makes his way over here in due time. He is a very busy man."

"It would be a pleasure to meet him, even if it's brief." Hope reacted graciously. "And I will make sure this also makes it's way onto Mr. Keller's desk." She gestured at the media package she was still holding.

Jolene simply nodded in response before swiftly turning away.‎

It was quite a bit of time later that Warren was able to make it to Hope's side. He'd been curious about Keller's assistant for quite some time, and he was even more intrigued when he saw how young she was. ‎What game was Keller playing at....

"Miss Abbott, I presume," Warren said smoothly, reaching for her hand. "I'm Warren Worthington the third. It's a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance. How did you enjoy the evening?"

"I am having a wonderful time. The food is excellent." Hope accepted his hand with a smile. "It's a pleasure to meet you, sir. Mr. Keller asked me to convey his regrets for being unable to attend tonight."

‎"I'm sure he did." Warren appraised the younger girl for a while before motioning to her to get up. "Come with me. It's clear you only know people here in a professional context and since we have mutual friends, I feel it's my duty to show you a good time. I promise I'll be a perfect gentleman."

"Thank you, Mr. Worthington." Hope accepted his arm. "Have you been enjoying your time at the mansion? I am sure it must be quite a change from what you are used to." She asked as they moved through the large room.

Warren gave a casual shrug as he navigated them through the room. The VIP table was much more interesting than the ‎table Jolene had given Hope. "A mansion is a mansion," he answered loftily. "Professor Xavier has excellent taste, so I see nothing wrong with remaining there. It might not be as modern as my parents' but it will do." He waved at a passing couple. "So Miss Abbott, how did you end up here? You seem far too fresh to be working for Keller."

"Luckily for Mr. Keller, things are not always what they seem. Age does not always mean a lot. But I was mostly in the right place at the right time, I'd say. With the qualifications Mr. Keller was looking for." Hope explained with a slightly mysterious smile.

"I'm amused that you automatically assumed I was talking about your age."

With a small shrug Hope replied. "It is what usually surprises people. Though you have made me curious what you were referring to instead?" She tilted her head curiously.

There were many things he could say, but he chose not to. He had no interest in being punched in the face. "Let's just say that most PA's have a certain....look to them.". Read: blonde, blue eyed, fake tits. "As well, they've done the circuit. They're either debutantes with an education, or ruthless career women. You don't strike me as ruthless, although, you do look like you want to slap me now," he teased.

"Ahhh, you mean like your own assistant?" Hope asked innocently, though her eyes were twinkling. "And I prefer to let my brains and skills speak for themselves. One does not have to look like a bimbo to that." Touching her chin, she tilted her head. "I am almost afraid to ask what you make of me then. Since I am such an... anomaly?"

Warren shrugged casually as he lead her to her new seat.‎ They'd reached the VIP table and he was happy to depose Jolene for the moment. The assistant was snarkier than usual tonight, and he much preferred conversation to his head being bit off.

"Understated class is something you don't see much of. If Keller ever fires you, come see me."

"And a possible job offer? You have hardly met me!" Hope was pretty surprised, even as she accepted her seat. The surprise soon faded though. "You don't happen to be looking for inside information, do you?" She tested a little.

"If I was, you'd never know it," he said back easily. "Corporate espionage isn't as difficult as one thinks. No," Warren continued, reaching for a glass of water, "I consider myself an ‎excellent judge of character. I can tell you're loyal. Plus, you can tell -- you don't genuinely care about what others think. There's a confidence about you. I like it."

Hope raised an eyebrow, though a soft blush colored her cheeks as well. "You flatter me too much." She murmured politely.

"And you give away nothing," he responded, amused. "Again, Ms. Abbott -- what is your story?"

"Really, there is not much to tell. I came to the mansion for my education a few years ago. I have been there ever since. A few months ago Mr. Keller was in need of an personal assistant and offered me the position. Since I recently graduated, I now do it full time." Hope shrugged a little, not wanting to go in too much detail.

"Have you no hobbies?" Warren looked at her curiously. "I was similar to you. Work was very important but to be honest, it's not my passion...although the money part is very nice," he added. "It's important to have something in your life that you love."

Hope smiled as she replied. "Work is not all I do. I enjoy reading a great deal... I play the violin. And I try to catch various shows and performances in the city itself. One large advantage of living fairly close to New York City."

"And how about at home? There are plenty of extra curriculars to catch one's attention."

Throwing a quick look around, she replied: "The Generation X programs keeps me plenty busy at home. It offers quite a variation in training." She didn't go in particulars, wanting to make they were not overheard.

"That it does," he agreed. Jessica had told him about the program many a time, and he was impressed with it. "But I find it has minimal real life experience.". And here came his second impulsive question of the evening: "Have you thought about XFI as an option? You have a sharp eye, Hope."

Hope smiled and shook her head. "The thing is... at the mansion real life experience generally tends to find you, if you ask for it or not. Even as a student I learned that lesson all too well. And you mean the private detective agency? No, I never really considered it..."

"You should," he said confidently. "I think it'd be right up your alley. Subterfuge and planning are a PA's best friend. You have to juggle so many thongs. Observe everything. Document everything. Let me know if you want a tour sometime. I'd be happy to introduce you to some of the others."

"I will have to give it some thought." Hope demurred. "I haven't really considered which team might make the best fit for me. At least not yet... But the tour I might you just take up on. Ms. Frost is leading that one, is she not? And I know Ms. Jones is part of the group."

Warren smiled. "That's right. And we're‎ an amazing team. There's also chinese food on a regular basis. All pros."

"Who else are in the team?" She had heard some names flying around, but she was not sure which one were right or not. "And what kind of cases do you usually deal with?"

"Arthur, Bobbi, Lorna, Sue...that's pretty much it. Small team, but we all seem ‎to get along relatively well.". He reached for his glass and took a generous drink. "As for cases, well, it varies from exciting stakeouts to boring admin duties. We alternate it."

"Sue... You mean Susan Storm?" Hope had seen her around the mansion, but had never really spoken much with her. Too many memories... "A private detective agency is an interesting place for an heiress, if may so? Or for an heir?" She added with a small gesture of her hand.

"All businesses need capital," he said by way of explanation.‎ "Especially ones that are I tend to help. Why is it that noble professions rarely make money? It's as if the self less act is supposed to be compensation enough.". He shook his head.

"A good deed is it's own reward. Or so people say." Hope titled her head. "Yet the people who say so, often forget people cannot eat air."

"Too true, Ms. Abbott." Warren heard his name and he turned his head. Standing a few feet away was Jolene, with her usual unimpressed look on her face. He tried to stifle a groan. "I do apologize, but it appears I'm needed elsewhere right now.". Standing up, he gave her a slight bow. "Please, let me know when you'd like a tour."

Hope rose as well, giving a very small bob in response to the bow. "Of course, sir. I will be in touch soon. I hope you have a pleasant evening."