Breaking the rules

[melindajo2000]

Ch 1


Kelly had finally had enough of Ryan’s B.S. and quit Dunder Mifflin. Last anyone heard from her she was working retail at Victoria’s secret preying upon every young girl’s insecurities and convincing them how buying a pushup bra would catch the eye of their dream man-the dream man who would see her in that bra dozens of times and yet never commit. When the Dunder Mifflin staff turned on the news they’d seen a flash of Kelly being forcibly escorted out of the mall. Everyone looked at Ryan, who looked the other way.

“Guys, we could blame Ryan for stringing Kelly along for years, using her, publicly dumping her, and pushing her into a nervous breakdown,” Michael started. “Or we could do something even more fun than pick on Ryan!”

“What could be more fun than picking on Ryan?” Oscar demanded.

“Meeting the new girls! With Kelly gone, and Pam on maternity leave, we need a new customer service rep and receptionist. Everyone, this is Melinda and Jessie! Melinda is our customer service rep and Jessie is our receptionist. Let’s do everything we can to make them feel at home,” Michael pointed out to the pretty blonde and attractive brunette. Jessie looked around and smiled at Andy, who almost fell out of his chair.

“Ryan,” Toby spoke up softly,” I know we discussed transferring the customer service rep to a different area in the office per your request.”

Ryan looked at Melinda and then at Toby. “No. No. I didn’t. You’re wrong.”

“Actually I have ten requests from the past month alone. Would you-would you like me to go further?”

“Actually Toby I would like to withdraw those suggestions. If you submit them I’ll deny writing them then you’ll have to fill out forms explaining the existence of the suggestions.”

Toby sighed,. He really hated his job.

Melinda sat down and Ryan rolled around in his chair. “Hi. I’m Ryan.” He held out his hand.

She took it. “I’m Melinda. Nice to meet you.”

“Are you from around here?”

“Close. Ohio. My mom said why bother moving, it’s only a few hours away,” she laughed. “So what do you do?”

“I, uh, am actually,” he muttered something under his breath.

“What was that?”

“Ryan here is a temp, can you believe that?” Michael approached his favorite and slapped him on the back. “But that’s okay. He’s only been here four years.”

Melinda raised her eyebrow and tried not to laugh. Ryan looked very uncomfortable.

“But that’s okay. He’s won lots of awards. Show her your Hottest in the Office awards. All four of them. They were unanimous.” Michael started to open Ryan’s desk until the younger man them back.

“Wow…I wish I had a boss like that.” Melinda smiled at Ryan. “He sounds fun.”

Michael grinned. “Keep it up and he’ll forget Kelly in no time.” As he walked away, Melinda turned around to her desk, leaving Ryan to wish he could dig a hole in the floor- a familiar feeling.

000

Jessie had the feeling she was being watched. Every time she looked up she caught Andy staring at her. When she would smile at him he would look away at the ceiling or the floor. One time he fell back in his chair. Jessie got up and walked over to him.

“Are you okay?”

“Me? Yeah. Just testing out the safety of these chairs. Have to get Toby to do something about them.”

She smiled. “Are you hurt? You look like you strained your neck. Let me check that out for you.” As she gently massaged his neck he almost forgot where he was for a second until Kevin started giggling. Andy shot him a dirty look.

“You know Andy, I’m new in town. I wouldn’t mind going somewhere for lunch but I could use someone to show me around,” Jessie suggested.

He looked at her. “I’d be glad to. I know a great Italian restaurant that’s quick but good. My treat. Wow that sounds like a date doesn’t it. I’m sure you didn’t mean it as a date. I..”

“Ssh..” she covered his lips with her finger. “I would love to go on a date with you.”

They both broke out in grins as Michael approached. “Okay everyone pay up. I called this one.”

Toby walked by. “Michael you can’t take bets on the love lives of your employees. That constitutes sexual harassment and that’s illegal.”

“What should be illegal is the fact that you’re allowed to speak. I’m now taking 100-0 odds that you have no love life that’s why you make up these stupid rules. Go on back to your little corner like the bad little boy you are. Go on,” Michael made a pushing motion with his hands. Giving up, Toby walked away. Jessie wondered what she had walked into.

To be continued

[jessie]

I love this story already it is so fun. Oh I love Andy, he is so adorable.
Thanks for writing this story for me, I love that you added Melinda in the story too. You like Ryan I see he is adorable too.
I wonder what will happen next? Please update soon.
Jessie

[melindajo2000]

Chapter 2

Jessie and Andy went to the restaurant. She ordered cheese ravioli, and he did the same and they split an order of breadsticks. They talked a little about where they were from. Jessie talked about her brothers and her mother. She asked if he had any brothers or sisters.

“I have a younger brother but I really don’t like to talk about him,” Andy looked away.

Jessie took his hand. “Why not? You can talk about anything with me. I know we just met but I’d like to get to know you better.”

“Thanks Jessie. It’s just if you met my brother you’d like him better than me too. Everyone else does. Even my parents do.”

“Oh Andy. I’m sure that’s not true.”

“It is. When I got this job they asked where it was and I said it was a paper company. Their faces dropped as if I announced I was a terrorist. I’m not kidding. When I announced I was joining a singing group in college my brother quit school-to become a professional singer. He’s now recording his fourth c.d. I work for a paper company. Tell me who my parents write about most in the Christmas newsletter. Tell me who my parents mention in the Christmas newsletter.”

“Newsletters are full of junk anyway. No one reads them. I don’t,” Jessie smiled.

Andy smiled back. “You’re just saying that.”

“What if I am? Do I have to pay for my own meal now?”

They both laughed, knowing they had found someone special.

00000

Ryan looked over at Melinda who was busy typing away. Thanks to Michael, he might not have a chance. He missed Kelly, but he did not miss the drama that she caused. The last straw came when she lied and told him she was pregnant just to get back at him; he later found out she’d been skipping her birth control pills on purpose. He was in his twenties. Marriage and kids were in his future, but not right now. He had a career to get settled first.

But now the bad thing was Ryan knew he had a lot of baggage. Would Melinda give him a chance if she knew about Kelly? And that he’d been promoted to Michael’s boss but had been arrested and did time in prison? Not to mention the little habit he had developed in New York. How in the world would he explain all of that to her? There was definitely no way people in the office would keep all of that a secret. Oscar was cool. Andy and Jim had their own things going. Kevin would tell. And Michael- he would definitely tell, especially when it came to Ryan. The only thing he hoped was that Melinda was understanding. He sure hoped so.

[jessie]

Awesome update I love Andy and Jessie together. I feel bad for Andy his Parents, and Brother are not really nice to him. He tries so hard with them it is sad. I hope Andy and Jessie find romance.
I hope Melinda can handle Ryan's baggage, I wonder if Kelly is truly out of the picture? I love this story it is one of my favourites already.

[Sanda]

Great start to your new story MelindaJo. Ryan and Melinda are soo cute and adorable together as are Jessie and Andy. Please update this awesome story again soon.

[melindajo2000]

Ch 3

This is an Instant Message formant. Melinda's responses are in bold and Jessie's are in italics

Hi, read the IM from Ryan.

Melinda thought about it for a minute before answering.

Hi.

How are you?

Pretty good. N U?

Great TY. How do you like it here so far?

I like it. Everyone is very nice.

I’m glad. I hope we didn’t scare you off lol.

Lol.

I’ve been thinking about this all day and I don’t know how to ask u but I was wondering if u would like to go out 4 drinks after work?

I don’t drink, Melinda replied.

Oh, Sorry, Ryan answered. Maybe dinner?

It depends on whether or not I can find a babysitter.

Ryan was shocked. U have kids?

A son. Is that a problem?

I don’t know. I’ve never been around kids.

Well he’s older if that helps, Melinda replied.

That’s cool. Ryan was somewhat relieved.

I need 2 tell u something else.

What’s that?

He’s autistic.

Ryan paused. What’s that?

It means he has trouble expressing himself in some areas but has special gifts in others.

It took Ryan a few minutes to process what this meant. He really wasn’t into kids, and a special needs kid required a special kind of person. He knew he was a selfish and self-centered person and didn’t know what kind of influence he would be on the kid. He would be breaking his rules if he dated someone with kids. He wasn’t sure what to do.

I scared you off,
Melinda finally broke the silence.

No, Ryan responded. I am nervous to be honest and think we should take things slowly but let’s see where things go.

Cool.

Melinda smiled as she signed off. She had enough hardship in her life. She hoped Ryan would not add to it.

0000

Hello you, Andy IM’d Jessie. What are you wearing?

LOL, Jessie responded. Watch it or I’ll report you to Toby.
We wouldn’t want that. We’d get another one of Michael’s sexual harassment lectures.

Come on Andy. Michael doesn’t seem that bad. He seems like a sweet guy.

Yeah but he’s kind of a jerk.

Andy!

Sorry but he is. You’ll find out why.

I’d rather find out more about you.

I like the sound of that. What’s not to love?

LOL Jessie responded.


Tell me about you? Andy suggested.

Well I normally don’t like to chat on company time.
It’s okay. We do it all the time.


Jessie responded with a laugh.

Either that or free cell. Andy added a smiley face.

You’re bad. Do you break rules all the time?

That’s me. Andy the rule breaker. You should see me on the outside.

LOL. You sound like you’re in jail. Jessie smiled to herself.

Aren’t we really?

I don’t know, it’s not so bad. I met you didn’t I?

Jessie could see from Andy’s face she’d made his day.

True but it’s the warden we have to watch out for. Andy looked up at Dwight. So did Jessie, and they both broke out into laughter.

“What, what’s so funny? Jim what did you do this time?” Dwight demanded.

Meet me at my place at 7? Jessie IM’d Andy.

Love to, came the response, and they both knew it would be a magical evening.

[jessie]

Awesome update I loved it great idea. You are doing a wonderful job with this story. I hope Jessie, and Melinda will be happy, and don't get hurt.

[Sanda]

Great update MelindaJo. I hope that Jessie and Melinda don't get hurt.

[melindajo2000]

ch 4

don't worry Jessie I promise there will be more romance soon


Jessie put on a dean Martin CD she downloaded from the internet- Andy seemed like he’d be into him andhe started to dance along with the music. She looked pretty good tonight if she said so herself. Red was definitely her color. It was hard for her to believe she was having company over on the first date. That was so unlike her. Her brothers would be so shocked. But she really liked Andy so she thought it would be okay.

He rang the doorbell and she answered and he presented her with a starter plant.

“Thank you. I’ll probably kill it within a month,” she laughed.

“I have faith in you. I’ll help you out. It will be like our child. It will give me an excuse to come by and see you more often,” Andy smiled.

“You’re so thoughtful. I wish I had something for you.”

“That’s not why I did it Jessie.”

Then she realized she did have something for him. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him, catching him by surprise. They were really starting to get into it, both of them imagining what the next step would be, when the smoke alarm went off.

“My dinner, it’s ruined!” Jessie cried out, looking at the dark brown chicken. She began to cry.

“It doesn’t look bad to me. In fact, I think I’ll take a plate. What, you don’t mind do you?”

“You really don’t have to do this…”

Andy blew on his serving. “Mm this is the best meal I’ve had in a long time.” He smiled, trying not to make a face. “I mean it. This is delicious.”.

Jessie burst into laughter in spite of herself. Any man who could eat a whole serving of burnt chicken just to please her was worth keeping.

“Oh Andy-you’re wonderful. “ She removed the plate from his serving area and gave him a hug. She was as happy as she had ever been, and just hoped she could stay that way.

0000

At the restaurant Melinda dressed nicely but conservatively. Ryan was a little disappointed. He usually liked his dates with a little more flash but he was still into her. Besides she had a kid so she probably spent most of her money on him.

“Hey you made it,” he smiled.

“Yeah, I’m sorry. I had a little trouble finding the place. I’ve never been here before.”

“You’re going to love it.”

“Hey if its not McDonald’s I know I’ll love it,” Melinda laughed. “That’s all Max eats.”

“Max?”

“My 13 year old son. Do you want to see a picture of him?”

Ryan smiled politely. “Sure.”

“Here he is at the parent-child dance. He didn’t want to dance with me. Look how much taller than me he is!”

Ryan stared closely. “He’s cute. He doesn’t look like..”

“Like there’s anything wrong with him? A lot of times you can’t tell until you’re around them. Certain things may set them off. Right now you’d be his best friend.”

He looked at her strangely. “Why?”

“He collects neckties. Anyone that wears one is cool,” Melinda laughed. “But I bet you’re sick of them by the end of the day.”

“Yeah I am. Jeans and a t shirt for me.”

So they talked and had a great evening and Ryan found that he really liked Melinda. He walked her to his car.

“Can I-would it be okay if I kiss you?”

“It’s okay Ryan. Just because I’m a little older doesn’t mean you have to be so nervous, “ she laughed. “I won’t bite.”

He laughed too then leaned in and kissed her.

“When can I see you again?”.

“How about tonight?”

Dang, Ryan smiled. She must really be into me.

He was about to suggest going back to his place when she had the same thing in mind- sort of.

“Ryan would you like to come out and meet Max?” Melinda asked.

Great, he thought. He really didn’t want to be a total jerk so he agreed, not knowing what he had gotten himself into.

[jessie]

Awesome update, I love Andy and Jessie together, Andy is sweet. Poor Jessie having her first meal she made for him burnt. lol

I love Melinda and Ryan together, it will interesting to see how Max's takes to him. I love your story, update soon.

[Sanda]

Great update MelindaJo. Jessie and Andy are so cute and adorable together in this chapter. I felt bad for Jessie when the first meal she made for Andy got burnt. Melinda and Ryan so cute and adorable together as well. I can't wait to find out how Max takes to Ryan. Please update this awesome story again soon.

[melindajo2000]

ch 5

Jessie and Andy found themselves laughing at the same jokes, listening to the same music, and liking the same movies. Andy was as big of a John Travolta fan as she was. They took turns playing trivia from movies until Jessie stumped Andy. She wasn’t sure how he would react.

“Why would I get mad? I got a girl who can keep up with me! That’s pretty awesome.”

“Your girl?” Jessie smiled.

Andy smiled back. “You’re beautiful, funny, intelligent, and incredibly sexy- of course I’d like to make you my girl.”

“Sexy- I like that.”

“Do you now?” Andy got closer and started kissing her small slow kisses. She noticed he had traveling hands but they were shaking. It had probably been a while for the both of them.

Jessie was nervous too. She liked him but what if things didn’t work out and she had to face him everyday? Or worse, what if he was just using her. She didn’t think he was that way but you never knew. All she knew was she didn’t want this evening to end, however it turned out.

“You’re so pretty Jessie,” Andy interrupted her thoughts.

“But tonight’s been such a disaster.”

“No it hasn’t- I’ve been with you,” he reminded her.

He was making it awfully hard for her resist him.

“I’ll be right back down, “ she smiled after deciding to make her move. Sometimes a bold move was necessary to get a guy’s attention. She wanted to make sure she kept it.

She went upstairs and changed into her prettiest nightie with matching robe. It was pink and lacy and the robe was sheer and she sure hoped Andy would like it. After spraying on a dash of perfume, she walked downstairs. Andy couldn’t believe his eyes,

“Wow you look amazing Jessie are you sure? I don’t want to do anything you don’t want to although there’s a lot I want to do right now.”

Jessie smiled and took his hand and Andy knew he got his answer.

0000

As Melinda paid the babysitter Ryan wondered what he was doing there. He really didn’t like kids. It wasn’t so much that he didn’t like them, he was uncomfortable around them. If you’ve never been around them you really wouldn’t know what to say either.

“Ryan I’d like you to meet someone very special. This is my son Max. Max this is my friend Ryan. Say hi Max.”

“Hi.” He looked at Ryan. Melinda nodded.

“Oh you’re looking at my tie? Would you like to have it? Is it okay?” He asked Melinda. “I have like 8 others at home.”

“You only have 9 ties? “ Max laughed as he accepted the tie from Ryan. “I have 100.”

“Wow I can’t imagine. Can you show me some of your favorites?”

Max ran to his room and Melinda laughed. “Look what you started. And you didn’t have to do that.”

“Gives me an excuse to go shopping.”

Max came out and sat down next to Ryan. Melinda smiled watching them. She could tell this wasn’t easy for Ryan, but he was making an effort, and Max liked him. She just hoped no one got hurt.

[Sanda]

Cute update MelindaJo. Jessie and Andy are so cute and adorable together as are Melinda and Ryan. I LOVE that Ryan gave Max one of his ties to wear. I hope that no one gets hurt in this awesome story. Please update this awesome story soon.

[jessie]

Awesome update Jessie and Andy are so cute, I love this story. I love the scene with Max's and Ryan. It was so cute he gave Max's his tie. This is one of my favourite stories of yours, hope you update soon.

[melindajo2000]

chapter 6

It was the next day and Jessie knew that she hadn’t been so happy in a long time. Andy seemed like a great guy, a little goofy, but she liked a guy to make her laugh. Her last boyfriend had no sense of humor at all, so this was a refreshing change of pace. She got to work, where there was a nice cup of coffee waiting for her on her desk from Starbucks. It had to be Andy, she thought to herself.

“So Andy, did you get lucky last night? You don’t have to be nice the next day,” Michael teased, causing Jessie’s face to turn red.

“Michael, you don’t have the right to talk to me that way about Jessie. She’s not that kind of girl, not that it’s any of your business. If you want to know something about Jessie you’ll have to ask her. By the way, we had a wonderful time, and I hope to see more of her in the future.”

“Thanks Andy. You don’t have to say that just to make me feel better,” Jessie spoke up.

“No, I mean it. I would love to see you again, is this Friday too soon?”

“Sure. Now we’d better get back to work, but I’ll talk to you at break okay?”

“Okay. Sounds great.”

Melinda walked up to Jessie’s desk. “So, how was your date with Andy last night?”

“It was wonderful. He’s a really great guy. I totally thought that I had ruined things I burned dinner but he ate it anyways.”

“Ah that’s good. I’m happy for you. You’ll never guess who I had dinner with last night!” Melinda giggled.

“Another date with Max and Ronald McDonald?”

“Close. I had dinner with Ryan. But he did meet Max and it went better than I expected it to.”


“Ryan? I don’t know him very well…Melinda I’m your friend and we promised that we would always be honest with each other.”
.
“Yes Jessie of course. What is it? Don’t tell me Ryan asked you out too,” Melinda laughed nervously.

“No. Maybe I shouldn’t say anything…”

“No. if you know something about Ryan I don’t know then please tell me.”

“Andy was giving me the dish on all the employees last night,” Jessie whispered. “And he said that Ryan is kind of a playboy. I don’t want to scare you off but I want you to be careful. Especially with Max. “

“Thanks for the info Jessie. I don’t know what I was thinking introducing them. It’s just that I kind of got into the moment. I don’t know what to do now. I’m so confused.”

“Take it easy Melinda and I’m sure everything will work out. Oh better go, here comes Ryan now. He is kind of cute,” Jessie smiled.

“He is…but maybe he knows it?” Melinda asked, and the girls started laughing together.

“Okay okay…we have an office policy on laughing…no unauthorized laughter in this office,” Michael announced as he approached them. “Kidding just kidding. Now this seems like a good time for a meeting. Conference room in five everyone. Jessie be prepared to take notes!”

Jessie and Melinda looked at each other before heading to the conference room. It was going to be a long day.