What I heard, obliquely, was her talking about how others addressed her. Thinking quickly, I reverted to Polite Mode (which, of course, I rarely use, since she's a great boss, and we're all rather informal in our department).
"Good morning, Ms. Allen," I said with a grin.
But then, as I waited for my tea to steep, I began to think... what could I have said? Thus, this list.
I'm posting this here, because that little voice inside my head thought this could be taken the right way, and why tempt the Fates of HR?
10. "Yessir,
Ms. Allen, SIR!" (clicks heels and salutes sharply)
9. "Good
Morning, Ms. Allen. I reserved a private table for your 1 PM lunch with Mr.
Frankson at L'Arrogant Parisienne. I sent an email to your private account
containing numerous embarrassing Facebook posts, as well as photos hacked from
the Epsilon Aleph Zayn iCloud account, in case the conversation lags. Also, “Droobles”
Frankson has an extreme allergy to licorice. Remember to look shocked and concerned
if any law enforcement agents appear to speak with Mr. Frankson."
8. "How ‘bout
them Mets?"
7. (Halts
suddenly. Look of panic and shock. Smile suddenly. Back away slowly,
maintaining smile and eye contact.)
6. "Yeah,
yeah, whatever."
5. (We
perform the “secret cheerleader handshake”, which involves elbow bumbs, jazzhands, and spirited doggerel.)
4. "Heghlu’meHQaQ jajvam." / " "
3. "Hi, I’m Sten.
Have we met?"
2. (Nods to boss, walks into breakroom whistling "The Internationale".)
1. "Hey,
Toots."
