Corporate Lines

by Donna Jay

  “The best.”

  “Modest, too.” Laughing, Simone climbed out of the car. She stood on the sidewalk, watching until Leah disappeared from view.

  She turned and made a beeline for the carpark, hoping she didn’t encounter any employees along the way. She would die if she was seen in her jogging shorts, devoid of makeup, and sweat plastering her hair to her forehead.

  ***

  Monday morning, Simone picked up the phone three times to call AAA cleaning services and hung up each time before the call connected.

  After two days of procrastinating, she was actually looking forward to seeing the cleaner. The same one she normally had no time for.

  Leisa poked her head in the door. “You staying late again?”

  “Almost done.” Simone plastered on a smile.

  “Okay, well, have a good night.”

  Alex breezed by, looping arms with Leisa. “Night, boss.” And with that, they were gone.

  The next hour ticked by at a snail’s pace. Every time Simone glanced up the minute hand had barely moved.

  Feeling her impatience grow, she vowed to go over the list of overdue debtors from A to Z before looking up again.

  It worked like a charm. Shortly after six, she heard the rattle of the front door opening and closing. Not long after, Helen came clomping up the stairs.

  As per the norm, she tentatively asked if she could come in.

  “Of course,” Simone said warmly. “How’s your day been?”

  “Fine.” Helen shrugged. “Tiring.”

  “Do you work during the day, too?”

  “You could say that.” Her response was guarded, like she didn’t like talking about herself, and Simone was fine with that.

  “How’s Jane?”

  Helen paused, rubbish bin halfway to the black sack. “Why do you ask?”

  Simone shrugged, downplaying her interest. “Just making conversation.”

  “Thing is…” Helen put the empty rubbish bin down. “In the two years I’ve been cleaning here, you’ve never said more than five words to me, and always the same five words. ‘Can you keep it down.’”

  “Sorry,” Simone said, feeling like an arsehole.

  “Now you’re all like how’s Jane? Is there something I should know? Was she bad-mannered? Did she do a shitty job?”

  “No, nothing like that.” Simone shook her head. “Anyway, I’m sorry if I’ve been rude to you in the past.”

  “Colder than an ice block, but not rude.” Helen’s lip kicked up.

  Simone smiled and then got back to work. Right on eight, she packed up and left at the same time as Helen.

  The squeak of the vacuum cleaner across the showroom floor transported her back to her crazy night.

  It’d been days since she’d seen Jane, and she still couldn’t get her out of her mind.

  After a fitful sleep, Simone finally did what Leah had suggested; picked up the phone and called AAA Cleaning.

  A cheerful voice greeted her on the third ring. “Welcome to Triple A Cleaning, how may we be of service?”

  “Hi, I’m trying to get hold of Jane.” Simone held her breath, hoping the woman didn’t ask why.

  “Who?”

  “Jane.”

  “No one here called Jane.”

  “One of your cleaners.

  “Nope.”

  “A reliever?”

  “Nope. No Jane.”

  Now she knew why the name didn’t suit her. It wasn’t her name.

  The cheerful voice was no longer so warm. “What’s this about?”

  She had no bloody idea.

  “Never mind.” Not bothering to wait for a reply, she dropped the phone into the cradle, more confused than ever.

  She picked up her cell and rang Leah.

  “Hello.”

  “Hi, it’s me. Can you talk?”

  “Sure. I’m on my break.”

  “I phoned the cleaning company like you suggested. There is no Jane.”

  “Maybe you got her name wrong. It might be Jean or Jill or something.”

  She hadn’t got it wrong. The woman had made a joke about not being plain enough to be called Jane.

  Regardless, there was no point obsessing over something—someone—she couldn’t have.

  “Maybe.”

  “Now what?” Leah asked.

  “Now I do my job and forget I ever met her.”

  “Sure, mate. Keep telling yourself that.” Laughter laced Leah’s words.

  “Thanks, friend.”

  “You’re welcome, now let’s come up with plan B.”

  “I have work to do.” Simone glanced out the small office window giving her a view of her admin team. Both Alex and Leisa were on their way back to their desks.

  “Me too, come over for wine-zees tonight.”

  “I’m working ‘til six-thirty.” She’d wasted half the morning thinking about Jane, or whatever the hell the woman’s name was.

  “Fine, see ya at seven, then. Brad’s got Rugby, so it’ll be just us.”

  “I’ll bring the wine, you cook.”

  Leah could turn leftovers into a gourmet meal.

  “Deal.”

  Chapter 4

  Nadia

  After another week of not being able to get the office manager out of her mind, Nadia called the store. She wanted to apologise for her actions.

  Not because she regretted them, far from it, but when it came to business and ethics, she’d crossed some lines. Seduction was one thing, she loved the chase but hitting on someone in the workplace was not something she made a habit of, and she didn’t want the woman to think it was.

  “Welcome to KB Incorporated. How may I direct your call?”

  This was going to sound bad, but with no name to go by she was flying by the seat of her pants.

  “Can I please speak to the office manager?”

  “Who?”

  Okay, perhaps that was the wrong title.

  “The woman who works upstairs.”

  “We have a few women who work upstairs. Would you like accounts payable or accounts receivable?”

  “I don’t know.”

  “Well, if it’s about an invoice you’ve received, then you need accounts payable. But if you’re calling about a—”

  “I know what accounts payable and receivable are.” She snapped, immediately feeling bad. “Sorry. I was after the lady who works in the corner office.”

  “Oh, she’s in a meeting right now,” the receptionist informed her. “Can I take a message or would you like to call back?”

  Sure, tell her I want my panties back, she can deliver them clenched between her teeth.

  What a delicious thought. Nadia crossed her legs, to soothe the ache.

  “Hello, are you there?”

  The image vanished like a puff of smoke.

  “Um, thanks. I’ll try another time.” As she hung up, Nadia wondered if she should’ve just left her name. But that would leave her with too many unknowns. Had the message been passed on? Was she going to call? Had she tossed the message in the bin?

  The best thing to do would be to just rock up to the store. To ask to speak to her. Face to face wouldn’t leave any room for doubt. Would she look at her with loathing or longing?

  What was the best time of the day to catch her, early or late? Or, perhaps, the middle of the day would be best.

  ***

  Thursday afternoon, Nadia left the store in the capable hands of her sales assistant, Shelley, and traversed the busy streets of Hamilton to KB Incorporated.

  Coming to a stop in the customer carpark, she took a moment to check her appearance in the rearview mirror.

  She’d been blessed with long, thick eyelashes, but her lips were pale. She plucked a plum lipstick out of her handbag and ran it across her lips.

  As she strode toward the main entrance, her gaze wandered up to the second floor that housed the offices. The windows were tinted and all she could see was the surrounding buildings reflected b
ack at her.

  She stepped inside to the smell of new wood, fresh paint, and porcelain.

  To her left was the kitchen centre with various designs and appliances on display. To her right was the bathroom centre, with everything from bathtubs and shower stalls to chrome taps and accessories.

  Her gaze landed on a small vanity that would be perfect for her bathroom if she ever decided to upgrade.

  As she browsed, her gaze kept flicking to the stairway. If she thought hard enough, would the woman feel her presence? If she did, it was the only time she’d feel Nadia beneath her. The thought made her smile.

  “Hi, can I help you?” A gentleman with boyish looks, long hair in the front, a tuft of hair on his chin, smiled brightly.

  “Um, I’m just browsing.”

  The guy’s expression morphed from friendly, to curious, to wide-eyed. “It’s you, isn’t it?”

  “Who?”

  This had to be the guy that interrupted her idiotic actions.

  “The woman from a few weeks back. The cleaner. Right?”

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  “I came back to get my phone, you were just leaving.”

  “You’ve got the wrong person.”

  “Nope. It’s not often I forget a face and never one as pretty as yours.”

  “If you continue to harass me, I’ll complain to your manager.”

  “Would you like me to call her?” His smile was smug and she almost called him on it, but there were other jobs at stake here.

  “Do you plan on continuing to harass me?”

  His smile faltered. “Sorry, what was the name again, I didn’t catch it.”

  “I didn’t give it.” Nadia shot him a dazzling smile which wasn’t hard to do. He was very personable and no doubt one of their top sales people.

  “Well, I’m Hamish.” He handed her a business card. “If I can help with anything, let me know.”

  She took the proffered card. “Thanks, and it’s Nadia. I’m the manager of Carson’s boutique.”

  “The lingerie shop?”

  She was impressed he’d heard of her store. “You got a thing for lingerie?”

  “Hell, yeah. I love stockings and suspender belts.”

  “Cool.” Her lip kicked up. “We have a few regular clients who are crossdressers, come see me sometime.”

  “I didn’t mean on me.” Hamish looked appalled by the idea, as did most of the straight men she’d met who cross-dressed. They hid it from wives and mates, and definitely didn’t talk about it to work colleagues.

  “Relax.” She waved his card in the air. “I’ll let you know if I ever need a new vanity.”

  He frowned. “What’d you come in for?”

  “I told you.” She held his gaze. “To browse.” She hadn’t had so much fun toying with a salesman in a long time.

  She turned and exited the store, her mood high despite not seeing the woman she’d hoped to catch a glimpse of.

  ***

  Simone leaned back in her chair, closed her eyes, and inhaled deeply. The aroma of coffee infused her senses. A quick caffeine hit and a sandwich and she’d be good to go for the rest of the day.

  The admin team were at lunch, and she’d asked reception to hold her calls. Fifteen minutes without any interruptions would be bliss.

  The loud rap on the door shattered her peace. Gritting her teeth, she called out, “Yes?”

  The door crept open and Hamish popped his head in. His eyes sparkled, and a huge grin lit up his face. He looked like he’d won the lottery.

  “This better be good.” She ushered him in.

  “Oh, this is good all right.” He sank into the chair in front of her desk. “That woman was here.” He rubbed his hands together looking at her as if she should be excited, but she was lost.

  “What woman?” She took a bite of her egg sandwich, savouring the tangy mayo with a hint of curry.

  “The cleaner.”

  A bit of egg lodged in Simone’s throat, cutting off her windpipe. She thumped her chest to clear it, and to buy herself some time. What was she supposed to say to that?

  “Well, there’s no rule against her shopping at our store. She probably visits a lot of businesses where she cleans.”

  “But here’s the thing, she’s not a cleaner.”

  “How do you know?”

  “I asked her.”

  “Well then you have the wrong person, and it’s highly unethical for you to question a customer about their job.”

  “I know, and you’re right.” He shook his head looking baffled. “It was the weirdest thing.”

  “How so?” Simone’s interest was more than a little piqued, but she had to play it cool. Hamish had a thing for faces and she doubted he was wrong.

  The woman had been in the store, but why? Dare Simone hope she’d come looking for her?

  “She didn’t want anything, said she was just browsing. Weird.” He stood. “Sorry to bother you.” He stopped in the doorway. “By the way, her name’s Nadia. She’s the manager of Carson’s Boutique.”

  “Will that be all, Hamish?” Simone asked as casually as possible. Inside she was about to explode, she had a name.

  “Yes.” He nodded and left.

  Nadia, was that Russian? She had no clue but the name was as sexy as the woman.

  She rolled the name around in her head. Nadia.

  And better yet, she had a workplace.

  Now, it was up to Simone to decide if she wanted to make a phone call, or casually stroll into her store and browse at sexy lingerie.

  Could she do it? Hell yes!

  If she wasn’t mistaken, Nadia had purposely left a trail. And Hamish, an unwitting player in this game of cat and mouse, had just delivered her calling card.

  Tomorrow, she would venture out for lunch.

  Chapter 5

  Simone

  As noon neared, Simone’s heart rate kicked up. Nerves and excitement made her pulse race. The thought of seeing Nadia again—God she loved that name—made her heart sing.

  The last time she’d fallen in lust had been…never. And for once, she chose not to analyse the situation. She’d taken her time getting to know Renee, dating, in no hurry to move in together, and look at where that got her.

  Thirty-three and single. Although she’d grown used to the idea she might be destined to grow old alone, this woman had been put in her path for a reason.

  It was up to her to find out why.

  Shortly before noon, Simone switched her phone to out-of-office mode, grabbed her handbag, and headed for the door.

  She didn’t have to report to her admin team, but in the event there was an emergency it was only right they knew she was out.

  Earthquakes were scary enough without having to search the premises for someone who’d left and failed to tell anyone.

  She closed her office door behind her. There was no need for any of the staff to go in there while she was out, and God help them if they did. “Hey, ladies. I’m heading out.”

  Alex stopped mid-way to the staffroom. “Everything okay?”

  “Sure. Just popping out.”

  Leisa glanced up but didn’t say a word. Her break wasn’t until one, and she looked like she was engrossed in paperwork.

  “Like I said, everything okay? It’s not like you.” Alex crossed her arms, studying Simone. “You’re not sick are you?”

  Unbeknown to Alex, she’d just given Simone the perfect out.

  “Just a routine check-up.” Simone glanced at her watch. “I hope to be back within the hour, but you know how that goes.”

  “Tell me about it,” Alex said. “Last time I had an appointment at the doctors, I had to wait for almost two hours.”

  “I know,” Simone said pointedly.

  She knew doctors often ran behind time, but Alex made an art out of being gone for most of the afternoon whenever she had an appointment.

  “Well, don’t let me keep you.” Alex stepped aside. “Is there anyt
hing I can do if you’re late back?”

  “Your job.” Simone stared her in the eye.

  “Of course.” Alex flashed her a small smile and Simone returned it.

  To be honest, Simone wouldn’t be without her admin team. Alex and Leisa were both wonderful women, just not as driven as her. And that was okay. Every office had its pecking order, and she’d worked hard to make it to the top.

  Fifteen minutes after leaving work, Simone pulled to a stop right out front of Carson’s boutique.

  Taking a moment to calm her nerves, she sat in her car, staring into the store, through the huge glass windows. Being lunchtime it was a busy place. Who were customers and who were staff, she couldn’t tell.

  They were all looking at lingerie, plucking up little hangers and placing them back. She could practically feel the different textures sliding between her fingers; cotton, satin, silk, and lace.

  And then, there Nadia was. All long legs and a killer smile.

  Simone inhaled sharply. Could she do this? Did she want to? Her pulse sped up. Yep, she could do this.

  Click.

  The door opened and her legs were carrying her toward the store as if they had a mind of their own. She strode through the double doors with an air of confidence she didn’t feel.

  She was on Nadia’s territory now, and that sent a thrill laced with trepidation coursing through her body.

  Once inside, her heart plummeted. Nadia was nowhere to be seen. Surely she hadn’t left the store. She’d seen her only a minute ago.

  To the right of the till, an open doorway led to a row of changing rooms. She must’ve gone to help someone else.

  Trying not to stare in that direction, she casually browsed the rows of bras and briefs.

  “Can I help you?” A middle-aged woman smiled warmly. “We have that in cream and black as well.”

  Simone glanced down, unaware she’d plucked a deep red bra with padded cups off the rack. Trimmed with lace, it was gorgeous.

  “I really like this.” She held it up. Too bad she’d never get her boobs into the double-A cups. “Shame it’s too small.”

  “What size are you?”

  “Thirty-four D, mostly. Sometimes I can get away with a thirty-six C. Depends on the brand.”