by Mimi Barbour
“You’re a bully!”
“And you’re beautiful. Look!” Magically, the garment draped Annie’s form. The white emphasized her tanned skin, and she had to admit the new fashion suited her. She buttoned it and stepped back.
“It’s supposed to be worn with the top few buttons undone.”
She undid the first one.
“One more.”
“One button, okay! Two? That’s indecent.”
“Indecent? Give me a break. You look very much the way any twenty-nine-year-old city girl in this century looks.”
It would be easier just to follow directions, she supposed. If she didn’t, the button would unexplainably open all day long anyway.
Before she could change her mind, she put on the earrings she’d bought to go with the blouse and slipped her feet into the fancy sandals that had lain hidden in her closet since a shopping trip months earlier. She checked out her shiny cap of black hair, which had stiffened from the setting lotion applied earlier and now stood up in a perky ’do. The shiny black highlighted her soft unblemished skin and brought her face to life.
Annie turned to Celi for final approval, but the angel had disappeared. “Thanks, Celi.” Only a faint fragrance of perfume answered. A scent Annie instantly fell in love with permeated the air around her hair. She’d have to ask Celi for the name of the product and wear it everywhere. It could be her personal smell for success.
A tinkling sound drew her attention to her dresser and there sat a tiny, rhinestone-studded blue bottle.
“You’re the best, Celi, you really are.”
“Yes, sweet girl, I am. And don’t you forget it.” The words inside her head made her smile.
With Celi’s earlier prodding, she’d scheduled a makeover for later in the week, a huge step out of her safety zone. But if she seriously contemplated a new career in business, then it would be a necessity. Words of wisdom she’d heard ad nauseum from her raspy-voiced friend.
Products for her eyes, lipsticks, blushers, even nail polishes were on her list. She intended to buy the works, and get the needed lessons for using it all. Then her next “spoil-me-I’m-worth-it” expenditure would be at the spa—pedicure, manicure, even a body massage. She’d be pricked, pummeled and painted.
Also, a major shopping trip loomed ahead at the weekend. One of the young girls she and Tyler had helped a few years back now worked at her favorite store in the women’s clothing department. Susan had supreme good taste in fashion and accessories, and Annie knew her friend would be more than happy to assist her in spending a bundle.
Running into Tyler in the elevator increased her confidence. He appeared stunned when he saw her new look. A few small improvements and the man actually babbled.
“Hi Tyler. Look, I’m glad I ran into you. I wanted to apologize for canceling our walk yesterday. I know Sunday’s been our day to wander and window-shop in Manhattan, but I had a lot to do, preparing my resume to hand in to Mr. Montaro.”
“No problem, Smidge—I mean, Honey. I caught up with some housework.” He grinned and winked.
“You! Housework? Right, what games did you watch?”
“Two tennis matches and an NBA semi-final.”
“Thought so!” She chuckled as he’d intended. As soon as the elevator jerked to a stop, she shot out the opening door. “See you later. ”
Sprinting to her car, parked in the nearest stall in the underground parking lot, she pretended not to hear him call her. Driving past him minutes later, she saw him look up from unlocking his car door. She wiggled the ends of her fingers, smiled automatically, and noticed his aura of gloom.
The forlorn expression jiggled a memory from her childhood before she could shut it down. How many times as a small girl had she angled for her parents’ attention and got the very same brush-off? Vying against their assorted interests had tied her in knots for years. Both her mom and dad had belonged to golf clubs, wine clubs, bridge clubs—every club going. They were almost never home, and in the few hours they spent in the house with her they had eyes only for each other, conversing about their wine-making, bridge parties....
She’d always believed her birth had been a huge mistake. Their treatment of her proved it. Trying hard to pique their interest failed, and it became apparent to her that the best way for them to see her—really know she existed—was for her to make them feel guilty. If she played the martyr, they finally took some notice. The guilt usually forced them to give her what she wanted most—an identity, acknowledgement of her importance, at least enough for them to spend some time with her. That scheme worked fine as a child, but when she became older, she just gave up, grew even more lonely and independent, and took to the books.
“Stop thinking about the past and letting it affect your present. This is a happy moment. After all, Anna, this is the first day of the rest of your life.”
“Good advice, Celi, thank you.”
***
Annie arrived early and hovered at the door as Hugo Montaro brought his children into the facility. Her hands, sore from being clenched, rubbed each other incessantly. He smiled as soon as he saw her, seeming to favor her above any of the other girls employed at the elite, very expensive children’s center.
“Hi, sugar. You’re looking pretty spiffy today. What’s up?” His sincere smile flattered her, and she unknowingly reacted with an unfamiliar glint in her eye. It bordered on friendly but with a lot more oomph behind it than usual. His glance steadied, measuring her, searching her features.
“Hi, Hugo. Hi, kids. Can I talk to you for a minute, Hugo?” Annie leaned over the two kids and gentled her voice, as was her habit when there were children around. “Jackson, darling, could you help your little sister? Alyssa can’t hang up her sweater by herself. But you’re much taller. Also, please make sure she can reach the shelf to store her lunchbox? I’ll be with you in a minute. Okay?”
The boy took his sibling’s hand proudly. In unison, both voices piped, “Okay, Annie.” The kids disappeared around the corner, heading for the designer lockers decorated with each child’s best-loved animal picture across the front.
“Something’s different about you today.” Hugo studied her. “Annie, is everything all right?”
Hugo Montaro, one of her favorite parents delivering offspring each morning, always arrived early and acted both friendly and respectful to not only the ladies but the children, also. He had the happiest of dispositions.
“Actually, Hugo, everything is perfect. I’ve come to a decision about my future, and I’ve decided the time has come to make a few changes. If you really want me to come and work for you—I mean, if the position you mentioned the other day is still open—then I’d like to apply.” She worked her hands continuously, nerves overtaking confidence.
“Hell, Sugar. I’d love to have you with me, and yes, we’re still short-listing the applicants. You’ve plenty of time to apply. Since you have an ‘in’ with the boss, I can almost guarantee you priority, but nevertheless there will be a few interrogations from the other management people.”
Her eyebrows rose.
He smiled. “You’d call them interviews. Nothing you can’t handle. So what’s happened to make you change your mind since last week, when I teased you about changing jobs? You seemed very sure about your refusal then.”
“Truthfully? I had a bit of an epiphany this weekend, and sort of decided that I need a new direction. The time’s ripe to spread my wings, take on bigger challenges. The opportunity to switch to a management position with your company would be the perfect choice for me right now. I want to grab it before someone else does. Do you understand?”
“Absolutely. It’ll be my gain, so you won’t get any arguments from me. The biggest hurdle I’ll have to cross is telling my kids. You’re their favorite here at the daycare. They talk about you incessantly. All I hear is Annie said this, and Annie did that, and....”
She giggled, then put her hands on top of her mouth to shut it off. Probably the relief from his acceptance of her
proposal overrode her normal restraint, but the comical expression on his face did tickle her.
“Don’t snicker at me. You have no idea what hell those two miniature monsters can put me through. Once they hear you’re leaving the center, just to keep them from running away from home it’ll probably cost me that new computer they’ve been angling for.”
“Computers are a wonderful learning tool, one all kids could use if properly controlled. Chalk up the expense to education.” Annie’s newfound confidence allowed her to jest in a manner she’d never used before. She relished the freedom.
“Easy for you to say. Have you ever paid any attention to what’s available on the Internet? Oy vey!” His eyes opened wide, both hands covered them, and his head shook from side to side.
To stop laughing, she captured her bottom lip between snowy white teeth. Some habits take longer to change. Her expression became serious after a few seconds, and she said. “I’ve polished up my resume and made a copy for you in case you want one.”
She pulled out a large brown envelope from a cubicle full of extra raincoats for the kids and passed it to him.
“Thanks, sweetheart.” He took the envelope and crammed it under his arm.
“I promise, I’ll explain to the kids what a great opportunity you’ve offered, and since they’re good kids, they’ll be happy for me. You just watch.”
“I have no doubt you’ll smooth it over, and I’ll survive, but it’ll still be a huge upheaval for them. I’m almost sorry I asked you.” His happy demeanor changed and saddened.
Her face fell instantly, and he patted her cheek, jollying her along.
“I’m kidding. I’m not at all sorry. It’ll be great having you come on board with us. I’m warning you, though, there’s a lot to be done. We’ve been without anyone at the helm in the Human Resource Department for quite a few weeks. We fired the last person and had to ask her to leave the same day. Some indiscretions can’t be overlooked. But we’ll go into all that after you’re with us for awhile.”
“I’ll give my notice here today. I have to offer them at least two weeks, but I happen to know a girl who took a few months off to travel and has now returned to the city. She’s desperate for a job. Chances are, they’ll grab her. The kids like her very much, which makes her a real catch.”
“Good! Seems as if everything is falling into place. I’ll get the Personnel Department to put a rush on the paperwork for you, so I should be able to set up a board interview in the next couple of days, just protocol. I’ll catch up with you tomorrow, and bring you up to date. Must run now. Bye, sweetheart.”
Rules on proper office etiquette and harassment were pretty strict nowadays, which made Annie wonder if he’d still call her “sweetheart” once she became his employee. Not that she minded. With an attitude reminiscent of an older brother, he embodied the essence of a true gentleman. Plus, his drawl led her to believe he’d originated from Georgia. Apparently pet names were a habit with Southern folks.
Up to now, she’d never thought about his physical attractiveness. As one of the few fathers who came into the center, he was the nicest. But now that they were to have a much closer association, she took a few minutes to catalogue his attributes.
He wasn’t too tall, but then he wasn’t too short, either, a man of comfortable size, with a comfortable disposition. The shape of his shaved head saved it from being inelegant, and similar to some of the movie stars today, it suited him. Contrary to what others might think, she considered it added a rakish appeal. The suits he wore each morning, tailored to fit him perfectly, impressed her, and she’d decided long ago that the man oozed style.
Stimulated by his positive reaction to her enquiries, she felt not only relief but also a sense of satisfaction. The first step had been taken, and new tomorrows were on the horizon. She heard the children begin to sing their good-morning song, so she shook off her pensive mood and marched into the large playroom to circle around to where the supervisor stood.
“Can I see you for a few minutes in the office, Shirley?” Annie wanted to cement the process before her gutless persona reappeared.
Annie’s boss closed the door behind them. Something in Annie’s serious expression must have warned her of upsetting news, because she listened carefully to the girl’s prepared speech.
“I can’t fathom it! You’re putting in your resignation? Why, Annie? We love you here. You’re very important to us, and to the kids. They’ll be devastated.” Shirley, a rather large woman, plunked down on the corner of her desk. Astonishment covered her face.
“Hugo Montaro has recently offered me a position with his firm, and the job’s too fantastic to pass up. Honest, Shirley, I’ve loved working here, but being involved in a large company such as his will give me the motivation to get out of the rut I’m in. To meet new people, mingle, try new things.”
“Don’t get me wrong, Annie, I’m happy for you, just miserable for us. We’ll miss you dreadfully. I hadn’t mentioned it, but I was planning on retiring next year and intended to name you as my successor. Now I’ll have to re-think my plans. Not to worry. Your happiness is what’s important. Tell me, what position has he offered you?”
“Human Resource Manager. Between head office, the plant and warehouse, and all the stores in the city, they employ over a thousand people, so it’s a pretty hefty appointment. I researched the company all weekend and decided I wanted the challenge. Can’t say I’m not scared, but I am qualified. I just have to keep telling myself that.”
“Honey, you’re more than qualified. I always figured this place was too low profile for your impressive credentials, but I couldn’t say no to those beseeching blue eyes of yours. And I’ve never had a moment’s regret. There’s no one here who works harder, or who’s better with the kids. No matter what happens, there’ll always be a position here if you decide you want to return.”
“Thank you, Shirley. You know I’ve loved this job. As far as replacing me, I wondered about Leslie?”
“Good idea. I guess she’ll be ecstatic when I call to tell her the good news. She overspent on traveling, and is hyper about getting re-employed as quickly as possible; tomorrow wouldn’t be too soon for her. If you need to leave before your two weeks notice is finished, it’ll be fine by me. I’d hate to stand in your way, Annie.”
Shirley left the office believing Annie followed right behind her. Instead, she stood glued to the floor, wringing her already sore hands. Stymied at the hurt coursing through her, she fought off her rejected feelings and tried to buoy up her earlier delight.
I’ll have more time to get ready for Montaro’s—buy new clothes, practice putting on my new face, get spoiled at the spa, sleep in late…
And worry about the change in my relationship with Tyler.
What the hell am I doing?
Tears welled and slid over, leaving damp traces on her cheeks before dripping onto her new white blouse. Still she didn’t move, except for her hands ripping at each other, clenching and unclenching, hurting.
Chapter Five
Lord & Taylor on Fifth Avenue had served as Annie’s one-stop shop for new clothes, shoes—in fact pretty well everything—for years. It was a store she’d loved while growing up, and she favored spending time there above many other activities. To this day, for her, the store represented the height of fashion, luxury and fun.
As she approached the building, scenes from memorable trips with her parents flashed through her mind. Every year they’d give up their other pursuits for one unique day, to treat her to an afternoon of Christmas gift shopping in Manhattan. She’d loved those special times. To complete the day, after her orgy of gift buying, they’d take her to her favorite restaurant in Times Square. At that very place, the much-anticipated custom came to an abrupt halt ages ago. Memories began to crowd in while everything else receded.
***
Her mother had sounded so excited on the phone. “Annie, can you meet us at the restaurant? Your father and I have wonderful news.”
>
She’d arrived early in anticipation, wondering if they had a special gift to give her as a graduation present. One of the other misfits in the dorm where Annie had lived the last few years recently learned that her parents were taking her on a Caribbean cruise as a reward for all her work. Annie knew she’d aced all her classes at NYU, and would be presented with her master’s degree the next day. Maybe her parents were going to surprise her too.
Seated across from the two happy adults a little while later, Annie felt their enthusiasm bubble over. It made her smile to see them so happy.
“What? Tell me. You’re grinning like Cheshires, both of you. ”
“We’ve bought a condo in Palm Springs. It’s in a gated community and has a big clubhouse with an indoor and outdoor pool, a special room to play bridge, and a golf course right next door. We can take possession at the end of the week.” Her mother’s eyes glowed as her words shot holes in her daughter’s heart.
Can stomachs actually drop? Or burning sensations flare up within the few minutes it took for dreams disintegrate? These fanciful thoughts flooded her mind while she clenched her hands and sucked in her bottom lip to stop the moan from escaping.
“What about me?” Did her voice actually squeak? God, she was pitiful.
Both adults looked their surprise. Her father finally broke the tension-filled moment. “What do you mean, Annie? Did you want to move to Palm Springs?”
“No, of course not. I meant that I’d looked forward to a few weeks of holidays at home with you and mother before I had to start looking for work. The exams have been hectic, especially with all the extra courses I’ve added, and knowing I could take things easy when they were finished has meant a lot of me.”
Guilty looks passed between her parents, and her mother finally cleared her voice and spoke first. “We’ve sold the house, Annie. We moved out yesterday, dear, and plan to only stay in the city just until after your ceremony. We have a flight booked the next day.”
Her father’s arm encircled her mother’s shoulders. Then he leaned towards Annie. We haven’t forgotten you, Annie.” He looked towards his wife, and once she nodded her approval, he took an envelope from his pocket and offered it to his daughter.