In the Blind

by S. J. Maylee

  Work first and then play.

  The contract was pretty straightforward. He even offered Rob a signing bonus to sweeten the deal. She realized what her cut would be and giggled like a girl about to pay the rent she’d renegotiated and buy a new pair of shoes. Her celebrations died a quick death when she found the final stipulation. Rob would be working remotely. He wasn’t expected in the office except for team meetings once a week.

  Jane stared blankly across the room, shook her head, and read the terms again. One question flashed through her thoughts. Why was this in the contract? They couldn’t possibly have had enough time to discuss this when she ran out to talk to Anne. Could they? The not knowing was doing funny things to her thought process. She knew Rob liked working from home, but she also knew he wanted to work in an office with a team.

  She squeezed her eyes shut. Could this be about his ex?

  “No, it can’t be about her.” Maybe this was all Keller’s doing. His company was growing rather quickly.

  She grabbed her phone.

  “Hello, Voyage Industries.”

  “Anne, how many of your employees work from home?” Jane paced back and forth.

  “So, you got the contract.”

  “Please, Anne. Is this typical for Keller now, or does he think having Rob work in the office will be a problem?” Their building was large, but the staff could be pushing at the seams.

  “It could be either or both, I suppose.”

  “Not helping.”

  “Jane, are you trying to get him a job or something more?”

  “It could be both.”

  “Jane?”

  “I know, but this is the guy I told you about a couple months ago.”

  “Rob Meyer is the guy from the convention?”

  “Yes.”

  “Really. Hmm, I remember he took his ring off a couple of months ago. Marcus had been bugging him about it for a while, and then one day he finally took it off. That’s also about the time Marcus started talking to him about …”

  “What?” With Anne’s continued silence she added, “Please, just tell me.”

  “That’s when Marcus started talking to him about going to Club Blind.”

  “Oh my.”

  “What if?”

  “Oh my.” Jane sat on the edge of her bed. “You’re thinking Rob went last weekend, aren’t you?”

  “Marcus has been working behind the scenes at Club Blind, trying to build awareness. It’s been a couple of months since he’s worked a night at the club. It would make sense he’d take a shift the night Rob would be there. Do you think he paired you two?”

  “Oh, Anne, I don’t know.” She paced in circles around her room.

  “Do you want it to be possible?”

  The tension drained from her body, and she slid onto the floor. She flashed through her memories, recalling her fantasy of Rob being her mystery man from the club. “I’d never be that lucky. Marcus and I had never met before that night, so it would be a coincidence if he matched us together.” She pulled down a blanket and wrapped it around her shoulders. “I’m not thinking about it anymore. I want it to be true too badly.”

  “Okay, let’s change the subject. What was the other reason you called?”

  “I’m trying to figure out why Rob will be working from home, and I need to make sure Gina had no bearing on the decision.” She flung off the blanket, got up, and found her broom. “I was wrong about Adam, and I don’t want to be wrong about Rob, too.”

  “Oh, honey, I wouldn’t assume that’s the reasoning here, not when Gina’s involved.”

  “She wants him back?” Jane stabbed her broom into a corner trying to get something, anything out of the corner.

  “No, I don’t think so, but Gina’s different. I think she lives by a different rule book.”

  “Is she going to try to cook my bunny?”

  “No, nothing like that, she’s protective and has skills of persuasion.”

  Jane put away the broom and grabbed her rubber gloves.

  “I know you keep telling me you’re not ready for Club Voyage, but I wish you’d sit down and talk with Mistress Charlie. She’s been a tremendous help to me.”

  “You’re right. I need Mistress Charlie. I’m second guessing everything. I’m not used to feeling this out of control. Something has got to change.”

  “Finish this contract with Rob and then we’ll figure it out.”

  “Oh, Anne, I pushed him away today.”

  “Why?”

  “I thought it would be best for him to get settled into his new job first. Now with him working from home, I’m not sure what to do.”

  “I’m calling Mistress Charlie and scheduling a session for you. You’re making levelheaded moves, but you need to talk to Rob about all of this. No assumptions. No secrets. Communication is key. The Mistress is what you need, you’ll see.”

  ****

  Rob spent the afternoon on the court, bouncing the ball, and taking shot after shot and missing every one. His head wasn’t in the game. He was thinking of Jane and what happened to turn her off. He was going to love his new job, and he was happy to be helping her company in the process.

  He meant what he said to her today. He didn’t think Gina would be a problem. He couldn’t say for certain how she’d treat anyone he dated, though. Keller’s work from home idea was a good one. He was glad they’d had a moment alone to discuss it. He’d have the best of both worlds. He could continue his patterns and work for Keller.

  He hoped Jane didn’t read anything into it.

  He thought back to how beautiful she looked in the car. Her stubborn streak would light his life. Their first date needed to be special. His instincts told him they’d be great together. Her hand in his felt right, and her lips were sweet heaven.

  He bounced the ball several times and took his shot. The ball smacked the board, bounced off the court and into the grass. Rob gave up on the game and stole another look at his watch. Maybe he should call her, but that’s not what she asked for, unless she changed her mind.

  He ran back to his apartment and checked his email. Keller kept his word. Jane sent him the contract and instructions for questions and acceptance. Nowhere did it suggest he give her a call. She’d sent him a neat little package. Either she was good at her job or she really didn’t want to talk to him. The only surprise was the signing bonus. He wasn’t expecting even half that much, and the benefits package was quite generous.

  First things first, he electronically signed the contract that he couldn’t possibly say no to and sent it back to her. Somewhere along the way he’d taken a misstep with Gina, but she’d never been as clear with her wishes as Jane had been. He’d continue to honor her request. Next up was his first day. Then, he would call Jane and get his second chance.

  His phone buzzed with an incoming call. Disappointment ran thick when he didn’t see her number on the caller id, but his buddy was the next best thing at the moment.

  “Marcus, or should I say co-worker.”

  “Are you sure about this?”

  “Ah, yeah, you know the size of Keller’s signing bonuses.”

  “Tell me that’s not why you’re taking the job.”

  “No, this is really the right job for me, and I have a feeling this will help Jane and her business.”

  “Chivalry is dead.”

  “No wonder you’re single. All jokes aside, I’ve been getting bored with my assignments lately, and I know Keller will push me to stay on top of new technology. Plus, I’ll get the opportunity to stretch my career.”

  “That’s why I’m here.”

  “He’s going to let me work from home.”

  “I’m not surprised. We have several team members telecommuting. There’s even a few I’ve never met in person. Jim lives in an RV and is in constant travel around North America. Keller’s only rule is he has to be able to reach you during office hours.”

  “Yes, that’s stated in the contract.”

  “I don�
�t think Gina is going to be a problem, but if she is, I’ll take care of it.”

  “I had a feeling you’d say that. I think you’re what she needs.”

  “What? That’s not why—”

  “Marcus, it’s okay. You probably don’t even see it yet, but it’s okay with me.”

  “Well … change of topic. I think you should come back to Club Blind this Saturday.”

  “I don’t think so, this Saturday is date night, and there’s only one person I’d want to meet there.” Blood rushed to his cock when he thought of taking Jane in one of those pitch black rooms. “I haven’t talked to her about it yet. Believe me, I intend to.”

  “Do you trust me?”

  ****

  The next morning Jane sat at her favorite table in her coffee house, drinking a cozy latte and stared at nothing in the direction of the window, her thoughts full of Rob and Club Blind. It would be just her twisted kind of luck to have a night of unbelievable passion with the man of her dreams and not even know it.

  With the contracts successfully delivered to Keller last night and Rob’s welcome packet sent this morning, she wouldn’t have to talk to Rob for another two weeks, but after a revealing conversation last night with Mistress Charlie, she’d promised to call him. She picked at a chipped corner of her nail polish.

  “Fancy meeting you here.”

  She looked in the direction of the deep voice and found Marcus examining her. “Just trying to get a bit of work done.” Her blank tablet screen called her out.

  “It helps if you turn it on.”

  “Thanks.” She put her things in her bag. Clearly she wouldn’t be getting any work done here today. “Have a seat. Is this a coincidence or were you looking for me?” She couldn’t imagine which would be better or less embarrassing.

  “I was hoping to run into you, actually. I wanted to invite you back to Club Blind this Saturday night.” He slid an invite across the table that read Date Night.

  “What are you up to, Marcus?” She searched his face for a hint of a joke and found none.

  “I’m not sure you’d believe me if I told you.” He moved into the seat across from her. “Have you ever seen a friend stand in the way of their own happiness?”

  “Yes, I have in fact,” she said. He gave her a knowing smile, but she didn’t think he came here to talk about Anne.

  “I’ve listened to my friend talk and talk and talk about the woman he wants to be with. Over the past two days, I thought he was finally going to get what he wanted, but today he’s like the kid that didn’t get picked for a team on the playground.” His lips pressed tight together, and his pinched expression left her feeling accused and guilty. “You don’t have any reason to trust me, but you and I never saw each other before last Saturday night, isn’t that right?”

  “Yes, that’s right.” Her shoulders tensed under the pressure. Communication is key. “Are you saying you didn’t match me with Rob last Saturday?”

  “The club’s confidentiality policy forbids me from telling you anything. Date Night is different. If you come, you’ll know who will be waiting for you.”

  “Your friend who’s ready to move on?” She re-imagined Rob’s contract from the perspective of someone who’s enjoyed the freedom of working from home. She squeezed her eyes shut and rubbed her temple. “I shouldn’t have assumed.”

  “You were trying to protect yourself. I’m guessing your personal experiences have already proven relationships to be a minefield.”

  “Most definitely.”

  “Good, I’m glad I found you today.”

  In that moment, she believed Rob was ready to move on. It was Jane that was holding them back. Taking risks had never come easy for her, no matter how often she practiced.

  “I’m giving you an opportunity here. Come to the club Saturday. You know exactly what to expect, and I think it’s exactly what you need, which is not sitting here beating yourself up over a choice you made.”

  “Does Rob know you’re here? Wait … don’t answer that.” She reached out her hand. “Thanks, Marcus.”

  “You really do have the prettiest brown eyes.” He shook her hand and stood. “I’ll see you Saturday.”

  She picked up the invitation and rubbed her thumb against the raised letters. The ridges felt smooth against her skin. Back and forth, back and forth, she allowed herself to imagine entering the club knowing she was going to meet Rob. She took a deep breath as her heart fluttered and desire pulled her belly tight. Her free hand came to her chest, and she noticed the trembling had traveled to her fingers. The anticipation was almost too much to handle, but she knew she’d go. She’d compel herself to go.

  The club and its darkness held a special power. It striped away your defenses and got you to feel. She and Rob needed the special power. She needed to stop the second guessing and go after what she wanted, and she wanted Rob.

  ****

  The next couple days flew by in a daze. She had nothing much to do except work. There was nothing to clean in her home, and all her laundry was done. She didn’t even need to plan her outfit for Saturday night because all she’d be wearing was what God gave her.

  Fortunately, Keller’s colleagues were contacting her with their job requisitions, and she easily filled the rest of her week with Internet searches, phone interviews, and another contract negotiation. She expected to have another contract to review early next week. Her company was finally taking off. It wouldn’t be long now before she could hire a recruiter. The possibilities were endless, and her confidence was through the roof.

  She walked into the bistro a little before eleven on Friday morning. A quick scan of the restaurant told her she had made it before her lunch date. By getting here slightly before her meeting and before the lunch crowd, she could pick the right table. The smell of fresh baked bread made her stomach rumble. She wished she’d gotten here with enough time to get something to eat before the meeting.

  The call had come in late yesterday. The potential client was starting a new project next month. If the meeting went well, she’d have a dozen positions to fill.

  Pushing the deal through with Keller and Rob had most definitely been the right thing to do for her career. She hadn’t heard from Rob since Tuesday. After her conversation with Marcus, she’d been tempted to call him, but she didn’t know what she’d say.

  She may not know for sure who she was with last Saturday, but regardless of the truth, tomorrow night could be the start of the most important relationship of her life. Tomorrow, she’d see him at the club. Well, actually she wouldn’t see him. She’d feel him, hold him. She squeezed her legs and told the heat to hold on.

  She snagged a table in the middle of the room, sat in the chair facing the door and began pulling out everything she’d need for the meeting.

  “Excuse me.”

  Jane continued to search for her favorite pen. “Hi, can I get a coffee?” She tugged at her bag. “Why can’t I find what I’m looking for? Sorry.”

  “No, that’s okay. I’m not here to help you anyways.”

  Jane froze and raised her gaze to see a striking woman standing before her. Long sleek hair and the most beautiful blue eyes met her straight on.

  “Are you Jane?”

  “Yes, and you’d be?”

  The woman held out her hand. “I’m Gina.”

  “Oh.”

  Gina’s grip was strong and professional.

  “I figured you’d heard of me. I wanted to give you a face to put with the name.”

  Silence followed Gina’s declaration for what seemed like an awfully long time until Jane’s potential client walked around her and set his briefcase on the free chair.

  “Hi, Jane.”

  “Hi, Colin,” said Gina.

  “Gina, Hi.” His eyes lit, and he grabbed hold of her hand. “It’s been ages. How have you been?”

  “I’m doing much better these days. I didn’t realize you’d started seeing someone, Colin.”

  Jane was speechless
. Time seemed to slow down. She got the sense Gina was trying to stay two steps ahead of her. Fortunately, Colin wasn’t fazed by any of it.

  “Nope, no time for dating, but I have a new contract. That’s why I’m meeting with Jane. I’m hoping she can help me with the new project.”

  “Is that right?”

  “Yes, my company specializes in finding the right resources.” Jane utilized her professionalism and pushed back her shoulders. She had nothing to hide, but apparently Gina was choosing a different angle. There was no mistaking the venom in her glare. The first chance Gina got she’d try to wipe the floor with Jane, she had no doubt. Jane didn’t know if she was being protective of Rob or just plain vindictive.

  “I know how you meet people, Jane.”

  “I’m flattered that you’ve taken such an interest in my company.” She couldn’t be referring to the club? Had she been talking to Marcus? No, Marcus and Gina didn’t get along, or was that not true? Were they working a game together? Was this some kind of set-up? Jane’s pulse skipped a couple of beats, and she struggled to keep eye contact with Gina.

  “I sure have. You’ve been working with several people I know well. I’ll be sure to keep my eye on you.” The awkward moment ended when she turned to Colin and added, “It was good to see you. Will you be at the club this weekend?”

  “Maybe,” said Colin.

  “Think about it. I’m not the only one who’s missed you.” Gina’s sweet smile slipped away when she nodded to Jane.

  Both Colin and Jane watched as Gina walked from the restaurant. Her head was high, and Jane didn’t miss the swing of her hips as she disappeared from view.

  Once they both cleared their throats and settled in their seats, the meeting commenced and Jane easily sold him on her company. He’d even asked her to get in touch with his assistant who was going on maternity leave soon. She hoped to find him the perfect temporary assistant to ease his mind while he ventured into his new project.

  Jane walked home from the restaurant in a haze. Her professional life was on a high while her personal life felt like it was unraveling. Rob had given her the impression Marcus and Gina didn’t get along, but Jane had no idea how the puzzle pieces fit together.