by Lydia Rose
“Okay, Shell.”
When Diane walked into the outer office, she looked around for her daughter. “Where is Anna?”
“Taking a nap in your office,” Michelle answered smiling.
“Did she eat?” Diane asked, moving closer to Michelle’s desk.
“Yes.”
“Thank you for doing this. I know it is above and beyond your job description.”
“Don’t worry about it. Anna is a sweet little girl.” Unlike her mother who seems cold and distant. “I enjoyed spending time with her.”
She is sweet, Diane thought. Looking at her child she wondered many times that if she hadn’t given birth to her, she wouldn’t believe Anna was her child. Anna looked more like Michelle than herself. They both had the same color brown hair and green eyes. Yes, James had the same green eyes, but his hair was blond. Diane loved Anna, but she just didn’t know how to show it. The little girl had anything that she asked for except her mother. She didn’t have time to sit and play with her or do the things that most mothers did. Every day she swore she would do better, but she had yet to change. “I’ll schedule a new group of nanny’s on Monday.”
“I’ll let you know if I see any of them trying to interact with Anna.”
“How will you do that without being obvious?” Diane asked curious.
“Schedule them all to come in at the same time and if any of them talk to Anna, I’ll put a star on their application and hand it to you when you come out for the next woman.”
Diane nodded in agreement. “It’s almost five o’clock, Michelle. Why don’t you go home?”
Anna opened the door to Diane’s office. “Mommy, I’m hungry.”
“Give me fifteen minutes and we can go home.”
“Can I sit with Shell until you’re ready?”
“Michelle is going home.”
“I’ll wait until you are ready to leave,” Michelle insisted, seeing the sad look on Anna’s face at her mother’s words. “Okay, Anna?”
Anna nodded and went back to her coloring books. “Okay, Shell.”
Michelle grabbed the milk and cookie for Anna’s snack.
CHAPTER 4
Michelle walked out of the building that evening with Diane and her daughter. Once they reached the parking garage, Anna went over to Michelle and gave her a hug. “Good night.” Michelle called as they watched them walk over to Diane’s car. She thought Diane Baker was a strange woman. Her demeanor in the office was always cold and aloof. Michelle wondered if Diane showed her daughter that side of her or once she was home, she was a warm and caring mother.
Over the next month, Diane seemed under more pressure than ever before. Michelle walked into her office and found Diane with her forehead pressed to her desk. “Are you all right, Ms. Baker?”
Diane lifted her head. “I don’t know how my father did this, every day for forty years. Everyone is pulling me at once and now the unions are threatening a strike.”
Michelle tried to keep the grin off her face. “I’ve read the report of what they are asking for,” she proceeded cautiously, “and it seems a small request to keep the union happy for another year.”
Diane’s eyes narrowed. “You think a two dollar an hour increase across the board is small. That’s millions of dollars. Plus, they want to pay less in medical benefits.”
Michelle shrugged. “In the long run it will pay for itself with happier workers.”
“And how do I make up that kind of money? The price of oil keeps dropping.” Diane stood up to emphasize her point.
“Maybe you should talk to your accountant. There has to be a way to offset some of the cost by helping others.” Michelle’s head lowered. “You will get the tax credits and help people in the process.”
Diane sat down with a thud. “My father wasn’t big on helping anyone outside of the family.”
“Maybe it’s time to start a new tradition.” Diane stared at Michelle’s face as she spoke. Michelle was now worried about being fired. “I’m sorry. It’s none of my business.” She turned and left the office.
The moment the door closed, Diane picked up the phone. “Carolyn, if I give in to the unions, what can we do to offset some of the costs?”
“Are you sure you want to do that?” Carolyn asked softly.
“No, I’m not sure and that’s why I’m calling you.”
“I’ll see what I can do.”
Over the next week, Michelle was on pins and needles every time Diane asked her to come into her office. Neither woman brought up Michelle’s idea.
“Michelle, please come into my office,” Diane requested through the intercom. “Have a seat,” Diane pointed to a chair. Michelle squirmed in the chair as she held her pen and pad in hand awaiting instructions. “Don’t look so scared. You are not getting fired.”
“I’m not?” Michelle asked barely audibly.
Diane shook her head. “You are here to help me spend two million dollars.”
“Two million dollars,” Michelle said shocked. “On what?”
“Wherever you think it will get the most benefit.” Diane sat back smiling.
“I don’t know where-” she paused, “what?”
Diane grinned. “It was your idea to donate money to help offset taxes given the increased labor costs we needed. So where do you think my money will do the most good?”
Michelle smiled. “The local food pantry is always looking for donations. People don’t have enough money for themselves, so the donations always go down during these times.” Michelle was on a roll and kept going. “There are schools in poor areas that need books, computers and sometimes even work on the building. There are so many good causes that your money can help and keeping it local looks good for you.”
Diane sat back and listened to her assistant go on and on. All of Michelle’s ideas were to help other people. She could have just donated to the large charities, but Michelle’s ideas were much better. Diane held up her hand to get Michelle to stop talking. “Michelle, I think all those causes are great. Please make up a list of five to ten organizations and I’ll give it to the finance department.”
“Thank you, Ms. Baker. Your money is going to help so many people.” Michelle walked toward the door and turned before she opened the door. “I’m proud to have you as my employer.” She disappeared out the door before Diane could comment.
Diane stared at the closed door for a long time before she could focus again. Michelle was proud of her. No one had ever said they were proud of her. No one.
*
“I’m taking you to dinner Saturday night to celebrate this brilliant idea,” Carolyn said to her friend.
“I told you it was my assistant’s idea,” Diane said with a chuckle.
“But you put the plan into action. The union is happy and you are helping so many people with these donations. I wouldn’t be surprised if they give you an award.”
“I don’t want any awards,” Diane insisted. “But I want to donate more money.”
“I’ll pick you up at seven.” Diane began to argue. “No excuses. Be ready.”
Diane chuckled again as she released the call. Carolyn had become her friend years ago when she began to work for her father’s company. At that time Carolyn was just a bookkeeper, but worked her way up to becoming the Chief Financial Officer. Diane had complete trust in Carolyn.
Diane and Carolyn sat in the small restaurant looking at the menu. “What do you recommend?” Diane asked.
“Everything is great here. I’m going to have the penne vodka with the veal.”
Diane closed her menu. “So have you distributed all the funds?”
“Yes, and the schools wanted to thank you in person.”
“I hope you told them it wasn’t necessary. I don’t have time to spend going around town getting pats on the back.”
“You should make time and see where your money is being used,” Carolyn insisted leaning across the table.
“I’ll think about it.” Diane picked up
her wine and took a sip. “Maybe I’ll send Michelle in my place.”
Carolyn shook her head and gave the waitress her order.
While the women had their dessert, Diane looked at Carolyn. “Thank you for this. It’s rare that I get out these days.”
“I know. Honey, you weren’t happy with James. You should think about dating again.”
Diane held up her hand. “I’m not going back to having a man tell me what he thinks is good for me. No thank you.”
Instead of Carolyn heading her car to Diane’s house, she went in the opposite direction. “Where are we going?”
“To a little club not far from here,” she said with a smirk.
“No, we are not. Take me home, Carolyn.”
“No way. We are going to enjoy ourselves tonight. I may not get you back out for months again and you are going to have some fun.”
“What? Dancing with strange men?” Diane complained.
“You could always dance with me. We used to have so much fun going two stepping.”
“That was ages ago, Carolyn.”
“Did you suddenly become ancient?” Carolyn pulled into the parking lot. They found a seat near the dance floor and placed their drinks order.
“Isn’t that Michelle?” Carolyn asked, nodding her head.
Diane looked where Carolyn was looking and indicated she saw her at the bar with a bunch of people. Michelle was laughing at something someone had said. Her head was thrown back and her face had transformed from pretty to beautiful in one instant. Diane had never seen this side of the woman who worked for her. Michelle was now being led to the floor by another woman to dance.
“You never told me she was gay,” Carolyn said softly.
“How would I know about her personal life?” Diane turned to her friend. “Besides, we used to dance together all the time.”
“Yeah, but I am gay,” Carolyn said with a laugh. “She’s beautiful, isn’t she?” she said watching Michelle being led around the floor.
“Stop staring.” Diane reprimanded her friend, but she couldn’t keep her eyes off Michelle either.
“I can’t help it.” Carolyn turned and faced Diane. “Can I ask her to dance?” Diane rolled her eyes. “Oh, look. She’s dancing with some guy now.”
“I guess she just burst your bubble,” Diane said laughing.
“We’ll see.” Carolyn continued to watch Michelle dance. She licked her lips automatically as she watched. Diane continued to watch the woman. Michelle was passing their table and Diane nodded at a shocked Michelle.
Dave led Michelle back to the bar and their friends. “Diane Baker is here,” Michelle whispered to Donna.
“Where?” Donna asked, looking around.
“Don’t turn your head. I don’t want her to think we’re talking about her.” Michelle sighed. “Should I go say hello?”
Donna caught sight of the table. “She’s with Carolyn Temple. I heard they are good friends.” She leaned closer to Michelle. “I heard Carolyn is gay.”
Michelle rolled her eyes and shook her head. She walked over to Diane’s table. “Hello, Ms. Baker, Ms. Temple.”
“Hello, Michelle,” Diane said smiling. “We aren’t in the office, so I think you can call me Diane.”
“Yes, and I’m Carolyn,” the woman next to her said quickly.
Michelle looked at Carolyn who had no problem checking her out in front of Diane. Michelle was wearing a pair of black jeans with a wide belt and a button down azure shirt. She fit in with the crowd, but Diane and Carolyn were overdressed for this group. The music began and before her brain kicked in, she asked Diane, “Would you like to dance?” As the words left her mouth, her eyes opened wide. You just asked your boss to dance and she’s a woman. What is wrong with you? Start laughing so she knows you were kidding. “Or would you like to dance with my friend Dave?”
Before Diane could answer, Carolyn said, “If she won’t, I’ll dance with you.”
“Thank you, Carolyn, but Michelle asked me.” Diane stood up. “I hope I can remember how to do this.” They both walked to the edge of the dance floor, but Michelle suddenly felt shy. “Do you want me to lead?” Diane asked laughing.
“No.” Michelle took Diane’s hand and put her other one at her waist. Diane rested her right hand on Michelle’s shoulder. They moved easily across the floor and when Michelle spun her out of her arms, she saw Diane’s smile grow. As they came back together, she said, “Looks like you haven’t forgotten how to dance.”
“Carolyn and I used to go out dancing all the time when we were young.” Diane couldn’t believe that she was having a conversation with this woman and it wasn’t about work.
Michelle looked into the blue eyes. “You still are young.” She spun her again. The song ended. “Thank you,” Michelle said with a slight bow.
“No, thank you, Michelle. That was fun.”
Before they walked away, Carolyn was there. “My turn,” she said taking Michelle into her arms. This time Carolyn placed her right hand against Michelle’s neck and her other hand pulled her close to her body. Both her hands were on Carolyn’s waist as they danced around the floor. “So, Michelle,” Carolyn began, “do you like girls?”
Michelle looked at Carolyn shocked, “I uh…”
Carolyn laughed. “I didn’t realize that was going to be a hard question.”
Michelle lowered her eyes. “Yes, I like girls.”
“Good,” she said pulling Michelle closer to her body. Michelle thanked Carolyn once the music stopped and made her escape. “Come with me,” Michelle said pulling Donna’s arm toward the bathroom.
“Wow,” Donna said when they were near the bathroom. “You not only danced with Diane Baker but Carolyn Temple.” She shook her hand in the air. “Hot. Carolyn looked like she was very into you.”
“Yeah,” Michelle said walking over to the sinks. “I’m not risking my job by going out with the CFO of the company.”
“Why not? She is a great catch.”
“Right,” Michelle said skeptically. “Yes, I’m sure that Carolyn is dying to marry a lowly administrative assistant.”
“Hey, you never know.” Donna began to grin. “It would even be better if you married the Chief Executive Officer.”
“Diane? Are you nuts?” Michelle put her hands under the running water.
“Diane? See you are now calling her Diane.” Donna couldn’t help tease her friend.
Michelle’s hand came up as she began to count. “First of all, Diane is straight.”
“Hold it right there. She didn’t look so straight dancing with you out there.”
“Women dance together all the time.”
“Yeah, but her face was glowing,” Donna teased. “She wants you.” She continued to tease her friend.
“She said it’s been a long time since she’d been dancing. Diane was just happy to dance.” Michelle knew her friend was just teasing her, but she also knew she had been her wing woman for years in school.
“Come on, let’s get back out there,” Donna said pushing her toward the door. “Ask Diane to dance again.”
By the time the women came out of the bathroom, Diane and Carolyn had left the bar.
“So did you ask her out?” Diane asked once they were in the car.
“No, because you rushed me out of there. I did find out that she is gay.” Carolyn chuckled. “She’s worked for you for six months and you had no idea.”
“We don’t discuss our personal lives. It is none of my business what she does outside of work. We’re both there to work.”
“I knew I got a vibe from her when I’ve been to your office.”
“A vibe?”
“Yeah. You know, gaydar.” Carolyn wiggled her hips, smiling. “And what a sweet-”
Diane covered Carolyn’s mouth. “Don’t get vulgar.” She removed her hand. “It would not be appropriate for you to go out with her.”
“Why? There’s nothing written that I can’t date someone from the company.”
“Well, I’ll have to write something up on Monday concerning that.”
“You wouldn’t?” Carolyn was indignant.
“Not if you don’t make me do it. Carolyn, you are the CFO.” Diane breathed out deeply. “It’s inappropriate.”
“We are in totally different departments. I can’t hurt or improve her job if we go out.”
“Let me talk to the legal department first. You don’t even know if she wants to go out with you.”
“I’m a catch. Who wouldn’t want to go out with me?” Carolyn asked, throwing her head back laughing as she parked in Diane’s driveway.
“Funny. Good night, Casanova,” Diane said before closing the car door.
“Good night, spoil sport.”
CHAPTER 5
Monday morning, Michelle walked into the office and could hear Diane was on the phone. What surprised her was that the door to Diane’s office was open. She hung up her coat and nervously set the coffee pot up to brew. Michelle wondered if Diane would reprimand her for asking her to dance Saturday night.
“Michelle, would you come in here please?” Diane called from her chair.
“Good morning,” Michelle said staring at the floor, as she got closer to Diane’s desk.
“Have a seat, Michelle.” Diane could see how nervous Michelle was as she summoned her into the office.
Michelle raised her eyes. “Before you say anything,” she swallowed hard, “I just wanted to apologize for asking you to dance. It was inappropriate and I don’t know what came over me.” Michelle’s eyes finally met Diane’s face. She saw a slight grin on her face.