Nineteen

by E. S. Carter

  Walking through the hidden inner belly of Havers is a far more plain and simple experience than the customers view of the store. Magnolia walls that have the odd white board mounted on, lead past doors into meeting rooms and offices, vast stock areas in dark concrete grey, staff restrooms and a large staff break room area where I can see quite a few people enjoying their coffee break, are all places we pass by in silence.

  We keep walking through to the inner far end of the store where I can see a reception desk, a security area and a keypad entry staff door. Behind the desk sits an immaculately presented female receptionist who is currently on the phone and in the office behind her, through a glass walled partition, I can see a vast array of TV screens and monitors with two security men watching the shoppers and employees every move. Robert whispers a goodbye, wishes me good luck and turns to go back the way we came. I stand patiently waiting for Mrs Well Groomed to finish her call and acknowledge me.

  She eventually looks up at me and gives a polite smile, finishes typing on her keyboard and asks ‘How can I help you?’ all the while her eyes are weighing me up, my hair, my clothes, my posture and by the look on her face she finds me lacking.

  I feel my back straighten and I fix my friendliest smile before answering ‘Hi, I’m Emma Campbell, I’ve come to attend an interview today for a position within the store, Helen from Human Resources called me last week to confirm’. Mrs Well Groomed, or Hilary as her name badge reads, efficiently types something into her computer, ‘Please take a seat Miss Campbell, Mr Silvester will be available shortly’ and then she promptly turns her attention back to her switchboard and takes another call.

  No sooner than I’ve sat as elegantly, confidently and ladylike as I can in one of the chairs, I hear a door opening down the corridor and within a few seconds a handsome and again impeccably dressed man in his late forties or early fifties is standing before me extending his hand for me to shake.

  ‘Miss Campbell’ he greets me with a large, genuine smile on his face ‘John Silvester’ I stand and shake his hand remembering what my father always told my brothers ‘A limp handshake is a sign of weakness’ so I hope I’ve given my handshake with just the right amount of firmness.

  Mr Silvester smiles again this time almost quizzically, Oh great, have I made my shake too firm?

  ‘Please follow me Miss Campbell, I’m sure you are eager to get this interview underway’. Colour flushes my cheeks. Perfect, I’m not even in the interview yet and I’ve already broken my potential boss’s fingers!

  Mr Silvester escorts me to a large magnolia coloured meeting room, with a heavy dark wood table to the centre surrounded by about twelve chairs, sitting in one is a stunning, dark haired woman who looks of far eastern origin and she is without doubt jaw droppingly beautiful. She has in front of her a file, a note pad and is checking out her smart phone when I walk in behind Mr Silvester.

  ‘Vanessa, this is Emma Campbell. Miss Campbell is interviewing today for the menswear seasonal position and she should do well with our customers as she has a very firm handshake indeed’ He smiles at me and instantly my remaining blush increases making it feel like my face is on fire. Damn I knew I was too firm with my handshake and double damn, I never had time to wander through the menswear department, oh well time to wing it!

  Vanessa stands smoothing her tight grey pencil skirt down her thighs and offering me, rather unwillingly it seems, her hand to shake.

  ‘Vanessa Havers, pleased to meet you Miss Campbell’ we briefly clasp hands and then she abruptly sits back down.

  Finding my seat opposite my interviewers I place my bag on the floor and sit as confidently as I can opposite the smiling and pleasant Mr Silvester and the bored but beautiful Vanessa Havers. My mind idly wanders wondering if she was the owner’s daughter? Wife? The name cannot surely be a coincidence.

  ‘So Emma’ John begins ‘What experience of retail do you have?’

  I rattle off the bar work, emphasising the customer service element, then I concentrate on the florist explaining how much I enjoyed that role and seeing what an impact some simple flowers can have on someone’s day, my mind idly remembers scenarios that had almost brought me to tears or made me smile for days on end but I snap out of my thoughts when I see Mr Silvester gazing at me waiting for more, but more of what? Have I rambled on too much?

  ‘So you like to make a difference to someone’s day?’ he asks, the smile never dropping from his face.

  ‘Doesn’t everyone?’ I reply quietly ‘There is no greater feeling than seeing someone’s happiness and knowing you contributed in some way, don’t you think?’ I didn’t mean to make that a question. Damn it, again.

  ’I do indeed Miss Campbell’ he says smiling wider in complete agreement. Vanessa on the other hand doesn’t seem impressed so I quickly mention the things I noticed whilst walking around the store, the jewelled theme of the autumnal stock in ladies, the beautifully presented displays of underwear and accessories that looked almost artistic in design. Yet Vanessa only nods at me barely containing her scowl.

  Mr Silvester continues with his set questions, questions that must be the standard for all interviewees and I try my best to answer all of them with as much charm, knowhow and intelligence as I can. Even if I know hardly anything about retail and fashion I am not going to let that stop me from trying to be as charming and likeable as I can be, it’s just a shame that Robert the doorman’s tip about classic cars could not but used in this instance, there’s just no way of slipping it in.

  I can feel the interview coming to a close, Mr Silvester having asked all the questions while Vanessa only looks me over a few times but doesn’t seem interested in what she saw in front of her, so she continues to pay more attention to the device in her hands.

  Just as he is thanking me for my time and telling me they will be in touch soon regarding the position, I glance over his shoulder and out of the window behind him, noticing that it has started to rain. He turns to see what has caught my attention and I apologise explaining that I didn’t think to bring an umbrella.

  He smiles thoughtfully and adds ‘I’m lucky I decided to bring my car today and not the train.’

  My brain lights up from inside and I add quickly ‘Oh well I guess my father won’t mind bringing the Triumph to come and collect me, any excuse to get her out of the garage for a quick spin’.

  It has the desired effect; Mr Silvester’s eyes go wide ‘Oh what Triumph does he have?’

  ‘A Stag V8, it’s his pride and joy, although thinking about it he won’t want to bring her out in the rain, oh well it’s the train for me’

  I smile cheerfully at Mr Silvester who returns it and adds ‘I’d love to see that, I own 3 classics myself and always fancied getting a Triumph, if he’s ever around picking you up from work please be sure to let me know and I’ll come take a look if he wouldn’t mind.’

  My smile turns megawatt, ‘I’m sure he’d love to show her off to you, that’s if I’m lucky enough to get the job’ I glance at Vanessa as I speak to see her reaction but again she isn’t paying me or Mr Silvester any attention.

  ’Oh I think that’s almost a dead cert Miss Campbell’ he replies, also glancing at Vanessa Havers for a reaction but not even getting so much as a nod of acknowledgment. My own smile is now almost face splitting and reaching out to take his hand I begin to shake Mr Silvester’s as firmly as I had done when we first met. He looks confused again somehow trying to work me out but not worried in the slightest that he can’t.

  He then offers to show me out but I tell him there’s no need and that I can find my own way back to reception.

  ‘A real pleasure to meet you Miss Havers’, I hold my hand out to Vanessa whose brief glance up and quick, limp, handshake is only memorable because she adds ‘Mrs Havers’ while doing it. I smile again as sweetly as I can muster.

  I’m used to being ignored, especially by women, so I pay hardly any attention to her snub and leave the room, quietly closing the door behind me. Walking
back to reception I feel certain it has gone quite well, not certain enough to believe I have it in the bag but I’m more than hopeful. My last day as an official teenager isn’t going too badly after all.

  Travelling home from what felt like the longest day ever in work, my resolve to make the delectable Mrs Havers my next conquest is stronger than ever. Silvester’s warning only serves to make her even more alluring, forbidden fruit and all that.

  During the rest of the day I managed to concentrate on the smooth running of my team and department, while arranging a lad’s night with H at Acquiesce and trying to discreetly glean more information out of anyone at Havers I deemed loquacious enough to aid my inevitable seduction of Mrs FML.

  Trouble is she’s an enigma, not one person I spoke to about her had even met her yet or knew that little twerp Justin had married. I am just going to have to wait until our paths crossed again and a lad’s night with H is just what I need to focus my built up tension.

  I wouldn’t class myself as a sex addict but like most single men my age, I have needs; needs that I always find plenty of pretty, firm, young things more than willing to take care of.

  I’ve arranged to meet H at Acquiesce for 8pm, so I have an hour or so to grab a quick bite, shower and shave.

  Pulling into the underground car park at Nate’s place I suddenly realise that I’ve had my music blasting out very loudly on the drive home and I quickly turn it down so as not to piss off his rich neighbours. I normally wouldn’t give a shit about things like that but I don’t own the place and I’m very aware of how lucky I am to live somewhere as exclusive as this and through none of my own hard work.

  My big bro has done very well for himself and I am fortunate enough to share some of it with him, we are very tight, more so than my younger brothers, possibly because we are so alike in many ways.

  My phone buzzes in my pocket as I pull into my designated space and I check it as I walk towards the lift. It’s H confirming tonight’s plans and asking again where Acquiesce is located.

  Squire Street 4 the 2nd time! Want me swing by 2 pick u up?

  Instant reply

  No I’ve got it, just need to let the missus know or else she’ll worry

  Oh for Christ’s sake! Bloody domesticated men piss me off! I can’t see the attraction of having to supply details of your every move to a woman just because you are fucking living with her!

  My phone buzzes again.

  Hey bro u coming to the club 2nite? Bring the brown folder that I left on my desk if u do

  Yes meeting H there so u can impress him with another part of your empire. Will bring folder. Catch u later

  Nate will be grinning like the proverbial Cheshire cat knowing he gets to flaunt his new club to someone he’s known since he was in Pampers.

  I can’t blame him, he’s achieved so much so young, I’d flaunt it too if it was me. Hell I’d bloody well rub people’s faces in it and then some.

  Tossing my phone, car keys and wallet onto my bed I head into my ensuite for a quick shower and emerge within ten minutes feeling fully revived and raring to go.

  My stomach grumbles to let me know I’ve not eaten since a hurried lunch hours ago. So I head to the kitchen in just my CK’s knowing that Nate or any one of his conquests are not home, I’d love my own place but there’s no way I can even afford to rent a flea pit in this city with my wages.

  Knocking up a hasty bowl of pasta puttanesca, I smile to myself at the irony of a dish called ’Whores Pasta’ when many consider me to be a man whore or one of very few morals at least.

  I’m grateful that I always loved to watch my mum cook, it means I have quite proficient culinary skills that come in handy for many reasons:

  Being single and able to cook means not living on ‘ding ding’ meals for one.

  It’s a skill my mother is proud of and I enjoy getting her approval and ….

  It is a very successful seduction tool. Women just love a man that can cook.

  Hmmm maybe I can impress Mrs FML with my culinary skills? Hell No, I intend on impressing Miss FML with my cunnilingus skills and make her beg for more. The thought instantly registers with my manhood and I know that tonight, whether it is her or not, I need to get laid!

  I sprawl out on the sofa to eat my meal, kicking up my feet on the coffee table and scanning through today’s post, all of which is either Nate’s or junk mail.

  I have another casting next week, my agent emailed to say test scripts are being sent out by mail as the client is looking for something specific and wants auditionees to be prepared. I hoped to get it by today so I have a full four days to prepare.

  I need a job, any job, I have to prove to my family, friends, well everyone really, that I am good and that this is exactly what I’m meant to be doing with my life.

  My phone buzzes on the kitchen counter, so I get up to deposit my empty bowl in the dishwasher and lean over the counter to check my messages.

  Bro just 2 remind you DON’T forget the brown folder!

  What does he think I am? Incompetent?

  OK!! B with u in 45

  I call to book a taxi while getting dressed and steal some of Nate’s ridiculously expensive aftershave from the master bathroom. He pays like over £150 a bottle for this stuff but man it smells good and the women love it. Besides he never minds sharing anything with me, in fact I’m sure we’ve inadvertently shared women at one point in our lives, it would be bloody hard not to, the amount the both of us have been through!

  Hearing the intercom buzz, I quickly grab my keys, wallet and phone and let the taxi driver know I’m on my way down before realising I’ve almost forgotten to grab the bloody brown folder that Nate was so eager to have from his desk. Crisis averted, I make my way down the main elevator to the front of the building, nodding to Keith the security guard at the front desk on my way out.

  The ride to Acquiesce takes less than ten minutes but I manage a quick text to H before we pull up outside.

  Text me when u get here & I’ll come out and meet u, have 2 get something 2 Nate so I’m already at club

  Instant reply.

  OK I’m on my way, looking forward to it buddy

  Feeling a little tetchy and not knowing why, I have to admit a night with H is just what I need to relax. Since he became like a domesticated kitten, these nights out with him are getting few and far between.

  Looking out of the cab window I can see a long queue waiting to get in, not surprising as it is THE place to be and be seen. It makes me feel very proud of my big brother and all he has achieved, yet at the same time it stings quite a bit as my life seems to be going nowhere, fast.

  Paying the cab fare I get out, ignore the queue of waiting clubbers and walk straight up to the main entrance. All the doormen and Eva the hostess, know who I am and each one of them smiles at me or greets me in recognition. Eva flicks her chocolate brown hair over her shoulder and flutters her long lashes at me, a look of longing and hope on her face. Yes I have indeed been there too!

  Walking into the foyer I ignore the customers paying for their entrance at the desk and see another two of the burly doormen Nate employs. There are so many of them I forget their names but one of the big guys opens the main doors for me to enter the dimly lit, passageway into the main club.

  Giving a polite smile and nod to both, I stride into the club and feel my phone vibrate in my jeans pocket.

  I’m outside, the chick on the door with the large breasts won’t let me in

  That was quick! Give me 5 to find Nate and I’ll be out 2 get you, don’t cause any trouble H! :)

  A few seconds later came the reply

  As if!

  Even though it is still early for the club it’s starting to get full, most of the reserved tables are filled and the main area is getting pretty busy, the only area with no-one yet in it is the VIP section but hey if you have a pass for there, you don’t need to be early right? That’s where the rich, sometimes famous and always beautiful people get to spend th
e night.

  I’m not heading to any of these areas yet, I need to get to the mezzanine level where Nate’s office is situated, although unless you had been told it was up there, you would never know, as it is perfectly hidden amongst the luxurious, dark, drapes and exquisite furnishings, that makes this whole club feel like a very high class brothel.

  Nate has done a perfect job of making this place feel like it was built for sin.

  Keying in the code to the security panel on Nate’s office door, I let myself in expecting him and at least a few members of his staff to be caught up in some business to do with the smooth running of the club but I find his office totally empty. I drop the brown folder he has nagged me for onto his desk and quickly turn to go back out the way I came, knowing I need to rescue H from whatever mischief he will undoubtedly be getting caught up in outside.

  H is a lovable and harmless rogue but some people just don’t know when he is joking, so it often gets him into trouble.

  Rushing towards the huge wooden double doors back into the main entrance, they open just as I am about to push them and I walk smack bang, straight into someone coming into the club knocking them into a sideways stumble. Glancing down at the person I’ve just bumped I see a pretty blonde, in a pretty and very girly pink dress. The delicate nature of her dress enhances some rather edible looking curves and a quick look into her eyes shows she is appreciating looking at me as much as I am appreciating looking at her.

  She is just Nate’s type, if Miss FML Havers doesn’t show up here tonight I’ll have to get in quick with this little delicacy before Nate sees her and snags her.

  Finders Keepers and all that.

  ‘I’m so sorry, are you ok?’ I smile as I brush my fingers gently across her shoulder. The flirty smile back is all that she gives but it’s a start and I let her walk straight into the club with her companion as I can see H stood just outside the main doors with a wicked gleam in his eyes and a burly doorman blocking his entrance.