by Ber Carroll
‘Hi there.’ Robert stood beside her.
‘Come down for a smoke?’ Claire gave him a teasing glance.
‘No, just need a break,’ he said, grimacing as he thought of what they had been through during the day.
They were silent for a while.
‘You know, you were right yesterday … about the payables function,’ he said out of the blue.
‘Was I?’
‘Yes, it’s not cost effective to move it from Australia to Dublin. I must have been crazy to think it was.’ He kicked his shoe against the concrete step, lost in thought.
‘I was thinking about what you said as well,’ said Claire. ‘Maybe we should compromise – move part of the function there. The vendor set-up could be done from Dublin. It’s not as time-critical as the rest of the role.’
‘And it means that the same person won’t be setting up vendors and processing invoices.’ There was admiration in his face when he looked at her. ‘That should make the auditors happy, right?’
‘Right – it was one of their issues on last year’s audit report.’
He was still kicking his shoe against the step. She waited for him to say what was on his mind.
‘That’s what I like about you, Claire. Your honesty.’ He looked up again and this time his eyes locked with hers. ‘I appreciate your feedback – I don’t often meet people who have your openness.’
She didn’t know how to answer him.
‘I suppose you think I’m a grumpy old bastard,’ he smiled, stepping closer, shocking her by putting his hand on her shoulder.
‘Just grumpy, not old.’
His hand moved, his fingers stroking the curve of her neck.
‘What are you two doing out here?’ Robert jerked his hand away at the sound of Brian’s voice. He took his cigarettes out of his shirt pocket, lighting one up without answering.
Claire went back inside. She was shaking, her neck blazing where he had touched it. He might have kissed her had not Brian come along and ruined the moment.
Donald didn’t think the contingency provision was enough to cover the risk exposure. Robert was irate as he spoke to him on the phone. The team listened apprehensively, sensing another change to what they thought was a final document. They were running out of time. It was 5.00 am, Friday. The tender was due in the offices of Cathair by nine. They had been in the office almost twenty-one hours now.
Robert crashed the phone down. He took a deep breath to collect himself and his voice was admirably controlled when he spoke. ‘Donald won’t budge. He wants to see a bigger contingency provision. But he doesn’t want lower margins. Does anyone have any ideas on how to achieve this?’
He looked at the pale faces of the team. They were struggling to stay awake; bright ideas were unlikely. It was a few moments before anyone responded to his question.
‘We could scale down the job grades of the managers. Make them team leaders instead, save about 20K a head,’ Tony suggested, flicking through the tender document to get to the relevant pricing schedule.
‘Brian?’ Robert was sharp as he looked at Brian for reassurance that the delivery wouldn’t be impacted by the cost-cutting.
‘I agree with Tony: the managers’ salary line is the only area where we can make a cut. It’s not desirable … but it can be done.’ Brian’s response was flat and unenthusiastic.
‘Let’s do it,’ Robert decided, ‘but let’s get one thing straight. Jimmy, remember this: we’re making these changes for the bid only. When it comes to delivery, and it turns out this idea was a bad one, then we drop it and go back to the original roles. Got that?’
Jimmy nodded.
Claire sat down with Brian to run the new numbers through the financial model.
It was 8.00 am when they finished. Tony and Robert left together to hand deliver the tender document to Cathair. Claire caught a taxi to the hotel with Brian.
She fell into the comfort of her bed.
She was lying on her stomach, still asleep, when the phone rang. She reached out her hand to pick it up.
‘Claire, it’s Robert here.’
Robert had nearly kissed her last night. She smiled at the memory.
‘Hi.’ Her voice was a sleepy whisper.
‘Did I wake you?’
‘Yes, but it’s okay. I should be getting up anyway.’ She pulled herself up in the bed, cradling his voice between her ear and shoulder.
‘We’re all downstairs having a drink … I was ringing to see if you would like to join us.’
‘Who’s there?’
‘Jimmy, Tony, Brian … and me.’
Safety in numbers.
‘Okay, I’ll be down in half an hour or so … I need to wake up and have a shower.’
She hung up, knowing she was reaching the end of her resistance. She decided to call Fiona, the voice of reason. Maybe a firm telling-off would stop her from doing something stupid. But Fiona wasn’t home; Claire had only herself to rely on. She started to get ready.
She changed her clothes three times and it was closer to an hour before she made her way downstairs. She wore a black sleeveless top and a new metallic skirt. She was tall and striking in black sandals as she walked into the lounge. It was the first time that she had seen the bar full: Friday was obviously the busiest night of the week. She made her way to the Amtech group at the far end of the room.
Robert looked handsome in a navy polo shirt and jeans. He beckoned the waiter so she could order a drink.
She sat next to Tony and listened to the conversation that was already well in progress.
‘You seem to know your way around Hong Kong, Rob. Have you been here many times?’ Brian asked, leaning forward in his seat.
‘I don’t know. Three times? Four? I’ve travelled so much over the last ten years that it’s all a blur.’
‘But you enjoy it, don’t you?’
‘Not any more. I’m tired of it. I guess I’m getting old.’ Robert was smiling but Claire could see the regret on his face.
She met his eyes. You’re not old. You’re the sexiest man I’ve met in my life …
‘So you want to cut the travel and finally settle down … in California, right?’
He looked away from her to answer Brian. ‘You know, I quite like Sydney.’
‘My wife’s having our third child … that’s settling down big time,’ Tony put in.
‘Congratulations, Tony! I didn’t know that. I’m very happy for you both. Another regret of mine. Never had the time for kids. Now I’m wondering what the hell I was so busy with.’ All eyes were on Robert as he drank his beer.
‘Hey, man, you sound like you’re having a midlife crisis here.’ Tony gave him a friendly punch on the arm.
‘Maybe I am,’ Robert answered seriously.
Claire was happy to listen to them talk, happy to absorb the extra morsels of information about Robert’s life. An elderly pianist began to play the grand piano in the corner of the lounge. His aged fingers ran agilely over the keys, the popular music filling the room and muffling the loud hum of conversation. She was busy watching the pianist, and was startled when Brian stood up, shrugging on his jacket.
‘Where are you going?’ she asked, immediately embarrassed by the shrillness in her voice.
‘I’ve got a flight to catch … Tony, Jimmy, it’s been a pleasure … Fingers crossed that we’ll get some good news next week.’
Tony stood up to shake Brian’s hand. Jimmy followed suit. Brian winked at Robert and Claire.
‘I’ll see you both back in Sydney.’
Claire knew what was going to happen next. Tony would want to go home to the pregnant wife that he had barely seen for the week. Jimmy wasn’t drinking – it was almost certain he would leave with Tony.
Just as she predicted, Tony checked his watch and put down his empty glass. ‘I must excuse myself. I promised Joanne that we would go somewhere nice for dinner tonight. Much as I would like to invite you both along, I don’t think she would be impress
ed.’
Jimmy had also stood up. ‘I’m afraid I must also be going … family commitments, like Tony.’
They departed on a wave of handshakes. She was alone with Robert. They were both standing. A profound silence stretched across what must only have been a few seconds.
She sat down.
‘Would you like another drink?’ he asked, sitting next to her.
‘Yeah, why not?’ she answered, with feigned indifference.
It wasn’t long before the crowd started to sing along to the old favourites that were flowing from the piano. Claire felt her shyness disappear, eaten up by the haze of alcohol and music.
‘I used to play the piano when I was younger.’
He looked at her slender fingers as she reached for her drink. ‘I’d love to hear you play some time.’
‘I don’t know if I would be much good,’ she smiled wryly. ‘I haven’t had a piano since I moved out of home. When I buy a house of my own, it will be the first thing I get. Music is one of the few things that can change my mood in the matter of seconds.’
His expression was intent. ‘Did it change your mood this evening?’
‘Yes.’ She paused before admitting, ‘I was nervous about coming here.’
He nodded. ‘My mood has changed for the better too. When I was talking to Brian earlier, I was reminded of all the things I missed out on in my life … I was envious of Tony and his family. But maybe it’s not just the music that’s making me happy.’
‘Yes, there is the alcohol to consider,’ she said with a giggle.
‘And your company,’ he added with an unsettling stare.
She didn’t remember exactly when he put his arm around her. It was a few hours and too many drinks later. She was vaguely aware that they hadn’t eaten but didn’t want to suggest dinner. It would be unthinkable to leave the warmth of his arm and break the magic just for food. Everything about the evening had a sense of inevitability, including her powerlessness to end it.
It was after ten when the old man stopped playing, unperturbed by the disappointment of his audience. Claire and Robert were as verbose as the rest of the patrons, begging him to play an encore. He finally obliged, the familiar notes of ‘The Piano Man’ enticing the crowd from their seats.
‘Would you like to dance?’
She nodded and they fought for some space on the dance floor. He rested his hands loosely on her lower back. She put hers around his neck. Their bodies brushed lightly as they circled, his beard bristling against her face. When the song finished, she stayed in his embrace. He lifted her face by putting his hand under her chin. His lips met hers for a split second, the taste of them leaving her yearning.
‘Thank you for tonight. I haven’t had such fun in a long time,’ he said, his face inches from hers.
She was pressed up against him in the crowd.
‘Do you want to go on somewhere else?’ he asked, stroking her face with his thumb.
‘No … I think I’ve had quite enough to drink.’
She fell against him as she lost her balance from the push of the dancers returning to their seats. He steadied her.
‘Come to my room. I’ll make you a coffee … It’ll help you stay on your feet.’
He kept his arm around her shoulders as he guided her to the lobby.
He kissed her again in the lift and she knew that he wasn’t serious about the coffee.
The drapes were open in his room, creating a twilight effect. Her hand was secure in his as they walked towards the bed. He sat down beside her, smoothing her hair back from her face, showering her with kisses. His mouth slowed on hers, his kiss deepening, his hands chaste against her face and hair. She pulled her top over her head and went to take off her bra but he stopped her.
‘Leave it on. You’re so sexy in it.’
She leaned back so she was lying flat and he lay on top of her, his weight pressing her into the mattress. He was gentle and reverent everywhere he touched. One of his hands slid inside the lace of her bra, stroking her pointed nipple. He pulled the material to one side so his tongue could follow where his hand had been. She felt his other hand on her panties, massaging the satin against her before slipping inside. His fingers were cool against her wetness.
Seconds, minutes, hours later, he finally moved inside her. In the intensity of the moment, she cried out his name. When he held her in his arms afterwards, it crossed her mind that she would never have guessed the dynamic and demanding Robert she knew at work would be such a gentle lover.
‘Come on, lazy bones! Rise and shine!’
Claire woke sluggishly. Robert was tickling her nose with a feather from the pillowcase. His torso was bare and muscled. The sheet was draped across his waist but it was obvious he was naked beneath.
What have I done? Oh my God, what have I done?
‘I know what you’re thinking.’ He kissed her nose. ‘Just look at it like this. You may think I’m going to fire you now that I’ve had my wicked way with you, but I reckon you could have me up for sexual harassment, so we’re even.’ He grinned.
‘Robert … I don’t believe I … please don’t think … Look, I’ll leave right now and we can both forget it ever happened.’
She pulled herself up in the bed but he blocked her exit by lying on top of her.
‘Sorry, I’m not letting you move until you hear me out. I don’t want to forget last night. In fact, I feel very honoured to have shared something so special with you.’
‘This isn’t right. You’re my boss. What happens when …’ She struggled for the right words.
‘When what?’ he asked, amused.
‘Look, Robert, you know what happened with Michael …’
‘Yes, I know that he was stupid to let you go. And I know that this isn’t the same.’
‘It’s worse, you’re my boss.’
‘Claire, Claire, why are you getting so worked up?’ He gazed into the navy-blue eyes that were enormous in her white face.
‘I know first hand how awkward it is when it finishes.’
‘Who says it will finish? Please, let’s give it a go and see what happens. You make me feel different … I know there’s something here … Don’t ignore it just because I’m your boss. I shouldn’t need to say this but your job will not be threatened if it doesn’t work out.’ His tone was serious. His eyes were genuine. He was naked beneath the sheet. He was hard to resist.
‘I’ve never just hopped into bed with someone like this. It doesn’t seem like the right way to start a relationship.’
‘I wish I could say I was sorry for taking advantage of you.’
He kissed her deeply, his tongue exploring her mouth, and all her doubts and inhibitions evaporated, as if they’d never been there at all.
‘When is your flight back to Sydney?’ Robert said. She was curled up against him and his beard moved against the back of her neck as he spoke.
‘Today. At six,’ she answered reluctantly. She didn’t want to think about going home.
‘That’s a pity. I was hoping it would be tomorrow. Still, if we ever get out of bed, we do have a few hours to go somewhere nice.’
‘Where do you recommend?’ She turned around in his arms.
‘Let me see … have you seen the markets?’
‘No – I didn’t have much time for sightseeing, remember?’
‘Okay. I’m suggesting that we go to Stanley markets. They’re interesting – a real Hong Kong experience.’
‘You’ve convinced me – do we get a tram there?’
‘I can do better than that. I have a rental car.’
She dragged herself out of bed for a long shower, grinning happily to herself as the water tingled her skin. She came out, modestly wrapped in a soft bath sheet, and picked up her clothes from the floor.
He came with her to her room.
‘Can I ask you something?’ she said as she opened the door and caught sight of the phone.
‘You can ask me anything.’
; ‘Did you try to call me here on Saturday night when I arrived?’
‘Yes … guilty as charged … I wanted to make sure you got here okay but thought that sounded silly so I didn’t leave a message.’
She sat on the bed and he sat beside her.
‘I have another question. When you suggested to Tony that I might be available to help on the tender, did you have an ulterior motive?’ She searched his face for reassurance.
‘No.’ He looked and sounded sincere. ‘Believe me, I didn’t hold out any hope that this would happen. It has been a very pleasant surprise. In fact, I didn’t even know if you liked me – you often seemed quite aloof with me.’
‘Okay. End of interrogation,’ she smiled.
‘Now I want to ask you something. Were you being deliberately aloof?’
‘Yes. I thought you were a womaniser – I was trying not to fall for your charms.’
He laughed and kissed her on the lips.
She changed into a white linen dress while he lay across the bed, watching her with interest. After she quickly packed her clothes and toiletries, he carried her suitcase down to the lobby. It took only a few minutes to check out.
‘I don’t believe it’s almost midday – how long does it take to get there?’ She squinted at her watch as they walked outside and fumbled in her bag to find the sunglasses that she hadn’t needed all week.
‘About forty-five minutes. It’s a really nice drive though,’ he answered, taking her hand.
His rental car was a Porsche. She tried not to look impressed when the valet parking attendant pulled up smoothly to where they stood waiting. Robert zipped through the crazy traffic with a relaxed confidence. He knew his way around Hong Kong. He was comfortable here, just like he was in Sydney and undoubtedly every other big city in the world.
He held her hand tightly as they fought their way through the busy market crowds. The sun was hot and the dense crowd added to the unbearable humidity. The sun was searing her bare head and Robert haggled with a trader for a large straw hat. He sat it on her head and tucked her hair behind her ears.