by Robert Olsen
“Sounds great. I’ll call Barbara and find out when your calendar looks best. See you later.”
Kathryn immediately returned to her office and, as expected, found out from Barbara that Ted Duncan had already called and that several client calls had also been received regarding the news about the new device. Apparently, several people noticed the newspaper articles.
“I’ll call Ted right now, Barb. Could you please get me a cup of coffee?”
“No vodka?”
“Yeah. Maybe, not just yet, but later this afternoon, I’m certain that will be high on my priority list!”
Just as Barbara left to go brew a fresh pot of coffee, Kathryn was bombarded with another question.
“Knock, knock,” said Donald Gingrich, standing in Kathryn’s doorway waving a newspaper and not looking too pleased. “What the hell is this Kathryn? Were you aware of all this? I’ve been hollering for two weeks voicing concerns over Andreyushkin, and especially over specifics like stress testing the device. I had no idea the company was talking to the FDA and rapidly preparing to release this device. And, I am an executive!”
“Not now, Donald. I am very busy.”
“Busy? Kathryn, the device hasn’t been thoroughly reviewed! That’s serious.”
“Donald, please. I can update you later on what took place.”
“I don’t get it. Don’t I have a say in the roll out?”
“No Donald. Frankly, you don’t. I know you’ve been complaining, but without hard evidence of anything going wrong, I told you once before, senior management doesn’t give a shit. They need this product, and without evidence of serious issues how can anyone stop the rollout? You know what they think. There is never enough time or money to test everything. They believe there comes a time when enough is enough. Now, I must ask you to leave. I am late for a very important call.” Kathryn said angrily as she picked up her phone and spun her chair around.
“Fine. I guess I’ll need to prove to them I’ve been right!”
Just then Barbara returned with the coffee, and hearing part of the commotion, tried to help Kathryn, by telling Donald some fabrication.
“Hi Donald, you may want to leave before Ted gets here. He was pissed a moment ago and said he was coming over.”
With that, Donald turned and stormed away from Kathryn’s office.
“Are you ok Kathryn?” Barbara asked, placing the coffee on her desk.
“I’m fine. He just gets on my nerves every now and then. I just don’t know how to take that guy. He seems genuinely concerned about some things, and regardless of what Ted did, denying Donald that job, Donald really seems to care about the company, Barbara. He’s very loyal and always wants the right or just outcome. I only wish he had more hard evidence supporting the shortfalls he’s always complaining about. All I know is that today he seems pissed off. Really pissed.”
After another hour passed, the incoming calls seemed to be occurring faster than Kathryn could return them.
“Kathryn, I’m sorry,” shouted Barbara, “but I think you want to take this one. Line two.”
“Kathryn Becker speaking. How may I assist you?”
“Wow, don’t you sound formal! This is Richard Marks calling.”
“Oh, sorry Dr. Marks. I didn’t know it was you on the line.”
“Please, it’s Richard. Just call me Richard.”
“Ok. It’s Richard, then. I’m sorry. I should have known. I meant to say something when I saw you in the grocery store Saturday. It slipped my mind, but it’s all taken care of.”
“What?”
“I know about your call, you didn’t have to call again. I will personally handle the account, and Randy won’t be sent out there again, or I should have said no one, other than me I guess, will be sent out there again.”
“Kathryn, that’s not why I’m calling.”
Suddenly, there was dead silence on the other end of the line.
“Hello?”
“I’m here, sorry.”
“Please stop apologizing for everything. You didn’t do anything wrong!”
“Why did you call then?”
“Do you like playing cards?”
“What?”
“I said, do you like playing cards? Games, like Bridge?”
“Oh. Yeah. I guess so.”
“Good. I’d like to invite you to play cards with me.”
“Really? Oh.”
“Would you?”
“Was that a yes?”
“No. I mean yes. Rather, no I didn’t answer but yes I would like to play cards. Ok? Is that good?” She said, completely torn apart, rattled and confused by Richard’s question.
“Yes it’s good. Thank you. I play on Wednesday. I can pick you up at your apartment. Say 7 pm? I’ll meet you in the lobby if you’d like.”
“You know where I live?”
“Yes, you told me Saturday.”
“Oh yeah. That’s right. Great, I’ll see you then! Oh wait! What should I wear?”
“Pants are fine. Yes. Country Club Casual. That’ll be fine.”
“Ok.”
“Thanks Kathryn, bye.”
“Bye.”
Wow, what the hell was that? I can’t believe it. How does he do that to me? I felt totally out of control! I’m going out with Dr. Marks? On a date? To play Bridge? Holy shit! I don’t remember how to play bridge. Country club casual? What the hell is that? Get a grip girl! And take a deep breath!
Kathryn sat perfectly still for a few moments, shocked and overwhelmed over the call from Richard. Her head was swimming with visions of what may have just happened, what did happen on Saturday, what could happen this Wednesday. Her heart was still beating faster than normal and rainbow shivers were still running up and down her legs. After all, she was ecstatic that the handsome doctor for some reason has taken notice. And it’s personal, too. That she was certain of. Kathryn took in that deep breath, and picked up the phone.
“Suki? It’s me. You are not going to believe what the hell just happened.”
Chapter 12
Wednesday came quickly. Kathryn, had another busy day in the office as sales orders took off like wildfire for the new pump. Most people in the office seemed happy and pleased with their new found energy. There was that air of excitement everywhere. Well, almost everywhere. Ted was ecstatic at the moment, with the initial response. Dr. Andreyushkin appeared to be pleased. The sales folks were enthusiastic with the office being busy and generally everyone felt a sense of pleasure and well-being. Everyone, that is except Donald, Eric, and a few of the technical folks. For some reason, the technical IT type personnel who supported Dr. Andreyushkin, were less than thrilled.
Donald was still making his usually negative comments every now and then. Kathryn just avoided him whenever she could, rather than risk getting into some tiff.
“Barbara? Is anything crazy going on out there?”
“No Kathryn. Things seem under control at the moment. Why? Do you need something?”
“No. I was just thinking I might duck out of here a little early. You know, it’s Wednesday evening.”
“Of course, Kathryn. I’ll take care of anything that pops up. You just go. And have a great time tonight. I’ll be cheering for you!”
“Thanks Barb!”
As soon as Kathryn got home to her apartment she made a mad dash for the bathroom, kicking off her heels along the way, then entering the bathroom turning on the water for a nice hot bath. She was unzipping her dress as she walked back into the bedroom, but stopped for a minute before walking over to the window. Like a newfound habit, she looked across the way at her boyfriend’s apartment.
Good. Mr. Pervert isn’t home!
She quickly, drew the curtains closed, and pulled off her dress.
What a shame. Mr. Pervert is going to miss o
ut on some fun as I run around my apartment naked for a few minutes. Poor guy!
Just as soon as she stepped out of her panties, and was standing in her room bare-ass naked, the doorbell rang.
Holy crap! Don’t tell me Mr. Pervert figured out my apartment number. I’ll kill that son-of-a-bitch!
She quickly threw on her bathrobe and ran to the door.
“Oh, hello Matt.” She said staring at one of the staff from the lobby security desk.
“Good afternoon Ms. Becker. Someone dropped off this package and said it was urgent that you receive it before 6 PM.”
“Thank you Matt. Have a good evening.”
Kathryn held the long white box, closed the door, and walked over to the table to open it. It was a beautiful box of long stem white roses with a small little card attached.
What is this? Oh my, they’re beautiful! And, this little card.....looking forward to a beautiful evening, Richard. How sweet is that? How incredibly thoughtful you are, Richard. Such a gentleman!
Kathryn made sure she was ready on time, not later than 6:45 was her goal. Richard had said he would meet her in the lobby at 7pm, and she was not about to be late. As she stepped out of the elevator into the lobby, she immediately spotted Richard sitting in the lobby sofa. He looked very handsome, simply dressed in charcoal grey slacks, blue Oxford shirt, and a navy blazer. The minute he spotted her, he jumped to his feet, buttoning his jacket, and walking over to greet her. Taking her hand in his, he slightly leaned back, looking at her.
“Wow, don’t you look absolutely beautiful this evening.”
“Flattery, will get you nowhere, kind sir,” she said, raising their joined hands and slowly twirling around to give Richard the full view.
She was the epitome of ‘Country Club Casual’ donning white linen print slacks, with large blue pinstriped windowpanes, cuffed, with a blue, man tailored Oxford blouse. Kathryn made sure the top two buttons on her blouse were unbuttoned, and her long sleeves were turned up at the cuff. Navy heels, navy belt, navy purse, with a simple necklace of small sea shells completed her outfit.
“Thank you so much Richard for my flowers. They are so gorgeous. You really didn’t have to do that.”
“You’re welcome, Kathryn.”
As the couple exited the front doors onto Riverside Boulevard, Kathryn noticed a taxi parked at the curb. Richard immediately raised his arm.
“How convenient is this,” she mumbled, climbing into the cab and suddenly realizing it was the cab Richard arrived in as she noticed the meter running. He had told the cab to wait.
“Every Wednesday evening, Kathryn, I play Bridge with several friends who live in my building. We rotate apartments, taking turns on who will host the evening.”
“That sounds nice. Will there be a lot of people there?”
“There are seven regular players, counting myself. I know you will like everyone. Of course, I’ll introduce you when we get there.”
“I hope I can remember everyone’s name.”
“You’ll do fine. And, I will help you all evening. You may have heard of one of my friends, Bob Dawson. He is a famous author of murder mysteries. He is with Samantha, a red head who is terrific. You’ll like her.”
“Cool. I have heard of Bob Dawson. I may have even read one of his books.”
“Carl, is a CPA, with a very large accounting firm in town. He’s been dating Lauren for quite a while. She’ll be the platinum blonde, unless she changes her hair color again. You never quite know what Lauren is going to do.”
“I hope these people are very forgiving. I don’t know how good I’ll be at bridge. It’s been so long since I played, I could be terrible.”
“Do you like to drink?”
“I can think. I’ll be ok in that department!” Kathryn said with a grin that Richard probably failed to see.
“I said drink, not think!”
“Oh, I can do that too pretty well, too!”
“And stay close to the Barlow girls. They’ll love you.”
“Who?”
“Maggie and Harriet Barlow. They’re sisters, and both of them are older than us. Maggie has lived in the building for many years. Her younger sister, Harriet, has been living with Maggie while working in a Broadway play. She’s an actress. They’re both hysterical.
“They sound like fun.”
Moments later the cab pulled up to the apartment building on East 66th Street.
“We’re here!”
This week the game was hosted by the Barlow girls, in Maggie’s apartment. It was a spectacular four bedroom with two balconies overlooking the formal gardens, and very traditional with paneled library and a wood burning fireplace in the living room. At one end of the majestic living room, the ladies had two beautiful card tables set up near the windows.
“Welcome, welcome, please do come in. And, this must be Kathryn! We have all been so excited to meet you dear,” said Maggie, “this is such a pleasure. And, Richard, she is very, very pretty,” Maggie added, giving Richard a small hug and kiss. “Look who’s here everyone!”
I would have thought the King and Queen of England just enter by that reception.
Kathryn just smiled reaching for Richard’s hand.
Maggie reaching out, grabbed Kathryn by the hand and began to walk her around the room introducing her to folks, before Richard even had a chance. Richard followed, of course, shaking hands and greeting everyone. Carl and Lauren were sitting on a sofa, Samantha was lounging in a club chair, Harriet was already at one of the card tables and Bob was helping Maggie by taking drink orders and preparing them in the den. Kathryn did notice how each of the ladies stood up expecting a hug from the good-looking doctor.
“And what would you like to drink my dear?” Maggie said to Kathryn.
“A vodka tonic is fine if you have it, but first I need to use the bathroom. Could you point me in that direction?”
“Which one?” Lauren, who was sitting nearby said. “I think they have nine of them in this house.”
“Oh, how silly. We don’t have nine bathrooms. There are only five.”
“And the powder room?”
“Oh yes. I forgot that one.”
That’s a lot of bathrooms!
“Bob, did you hear what Kathryn would like to drink? A vodka tonic, please.” Maggie shouted as she escorted Kathryn to the nearest bathroom?”
“Coming right up,” answered Bob.
Maggie and Kathryn left the living room through the great entrance hall. The first right was a hall that lead to the Den and the Library. Each room had an adjacent bath nearby. Maggie took Katherine to the Library because Bob was fixing drinks at the bar inside the den. They entered the mahogany paneled library.
“The bath is right in here, dear. You can use this one anytime you want. It’s a little more private than the other.”
“You have a gorgeous home Maggie. I just love it. I don’t think I have ever seen a Manhattan apartment more beautiful. It’s truly magnificent!”
“Thank you, Kathryn. It’s so nice of you to say that. Harriet and I do adore this place, but I’m afraid it’s getting too big for us to keep up. I don’t know what we’re going to do.”
Kathryn instantly took a liking to Maggie and also had very positive feelings about the other guests as well. While Bob was finishing the drink orders, Harriet managed to whip up some lovely hot hors d’oeuvres for everyone to nibble on. It wasn’t long before all were gathered together in the living room.
As soon as Kathryn had returned, she was looking around the room for Richard when Samantha approached her and started a friendly conversation. Sam was attempting to get to know a little more about Kathryn than what was shared during the introductions. Kathryn did notice Richard glancing in her direction as if to ensure she was alright. She would smile at him, acknowledging that she was.
“Ok everyone, I think we’re all ready now’” Harriet said, as some started to approach the tables. Katherine immediately walked over to Richard.
Maggie then announced, “Table one will consist of Richard, Myself, Kathryn, and Bob. Table two will be Harriet, Carl, Lauren and Samantha. If everyone is agreeable, let the games begin.”
“I’m nervous Richard,” Kathryn whispered holding Richards arm on the way to the tables. “I hope I remember this game. Its Spades, Diamonds, Hearts, and Clubs, correct? Clubs being the lowest.”
“Exactly, that’s correct. Just watch the lead carefully, and try to win the trick.
“That’s right I remember. By the Trick, you mean beat the hand and take those cards.”
“Yes. Don’t worry, I’ll help you.”
“Thanks. Don’t leave me.”
As the game began, Richard asked if Kathryn could be his partner, since she hadn’t played in a long time. It was agreed, and everyone took their place, Kathryn opposite Richard with Maggie and Bob at their sides. They agreed that Kathryn could be dealer to begin. Maggie initially was the declarer making Bob, her partner, the dummy. The dummy, of course, must lay his hand down for all to see. Richard was the opening lead and began with the queen of spades.
Oh Richard! Why spades? I only have a few spades and all low cards. Maggie could win the trick damn it!
“Why thank you Richard,” said Maggie. “I think I win with a King of spades and now I’ll play the dummy’s ace of clubs.”
Oh good. I think I can take that.
Kathryn wins with the ace, and then plays a five of spades hoping she can send control back to Richard who she assumed had many spades.
“Wonderful Kathryn. And I have the ace!” Maggie proudly said.
Oh Shit. Sorry Richard. Maggie got it back.
Everyone was having a good time. After a while, and several more drinks, Lauren hollers over to Maggie as Kathryn notices her making eyes at Richard.
“I understand Maggie, that you and Harriet saw a good play last weekend.”