This is the beginning of what I hope will be an entertaining novel. All feedback is welcomed and I hope you all enjoy the story of a woman who needs to be taught to treat others with respect and courtesy.
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Kristy strode from the courtroom, filled with triumph. That pitiful excuse for a lawyer who had been her opponent had never stood a chance! Typical male, full of their own importance, writing her off because she was female! Well she soon showed him! Without even acknowledging her co-counsel, she turned towards the reporters who were waiting outside. This had been a land mark case and she was determined to get all the exposure she could from her win. Let the partners see just what she was capable of!
She had taken care that morning to dress to impress. Clad in a stunning black & red Chanel suit, which set off her slim figure and wealth of blonde hair, she drew every reporter's gaze. As if drawn like moths to a flame, they surrounded her, eager to be the first to get their questions out. She flashed them all a glittering smile, whilst inwardly sneering at their eagerness to please. Little people, all of them. Far beneath her contempt, she deigned to notice them only for the boost that good publicity would do her career. The only female junior partner in the firm, she was determined to become full partner in as short a time as possible. That would show all those people who had told her as a child that she would never amount to anything due to her background!
Eager to shed the trappings of her early years growing up in North Miami Beach, Kristy had been quick to move to a classy neighbourhood as soon as she could. Now a junior partner, she had a beautiful penthouse apartment in Aventura, wore only designer clothes and had rewarded herself with a brand new Jaguar XKR when she had made jump to her current position. She was careful to ensure that no trace of her poor origins remained. She refused to even acknowledge any family members and made sure none of them found out her phone number or where she lived.
Smoothly she answered the reporters' questions, making sure that all those surrounding her knew that the case had been won on her skill. Technically, she had had the weaker case, but she was sure that her forceful manner, combined with a certain amount of fancy footwork had managed to convince the jury to decide in her favour. Just one more testament to the fact that she was far superior to most people!
Smiling gracefully, she wound up the interview, stating that she had to get back to work as she had a long list of cases she was working on. The hint was not lost, that here was a rapidly rising star in the world of corporate law.
A little later, she swept through the doors of Malinson & Partners, confident of an effusive reception. She was not wrong. Associates and staff crowded around, eager to add their congratulations. She faltered slightly as she caught side of David, standing unobtrusively to one side, a small smile playing around his lips. David Bourne was an enigma to her. He was quiet and unassuming and yet was a full partner in the firm. She couldn't understand it! Why was this apology of a man a full partner whilst she had to fight tooth and nail for everything she got? It never occurred to her that his actions spoke louder than any theatrics and trumpeting of her achievements could ever do. She had not realised that quiet competency was a commodity of higher value than gold to the senior partners at the firm.
Finally, the managing partner appeared at the door to his office. Catching Kristy's eye, he beckoned her inside.
"Well, Miss McCall, it seems I should congratulate you on your triumph today. That was a fine win under tricky circumstances." Mr Malison smiled and extended his hand to shake hers. "I have instructed our accounts department to pay you a very generous bonus for your efforts today." he went on.
"Thank you sir, I did my best!" Kristy replied, smiling at him.
"Well, I think you have earned the right to take the rest of the day off!" he continued. "Make a long weekend of it!"
"Thank you sir," Kristy replied, trying not to bristle at this obvious dismissal. One paltry congratulatory statement and that was it! Still, she did have the bonus promised and she could do with the break.
Exiting Malison's office, she mulled over various destinations in her mind. She had always wanted to visit the Florida Keys, maybe now was her chance. Entering her office, she called in her secretary.
"Sue, I want as much info on islands in the keys and I want it on my desk in 30 minutes" she barked.
"As if I don't have enough to do already!" Sue muttered resentfully as she sat back down at her desk. However, in the allotted time frame, she duly presented a full dossier of island information to Kristy.
Without a word of thanks, Kristy picked up the folder and started to read through it. One island caught her attention. Key Haven sounded ideal. It was a small island but with enough infrastructure to be civilised and allow her to enjoy herself.
"Sue, book me into the best hotel on Key Haven" she instructed. "I'll be checking in tonight and leaving on Sunday. Call me on my cell when you have confirmation. I'm leaving the office now."
With that, she picked up her briefcase and headed out, her mind already planning what to take on her trip. It was time she had some fun so sexy underwear and beachwear was a must. She had some items from Wicked Weasel in her drawers which would fit the bill perfectly, they would definitely be going into her bag!
She considered what else to take as she drove home to her building and took the elevator up to her apartment, not even greeting the doorman as he tipped his hat and held open the door for her. Once inside, she made straight for her dressing room, where she pulled down a suitcase and started to peruse her wardrobe. A couple of silk chiffon tops, barely opaque, together with a gossamer fine silk skirt and silk pyjama pants went in, closely followed by G-strings and string bikinis. A bag of high end cosmetics were also packed and the final touches were 3 pairs of strappy, high heeled sandals. Her phone rang as she packed the final items and zipped up the case.