The drone of the engines was almost hypnotizing. The itinerary said it would be around twelve hours before I arrived in Germany. In all the years I've traveled, this was the first time I had flown in anything but economy. The benefits of first class were obvious, especially the extra leg room. Except for the occasional bump in turbulence, the overstuffed, comfy chair gave me the feel of sitting in my recliner at home.
The stewardess politely asked, "Would you like a refill of your wine, Mrs. Sheffield?" That was another perk, to be called by name.
"Yes, thank you, Lynn," I replied, looking at her name tag. I flashed her an appreciative smile.
Neither movie choice seemed interesting. If Kevin was here, he'd be snoring already. Not me, I always have trouble sleeping on a flight. I cursed the fact I didn't bring a book to read, so I slipped off my heels, tipped back, and stretched out my legs. I looked out the window briefly as the puffy white clouds went by with an occasional glimpse of earth.
The magazines provided were mostly technical stuff about the aircraft and a pamphlet about what to do in case of an emergency landing in water. I figured if it ever got to that point, I'd have already died of fear alone. Without anything constructive to do, my thoughts drifted back to the chain of bizarre events that led me to be on this trip.
I remembered this all started when I informed my husband that I planned to seek part-time employment because the kids were in school and I wanted to feel productive. This did not sit well with Kevin. He told me we didn't need the money since he was promoted to Junior Partner. Then he commenced to give me a rehearsed lecture about how it is frowned on by the corporation for executives' wives to seek outside employment.
He reminded me that we were financially secure, and told me that if I needed more money he could increase my allowance. My allowance? I was furious, and that led to a very rare fight in the Sheffield home. I don't get angry often, but when I do, Kevin knows not to fan the flames.
At thirty-three, the whole concept that I was receiving an allowance was not acceptable to me in any fashion. That's like saying the money he earned belongs to him alone and not to us. It was a mutual decision that I stay home and raise our children. For Christ's sake, I was educated at one of the most prestigious colleges in the country. His one statement revealed his lack of respect for what I do. After all, he's the one that wanted to have children right away.
Kevin had realized what he said too late and tried in vain to explain that it was not him, just company policy. I made him sleep in the guest room after our fight. Actually, that made little difference as he hadn't touched me in weeks anyway.
I remember thinking Kevin might be having an affair, but I found my rival to be a much more formidable adversary than another woman. His affair was with Peterson & Associates. They owned him, body, mind, and soul. His lust was not for the carnal desires of the flesh but for something much more consuming. What he wanted most in life was power, wealth, and influence. Everything else was a distraction from that goal.
This revelation only steeled my resolve to find outside work, and I began the task of sending out my resume to every potential employer I could think of. Weeks passed and all I received were rejection replies, saying, "Thank you for your interest. We are not hiring at the present time but we will keep your information on file."
I had given up all hope in finding employment when one morning Karen Bloomberg called and asked me to lunch for no apparent reason. She was one of the senior partner's wives.
Karen was a tall, sophisticated woman with an aura of confidence about her, and she was always dressed in the latest designs. Karen was the kind of woman that commanded attention, so saying no to her was not an option. I agreed to her offer, and the next day we met at this little uptown bistro. I wasn't quite sure why she asked me, but I had my suspicions.
I picked one of the most trendy outfits I owned, because I knew she would. I arrived fashionably five minutes late, and just as I figured, she was dressed to kill. We exchanged pleasantries, chatting about our children and such. During lunch, I took the opportunity to share my situation about my quest for employment and what Kevin told me.
Karen bluntly told me Kevin was correct. The company made all the partners sign no-compete agreements that included spousal employment. She went on to say many other partners' wives experienced the same frustrating rejections I received when they applied for work. It was now apparent the tentacles of the corporation were further reaching than I had ever considered. They blocked all attempts at outside employment.
Karen was sympathetic to my plight but I felt angry, invaded, and powerless. How could the corporation exercise that level of control over my personal life? I didn't choose to be a 'Stepford Wife' as my field of endeavor.
My frustration became obvious but Karen offered me a solution. She explained that she started her own business with a few other partners' wives as employees.
My curiosity was piqued, and I asked, "What kind of business is this?"
She explained, "My business is one that benefits the corporation, but for legal reasons must remain a completely separate enterprise. Plus, it escapes the employment mandate all the partners signed."
"Tell me more," I replied.
She explained, "The competition for new clients is fierce in this city. My business enhances the corporation's chances of signing those undecided new accounts."
"How so?" I asked.
She explained, "The function of my business is simply to provide the prospective clients with a guide of sorts while they are in town. Most are men traveling alone, who would appreciate some companionship during their stay. The fact that those companions are partners' wives shows how serious the corporation is in servicing their needs."
Karen added, "This idea was born five years ago when my husband was struggling to sign new prospects. Mark was dead set against this but I can be very convincing. He reluctantly agreed. To make this short, six months later he rocketed to top salesman and was eventually promoted to senior partner."
I must have looked shocked when I told her, "This sounds like you're a corporate escort or call girl. I will not be a hooker or do anything illegal."
