By Adam and Evie Zasse
To the best of our knowledge this story it true. Karen Cassidy herself told us the story and offered her personal insights. We spoke to Celestine Lunete by telephone and confirmed the details. Karen and Celestine live together in Toulon France.
The authors welcome your comments. We will pass on comments, questions and messages to Karen and Celestine.
Toulon is a mid size city in the south of France on the Mediterranean coast It is west of Cannes, Nice and Monaco. It is situated on one of the best a natural anchorage in the area. The harbor water is very calm due to the protection of the Saint Mandrier peninsula. Toulon is a major naval base and home to the French Mediterranean fleet. Mount Faron is located north of the city and offers a spectacular view of the city and harbor from its summit. The road to the top is impressive, as are the cable cars.
Clyde Bennett Ltd is a research company based in London England, with branch offices throughout Europe and two cities in the United States. The Toulon office is on rue Adolphe Guiol. C.B.Ltd. in Toulon is contracted to the French government to provide research and analysis of materials and facilities used by the French navy. The offices are staffed primarily with men. Most are British specialists and support personnel. There are also two American analysts, and one French researcher, all women, working on the current projects.
In Part One of this story Karen Cassidy and Celestine 'CeeCee' Lunete, both employees of Clyde Bennett Ltd in Toulon France, found a mutual attraction to each other and took the first exciting steps in their new relationship.
In Part Two, Karen and Celestine continue their personal relationship which has blossomed into love.
Karen Cassidy was returning to her office, having spent the morning in the basement lab, working on a special project for John Quince, the District Manager of Clyde Bennett, when he signaled her from the front of the open office complex.
"Staff meeting in the conference room." John Quince said, motioning her through the hallway.
"Sorry I didn't know." I said as they walked.
"One of the problems we're going to talk about. John Quince said, holding the door for her to enter.
"Now that we are all here." He said, as the conversation in the room quieted.
"To begin. Is anyone working on projects that are time sensitive, jobs that must be completed within the next few weeks?" He said, scanning the room.
"Good." He continued when no one spoke up.
"The home office in London, has come to an agreement with the owners of this building after several weeks of negotiations. Clyde Bennett is purchasing the property. That means that the offices on the forth floor will become ours as well. The building is going to be remodeled including a new reception area in the lobby and some needed improvements in the telephone and computer lines. A bit of paint here and there and a few new pieces of equipment for the lab." John Quince said, pausing as the staff started talking among themselves.
"But there is a price that we are going to have to pay." He said, trying to hide a smile. "Work will start this weekend and continue all of next week. By close of business tomorrow, I need all proprietary files placed in the vault and all person property removed from the building for safety."
"I know this is a hardship on us all, but as of next Monday, you are all going to be forced to accept a weeks paid holiday." John Quince said.
That evening, Karen and Celestine sat in the small cafΓ© where they first met socially. People came and went around them, but they barely noticed. They talked in whispers about what they could do with an entire week. Shopping was discussed at length as well as what they could do in private. Karen no longer worried about holding hands with another woman in public. She didn't even worry about kissing another woman in public. When she was with Celestine, she didn't worry about much of anything. She was a bit surprised when Celestine took out several brochures from her purse and slid them across the small table.
"I know what we can do." Celestine said, a smile lighting her face. "I have wanted to do this for a long time and now is the perfect time."
"We can rent a car and drive to Saint Tropez, Cannes or even Nice." Celestine said."