"I'm sorry, Lizzy, but this is non-negotiable. Mr. Chen moved the meeting up to tomorrow, and the boss needs the client overview and data sheets for the meeting or the deal may fall through. You know how important this deal is, and you know him better than anyone," said Paul.
"Yeah, but why can't Mark do it? He's been researching this deal for just as long as I have! Plus, you already promised me that I could get off early today" I replied.
"I'm sorry, but no one can get this done as fast and as well as you could. So, whatever plans you had, cancel them. You'll probably be at the office well into the night."
"Fine..." I say as a groan escapes my lips, "whatever you say..."
"That's more like it. Here, I'll tell you what... after you finish, I'll let you have the day off tomorrow. How's that sound?"
"Sure... thanks Paul. I'll leave the file on your desk tonight when I'm finished."
"That's my girl!"
Another sigh escapes me, this was going to be a very long day. I had originally planned to spend a nice, relaxing evening with my Mistress before she left on her two-week business trip to Italy. With both of us constantly travelling for work, we were rarely ever home at the same time. I dreaded calling Mistress and telling her that our evening together had to be postponed because of yet another work issue.
"Good Afternoon, Mistress."
"Hello my darling, what's the matter? You sound like there is something on your mind."
There she goes again, always able to read me like an open book, just by the tone of my voice.
"I have just been informed that the China client moved up the meeting to tomorrow, so I can't leave work early tonight, as I need to prep the overview. In fact, I don't think I'll be able to make it home by midnight. I'm sorry, Mistress, I was really looking forward to spending this evening with you."
"I see..." Mistress slowly began. Even though I knew better, I still cut her off mid-sentence,
"Paul said he would give me the day off TOMORROW, but you're already gone by tomorrow! I just wanted a nice evening with you tonight before you leave for two weeks. Is that too much to ask? I know we can't do anything about our schedules, but we don't ever see each other anymore. I just... I just miss you! I miss you so much." Tears began to form in my eyes, and I rushed to the bathroom to avoid being seen in such a state of disarray. "You leave tomorrow, and I won't even get to kiss you goodbye."
"Shhhhhhhh, sweetie. Shhhhh, it's okay. Don't fret and get your panties in a twist. I miss you, love you, and I understand that you can't come home tonight. Your work is very important. And as much as I want you all to myself on your knees tonight, I understand that your talents are needed elsewhere. We will have other chances; don't worry, my little doll."
"Hmmm... but... but.. bu.."
"Okay, enough of that. What's done has been done and you can't change it, so stop crying about it. When I hang up, I want you to stop crying, dry your tears, blow your nose, and return to work like any other normal day. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Mistress" I responded, slightly choking up trying to hold back my tears.
"Good. I love you. Now pick yourself up and get back to work."
Then she hung up. Just like that.
I didn't hesitate to follow her instructions. I dried my tears, blew my nose, reapplied my make-up, and got back to work. After all, the report wasn't going to finish itself.
**********
It was almost 3:00 AM when I finally dropped - slammed - the report on Paul's desk and headed home. I raced back home, hoping to catch Mistress before she left for the airport. Unfortunately, it took me 2 hours to get home because of a huge accident on the freeway. I just wanted to take Mistress to the airport, but because of the delay it looked like even that privilege would be taken away from me.
It was 5:00 AM when I finally reached home, exhausted, and I prayed that when I opened the garage door I would see her car still there... but no. She had already left. With a cry of utter frustration, I slammed my car door, stomped into my bedroom, and called Mistress.
*Ring, ring. Ring, ring...* and nothing. She didn't pick up. After I sent a quick message, "I love you, have a safe flight," I flopped onto the bed, dejected, and cried myself to sleep.
**********
I'm not sure how long I had slept for, but I was woken up with butterfly kisses on my lips and cheeks. Thinking it was the dog, I gently pushed it away,
trying to get more sleep. That is until I heard someone say,
"Is that how you greet your Mistress? And here I was, thinking you would be so happy to see me."
My eyelids flew open and my mouth dropped as I stared at her in disbelief.
"How are you here right now? Shouldn't you be on a plane? Yes! I'm happy to see you! What is going on?" These questions just flew out of my mouth, but Mistress quickly shut me up with a kiss.
"I, for one, am famished. I think food is an order. Please be a good girl and start breakfast with coffee downstairs. I'm going to take a quick shower," she said.
Still extremely confused, I climbed out of bed and started for the door, but as I was walking, Mistress cleared her throat,