Authors Note:
For those who question getting in too far or not being able to find your way out of a situation, look at how poorly some people react to stressful situations. Personal experience has shown me that on occasion, when emotions and shocking circumstances occur, people overreact and do things they later regret. Things that set in motion domino’s that can't be stopped, once they start tumbling. Once you step through that door, there is no way to undo anything you initiate.
Please read the first story before this, it will make a lot more sense that way.
Chapter two
It was Thursday morning. This past week was a living hell. I woke up early each day and got myself ready, woke the girls and got them dressed and was out the door before Sue woke up. I dropped the girls at the daycare and went in to work stopping for a coffee and bagel along the way. Today, when I woke up, Sue was sitting up in bed. She was looking at her phone. "You need to pick up the girls tonight. I won't be home until late" then she lay back down.
I could only imagine what that meant would be happening tonight. It threw my morning off. Fuck it threw my day off. I realized it was the only thing she had said to me when it was just her and I in the same space. Silence ruled the house.
When I woke the girls, Amanda had an overnight accident in her bed. I had to pull the bedding and throw it in the wash. The washer was still full of Susan's clothes. Thongs and short skirts and push up bras. And silky soft blouses. I tossed them in the dryer and turned the heat to the highest setting. She might need those clothes for work today. I chuckled to myself..
When I got back upstairs Amanda had been trying to get breakfast ready and milk was all over the table, and dripping down the floor. She was starting to cry and the anger I was exploding with, whimpered away and I gave her a hug.
"Thanks for trying to help honey" I kissed her cheek
"I'm sorry daddy, I didn't mean to. and I didn't mean to make you and mommy fight." she cried
"You didn't do anything of the sort honey, mommy and daddy are just upset with each other, but we both love you very much!"
She seemed to accept that and we cleaned up the mess together.
After dropping them off and arriving at work I was next faced with a dilemma. My receptionist left me a message. Her father had suffered a heart attack and would be in hospital for a week or more. She had to help her mother. I'd get a call later in the day when she knew more.
I knew I could cover the role, but I also had two meetings with my major contractors. These were the house builders who hired me to complete the outside of the new homes to their customer specifications. We were all gearing up for a busy summer and needed agreement on the different packages I offered..
I tried my head supervisor but he was busy on a concrete pour. My other Team leaders were all involved in projects. All I needed was a person to look nice and take names and numbers and let me know when the people arrived for the meeting.
I had a flash. I called Jan
"Hi! I wasn't sure you'd call, what's up?" God it sounded good to hear her voice.
"I have a few awkward questions for you, if your game?" I asked
"Sure " was her response
"Have you got a criminal record?" I inquired
"No, never even been picked up." She replied
"Do you have any clothes suitable for working in an office?" Was my next question
"I have a librarian outfit. It's nice and I can do the buttons up on it" she giggled "why?"
"My Receptionist Secretary is off for a few days. I need a temp. It's work experience. I can give a reference for it."
"Deal! Where and how soon?"
I texted her the address and told her to take a taxi as soon as she was able.
Twelve minutes later she arrived. The skirt was a bit short, but the nylons looked professional as did her shoes. Her top was transparent but she had a white tank top under. She looked the part perfectly.
"I have 15 minutes before the meeting guests arrive. The phone is here, take notes, advise I can't be disturbed but I will check in and respond within two hours on important issues. Take names, numbers, and a brief description of the issue."
"Got it" she said
"When the guests arrive, show them into the meeting room. Have them sit along the end of the table. I need to set a few things before we meet so make them comfortable. Water and coffee are on the back wall. Can you make a quick pot? Coffee and creamer and sugar are in the cabinet"
"Easy as pie" she said, "anything else?
"Do this and I will be in your debt again!" I said and smiled for the first time this week.
She led the way back to her desk. She looked around. She saw the scheduler on the computer, waiting for someone to log in.
"Is there a password?" Jan asked.
"Use mine for now, it's my email. The password is Troutman" I handed her my business card.
She logged in and brought the scheduling screen up. "I have never done any of this but I do know a bit about computers. I'll try not to screw anything up."
"Thanks" I said and ran off to get set up. I had to set the presentation up and print the packages.
20 minutes later Jan knocked "Your guests just arrived. They have coffee, water and tea. I said you would be there in a minute."
I thanked her. They were 5 minutes early. I picked up the package and went to do the presentation. Almost two hours later we all emerged from the room. They had bargained me down in price by about 6%. I was playing it like I was being squeezed, but had planned to be able to drop by as much as 9%, the extra 3% was bonus money. After they left I saw Jan looking a bit pained.
"What's wrong?" I asked.
"Where is the ladies room? I have to pee so fucking bad!"
I pointed down the hall, " through the kitchen, and open the door that looks like a closet, the bathroom is through the second door."
She ran.
When she returned she asked "What's next? Or do you want me to go through your calls?"
"We have about 30 minutes before I have to make a call. Then we have a small break before the next presentation group comes in at 11:30. We have a lunch order that should be delivered around 11:45. We will have a working lunch. But In the meantime we need to clear the room, put the dishes in the dishwasher and set everything up."
"Were there any urgent calls?" I asked
"One of your friends called, Jimmy, he said to call when you have time. He was checking in with you to see if everything was OK." She said, "Your supervisor called and was seeing if you need him to cover the office later. He said to call."
She paused, "One other call from Susie. Reminding you that you have the girls tonight. There are chicken nuggets and French fries in the freezer. And a reminder that tonight is bath night." She looked at me reading my reaction.
"Cuck night tonight" I said
"Sorry, I did keep it professional I only called her a fucking hoe after I hung up" she smiled
"The other calls sounded like sales people. I took names and numbers and company information. It's all right here." She pointed to a neatly written journal.
I recognized most of the salespeople, and some subcontractors. All the people I could get back to later.
Let's go clear the room. If you put this headset on and flip this switch you can walk around and answer calls by double tapping the earpiece. You can mute by pressing the button on the microphone arm.
She put it on and we started to prepare the room. She took the dishes and then cleaned and wiped the table. Then she prepared the coffee and tea. She also pulled a food cart out so she could prepare the food once it was delivered. By the time we were done the room looked perfect
Before I went to my office I told Jan that she should take a break. There is a park next door if she just wanted a bit of fresh air. Or she could help herself to anything from the kitchenette.
I went into my office and tried to focus. My call was from one of my suppliers. I was hoping to swing a deal that would allow me to upgrade some of the stonework for minimal cost but a significant increase in profit. I sat down and took a few breaths. And then I made the call.
It went smoother than I expected. The only challenge for me was the increased volume I would need to sell and use in order to get the discount. I would need a few more bookings, or to carry some inventory.
I came out of the office. Two of my crew were standing by Jan's desk. They were obviously trying to impress her. And flirt. I couldn't blame them, she looked pretty good.
When they saw me they backed off. Jan smiled,
"These men were wondering about two construction permits, I didn't want to interrupt you during your call, so they decided to wait a few minutes, is that ok? I think that the package from City Hall that was just couriered in might be what they are after, but I didn't want to overstep" she said demurely
I watched the two young guys doing their best bobble head impersonations.
"Let's open the package up and find out?" I said with a grin. "I presume you guys have introduced yourselves? "
"I'm Scott and this is Wayne" the taller one introduced himself , and extended his hand.
"Jan" she replied, "nice to meet you both" giving each a handshake. I noticed Scott had a difficult time keeping his eyes up. He was intently staring at her breasts.
The envelope held the two documents they needed. "Please make copies for the guys so they can be on their way. Thanks"