It was the Friday between Christmas and New Year and I was on my way back into work for the first time after the festive break. I was a little apprehensive knowing that I was going to have to make a decision about joining the 'team of ladies' doing entertaining for the company. I'd thought about it all holiday and I'd gone one way then another but had now reached a conclusion.
I wasn't in work long when I received a request to go up to Nigel's office. When I arrived Louise was at her desk. "Good morning," she said in greeting me.
"Good morning," I said in return.
"Mr Caswell, Mrs Casey's here," she said into the intercom.
"Ah! Good, come on through," I heard Nigel's muffled tone in reply.
" Mr Caswells ready for us ...if you'd like to go through ... hold all calls for Mr Caswell," Louise continued before following me into the office.
"Good morning Mrs Casey ... please take a seat," Nigel said. This was the first time I'd seen him since the Saturday following the staff party.
"Thank you," I replied, as I sat down in the same chair I'd used when Louise made me aware of the companies proposition. Louise walked round the desk and stood behind Nigel.
"Well Kim, you don't mind me calling you Kim?"
"No, not at all."
"Well Kim, Louise left you with a proposal to consider over the break, have you decided what you wish to do."
"I've thought a great deal about your offer. I've discussed the possibility of a 'promotion' within the company with my husband John. I explained to him that it might entail being away from home overnight, from time to time, and he has no problem with that, so I can confirm that I'm happy to accept the promotion and I'm looking forward to being part of the team," I informed them.
"That's fantastic ... welcome on-board ... you'll be a terrific asset ... and I'm sure you'll enjoy your new role," Nigel responded. "I'll leave Louise to fill you in on the finer details, as she's in charge of organising the team," he said as he got up from his chair and made his way towards the door. "I might need 'entertaining' myself at some point, you never know," he said mischievously as he left the room.
"Welcome to the team," Louise said as she sat down in the chair vacated by Nigel. "I can see you've made quite an impression on Mr Caswell," she continued rather cheekily. "I'm glad you said 'yes', you will be a valuable member of the team and as Mr Caswell said, I'm sure you'll get a lot of enjoyment, and give plenty of satisfaction, in your new role."
"Thank you ... I'll try my best," I said.
"I'm sure you will ... our clients are bound to enjoy you. As you know you will be meeting and entertaining company clients and you will be making use of the companies apartment. We'll deal with that later. You'll need to free up your diary for Monday as I want you to meet with me at 9.30 at the Novotel for breakfast, as we've got a busy day. I'll be able to give you more details on Monday. Is that alright with you Kim,? You don't mind being called Kim ... I'm Louise," she explained.
"No Louise, that sounds fine, and quite exciting. Is there any dress code for Monday?"
"Just your normal smart business clothes. Is there anything else you want to ask?"
"I don't think so ...not just now."
"Good, if you do think of anything we can deal with it on Monday I'm sure," Louise suggested whilst getting up from her chair and coming round to my side of the table. "Well that's all until Monday I believe," she continued.
"I think so," I said getting up from my chair. "Until Monday then," I continued, making my way to the door.
"Until Monday ... don't be late we've got lots to do," she added as I exited the room. I made my way down to my office and I was thinking, 'there's no way back now ... you've committed yourself to becoming a 'company escort'. As I sat in my office it didn't take long for the thoughts I was having to become thoughts of anticipation. What were we going to do on Monday? ... How would Louise use me with clients? ... What would it be like giving myself to a total stranger?
The whole scenario was beginning to excite me and it continued all over the week-end.
It was Monday morning and instead of going to work I was heading for a meeting with Louise at the hotel. I was still feeling quite keyed up about events but was also a little anxious about our meeting and the day ahead. I arrived at the hotel and Louise was in reception waiting for me. "Hi Kim, nice and punctual I see," she said as I'd arrived fifteen minutes early."It's a good start as clients don't like being kept waiting. I'm not one for breakfast, I'm just going to have coffee, how about you?"
"Coffee will be fine," I replied. My stomach was fluttering too much to think of breakfast. We made our way to a quiet corner in the lounge and sat down. A waiter came over and Louise ordered coffee.
"No change of heart then?" she enquired.
"No, I'm really looking forward to being on the team," I informed her.
"Good, we can get on with planning then. Generally what happens is I will inform you, the day before, if you have an appointment. I will give you the clients name and instructions for meeting. After meeting up you will go to the apartment, unless that's where it's been arranged that you'll meet. You'll usually entertain the client for the morning or afternoon, unless it's an evening appointment when quite often you'll meet for dinner before having your fun."
"That sounds pretty straightforward. I think I can cope with that," I suggested.
"I've no doubt you can," she said giving a little smirk. "We've got to make sure that you're properly dressed for your meetings, not that there's anything wrong in how you dress now but we don't want hubby, It's John isn't it?"
"Yes."
"Well we don't want John getting wind of your activities, do we? It might be difficult explaining sexy underwear being put on for going to work."
"Errrrm ... I suppose it would," I said rather saucilly.
"You've no need to worry ... it's all in hand ... we're going shopping," Louise said confidently. She took out her mobile phone and pressed a button. "Hi Danny it's Louise ... yes in about fifteen minutes ... at the Novotel ... fine see you then," the call ended. "You heard that ... Danny will collect us in fifteen," she informed me. "You'll be making use of him ... as part of the team," she continued. We finished our coffee and went out to the lobby. We saw the limo draw up and we made our way out to the car.
"Where to Mrs Peterson?" Danny questioned.
"You can take Mrs Casey and myself to King Street please Danny," Louise instructed.
"Certainly," he responded.
"You're going to be seeing Mrs Casey quite regularly ... she's replacing Rachel," Louise informed him.
"I see," he replied with a knowing air. It didn't take long as our destination was only a short drive away. "Anything else Mrs Peterson?" Danny questioned as we got out of the car.