Barbara had finally turned 40 and she really did not like it. However, she was tall, willow slender and contrary to her negative body awareness Barbara was in reality, quite a striking woman. Her husband, Peter had long since grown tired of her and had pitifully neglected his connubial duty. Several years her senior he had taken to inappropriate flirting with much younger women; and in the process of this endeavour he had been singularly unsuccessful and his already threadbare reputation had garnered a number of deserved disparaging epithets.
Barbara worked in the small office of a paint manufacturer, inputting data into a mainframe computer, information; she speculated which was purely for the edification of suited men, who liked to be thought of as 'executives'. Predatory and testosterone loaded, these men enjoyed, nay, encouraged the 'girls' to lard their already over larded egos. In it was in fact, a typical modern office.
The company was owned by the grandsons' of the original founder, and coincidentally was approaching its landmark centenary celebrations. The business was by definition, seasonal and occasionally 'temps' were engaged. Recently a thirty-something male, Andre had been employed, and who was Barbara considered, refreshingly unambitious and surprisingly intelligent.
The centenary celebrations were to be held in a local hotel and come the night, Barbara fell into conversation with Andre, the temporary employee. His banter was amusing and thoughtful and his obvious disdain for the 'suits' was curiously uplifting. Barbara, by now was slightly light headed from the free alcohol and began to flirt, and to her delight and trepidation, Andre responded.
The general office speculation indicated that Andre could be homosexual, certainly his personality and body language suggested an unsettling duality, nevertheless Barbara was hastily revising office gossip. Excusing herself she left for the loo, explaining that she would return to continue their conversation. The lavatories were situated to the rear of the dark cloakrooms.
She scrutinised her reflection in the mirror, adjusted her blouse and realigned her skirt, then prepared to rejoin her new friend.
Drawing the door open, she stepped into the cloakroom, where to her wonder, Andre was waiting, he gently took her hand. Barbara felt the thread tighten, and contrary to her instincts, stopped and faced her paramour. He smiled and wound his arm around her waist. She made the nervous observation that she was married with a teenage daughter. He drew her to himself and speculatively kissed her cheek. Conflict and inconsistency befuddled her soul. She momentarily hesitated, and then the one remaining restraining thread broke, defeated by passion, Barbara responded and yielded to his advance. They kissed for several joyful minutes, and then returned to the reception.
Guests were beginning to leave and Barbara began to grow restive, Andre offered a lift. Knowing the consequences all too well, Barbara hesitated, and then accepted.
He opened the vehicles door for her and waited until she was seated before installing himself in the drivers seat. He leant across and kissed her tenderly. Barbara melted. She did not discourage the gentle hand as it rested on her breast; she traced the curve of his spine through his shirt.
