On our flight back, Helen gave me a strange look, and said, "Victor, dear, it will be tough to be your boss again tomorrow morning, but this is the reality. I am expected to treat you like any other employee, and sometimes, to prevent suspicion and gossip, even harsher than the others. But I'll find times we can still see each other privately. I mean, if YOU wish to continue..."
I kissed her lips softly, and mumbled, "God, why did you let me fall in love with such a forgetful lady? Didn't I declare yesterday I wanted YOU more than anybody else?..."
She grinned, "Yes, you did. However, I've learned that during passionate moments, people have a habit of exaggerating their feelings."
"Are you implying you didn't mean what you said to me? I hate you and never speak to you again! Leave me and let me cry..."
Helen caressed my face lovingly, "You silly goose. You know I meant everything I said. You bedded your boss on a trip, but you also have a girlfriend you are very fond of, and she awaits you. How would I know what you think once the fantasy trip is over?"
"Lady, you didn't trust me, and in our next private time, you'll pay for it dearly."
She smiled, "Yes, sir." Next, she lifted the separation between us, leaned her pretty face on my lap, and whispered, "Honey, wake me up when September comes... or when we reach home." The rest of the flight she slept like a baby.
...
The following morning, I arrived to work somewhat earlier. I made sure everything on Helen's desk was organized as she liked it. I noticed that despite being away only for a short time, she had multiple phone calls, and her itinerary was full.
I ensured the Keurig machine had enough water, there was milk in the fridge, and Splenda on the side. I even bought healthy oatmeal cookies. When I felt Helen's office was ready for her arrival, I went back to my small room.
Two minutes later, 3 young girls came to me and asked if I was free. I smiled, "Of course. What can I help you with?"
The dark-haired one asked hesitantly, "Victor, you were with Helen in San Francisco. How did it go? Did she feel good about her business trip? Our jobs depend on her success recruiting good people and being able to convince others we are worth investing in..."
I chuckled, "Girls, don't you worry. Helen did a terrific job there. She should be in a good mood, unless something happened AFTER the trip."
They giggled, and the redhead commented, "You are new here. We hope you can accomplish her needs because she is by far the most important person in the firm, and our future depends on her."
"Again, Helen was excellent and everybody liked her. By the way, since we work in the same office, we should know each other better. If you agree, we can chat during breaks or meet after work at Starbucks or in a bar."
They looked at each other, and the dark-haired said, "Good idea. At 10:30 we sit for a coffee break, and one of us is available to answer urgent business calls."
Short time after they left the room, Helen barged in. With her silver-frame glasses on, she looked as bossy as ever. She smiled, said hello to the others, winked at me, and went directly to her office.
I waited 5 minutes before knocking on her door. I offered her coffee, but she preferred green tea. I pointed to the cookies, "Helen, these are healthy. I hope you like them."
She grumbled, "You spoil me. I need to concentrate on work and catch up. Ronda has the list of deliveries I wish you make today. When you come back, I want you to write a letter from me. Nowadays, most of the writing is done online, and sent this way too, but this one is very confidential, and while you should do it on your computer, after my approval, you print it, and then delete it from the computer."
"Yes, boss."
The deliveries took longer than expected, and I missed the 10:30 break with the girls. When I returned to the office, I mentioned to the redhead I hoped to be available the next day. Her laugh reminded me of little bells, "We hope to chat with you soon. I know at least Rita was interested in knowing you better..." I blushed, and she giggled.
The letter Helen asked me to write and edit was addressed to the vice president of another firm in LA, agreeing to hire her for a similar job in our company. I asked Helen why the secrecy. She smiled, "I keep forgetting how young and inexperienced you are. What I did was steal from a rival company the best asset they have. It was done behind her firm's back, even though she still had 3 more years on her contract..."
She gazed at me, watching for my reaction. I stayed silent.
She smiled, "You may think I am a cruel businesswoman, but in our industry, everyone is for himself. Being nice may be a virtue in life, but it's a killer in business, so you learn soon that being a shark is the code to success."
I glanced at her and whispered, "Helen, I hope your shark behavior will be manifested only in business..."
She giggled, "Victor dear, why would I want to ruin something good that benefits me and makes me happy?"