Sherry Sokolowski began at Mueller and Mueller as a high school co-op student; a minimum wage job that was supposed to give the student some experience in a real-life job setting.
From the very beginning, she showed great promise. She had taken a number of accounting classes in high school and she was enthusiastic, charming as well as being a cute kid, in a cheerleader sort of way.
She was supposed to assist Mildred, the firm's office manager, but it soon became apparent that Sherry was more competent and did a better job than Mildred.
E. Paul Mueller was so impressed that when Mildred retired and Sherry graduated from high school, he offered her the job, full-time. At the same time, she was going to night school at the nearby community college, but she seemed to thrive on hard work. When she got her Associates Degree with a major in cost accounting, he gave her a sizeable raise and she had been running the office and charming its clients ever since.
It was late on a Thursday afternoon when the intercom in E. Paul Mueller's office buzzed.
"Yes?"
It was Sherry, "Mr. Mueller, Miss Bergmann is on line one."
"Thanks," he said, punching the flashing light on the phone. He also felt a little stirring in his groin as he thought about the last time he and Heidi had had a picture hanging party.
"Hello."
"Hi. Paul, it's me, Heidi."
"Hi, I'm so glad you called I was just going to call you and see if we could have dinner tomorrow evening."
"Oh Paul, I'd love to, but a modeling job has come up and I wanted to let you know that I am going to be out of town for two, maybe three weeks."
"Well, I'm happy for you, but I'll miss you at the same time. What's the job?" he asked.
"Three other girls and I, along with two guys are modeling for some ads and a catalog for a major swimwear company. It's really tough duty; we'll be shooting in Hawaii."
"Oh, well poor you. Should I worry about the two guys?"
"No, not at all. They are both a little light in their loafers, if you know what I mean. I know it's nasty work, but someone has to do it."
"Well, I'll miss you; a month is long time to go without getting one's ashes hauled."
"I think you ought to try tapping Sherry again."
"Oh, I don't think she'd have me now."
I'm equally sure she would. Give it a try, I believe she still has a big-time crush on you. If not, then, a series of cold showers, but I'm afraid I can't help you."
"I appreciate the advice; I hope you have a successful trip."
"Thanks, I'll call you when I get back."
"I look forward to it. Bye."
"Bye."
E. Paul sat at his desk, thinking for a moment and then punched Sherry's number on the intercom. When she picked up the phone he said," Sherry, after everyone has gone would you please come into my office?"
Yes sir, what is it?"
"I need to talk to you in private."
"Okay," she said rather thinly."
They both hung up and E. Paul went immediately upstairs and took down the picture of Heidi that he had hung just the other day. He put the picture in the closet, facing the wall. Its absence left two ugly screws sticking out of the wall. While their appearance offended him, he didn't have time to do anything about it right now.
Back in his office, at a few minutes past five, there was a soft knock on the door.
"Come on in."
Sherry Sokolowski stepped hesitatingly into the office.
"Come on in, I want to talk to you."
Just as she did, the phone rang.
"I'd better get that, Mr. Mueller," she said, picking up the phone and punching the flashing button.
"Mueller and Mueller, how may I help you?"
Pause. "Oh yes Mrs. Fulton."
E. Paul waved frantically and shook his head back and forth. Mrs. Fulton was a royal pain and he was not in any mood to listen to her bitching.
"No, I'm afraid he's gone for the day."
Pause.
"No I'm sure the drive is up to specs. I happened to be at the jobsite when the contractors were pouring and I watched them do a slump test and it was perfect."
Pause.
"Oh you're entirely welcome Mrs Fulton. Why don't I send you a gantt diagram as well, so you'll know where we stand on your project. Not a problem and I'll let Mr. Mueller know you called. Yes, good bye." She hung up and turned her attention to her boss.
"How do you know about a slump test and a gantt diagram?" he asked.
"Oh I like to go out on the site sometimes and I guess I'm just just nosey. I'm always asking questions and stuff."
She sat in his side chair and he stood to speak to her.
"I was wondering how you felt about renewing our, uh... I'm not sure how to put it," he stumbled. "I mean whether you think we could keep our little secret, if we..."
Before he could finish, she jumped out of her chair and into his arms and wrapped her legs around his waist. "Oh yes," she squealed. "I know we could." She began kissing his face enthusiastically.