The next day, Kim came to work and everything was fine. We were professional, but clearly friends. I don't think anyone would realize that there were side benefits to our friendship, but we knew. I guess it's just that we are both mature enough to keep our hands to ourselves when we need to.
I had a lunch with some clients, and I didn't get back to the office until about 3. Everything went great at the meeting, and I got the news that we were going to be getting a huge new contract.
When I walked into the office, I asked Kim to join me for a quick meeting. She followed me in with her notepad. She was beautiful, as usual. She had on a cream linen skirt that fell to her knees, and a pink linen jacket that was buttoned to the top. No blouse underneath, probably. Also hose and short-heeled cream pumps. It looked like Annie had already been at work.
"Kim, I need help. I just had a meeting with a new client, and we agreed to a deal. It's a nice deal, probably $20 million, so that was time well-spent."
"Wow! Congratulations!"
"Thank you. However, we need to go to New York next week for a couple of days to sign the contracts. I need you to get tickets for the two of us, and rooms at the Peninsula for 2 nights. We'll leave Monday night and return Wednesday morning. If you look in Mandy's notes, you'll find the details for New York, the people to call, etc."
"We? You and me?"
"Yes, it's time for you to get immersed in the work. This is a perfect opportunity."
"Ok, John, I'll get right on it."
"Thanks, Kim. I appreciate it."
She started for the door, but then stopped and turned back to me. "John, I think we probably need to work late tomorrow night, don't we? To get ready for the trip, you know." She smiled, a sneaky little smile that told me that she had other ideas.
"You know, Kim, we do need to go over some paperwork and contracts. Tomorrow evening would be perfect timing. Thank you so much for thinking of that." I gave her a similar conspiratorial smile, just thinking about what kind of trouble that we could get into together. "But I don't really like working in the office too late. It's bad to get into that habit. Would you mind meeting me at my other place?"
"Your other place? You mean at home?"
"No, I keep a place in town that I stay at when I need to get away. It's quiet and private, and we can certainly get some good work in."
"Sounds perfect. What time should I meet you there?"
"Let's say 6:00. I'll bring dinner so that we won't be hungry."
"Wonderful. I can probably only work until 9, if that's ok. I do need to spend some time with my family, especially if I'm going to be gone a couple of nights next week."
"I think we can squeeze everything in by that time, don't you?"
She suddenly grew serious. "John, were you thinking that I would get one room or two in New York? I don't want to assume either way."
"Well, they have a nice suite with separate bedrooms but an adjoining entertaining room. I thought that would be fine, if you do. I don't want you to feel uncomfortable. If you want a separate room on a separate floor, that would be fine. Your choice."
"I'll check on the suite. Have you, um, had similar arrangements with your former assistants?"
I laughed. "Well, we have gotten that suite before, and it is convenient, but it has always been totally platonic. It's just nice to not have to wait in the lobby for each other every morning, that's all.
"And by the way, I told Jenny that I hired you, and she was really happy about it. She loved the idea that I was helping your family, and she also likes the fact that I didn't hire a leggy young thing. We will have to do dinner with our spouses sometime."
"Wow, that's wonderful. I don't like keeping secrets, so it's nice to know that she approves. Although something tells me that she probably wouldn't like the entire package."
"Yeah, probably not. Probably better left unsaid."
"Tom is also very happy that I'm here, and is fine with you and I working together. I think he is just glad to have the pressure off."
With that, she turned and left the office and I went back to getting my emails done.
Chapter 2
Thursday was a normal work day for us. Nothing romantic at all. In fact, I barely saw Kim because she was gone with Annie for a few hours, getting together some clothes for the trip. I had told her that she should probably take some work clothes and maybe a "semi-formal" dresses, so she thought that she should work with Annie. I agreed. Besides, I was buried under a pile of contracts, trying to make sure that I understood what I was signing next week.
Around 4, she called and said, "Do you mind if I just meet you a little early instead of coming in to the office? It seems silly to drive to the office and then drive back to the apartment. I'll grab some chicken if you like."