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Fourteen
GARETH EVANS CAME OUTof the meeting room in time to see a fairly familiar outline heading down the hallway that led straight to his office. If he weren't mistaken, this woman was none other than the estimable Pippilotta Jones...a.k.a.the highly skilled secretary that a majority of Simonides Incorporated's executives would offer their year-end bonuses to steal under Timothy Collins' nose.
She was a slender little thing, with a conservative taste in clothing that seemed more suitable for women twice her age. Maybe even thrice, considering the rather popular trend for those in their forties and fifties to take the cougar route.
Her posture also made for interesting study: head dipped low, back ramrod straight, and hips that barely swayed. It hinted of pride and submissiveness, a subtle but infinitely heady combination that the average man would have easily overlooked. Gareth might've even gone as far as suspect the woman to be Mr. Collins' mistress if the old man's homosexuality wasn’t one of those open secrets that the whole company knew about but didn't speak of.
Thus begging the question, Gareth thought idly.
After being known to turn down multiple promotions for undisclosed reasons, why had Pippilotta Jones accepted the temporary transfer at his request?
Pippi had barely taken her seat when the door behind her swung open again, and a tall, lean figure came striding in. Blond, blue-eyed, and deeply tanned, he looked like the grown-up, corporate version of Barbie's Ken, and the thought somewhat helped her relax and even manage a brief smile as she rose to her feet and lifted her gaze to her new employer.
"Good morning, Mr. Evans."
"Ms. Jones, isn't it?" His voice was deeper than she had expected to be. "Sorry for being late."
"Not at all, sir."
He took a seat, but the girl remained standing. Well-trained of her, but he doubted it had anything to do with Collins' tutelage.
"Please take a seat, Ms. Jones."
"Thank you, Mr. Evans."
He watched her do as asked and was amused at the way she resembled a headmistress, with her back barely touching the back of the chair and her hands resting delicately on her lap.
"Gareth, please."
"Of course, sir." Her voice was steady, but he didn't miss the way her eyes flickered.
"You're not comfortable with it, sir?"
"It's only because of the things I'm used to with Mr. Collins."
A perfect alibi meant to soothe any ruffled feathers, but he also noted the way she had managed to avoid calling Gareth by his name.
"May I be frank with you, Ms. Jones?" At her nod, he asked bluntly, "As you do not strike me as either the scheming or manipulative type, would you mind telling me what made you accept the temporary transfer to my office?"
Fifteen minutes later, and Pippi was able to breathe a sigh of relief the moment she came out of Gareth Evans' office and headed back to Mr. Collins. Her phone rang then, and she answered it without looking to see who it was. "Hello?"
"Do I have any reason to fire my vice president, Ms. Jones?"
Pippi nearly dropped her iPhone in shock. "A—-ah my God!"
"Remarkably quick-witted of you, Ms. Jones, but I'm afraid it doesn't answer my question."
"This is such a surprise." Pippi knew she was babbling for no reason, but she couldn't help it. She just felt so guilty and embarrassed at taking a personal call, never mind if he was also the CEO of the company that employed her.
