A Business Affair
“What time are you interviewing today?” Fiona watched as her husband finished his breakfast.
“The first applicant is due in at eleven,” Andrew replied. “There are only three, Simon shortlisted them from the pile of hopefuls.”
Andrew and his best friend Simon set up their I.T. Consultancy business five years ago and since then had worked hard shaping it into one of the most successful companies in their field. Fiona was proud of Andrew, from the moment he and Simon decided to form their partnership she was in no doubt it would be a success. Andrew was a very determined man, it was one of the things that attracted her to him in the first place.
"I’m conducting all the interviews myself as Simon is busy supervising one of our contracts. It will probably mean staying late to catch up on lost time.”
Fiona got up from where she was sitting and wrapped her arms lovingly around his neck.
“Don’t stay too late,” she whispered before kissing him passionately.
They had been married for almost seven years and despite the myth about seven year itches she loved him dearly.
Driving into work, Andrew thought about what they should do to celebrate their wedding anniversary, he’d heard somewhere that seven years was copper. He knew of a restaurant called Copperfields perhaps that was where he could take her for a romantic meal.
Leaving his car in his allotted parking space, Andrew pushed open the door to AnSi I.T. Consultants Ltd.
“Morning Angela,” he said.
“Andrew, hello. Would you like some coffee? I’ve just brewed a fresh pot.”
Angela, their heavily pregnant secretary come receptionist was the reason for him having to conduct interviews. She would soon be taking maternity leave and he had to find a temporary replacement.
“Yes please,” he replied as he paused at his office door then turning to face her, he continued. “It’s my wedding anniversary on the twenty third of this month. Could you arrange something, a meal at Copperfields perhaps? Better order some flowers too, have them delivered to the table, I’ll leave the details to you.”
She made a note on her pad. It wasn’t unusual for Andrew to make such a request, It was often left to her to choose his wife’s birthday and Christmas gifts. She wondered how her replacement would cope with such unorthodox demands.
Waiting on his desk was a pile of documents that had arrived in the morning post. On top was an unopened letter marked Private and Confidential. Reaching for it, Andrew slipped his thumb under the flap and tore it open, it was from his solicitor. Andrew had been adopted as a child and had no knowledge of his biological parents so he’d engaged the services of a solicitor to carry out an investigation. The letter told him very little, but he was to attend a meeting in ten days time. Slipping the letter into his desk drawer, he began to prepare for his first interview.
Although sufficiently qualified, the first applicant lacked the enthusiasm that he expected. The second interview did not go any better and with his mood in a downward spiral, he met Megan Griffiths.
“Good afternoon,” Andrew greeted her warmly. Maybe all was not lost after all.
It wasn’t long before Andrew sensed that she was perfect for the job. She was more than qualified, but it was everything else about her that excited him. Megan was a very attractive young woman who had obviously made an effort with her appearance. Her Welsh accent delighted him, he just loved the way she spoke.
“I moved up from Cardiff recently,” she told him more about herself. “I’m only a few minutes away in a little bedsit, but once I’m sorted I would like to get a flat or little house.” Her smile was devastating and Andrew was hopelessly smitten. It was as if he had been waiting for her his entire life and he was convinced that theirs would go far beyond a working relationship.
“Have you had any lunch?” he asked suddenly.
“No, not yet,” she hesitated before going on. “I was going to grab a sandwich or something after we have finished here.”
“We can do better than that. What say we continue our interview in a pub, grab a drink and have a bite to eat?”
Megan stared at him before making up her mind. It was not in her nature to flirt with strange men and certainly not a prospective employer, but Andrew was a very handsome man. If it secured her a much needed job then what harm could it do?
“Could you start on Monday?” Andrew asked as they finished their lunch. He had heard enough, she was the woman for the job.
Angela was due to leave in four weeks time and it was Simon’s intention to ask her replacement to start the week before she left. That way the new secretary could be eased in gently with Angela on hand to help. Andrew would have to come up with a very good reason for wanting Megan to start immediately.
Monday couldn’t come quickly enough. Andrew was at his desk early, he told Fiona that he would probably have to work late.
Megan kept him supplied with coffee throughout the morning and Angela went through the basics, introducing her to the company before going into the specifics of the job.
“Right,” Andrew said as he appeared suddenly at their desk. “I’m off to survey the new office block.”
Angela was familiar with this contract, Andrew or Simon would have to do a site visit, but what surprised her most was what he said next.
“Megan can accompany me. It will be the perfect opportunity for her to see firsthand what we are about.”
The new clients office block was deserted, having been recently refurbished the next step was for the I.T. to be installed.
“Wow,” Megan said as they entered the first office. “How will they ever get any work done, the view is simply stunning.”
Andrew admired her profile as she stared out of the huge picture window. She looked the part, immaculately turned out in a stylish trouser suit. She smelt wonderful, her perfume was driving him wild and unable to resist any longer he pushed up against her. She offered no resistance and turning to face him their lips met.
At first, their lovemaking was urgent and moving from office to office, they giggled like naughty children.
“Let’s christen them all,” he whispered as he eased her gently against a desk.
By the end of the afternoon, they were exhausted. Megan sighed contentedly as they watched the sky turn crimson, the sun moving slowly behind the tall buildings. Andrew had never done anything like this before but he had no regrets. It felt so right being here with Megan.
Over the next two weeks they saw each other every day and managed to sneak away to make love either during the afternoons or Andrew would make some excuse to work late.
Angela could see what was going on, but it was not her place to question her boss. She reminded Andrew about the arrangements for his wedding anniversary celebration and he acted out his part faultlessly. He accompanied his wife to Copperfields where they spent a delightful evening. Andrew was passionate and attentive and his wife did not suspect a thing. He decided that it was hardly the moment to announce his intention to leave her.
The day arrived for him to keep his appointment with his solicitor. Luckily it was not busy in the office, Simon was going over some papers with Angela and Megan had the day off to attend to some personal issues.
Going up the steps to the entrance of the solicitor’s chambers, Andrew was directed towards an office by the receptionist.
William Hardcastle met him at the door before ushering him into his office. Already seated was a woman, she had her back to him but when she stood up he was astonished to see that it was Megan.
“Hello,” he said. “What are you doing here?”
“Oh, I see that you already know each other.” William raised his eyebrows. “In that case I suppose you are already aware that you related, you are in fact brother and sister.”
© 2018 Kevin Marsh
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