Corporate Lines

by Donna Jay

  “I don’t want to leave Precious alone for too long, she’s still so little.”

  The door opened and Shelley breezed in; all smiles and finger waves.

  “I’m sure Rose won’t mind cat sitting for a night. Please think about it.”

  “For one night?”

  “Deal, we’ll head up Saturday morning and be back Sunday afternoon.” Traffic permitting, which was likely to be heavy due to the long weekend, they would make it to Matamata in under an hour.

  “Okay, I’ll come.”

  “Of that, I have no doubt.”

  The sharp intake of breath that sounded down the line pleased Nadia immensely. Keeping one eye on Shelley, she wandered toward the back of the store. “I’ll pack my strap-on.”

  “How the hell am I supposed to concentrate on figures with a promise like that?” Simone asked.

  “Think of mine.”

  “Not helping.”

  “Get back to work, Emmett.” Nadia disconnected the call. She imagined Simone scowling at her phone, eyebrows pinched.

  A week ago, they’d had the talk. Nadia explained she hated hearing the word good-bye as much as she hated saying it. The last words she’d exchanged with her father.

  She wasn’t a superstitious person, but it had bothered her ever since. Whenever she phoned the aged care facility to talk to her mum, she always said, see you tomorrow, or see you Sunday, never good-bye.

  ***

  Shortly after nine o’clock on Saturday morning, Nadia unlatched the wrought-iron gate and directed Simone to park on the front lawn.

  Precious meowed softly in her carrier cage on the passenger’s seat. Simone cooed to her softly, missing her already. “It’s okay, sweetie. Rose will take good care of you.”

  The driver’s door opened, and Simone was in Nadia’s arms before she could yank the keys out of the ignition.

  “God, I’ve missed you.” She nuzzled Simone’s neck.

  “It’s only been a night.”

  Simone had put in an appearance at happy hour but didn’t stay late. There was nothing worse than travelling with a hangover.

  “I know, but it feels like it’s been a week. And while you were out schmoozing, I gave these two a rundown on babysitting duty.” She hiked her thumb over her shoulder. Darrin was nowhere to be seen, but Rose stepped around Nadia.

  She yanked open the passenger’s door and plucked Precious out of her cage. “Look at you, missy.” She rubbed her porky little tummy. “Someone’s been spoiling you.”

  “Thank you, Rose.” Simone smiled. “I didn’t realise how much I missed having a cat until Nadia showed up with this adorable wee girl.”

  “Spoken like a true mother.” Nadia grinned, the unspoken words loud and clear. Only a mother could love a face like that.

  A short time later, they were on the way to Matamata; Nadia behind the wheel and Simone riding shotgun.

  “It must be hard for Rose not to adopt all the homeless pets,” Simone mused out loud.

  “It is, but she told me it’s also very rewarding seeing them going to good homes.” Nadia shot her a sideways look as they hit the open road. “I’m sure once she and Darrin move in together, they’ll have an entire brood of pets.”

  “Do you like animals?” Simone asked.

  “I like pussy.”

  “Would you quit it.” Simone shook her head.

  Cursing herself for forgetting her prescription sunglasses, she flicked down the sun-visor.

  Nadia held out a hand. “Pass my sunnies out of the glovebox.”

  Feeling like it was an order, Simone saluted. “Yes, Ma’am.”

  The corner of Nadia’s mouth kicked up. “That’s one.”

  “Oh my God. How’s that fair?” Simone slapped Nadia’s sunglasses in her hand. “You ordered me to do something. I obeyed.”

  “It wasn’t an order.” Nadia chopped down a gear as they approached a tight S-bend.

  “Well, there’s such a thing called manners.”

  “Simone, sugar. Please pass me my sunglasses.”

  Unable to keep a straight face, Simone replied, “Yes, munchkin.”

  While the glovebox was still open, Simone fished around inside and plucked out a CD.

  She popped it in and when Stevie Nicks started singing Rooms On Fire Simone didn’t miss the bemused look Nadia flashed her.

  The irony wasn’t lost on her. There was definitely magic around her every time Nadia walked into a room. Not just the air of mystery, but the beauty that surrounded her.

  “You know,” Simone said, “You kind of look like Stevie Nicks.

  “Pfft.” Nadia flicked a lock of honey-blonde hair off her shoulder, looking every bit like a rock star. “I’ll have you know, this hair’s naturally straight, and I have four inches on that woman.”

  “Well, excuse me,” Simone said in the most hoity voice she could muster.

  “Oh, turn this up,” Nadia said as the next song came on.

  The rest of the trip passed in comfortable silence, albeit stealing sly glances at each other, grinning like lovesick teenagers.

  ***

  Feeling like an excited child on her way to Disneyland, Simone jiggled in the passenger’s seat as they coasted past a sign welcoming them to Matamata.

  “What time’s our tour?” she asked.

  “Ten-thirty, and we’re having lunch at The Shire’s Rest™ Café. Can you hang on until then?”

  Although Simone knew Nadia was referring to food, the mention of holding on made her bladder perk up. Dammit.

  “Can we check in to the motel first?”

  “Check in’s not until two.” Nadia shot her a sideways glance. “Why? You want to get naked already?”

  Simone chuckled to hide her anxiety. “No, I need to pee.”

  “Oh, there’s probably a public restroom up ahead.” Nadia continued along Takitimu Drive. “Shout out if you see one.”

  Like that was going to happen. The last time she’d used a public toilet was when she thought she saw Nadia and took off running like her pants were on fire. The memory made her smile.

  “What are you smiling about?” Nadia asked.

  “Remember when we first met?” Simone’s heart expanded in her chest.

  “I’ll never forget it.” Her voice exuded warmth.

  “Me either. I thought I saw you in the park. I sprinted to the toilet block, certain I’d seen you go inside.”

  “But it wasn’t me.”

  “No.” Simone shook her head sadly, the disappointment she felt that day coming back to her.

  “What would’ve you said if it was?” Nadia asked.

  “I really don’t know. I just knew I had to see you again.”

  Nadia squeezed her thigh. “Me too. Oh, look.” She pointed to a service station packed with motorists fuelling up. “I could stop there. They’ll have a public loo.”

  “Nah, I’ll hold on.”

  “I can always stop on the side of the road.” Nadia grinned.

  “I haven’t done that since I was a kid.” Simone remembered squatting between the passenger’s door and rear door of the car, her mother hurrying her up. “I’m fine, honestly.”

  She could hold on. After years of avoiding public toilets, she’d trained her mind to ignore her bladder for far longer than was probably healthy.

  Traffic had thinned out and a roadside sign informed them of a rest stop five-hundred metres ahead. If it was a typical rest stop, there would be a wooden table covered in bird poop and a rubbish bin. No toilet.

  ***

  Thankfully, her bladder didn’t burst before they got to Hobbiton, and like the rest of the twelve-acre venue, the bathrooms were pristine.

  Fully enclosed stalls, no creepy eye staring at her through a gap. Simone shuddered, wondering how in the hell an encounter from twenty years ago still had the power to cripple her bladder.

  She stepped out of the ladies and Nadia held out a hand. “Ready?”

  “Ready.” She slid her hand into N
adia’s, loving the feel of her warm, strong grip.

  The next three hours passed in a blur of awestruck wonder as they traversed the lush pastures of Hobbiton. The unequivocal beauty of the land, the mighty Kaimai Ranges towering in the distance, stole Simone’s breath away.

  She barely exchanged a word with Nadia as they hung onto every word their guide had to say. It was fascinating learning how the movies came to life.

  Outside the homes, Simone glimpsed everyday items from the lives of hobbits; cabbage gardens, honey pots, butterfly catchers, and hobbit-sized clothes hanging on lines.

  Their guide pointed out the house of Bilbo Baggins and another where Samwise-Gamgee and Rosie Cotton lived.

  Three hours later, they finally stopped to catch their breath.

  “Amazing.” Nadia put her hands on her lower back and stretched.

  “Breath-taking,” Simone said, breathing in the lush, green landscape.

  “Thank you.” Nadia hip-bumped her.

  “I meant the flowers, the hobbit holes, the sunshine, the ranges…” Simone paused. “And, of course, you.”

  Nadia’s beaming smile was as breath-taking as the scenery. “I don’t remember ever feeling so content.”

  “Me either, and we can’t leave without capturing the moment.” Simone held up her phone. “Question is, which door?”

  Without hesitation, Nadia pointed to the red door cut into the landscape. A vine of colourful flowers sprouted from the grass rooftop and hung over the entranceway. “That one.”

  “Let’s go.”

  Hand in hand, they made their way over, waiting their turn while other tourists snapped away, talking excitedly.

  There were people of all ethnicities and not a sad face to be seen. No one blinked an eye at two women holding hands.

  Simone clutched Nadia’s arm, hugging it to her side. “Could the day get any better?”

  “The best is yet to come.”

  “You purposely drew out the last word.” Simone nudged her.

  Looking genuinely surprised, Nadia gaped. “I did not! Geez, Emmett, get your mind out of the hobbit-hole.”

  They looked at each other and burst out laughing. When they recovered, Nadia continued, “Wait until you see where we’re staying.”

  “Oh?” Simone had done a quick Google search of hotels and motels in Matamata. There were a number of B&Bs but very few motels and hotels.

  “Let me guess, Central Hotel?”

  A tap on the shoulder interrupted their conversation.

  “Are you going next?”

  She turned and was met by a young Asian couple eyeing her expectantly.

  “We are.” Simone smiled warmly.

  “Do you mind?” Nadia handed over her phone.

  “Not at all. Then you can take ours, yes?” the gentleman said.

  “Sure thing.”

  Photos taken, phones and cameras returned to their rightful owners, they were finally on their way back to the entranceway.

  They rounded The Shire’s Rest™ Café. Lunch had been a glorious affair of lamb burgers cooked to perfection, served with a large plate of fries.

  “To answer your question,” Nadia said.

  “Huh?” Simone eyed Nadia over the roof of the car.

  “I’ve booked a room at Lake Karapiro Lodge.”

  The name didn’t sound familiar. “In Matamata?”

  “Twenty K’s out of it. A little over fifteen minutes from here.”

  The key fob beeped and they both folded themselves into the car. It was like sitting in a sauna, only instead of the smell of hot coals, the odour of warm leather greeted them.

  “Holy shit.” Simone punched the button to the electric window.

  A warm breeze blew in and she fanned out her blouse trying to get some reprieve. The window whirred up again.

  “The air con will kick in faster if you leave it up.”

  “Oh, of course.” Simone shook her head wondering where it was at? The lodge, that’s where.

  “Have you stayed at this place before?” The minute the question left her mouth, a pang of jealousy hit Simone. She didn’t want to think about Nadia wooing anybody else. She rubbed her sternum, feigning heartburn.

  “Never.”

  The pain in her chest let up as surely as if she’d burped.

  “I hope it’s not a dive,” Simone joked.

  “As if,” Nadia scoffed. “They have a heated pool and a spa pool.”

  “In our room?”

  “A swimming pool?”

  “No.” Simone narrowed her eyes.

  “Oh, you mean the spa pool,” Nadia said as if she hadn’t known. “It’s by the swimming pool. We can check out both later.”

  Simone screwed up her face. “You can forget about the spa pool. I’m not getting in.”

  “What’s the difference between a heated pool and a hot tub?”

  “Is that a trick question?”

  “Not at all.” Nadia turned left onto Buckland Road, leaving Hobbiton behind them.

  “Because I’ve heard what people get up to in spa pools.”

  Nadia shot her a cheeky look, eyebrows making an appearance above her sunglasses. “Oh, really. Like what?”

  Biting back a smile, Simone huffed out a breath, arms folded across her chest. “Did anyone ever tell you you’re infuriating?”

  “Did I tell you I’ve ordered room service and the wine should be chilled by the time we check-in?” Nadia’s grin was wicked.

  Bursting with happiness, Simone leaned across the console and pecked Nadia on the cheek. “You’re amazing.”

  “Amazingly infuriating.”

  “Yes.” Simone chuckled, her heart full.

  Chapter 27

  Nadia

  “Almost there.” Nadia turned into the driveway leading up to Lake Karapiro Lodge. She nodded toward a rustic building on their left. “I think that’s the barn loft.”

  “Good guess, farmer Brown.” Simone grinned.

  The comment had been rather obvious, so Nadia let it slide.

  “Let me guess.” Simone pointed out the windscreen. “And that’s the lodge?”

  The word lodge didn’t come to mind when looking at the imposing building. Well-tended flower gardens added to its beauty. The lower structure was red brick with mahogany window frames, and the upper level was dark stained wood with A-framed roofing.

  From what Nadia had read online, a draft plan had been sketched based on a traditional English style home.

  She did her best impersonation of an English woman. “Are you ready, lassie?”

  “What accent is that?”

  “British.”

  “Really?” Simone scoffed.

  “Keep up the sass, I packed Nelly too.”

  “You didn’t?”

  No, she hadn’t, but Simone didn’t need to know that. An open-handed slap could be just as effective.

  “Get out.”

  “Ah, there’s the bossy woman I fell in love with.” Simone bounded out of the car.

  Gobsmacked, Nadia sat there, hands glued to the steering wheel. The declaration had thrown her off kilter. Was Simone really in love with her, or had it been nothing more than a figure of speech? Perhaps the country air and romantic setting had got the best of her.

  “You coming, Nads?” Simone’s grin was…what? Infuriating? No, that was her word for Nadia.

  Galling? Yes, that was it. And let’s not forget, provocative and sexy as hell, especially standing there twirling a lock of auburn hair around her finger, looking like butter wouldn’t melt.

  If Simone was ever open to roleplay, the first outfit Nadia would buy her was a schoolgirl uniform. She could practically hear the slap of a ruler as she cracked it across Simone’s backside.

  Putting her erotic daydream in the back seat, Nadia climbed out. She breathed deeply, inhaling the scent of evergreens and perennials.

  “We can always go for a walk through the gardens later if we get bored.” Something she doubted, but it seemed
only fair to offer while they were there.

  “Are you kidding?” Simone’s eyes went as wide as her glasses. “We’ve spent the last three hours walking around twelve-hundred acres of picturesque beauty and you want to go smell the roses?”

  “I don’t think they have roses,” Nadia deadpanned, delighted Simone wasn’t interested in going walkabout.

  Simone folded her arms across her chest. “You insult me.”

  That was unexpected. “How so?”

  “Do I bore you?”

  “Not at all.” Nadia wondered where the comment had come from.

  “You suggested we might get bored.” Her expression morphed into a wide smile.

  After a quick check to make sure they were alone, Nadia grabbed a handful of her left butt cheek and dug her fingers in.

  “Ow, ow, ow.” Simone rose up on the balls of her feet. “Stop it. Someone might see.” She shoved at Nadia’s hand.

  The front door to the lodge swung open and a gentleman bounded along the white pavers.

  “Hello, ladies.”

  “One of us is,” Simone muttered under her breath.

  Ignoring her, even though she was smiling on the inside, Nadia held out a hand to their host. “Hi, I’m Nadia, and this is Simone, my lady.” Two could play that game.

  “Nice to meet you. I’m Glen.” He released Nadia’s hand and shook Simone’s.

  “It’s beautiful up here.” Simone glanced around the complex.

  “Thank you. If you’d like to follow me, we can get you checked-in.”

  “Is my car okay where it is?” Nadia pointed to her car beside a Kowhai tree, yellow flowers starting to bloom.

  “It’s fine.”

  Deciding to leave their bags until after they checked-in, Nadia fell into step behind their host towing Simone behind her.

  ***

  Ten minutes later, she turned the key in the lock to their room hoping it was as opulent as the pictures on the website suggested.

  Ideally, they’d be on the second floor, but she couldn’t justify spending $900 on one room for one night. As it was, it’d hit her pocket hard paying for one of the two lavish ground floor suites.

  But the look of wonder lighting up Simone’s face was more than worth it.

  To be honest, Nadia was just as taken aback. Timber panelling, ornate plaster ceilings, and silk drapes captured the charm of yesteryear with the modern conveniences of today.