by Anita Claire
“Yeah, better not bring mister drunk, room wrecker to the company Christmas party. It could be a career limiting move.” Hita says.
“What about the rest of you? Who’s going stag? Who’s bringing a guy? Kami asks as she turns to Caroline and raises her eyebrows.
I’m real curious to meet Caroline’s sort of boyfriend, after hearing all the things she’s said about him.
“I’ve already asked Jeremy,” Caroline says, “I’m not sure if he’s going. He really only likes getting together with his friends.”
“Hita, what about your new guy?” Kami asks.
“I haven’t asked him yet, but he’s a real Star Wars fan so I’m sure he’ll think our party is cool.”
“You realize HR needs a final number and names by Friday. They’ll have bouncers at the door. If you’re not on the list, you’re not getting in.”
“What about you Kami?” Megan asks.
“I’m going stag. I was hoping someone else was going stag, so I don’t have to hang out with all the couples.”
“I’m going stag, I can hang out with you.” Jessica says.
“I thought you had a boyfriend?” Hita asks.
“Last year I had a boyfriend. This year I’m going stag. I could always invite a guy friend, but I’m taking the company bus down from San Francisco, I think it will be easiest if I just go stag.”
“Juliette, have you decided between your two love interests? Are you going to bring one?” Kami asks.
“I’ve decided on one guy, and I can take him out in public. The party’s in two weeks. Is seeing a guy for one month long enough to take him to a work party?”
“Hey, half the people who bring someone just bring a date, not a significant other. So going out for a month should work.” Caroline adds.
Now one more thing to think about, I hope Nate is cool with going to a work party.
“Juliette, you decided on one guy? Which guy?” Caroline asks.
Smiling shyly, I reveal the guy. “Nate.“
“Doctor Nate?”
“Zach got called out of town for work. Nate was in town.” I shrug and laugh. “The old bird in the hand. They’re both great guys.”
“With that smile, I think you did more than just kiss this weekend.”
My mind flashes to all of our wild sex. But this weekend was personal, and as I have no interest in sharing any of it with the other women, I maintain my coy smile and raise my eyebrows. Then looking at the other women, I say, “Absolutely under no circumstances can any of you even elude to a choice when you meet Nate. He doesn’t know about Zach.”
Megan picks right up on this, “But Zach knows about Nate.”
I cringe and nod. “He kind of asked me to wait till he gets back. But Nate was here and I haven’t heard from Zach since. Does this make me a bad person?”
Megan starts laughing, “It’s the oldest story in the book. He who’s local wins.”
“Yeah, but Nate only just became local.” I say.
“Which means Zach had over a month to close the deal. He who hesitates loses.” Megan says, as I think that Zach didn’t get really interested until he heard there was competition.
After lunch, Hita and I head to the conference room for our team meeting. Roger is in a bad mood. It turns out he attended a meeting where upper management changed the priorities and cut our deliverable date without giving us any new resources. Roger is reorganizing workflow so that we can meet our new commitments. All the guys are grumbling. Roger tells me he’s keeping me on Mark’s team, and Rajive stays with Jim. Relieved, I wonder how Rajive will deal with Jim; then I tell myself this is Rajive’s issue, not mine, so I vow not to interfere. I’m just relieved that I don’t have to work directly with Tom or Ian. Hita is working with the sports guys—Chris and Avery. I wonder if they’ll get her hooked on fantasy football.
As we walk out of the room, Mark says, “Are you cool with us working together?”
Surprised, I say, “Yeah, I thought we worked well together on the bug fix.”
Smiling, he says, “Good, I told Roger you were competent, easy to work with.”
The guys I work with are terrible at giving compliments. Calling another engineer competent and easy to work with is a really high form of flattery. A warm smile lights my face.
“One thing,” he says in a big brother sort of way. “People seem to notice that you leave kind of early. You really need to be putting in more time if we’re going to be getting this project out.”
“But I’m working almost fifty-five hours a week already. I get in a good three hours before everyone else.”
“Yeah, but most of these guys are coming in on either Saturday or Sunday. I’ve yet to see you work on a weekend. You really need to be putting in the time.”
My glow from his complement is now shot. One thing I really liked about work, over school, was that I thought I had more control of my time. No more all-nighters, the weekends were now my own. It looks like I’ll either need to give up breakfast after swimming or horseback riding, I don’t want to give up Sunday, the only free day I have with Nate.
When it’s time to go home, I head into the women’s locker room and change into yoga pants and a workout top – what I wear under my padded electric fencing vest - then carrying my fleece, I stop at the cafeteria to grab a bite. On my way out, I almost physically run into Flint.
“Juliette,” he looks me up and down. I cringe inside. Not the attire I need executives to see me in.
“do we have a yoga class now in the gym?”
“No, I teach fencing at a local club.”
“What, we don’t pay you enough? You need a second job?”
Horrified, I respond, “What, no, it’s a favor for my high school fencing coach.”
He kind of squints his eyes.
Pointing to him, and with a flirty smile, I add, “Oh, you meant that as a joke.” Internally I slap my head. This guy must think I’m a complete idiot.
Chapter 23 – Happy Hour
Deciding to go directly from fencing to Stein’s Beer Garden, I meet up with the princesses for another farewell to Kelly. Stein’s is surprisingly empty, but then again this is a Monday night, and I’m usually here for Friday happy hour. They’ve already had a couple of pitchers by the time I join them. Sean, Kevin, and Amanda are also there, along with Rocket, and a few other cycling friends.
Kelly greets me. “Snow, grab a glass. It’s about time you showed up. Where’ve you been? We didn’t see you all weekend.”
Not wanting to talk about Nate in front of Zach’s friends I answer, “They’re giving me grief at work for not working nights and weekends.” I say, laying out my latest lament.
Kevin elbows me, “Engineering in the valley, it’s not a lifestyle; it’s a life.”
“Yeah, but all the magazines write about all the young rich Silicon Valley engineers and their wild lifestyle.” I plead.
This elicits a round of laughter.
“You must be reading some back east rag where the reporter flew in from NY or DC and was wined and dined by some Los Altos Hills or Atherton VC.”
“Yeah, the 1% of the 1%.”
“Hell, they probably didn’t even make it down to Santa Clara County. They just covered the pseudo-tech—you know all the cool media companies up in San Francisco.”
“Yeah, I’m sure anyone who writes about the real Silicon Valley has to spice it up.” I say.
Kevin laughs, “Our reality is much more boring than any story could ever convey.”
“Enough work talk, lets drink.” Kelly cheers.
Staying for about an hour, I can feel my one beer go to my head while the need for sleep rolls over me. As I hug Kelly goodbye, I remind her, “Don’t be a stranger, have fun, but come back here.”
Feeling sad as I walk to my car, I reflect that on some level, Kelly is my favorite princess. Her lack of insecurities and fearless approach, along with her pure enjoyment and delight in life, is energizing to be around. But I think wh
at I will miss most is her perceptiveness; for such a wild woman she really has her head screwed on tight.
As I pull into the garage, I see Cassie’s car. As I enter the condo I hear, Keeping up with Kardashians blaring from the TV. Realizing that I’m annoyed at Cassie for flirting with Nate, I decide I’m not in the mood to chat. After giving a cursory “hi,” I head to my bedroom.
“Hey, Juliette,” I hear her call after me.
Leaning my back on my doorframe, I respond, “yeah?”
Cassie moves to the hallway, “You’re pissed at me?”
Rolling my eyes, “I’m not pissed at you.”
Squinting her eyes, “Yes you are.” Giving me the look down, “Are you mad because I’m hanging out with the other girlfriends?”
“What? Why would I be mad at you for hanging out with the other football player’s girlfriends?”
“We haven’t done anything together since I started hanging with them.”
“Then we should plan on doing something together.”
“By the way, yesterday’s guy really likes you.”
Where is she going with this? “What?”
“Bathroom sex guy from yesterday.”
“You mean, Nate?”
“Is that bathroom sex guy’s name? Well, anyway, I can tell.” Giving me a hard look, “Guys who are on the make flirt back. This guy moved you between us, like a shield. You think I’m dumb, but I’m good with body language. Like I know you’re pissed at me.”
“If you don’t want me getting pissed at you, then don’t flirt with the guy I’m with.”
Cassie raises her eyebrows. “If a guy has one tail and starts chasing after another tail, then I guess he didn’t really care that much about the first tail.”
“What, so you think your job is to be my guy’s litmus test?”
“Don’t act all prissy with me. You’re not little Miss Polly perfect either. Just last week you were mad at me for interrupting your make out session with swimmer guy, now you’re mad that I spoke to bathroom sex guy.”
“Bathroom sex guy… Nate, is more than just a weekend fling. I’d appreciate it if you don’t play any of your sex games with him.”
“I don’t know why you’re in such a pissy mood. I was just being myself, friendly.”
“Cassie, you dressed all skimpy and were flirting with the guy I’m with. That’s not cool. We’ve been friends for a long time, but one thing that will ruin our friendship forever, is you hitting on my guy. Hands off, clear?”
Cassie just shrugs her shoulders and goes back to the living room to watch TV. As I walk into my room, I see my twisted bed sheets. As I snuggle under the covers, I can smell Nate and all the sex we had. Falling asleep, I realize it was only three nights but I already miss his presence in my bed.
Chapter 24 – Someone’s Saying Things
Nate: I’ll come by after work tonight.
Juliette: I’m looking forward to lots of coming.
Smiling as I send my text, I realize my hoo-ha is no longer feeling sore. I hope Nate introduces me to a few more of his moves.
The day goes well until Roger calls me into his office. He points to his chair. Resting his forearms on his desk, he leans in and says, “I don’t want to get into a he said she said, but I thought you should know. Someone told me that you were condescending and difficult to work with.”
In complete shock, “What? Who said that? What were the circumstances?”
Roger just stares, then says, “I don’t want to get into it. I just thought you should know what someone else is saying about you.”
“Anyone can say anything about me, and I’m not told who they are or what the circumstances were?”
“Juliette, you’re getting too emotional over this. It was a comment that I thought you should know about. “He turns and goes back to work, signaling that the conversation is over.
Walking out the door, I’m stunned. Who’s saying bad things about me? Looking around our group, I wonder if it’s Ian because I blow off his rude Cassie comments, or is it the sports guys, Chris and Avery, because I laughed when they asked me about Luke.
Feeling bummed, I sit down at my desk and continue developing the prototype Mark designated for me to work on. Feeling distracted, I review all the conversations I’ve had in the last few months. Looking up, I see Jim and Rajive talking. Did one of them say something about me because they’re upset that Mark and I found the solution to the big bug?
At Zumba, I tell Isabelle that I don’t know if I’ll be able to continue taking classes with her anymore since there’s pressure for me to work late. I’ll miss getting together with her. After pleading with her to take my fencing class, she finally relents.
At home Cassie’s watching TV. This is a surprise; two nights in a row. I plop down on the couch.
She looks over. “You’re in a pissy mood. You’re not still mad at me for being friendly with your guy?”
“No, I’m bummed about work. Someone is saying mean things about me behind my back, and they don’t think that fifty-five hours a week is enough; they want me to come in over the weekend. I don’t mind working hard during the week; it’s just I wanted to have fun over the weekend. I only get two weeks vacation a year. I need time to unwind.” I whine.
Cassie just blinks. Except for being eye candy at some parties, she hasn’t worked since we’ve been living together. Supposedly, she is taking classes, but I have yet to see a textbook or any sign that she’s actually enrolled in school.
Shaking my head, and sighing, I say. “As long as you don’t flirt with Nate we’re good. I just need a good night’s sleep.”
After tossing on my comfy pajamas, I crawl into bed.
Chapter 25 – Nate Stops By
The ring of our doorbell. It wakes me. What time is it? Who's here? Cassie’s now talking to some guy. It must be Luke, I think as I snuggle in to fall asleep. Then my door opens. A moment of fear grips me, until I hear Nate’s voice, “Juliette? Are you sleeping?”
Shit, how could I have forgotten that Nate was coming over tonight? “Nate, I’m just warming the bed for you.” I say as I hope my voice doesn’t sound too drowsy.
“Give me a minute and I’ll join you.” He says as I hear him head into the bathroom.
Throwing off my PJ’s, I snuggle back in bed not feeling particularly amorous. Coming back into my room, I hear Nate drop his bag on the floor, undress, and then lay his things on the bedside dresser. The night air sends a chill over me as he pulls back the covers and gets into the bed.
Reaching over he pulls me to him so we’re spooning. Nate snuggles in, immediately making lazy circles up my thigh. “Hey, you OK?” he says in his gentle bedroom voice.
“Work’s bumming me out, I was just feeling tired. I’m glad you’re here now.” I say as I nuzzle into him. “You shaved?” I ask as he brushes his freshly shaved cheek against mine.
“The price I’m willing to pay to be close.”
He moves my top thigh over his, opening me up as his fingers gently make a swirling pattern on my stomach. He kisses my neck, licks my shoulder, then says, “I missed sleeping with you last night.”
Smiling, I nod and say, “Me too.”
He lowers his hand, gently raking his fingers through my pubic hair. My core tightens in response. He then gently tickles my exposed upper thighs. “Your roommate wasn’t expecting me, though she was friendly and surprisingly not flirty.”
“Good, I told her if she flirted with you again, she would end our friendship.” His fingers move farther south as he lightly grazes my outer folds.
“How’s the new job?” I ask.
The vibrations of him chuckling tickle my back as he says, “What’s that word we never could come up with? The one where two actions are diametrically opposed?” His finger gently circles my clitoris, then slides down and into me, causing me to gasp and moan.
“OK, no work talk, just sex talk.” I say between gasps.
He continues gently stimulating me, n
ot enough to come, just enough to make me crazy and want more.
“I’m getting all the attention; this position isn’t satisfying for you.” I finally say.
He licks my shoulder again and backs me up, so I can feel how erect he is, “Oh, this is very satisfying for me.” he says as his other hand massages my breast.
Gently, with his skillful fingers, he peels back my clitoral hood, and even more gently, strokes my exposed clit. “I enjoy feeling you come.” he quietly says into my ear as I softly moan and gasp from the stimulation.
“Cassie’s in the other room. We need to be quiet; I don’t really want her to hear us.” I say between gasps.
“She sure doesn’t have that issue.”
“Yeah, but as you’ve pointed out, I’m not like Cassie.” I whisper as he kisses my ear and sucks on my ear lobe, causing shivers to run down my neck. Leaning back, he reaches for a condom.
“Arch your back for me,” he says as I feel him roll on the condom and bend down to maneuver into a better angle. Coming in from the back, he finds me. Once inside, he moves his hand back around to continue stimulating my clit.
I’m holding my breath to control my moans as I come.
Into my ear Nate says, “Breathe, come on, babe, breathe.”
Taking a deep breath as my body shakes from my orgasm; he maneuvers me on to my stomach using his forearms to hold his weight. Using his legs, he maneuvers my legs in between his. His knees are now on the outside of my thighs as I lay flat on my stomach. With this leverage, he starts pounding into me, moaning as he comes. Then, he’s still, just holding me as we both come down and regain our breath. Finally, he rolls to his side, pulling me back into a spoon. We lay there entwined coming down from our orgasmic high.
Cassie’s voice disrupts our solitude, “I know you’re having sex in there.” She shouts as she passes our room on the way to her own.
We both chuckle as we lay with Nate’s arms enwrapped around me, I feel warm and comforted. Nate’s body is still shaking from laughter. It’s hard to believe that we’ve been together for such a short time. I never felt this comfortable with Chris or Stephan; then again, they never were into making sure I came first. And they definitely weren’t into cuddling. These thoughts, as opposed to upsetting work thoughts, lull me to sleep.
