Piping Her Tune

by Maggie Brown

  * * *

  Abby watched anxiously as the three panels were winched up onto the wall to be secured in place. The last wasn’t quite dry, but she’d been away long enough. She climbed the ladder, bolting them in place herself—at this height there would be no danger of the paint being touched. Once the panels had been attached, she stepped back to study the artworks with a great sense of pride. They really did look good.

  Akio took her arm. “You must be proud, Abby. They are wonderful. You certainly have exceeded all our expectations. Your art is indeed a masterpiece for the foyer and a fitting reminder of the friendship we enjoy with your country.”

  “Thank you, Akio.” Abby smiled. “They did come out well, didn’t they? I think I’m going to collapse for a week now that they’re finished. I’ve hardly taken a day off since I started.”

  “We understand how hard you’ve worked. The company would like to give you a complimentary holiday at the Zao Onsen Ski Resort to show our appreciation. It’s north of Tokyo in the Tohoku region. I think you would enjoy the snow sports and there are therapeutic hot springs. They’re quite relaxing. The vacation would be a most pleasurable finale for your time in Japan.”

  Abby gulped. He had been so hospitable; he had paid for her accommodation near his home, and he and his wife had invited her over for many meals. The Japanese gentleman had become a very good friend. “Oh, Akio, I would love to but I really must get home. I’ve been gone too long already.”

  He bowed. “I understand. The grand opening of our building won’t be for another month, so perhaps you could come back and take the holiday then. My secretary has transferred your fee to your bank account. See her about booking a flight to Sydney when you’ve made up your mind which day you prefer.”

  Back in her room, Abby went online, thrilled by the fact her bank balance had swelled by one hundred thousand dollars. After she transferred the sum over to her savings account, she clicked off the laptop and phoned her bank in Sydney.

  Abby felt a sense of relief. All done. Time now to go home.

  * * *

  To Victoria’s annoyance, the board meeting seemed endless. She leafed through the sheets of paper absently, struggling to maintain focus. The crappy day was getting worse; she’d barely slept a wink after the party and all she wanted to do was crawl into bed.

  The manager of their finance division continued to waffle about the costs associated with the upgrade of their loading facilities on the wharf, a familiar rant. She glared at him. The pompous jerk was out of touch. He wouldn’t embrace the fact that more modern technology would save the company millions in the long term.

  She rolled her pen in her fingers and wished Fiona would hurry with afternoon tea. When her assistant finally arrived, she hurried to Victoria with a letter. Victoria frowned; Fiona knew better than to interrupt her with correspondence at a board meeting. Sporting a Mona Lisa smile, Fiona carefully placed the envelope in front of her on the table and continued to hover. The finance manager stopped talking, eyes fixed like lasers on the letter, as were the rest of the board’s. Victoria picked it up and read the words “Victoria Myers—personal” on the front. She flipped it over. On the back, typed in black, were the words “From Abby Benton.”

  She closed her eyes to steady her nerves. With a heave she rose from her chair.

  “Excuse me for a minute,” she called out as she turned to hurry from the room. She ignored Fiona’s hiss of disappointment as she passed by.

  Victoria rushed to her desk and slit open the envelope. A single piece of paper was inside, with a pink slip stapled to the corner with the words “With compliments from Abby Benton.” It was a bank cheque, made out to her for the amount of one hundred thousand dollars. Victoria stared at it for a long moment before comprehension sunk in. Abby was paying back her contribution. But what did that mean? Did she want nothing more to do with her, or did she want her again because they were on equal footing? Crap! She was more bamboozled than ever. Why hadn’t the woman put a note in with the check?

  When a knock on the door sounded, Victoria snapped, “Come in.”

  Fiona sidled into the room. “What did she say?”

  Victoria made a chuffing sound as she threw the check over. “She’s paid my money back.”

  The Scot began to laugh though hastily turned it into a cough at the frown on her boss’s face. “Good for her. Did she include a letter?”

  “No, only the cheque. Damn it, she didn’t even say where she is.” Victoria rose and began to pace around the room. “Do you think she’s giving me the brush-off?”

  “You will have to wait and see. Why don’t you ring her?”

  Victoria shook her head. “Surely you haven’t forgotten she changed her mobile number?”

  “I meant her home number. She may be back in town. Or you could ring her mother.”

  “God no! Her mother doesn’t like me. What do you think I should do if she’s doesn’t answer her home phone?”

  “There’s nothing you can do. You’ll just have to wait until she contacts you. Now you’d better get back to the meeting. The board members are occupied with afternoon tea. And please come and check the preparations for the staff party once you’ve finished. I’ve asked you twice already. It’s only five days away and it is at your house.”

  Fiona disappeared out the door. Victoria smoothed down her skirt, patted her hair into place and went back to the boardroom. She put on her poker face as she noticed Malcolm studying her. Victoria doubted she could keep her emotions in check for any length of time or absorb a word of business. Her heart raced as she realized that, whatever the check meant, Abby hadn’t forgotten her.

  Chapter Thirty

  On her third morning in Sydney, Abby reached for the phone. She’d organized her affairs and seen her mother, so it was time to take the plunge. Five days earlier Victoria had left a message on the answering machine, but nothing since. Hesitantly, she dialled Victoria’s office.

  “Ms Myers’s office. How may I help you?”

  Her heart lurched at the familiar Scottish brogue. “Hi, Fiona, it’s Abby.”

  “Abby, lass, where are you? Why haven’t you rung before now? We’ve been so worried.”

  She swallowed back a small feeling of shame. “I’m back home. I’ve been in Japan since I left Paris.”

  “Japan!” Fiona exclaimed. “What were you doing there?”

  “I’ll fill you in when I see you. How was your holiday with your folks?”

  “Wonderful. I left the day after you, so I had more time with them than I thought I would.”

  “Oh. You didn’t stay in Paris?”

  “No. I went to Scotland and Vic flew home.”

  Remorse swept through Abby. She’d wrecked Victoria’s holiday. “Umm…how is Vic?”

  There was a brief silence. “Haven’t you contacted her yet?” Fiona asked.

  “No, not yet. I’m…I’m testing the waters with you first. I guess she’s cranky as hell with me.”

  “Wouldn’t you be if she did that to you, lass? But don’t worry, she’s started to go out socially again and enjoy herself.”

  Jealousy swirled through Abby. “Has she now? Can you put me through to her, please?”

  “Sorry. She’s asked not to be disturbed. Our staff party is at her house tonight. Last-minute preparations, you understand.”

  “Oh…right. I’ll catch her another day. Would you like to come over for dinner one night?”

  “Why don’t you come to the party?”

  “I…I wouldn’t like to gatecrash. I don’t work for the company anymore.”

  “It’ll be fine. Malcolm is anxious to see you about the fine job you did overseas.”

  “Okay. If he wants me there, I guess I’ll go,” Abby whispered. She suddenly felt like crying. She’d stayed away too long. Victoria had moved on and Fiona didn’t seem anxious to see her. Not that she blamed them. Abby should have swallowed her pride and kept in touch. She’d put them through unnecessary worry while sh
e thought only of herself.

  “We’ll see you there at six thirty, lass. Wear something a bit dressy. That blue dress you wore on our last night in Japan would be nice. Do you know the address?”

  “Yes. I’ll see you there. Bye for now.”

  * * *

  Victoria raised her eyes from the computer screen when Fiona approached. “What is it? I have to be home by three to check on the caterers, so I hope it’s not important.”

  “I’m just making sure you’re leaving the office at a reasonable hour. Malcolm will be a little late, so he wants to make sure you’re there to greet everyone.”

  “I intended to be, so don’t worry. There’s nothing here that can’t wait until tomorrow.” She stared hard at the Scot. Fiona looked like the cat that had just swallowed the canary. Definitely smug. “Do you know something I don’t?”

  “No, no. Just making sure everything’s teed up for tonight. I’ll be off in another hour.” She reached the door then turned. “And Vic, what about wearing that lovely tuxedo you wore in Japan? It really suited you.”

  Victoria shook her head in disbelief. She must have completely lost her dress sense if Fiona was advising her about what to wear.

  * * *

  Abby took out the blue chiffon dress and slipped it over her shoulders. The outfit did look elegant, though it was odd that Fiona suggested she wear it. The woman hadn’t displayed any flair with clothes when they went shopping overseas, though she was happy to take Abby’s suggestions. After she brushed her hair and applied her makeup with extra care, she clipped the sapphire pendant around her neck and put on her heels. She was ready. Not wanting to be one of the first to arrive, Abby waited until seven to call the cab.

  The cab pulled up outside Victoria’s home in downtown Sydney and Abby took a few deep breaths. The doorman led her to the lift. “Ms Myers occupies the top level, madam.” He ushered her in and pressed the floor number.

  The door slid open at the entrance to a spacious foyer. As unobtrusively as possible, Abby slipped into a room occupied by a number of people chatting in groups. She hung back, embarrassed, and blew out a breath as she spied Fiona heading towards her. When she swept Abby into her arms and hugged her tightly, Abby’s doubts evaporated in an instant. “Oh lass, I am so glad you came.”

  “Me too.” She wiped away a tear; it was so good to see her. “I’ve missed you very much.”

  She held Abby at arm’s length to eye her closely. “You’ve lost some weight. Haven’t you been eating properly?”

  “I’ve been painting nonstop. When I get in the zone I forget meals sometimes.”

  “Is that where you’ve been doing—painting?”

  “Akio offered me a great commission. Three large panels for their new office block in Tokyo. The commission paid well enough for me to repay Vic.” Abby took Fiona’s hand and pressed it firmly. “You do understand, don’t you? I had to give her the money back so I could regain my integrity and pride. I…I shouldn’t have taken it in the first place.”

  “Aye, lass. You did the right thing, although Vic doesn’t see it that way. You hurt her badly.”

  Abby sniffed. “And now she’s moved on. It serves me right; I should have told you both where I was. I’m afraid I’m just too stubborn for my own good. I hated she knew I could be bought. Will she want to see me, do you think?”

  Fiona smiled. “She’s checking on the chefs in the kitchen and will be out shortly. In the meantime, Malcolm is on the terrace waiting to talk with you.”

  Abby followed her onto the balcony. Victoria certainly had a prime spot; the view was amazing, the city lights breathtaking. The chairman’s face lit up. “Abby, how good to see you again at long last. The job you did overseas was excellent and the mapping program you devised has saved us a lot of manpower hours. You’re considered quite the superwoman in the company. Did you enjoy your time?”

  “Oh, yes, sir. It was a great adventure and I learnt so much.”

  He looked pleased. “Would you consider working for us? There’s a position there if you want it.”

  “I found the work exciting, but I’ve made the decision to start painting in earnest. I’m planning an exhibition that will take at least a year to prepare. Thanks to you, I can afford to do it.”

  “I understand. But remember there’s a place here for you if you ever change your mind.” Malcolm glanced over her shoulder and back at her. “Have you seen Vic yet?”

  Abby fiddled with her dress material. “Not yet.”

  “You will in a minute. She’s coming our way.”

  * * *

  Victoria finished organizing the platters, topped up her glass of wine and went back to mingle. She deftly sidestepped the Manager of Finance and made her way to the balcony. He wouldn’t follow her out there—she knew the night air affected his asthma. Malcolm stood by the railing and smiled at her approach. Victoria’s words of greeting froze in her mouth when the woman he was with turned around. When their eyes met, Vic’s widened in shock.

  “Hi, Vic.”

  “Abby. You’re back,” she stammered. Aware that a hush had fallen over the conversation, Victoria flushed but quickly pulled herself together. With one hand in her pocket, she sauntered over to Abby but made no effort to touch her. “It’s good to see you. Are you being looked after?”

  Hurt flickered in the blue eyes. “Yes, thanks. How have you been, Vic?”

  “Good. How about you?”

  “I’m fine too.”

  Victoria draped her arm over the railing. “Have you been home long?”

  “A few days.”

  “Where’ve you been?”

  “Japan,” said Abby, accepting a glass of wine from the waiter.

  “Japan, huh?”

  “Yep.” Abby sipped.

  Malcolm patted Abby’s arm. “I’ve just been congratulating her on how well she worked overseas.”

  Victoria ignored him. “What were you doing in Japan?”

  Abby’s face tightened. “This and that.”

  “No phones where you were?” snapped Vic.

  “I went to work, not to chat on the phone,” Abby growled.

  “You worked all night too, did you?”

  “Well, I didn’t exactly stay home and not have any fun. Like some boring people I know.”

  Relief flittered across Malcolm’s face when Fiona appeared and grasped Abby’s arm. “Come with me to the library. You’ll love it.”

  With a glare at Vic, Abby followed her inside.

  Malcolm frowned at her. “What the hell is wrong with…”

  “Oh, bugger off, Malcolm,” she snarled and wheeled round to stride after them.

  Abby was pulling a book off the shelf when Victoria entered the room. “Would you mind if I spoke to Abby alone, Fiona?” asked Victoria.

  Fiona pursed her lips. “If the lass is okay with that.”

  Abby nodded. “I’m fine.”

  After the Scot left the room, Victoria said in a low voice, “I’m sorry. I was upset.” She crept closer. “Will you forgive me?”

  Abby ran fingers up her arm. “I should have told where I was. It was mean of me.”

  Victoria leaned forward to tuck a curl behind her ear. “I missed you. Can I give you a hug?”

  “You still want me after what I did?”

  Vic bent her head and nibbled her ear. “Yes, sweetie, I’ve been so lonely. Come here.”

  “Oh, honey, I’ve missed you so much.”

  As she moved into Vic’s arms, Abby let out a long sigh. “I’m home.”

  Victoria nuzzled her neck and Abby arched backwards to give her access to the tender flesh. With reluctance Victoria pulled back. “I’ll have to get back to the party.” She looked at Abby anxiously. “You’ll stay won’t you?”

  “Wild horses couldn’t drag me away.”

  It was well after midnight when the last guests, an inebriated group from the finance department, staggered out. After the door shut, Victoria turned to Abby. “Finally! Come her
e. I thought I’d never get them to go.”

  “Do you think maybe we should go a little slow for a while? We haven’t really dated.”

  “What! We lived together for six months,” came the indignant reply.

  Abby toyed with the lapel of Vic’s jacket. “Okay, okay. I just thought I’d ask. I don’t want to pressure you into anything.”

  “For heaven’s sake woman, give me a kiss.”

  When their lips met, it was as if they had never been parted. They began slowly, savouring every sensation as their tongues began to duel. Victoria shimmered her mouth down Abby’s neck, nibbling the tender skin as she went. Abby rolled the chiffon down to her waist and unclipped her bra. When her breasts fell out, Victoria said breathlessly, “So beautiful.”

  Vic massaged and rolled the nipples between her fingertips until they were taut and long. Abby grasped her head and pulled it down to her chest. “Suck them hard, honey, please.” Abby shivered as each nipple was consumed by the wet mouth. “Get you coat off,” she moaned. “I want to feel you too.”

  “Quick! The bedroom!” Vic undid her clothes as they stumbled down the hallway. Abby followed her through the door, ripped off her dress and flopped onto the king-sized bed. Vic shook off her tuxedo trousers, and prowled to the bed, clad only in a pair of hipster hotpants. She growled as she crawled on her hands and knees over Abby, who eyed the hipsters with appreciation. Vic bent her head and claimed her mouth. Their tongues entwined heatedly until eventually Abby pulled away to begin licking Vic’s neck with long firm strokes. As the fires flamed hotter they began fighting for dominance, and as they thrust and twisted, pounded and stroked. Their movements developed into a rhythmic dance, building inexorably to a grand finale. With a last thrust of their thighs, they crashed over the edge. They groaned out their pleasure as the waves rippled through.

  Abby lay stunned on the bed as she listened to Victoria’s laboured breathing beside her. So much for control. Abby rolled over and nibbled her shoulder. “Get those sexy pants off and you may take mine off with your teeth if you like. We haven’t even started yet.”