What a New Year's Eve

by R. E. Laurel

  “What’s going on?”

  “Father sent a list of who should be cut,” he grumbled.

  “Now of all times.”

  Victor handed the stack to Stan. “You can deal with it. I really don’t give a shit. I have to attend my job.”

  Victor grudgingly fell into his salesman routine. Being here wasn’t his choice but rather that of his father who told him he needed to become more involved with the family business and learn the trade of how things work. Especially since he was now the President of the company but taking full reign in December. So here he was at one of the smaller stores to oversee the dismissal of a few long-time head workers. All he was interested in was getting to the Bahamas for Thanksgiving where friends were already partying away the nights and lounging on the beaches during the day. It was one of the many annual places the group visited.

  Surprisingly, being here wasn’t so tough or as unpleasant as he thought it would be. He easily placed himself in a role reversal mode and acted as he would want and expected his sales assistance treat him. And it was working.

  During his time on the sales floor, he more than once glanced at Maren’s direction and catching her more than once always seeming to turn her head away. Her writing hand was always busy too, quite rapid on paper whenever he looked at her. His grin was sheepish. Yes, he caught her attention. He remained watching when Belinda approached Maren with a mischievous grin. Abruptly she held her arm out to hold a mint green piece of material in front of Maren. He almost burst out with laughter at the shocked expression crossing her face when she looked down at the barely anything three-piece of sleepwear with the baby-doll top and lace bottoms. Then he heard her gasp of surprise change to a giggle. Belinda turned to replace it on the rack before getting back to work.

  “Excuse me, Victor. I would like to see you.”

  He turned to see Stan motioning with his finger to follow him. He followed, giving Maren a quick grin as he passed by where she stood among the sexy lingerie. Not missing a step, his arm rapidly reached out to grasp the hanger that held the lingerie. She would look good in that, he thought, eying the mint green, leaving not a thing to the imagination lace camisole top and thong panties.

  With intention, he walked past Maren. Slowing his steps, he bent to her height, “I just got you a gift. Can’t wait to see you in it,” he boldly muttered into her ear, receiving a shocked gasp. He turned, walking backward while holding the sexy lingerie in front of him for her to see. He didn’t miss the red blush rising on her cheeks when her gaze fell onto it. He laughed, loving her innocence. Turning back, he rushed to catch up with Stan.

  If only he knew the truth.

  He followed Stan as he entered the elevator then pushed the five button.

  “What do you have?” Stan reached out a hand, his fingers lightly rubbing the soft material as he curiously eyed Victor.

  “This? I’m not so sure why I picked it up. I guess I was picturing someone wearing it.”

  “Uh huh. All right.”

  “What do you need?”

  “We need to discuss the details of the Christmas party.”

  “How the hell can we discuss a Christmas party and releasing of management in one breath?”

  Victor rolled his eyes. He followed Stan into his office, once again the secretary flashing him a come-on grin. He gave her another nod, ignoring her as he walked past. Taking his seat, he reached for the folder in front of him. His gaze roamed over the pages of details. There were columns of items ordered, prizes, food, beverages, where it was being held, the amount used and how much was left over, and he didn’t give one ounce of shit about it. He flipped the file closed.

  “It all looks fine to me. Have someone take care of it.”

  “Well, she always does but we need confirmation from the boss. Everything is ordered. Everything is in place.”

  “Well, then why am I looking at it? You’re the man in charge.”

  “You are the man who owns the chain. Need your signature.”

  “All right,” he released a bored sigh.

  “Cost Vic,” he added. “She maintained the budget and has a little extra.”

  “She who?”

  “Miss Wilson.”

  An instant smile spread across Victor’s lips at the mention of the quiet beauty he had the chance to speak with a few times. And despite their confrontation this morning, he was looking forward to asking her out. He wanted to get to know her better.

  “Ah, I had a feeling that word would gain your interest,” Stan added with a knowing grin when Victor’s smile widened.

  “Give her a bonus of the excess.”

  “Two thousand?”

  “Fine. Despite the coming cutbacks, the businesses are doing exceptionally well in the past five quarters. Give it to her and give the others an added couple hundred too.”

  “You’ll send them all into shock.” Stan laughed.

  “Tis the season. Fa la la la la.”

  Stan chuckled at the sarcasm in Victor’s voice. “And guess what else. She is on the cut list.”

  Victor grew silent, suddenly hating this job. “I don’t understand it at all if we’re doing so well.” Leaning forward he retrieved his cell phone to place a call. He waited, then, “Father, I just scanned the list of cutbacks and want to know why Maren Wilson is on it.”

  “Good morning to you, son.”

  “Yes, good morning but why is she on it?” His gaze rolled to the window at the city below watching the heavy gray clouds rolling in from the lake and then a fast squall of swirling snow coming at him.

  “What is her name again? I need to go into the files.”

  Victor patiently waited as he listened to the keys of his father’s computer tap away.

  “Are you going to the Bahamas with your friends again?” Victor Neal the Fifth asked his son in a deep commanding voice that held a serious tone.

  “I’m planning on it. Where are you and mother going this year?”

  “I don’t really know where she is going. I’m going to Jamaica.”

  Victor smirked at different vacations they will be taking again. Then his father’s next words brought him back to his problem at hand.

  “Cutbacks son. We have an over staff and need to let some go. It’s the higher paid ones.”

  “That’s nonsense,” he interrupted.

  “Since when do you have concern for others? You never care.”

  “Yea well.”

  “The accountant will be happier too.”

  “I just okayed a few bonuses’,” he began, wincing from his father’s tirade.

  “What the hell are you thinking without authorization to do that? How much?”

  “Hey, I’ll cover them; don’t you worry your little bank account about it. Happy bird eating day to you.” He sarcastically ended before tossing his phone on top of the desk.

  “It’s a no go?”

  “I guess they’ll be severance pays.” Gloomily he added, “Damn she’s cute. Increase Miss Wilson’s to twenty thousand and the other five thousand. Have the checks cut and we’ll get this over with.”

  ***

  Maren’s concerned gaze kept sweeping to the elevators where Victor and Stan disappeared a good thirty minutes earlier. She didn’t miss the lingerie he snatched from the rack and then the words he spoke to her as he passed. She knew what he insinuated regarding the lingerie. She felt the heat from another blush rise on her cheeks. For some reason, the thought of him touching her intrigued her.

  Perhaps Stan noticed it in the elevator and was firing him. That was not a good sign, especially since he was new. Or, it could mean that Victor was getting a tongue lashing already. Though she has worked here for eight years, when the CEO sent for her she still became unnerved at the seams with worry until the meeting would be over. She really needed to apologize for her abrupt behavior this morning to him. Hindsight told her exactly what Jim mentioned. He was being polite.

  She managed to keep herself busy next to the area th
ey disappeared as she waited for him to return. Suddenly, she caught sight of him as he got off of the elevator. With a smile, she walked towards him. Her gaze roamed down and up his long length, liking how he looked. His body reminded her of an athlete, tall, muscular, walking with an easy gait yet could probably pounce when he needed to.

  “Mr. Montgomery,” She began walking to meet him. She didn’t know why she was anxious to hear his voice.

  “No, please, Miss Wilson, call me Vic.” He returned, stopping as she approached. His smile broadened at her grin.

  “Vic. Please, call me Maren. I was concerned. Hoping that all is fine since you went upstairs.” She stated, realizing how childish she was sounding.

  “I’m fine. Stan needed to go over a few details with me about my department. That’s all.”

  “I also wanted to apologize for my rudeness this morning. It was totally uncalled for.” Her smile was wide, hoping he would accept.

  “It’s fine, really. I enjoyed our encounter this morning. I’m having some tough personal issues and guess I took them out on you, too,” he reluctantly explained, not missing her look of concern she cast at him.

  He held his arm out, motioning her to walk. She led the way and felt the lightest touch of his hand on the small of her back. The heat generated a shock wave up her spine. Inhaling a slight breath, she tried to ignore it.

  “Sor, sorry to hear that. Are you from the area?” She curiously asked struggling with her current train of thoughts.

  “No. I was transferred.” He stated.

  “Oh!” She sounded surprised. “So, you have no family in the area?”

  “No. I do have Stan, though. He’s my best friend since college.”

  “Isn’t that interesting that you managed to keep in contact and work at the same business.”

  “It is. We’ve been through quite a lot, too.”

  “I’ll bet you two have. Well, anyways. Would you like to come with me to my parents for Thanksgiving?”

  What the hell am I doing? She silently scolded herself as she discovered that she held her breath, waiting for his answer. She could not believe what she asked! Being in his presence caused her to feel differently and she could not quite understand why.

  Nice.

  She was only being nice to a new employee who was alone on the holiday. That was her only reason for doing this. Then, the thought struck her. Maybe he had family coming in to join him. A wife and the two-point one-half child and two dogs! Oh, for crying out loud, what he must be thinking about her lame offer! Taking a breath, she stared, transfixed, seeing his amused smile and she wanted nothing more than to run away and hide somewhere among all of the inventory in the stock room.

  “I mean, unless you have a wife, children coming into town or maybe you’re even going home,” she nervously explained.

  The grin was small on Victor’s lips. He was enjoying this woman who didn’t know him for who he truly is and how she responded to with him. It seemed everywhere he went the ladies knew who he was and the family fortune he had. But not Maren Wilson. She was pure, fresh, untouched by such venom.

  “I think that I would enjoy that.” He replied, not having the heart to tell her that he was planning on flying to one of the family vacation homes in warmer Bahamas for Thanksgiving. “So how about dinner this evening?” He countered.

  Maren blinked surprised at the turn-around of the request. “I would like that, but we have a policy of not dating co-workers.”

  “Call it a business date, then.”

  CHAPTER 5

  Dumbfounded, Belinda stared at Maren. Did she hear her words correctly? Did she honestly say that she was going on a date this evening with the mysterious Victor Montgomery?

  “When did this all take place?”

  “As in?”

  “He asking you out?”

  “About an hour ago.” She paused watching a couple of department managers walking past with boxes filled with what appeared to be personal items, in their arms. “Hey, what’s going on?” They stopped at her question with angered expressions.

  “We got the ax, that’s what’s going on.”

  “Oh no. I’m so sorry.”

  “I don’t think he’s done yet either. He had more papers in front of him. It’s been great working with you.”

  “Excuse me, Maren. Mr. Burton wants to see you.”

  Maren’s mouth went dry and heart began erratically beating in her chest. She could only stare at Stan’s secretary and not miss the sad expression she gave to her. “What?”

  “Yea, he wants to see you.”

  Maren remained motionless as she walked away. “Belinda. this is it. I just know it.”

  “I’ll keep my fingers crossed. Maybe you received a promotion,” she hopefully added despite the grim look on Maren’s face.

  Inhaling a deep breath then exhaling, she bravely went to the elevator. Lord, she felt like she was going to her last meal before being executed. With each step she took, the jitters attacked her body. She struggled to still her jaw as it began to quiver causing her teeth to chatter.

  “Shit, shit, shit, shit,” she muttered on the familiar ride to the fifth floor. The door slid open and she faced Victor as he stepped aside to let her off.

  His hand gently gripped her upper arm to stop her. She gasped at the heated shockwave spreading from his hand and down her arm. “Hey, where are you going?” He asked, knowing. She looked up at his face and thought she read concern in his eyes. “Good lord, Maren. You’re so pale. Are you sure you’re all right?”

  “Um, I’m a bit nervous. I’m going to see Stan,” she managed to answer through the fear of being let go from her job. She had never been fired from any job in her life!

  “Do you want me to come with you?” He not only felt her fear but saw it. Her face was so pale showing off the darkness of her eyes more dominant among long dark lashes. “I can wait outside the door.”

  She only shook her head. Adding a forced wide smile of self-assurance. She reached out to touch his hand, so warm on her arm. “I got this,” she muttered. Somehow, she continued down the long, seemingly extra-long corridor to the huge corner office where Stan Burton held court.

  Victor watched her walk away and felt such an overwhelming feeling of guilt engulf him. At the moment he hated to be the heir of Neal’s Emporium and especially hated to let anyone go but his father’s word was still final in the business until December. With nothing else he could do, he changed his course of direction and went to the lounge to get some coffee. He decided he would wait on Maren and hopefully she wouldn’t be too upset. Who was he kidding? This is going to devastate her. She loved her job. Lord how he wanted to whisk her into his arms and hold her and tell her everything will work out.

  Maren remained brave as she held her head high but with every step nearer to Stan Burton’s office she felt herself wilt as her nerves kicked into overdrive. Oh yes, into complete overdrive as she walked to the gallows. She stopped in front of the closed door that once opened, his secretary would give her with a long sad look before nodding her into his office. She just knew that’s how it would all be played out.

  She glanced down the corridor, surprised to see Victor still standing, watching, with his hands deep into the pockets of his charcoal dress pants. His matching blazer was unbuttoned revealing a pink button-down shirt with a perfectly tied charcoal and white striped necktie. He briefly gave her a nod before he casually strode into the lounge area. She didn’t miss how somber he looked before he disappeared.

  With one last sigh, she entered into the vortex of despair. And as she just knew it would happen, the secretary gave her a look of sadness and nod her head to the closed paneled heavy wood door.

  “Thank you I suppose,” Maren muttered the sarcasm as she continued her walk to the office of ‘The Man’.

  Stan sat behind his desk watching the door, waiting for Maren to arrive. Of all the people being let go, she was the last one he ever dreamed that this would happen to. She had
fantastic attendance, fantastic camaraderie with both the co-workers and customers. She was an all-around joy to be about with positive attitude and the beautiful smile for everyone whose path she crossed. Reluctantly he watched as the door slowly eased open to let Maren first peer around. Her eyes were extra luminous as she remained standing, staring at him. With a flick of his fingers, he motioned her inside.

  “You can close the door.”

  He watched as she purposefully closed the door extra slow. No doubt putting off the uneventful.

  “Have a seat, Maren.” He gestured his hand to the chair across from him. Again, with sloth-like movements, she finally sat down to lastly look him in the eyes. “I’m assuming from your actions that you understand why I called for you to come here.”

  “I believe I do. Just get to it.”

  “All right. I’ve known you for the past five years and fill you are such an asset to our company. Regretfully I have to let you go,” he paused when she closed her eyes. “You aren’t the only one.” She looked at him and he could see tell-tale signs of tears forming. “There is a total of thirteen.”

  “A lucky number.”

  “Well.” He handed her an envelope. “Here is the letter of recommendation and severance pay.”

  “That’s it? Eight years went like that?” She snapped her fingers. “Poof? I’m another number in the system?”

  “I’m afraid so. I’m terribly sorry, Maren. Go ahead and look at the contents,” he urged, knowing Victor gave her such an enormous amount of severance.

  She opened the envelope and read the letter stating how fortunate the company was to have her as a top employee along with a letter of recommendation and well wishes in the future with her job search. She rolled her eyes to Stan then back to the check. Her eyes did a double take and she swore she was going to pass out. The room did a spin and began to turn white. Gripping the check in both hands, she strained to catch her breath.

  Stan rushed to her, lifting her arms above her head.

  “Wh...what are you doing? I am not choking! Wait!” she squealed when she felt his hand grasp behind her neck and her head be pushed between her knees. “Stan!”