The Sticker Price by Karen Blayne

Oh by the way red tape first.

Be warned these short stories contain mature content or naughty bits and as such may corrupt you if you’re under 12, 16, 18, 21 or 25 depending where you live thus they are not suitable for you so put them back on the shelf and let them age for a year or two.

They were sort of scribbled for fun. They were first posted on asstr.org. If you’ve paid money for this book just be aware the author has not received any payment. In fact no one has permission to charge money for this book and copyright is retained by the author. All copies must be of the complete document. ©2018 Asstr.org accepts donations if you’re feeling rich or even if you’re not.

Luv Karen

“Well what do you think?” His technical person looked through the spec. “Demanding and our current offering won't meet it but I think the new one might.” Charlie picked up the phone and rang his VP. “Henry I'll get Steve to email you the specs, the current one he thinks has no chance but the gossip is the new one will. So can you get me one here by 10 am on the 17th? Oh and it has to be an available announced product with a shipping date by 11 am on the 17th.” “No problem leave it with me.”

They sat and crossed their fingers. Steve responded to the technical emails clarifying the specs, and putting clarifying questions into the group running the competition. On the sixteenth Charlie rang the big man himself. “If we don't have it by 10 am tomorrow then you might as well close the office down as we won't have anything to sell for three years and remember it has to meet all the mandatory specifications.” That night neither slept well. Both were in the office by eight am. By 9:45 Charlie had a tame cab sitting outside with the meter running. At 9:53 the package arrived. Steve opened it up and sure enough inside was the latest machine. He quickly ran through the specs then paused. “It doesn't have the icon on the front.” “What icon?” “Line 23.” Charlie read the offending line. “Take it anyway that way we did our bit and it was HQ that screwed up.”

A despondent Steve packed the machine up in its box and carried it down to the waiting cab. He was asked to unpack it and set it up on a table and await a technical authority who would go through the spec with him. He walked down the room to look at the competition. “No icon, well we needn't go any further.” This wasn't going to take long. He walked passed another machine that was being tested and watched the current draw pass the red line. Another failure.

The chair besides him was pulled out. “Now in your own time I'd like you to demonstrate the machine meets the specifications. Shall we start at number one?” They got as far as line 22. Surprisingly enough it met the current draw test running the benchmark software. “I'm going to take a break and grab coffee and when I return you can point out the icon on the front. This one here.” He pointed to the specification sheet. “If you ask Anna on reception nicely, she'll let you use the photocopier and find you a bit of Sellotape. I'll be back in ten minutes.” Steve blinked, he couldn't possibly have heard right could he? He picked up the specification sheet and headed over to the photocopier.

Ten minutes later the technical authority was back and ticked off the icon on the front. “I assume the production ones will be in colour and not stuck on with Sellotape but since the specification sheet doesn't demand it I'll accept it.” The rest of the benchmark flew by.

Steve walked back into the office in a daze. “Did you remember to bring the machine back?” “No it’s still there. It wasn't rejected.” Charlie looked at him in amazement. “But it didn't have the logo on the front.” “It has now, photocopied and stuck on with Sellotape and from what I can see the only ones through besides us are the premium brands.” “Explain.” “The guy doing the technical authority bit mentioned he was going for a coffee and when he came back I was to show him the logo on the front. Oh and Anna was the person to ask to use the photocopier and for a bit of Sellotape.” “So you took the hint?” “I took the hint.” “And there's no way we can return the favour?” “Not without jeopardising the contract. I don't even think we could buy him a coffee these days. I think his motivation was to make a cheaper option available.” “I don't think I care what his motivation was.”

Charlie picked up the phone. “You realise this opens up a whole new market for us besides just this contract? We pay our debts.” Came the voice down the phone “So find a way, there's 1.2 million left in the advertising fund at the moment so use that somehow in a way that can't be traced directly back to us. Get creative.” “Yes Boss.”

He turned to Steve “So what do we know about this guy?” “Larry, not much, he's off to a conference next week and he was hoping to get a course but it got cancelled by the school. He's not a party guy.” Charlie mulled, there must be possibilities. He dived in the trash can, yes. There it was some sort of female geek wanting a summer job. He picked up the phone. “Could you drop by we have a temporary requirement for two weeks but it might be extended.” Steve looked at him. “Why would we want a female geek?” “Patience lad patience.”

“Steve here can't make the conference and the course but they're already paid for and it looks bad if no one goes so the job is to attend the conference and the course. We'll pay you for the rest of the month, sound reasonable?” He looked at Kai across the desk. Tall and not a trace of makeup on her. “Sounds mad but you're paying.” Good, blunt as well. “Whilst you're there you might just bump into a guy called Larry if you do and get into a conversation with him that's worth a job until the end of summer.” She looked at him oddly “You want me to seduce him?” “You said it not I but if you mange that its worth an extra million.” “But I get paid for the month for just attending and not speaking to this guy?” “Correct all expenses paid.” “And a summer job for just talking to him?” Charlie nodded. “Is my word that I've spoken to him enough?” “Your word is good enough for any of it.”

Kai shrugged her shoulders. “To be less noticeable do you have a long dress to dine in? I think the hotel can be a bit formal.” Kai shook her head. Charlie peeled off a few notes “You start today so go and do a spot of shopping. I'd like receipts but just buy something you'd be comfortable wearing. I suggest say five dresses but nothing with an outrageously plunging neckline.” Kai counted up the money. “Do you want change?” “No just receipts for the total amount.” “I'll have the flights and other paperwork ready in your name by five. I think the flight is tomorrow morning.”

Kai spent most of the day going through inexpensive long dresses picking out ones with long sleeves that made the most of her colouring. She had no intention of being a seductress. It just wasn't her style. Then she noticed she still had some funds left so splurged them on a long cotton nightdress and a few items of underwear.

A prepaid cab was waiting to take her to the airport next morning. She was happy about that as tipping or not tipping cab drivers was something she never was comfortable about. At the airport she was met and guided through the business class check-in. Her eyebrows rose at this. Behind her Larry approached the counter. “I'm sorry sir but I'll have to ask you to change your seat. I have a family group to accommodate.” “An aisle seat?” He asked hopefully. “Yes I think I can mange that for you. It's a bit further forward.” Larry found himself in the business class next to Kai. He nodded a greeting to her then dug in his bag to bring out the agenda for the conference. Kai's nose twitched, there was coincidence and coincidence. “Hi I'm Kai and it looks as if you're going to the same conference as I am?” “Oh good then we can share a cab. Which sessions are you interested in?” “I'm not even sure what it is about. I sorted of got hired for a month and got told to attend as the guy who should be going couldn't make it and they didn't want to admit no one was going.” “The ways of management are wondrous strange. I'm Larry Jones by the way. I don't normally fly in the front but I got bumped from my aisle seat in the back.” Well she had a summer job at least.

When they landed, she saw her name on a card being held up by a middle-aged lady in the arrivals area. “I'm from the hotel. Since you're travelling by yourself your company thought you might feel safer being met.” Kai twitched her nose. “Room for two?” “I should think so. Met him on the plane did you?” “Yes but I think he's safe.” Larry looked taken back. “We're only teasing you. Come share a ride to the hotel.”

They entered the foyer together and were greeted by a young lady with a tablet. “Kai Wood?” She enquired looking at the image on her tablet. Kai nodded her head. “And you sir?” “Larry Jones.” “If you'd both like to follow me.” She turned to Kai “I've put you on the eighteenth floor. It's quiet up there.” As they travelled up the elevator she enquired “I've got you booked in for this week and next but the trainer rang and said they couldn't manage next week and suggested the following week. I've spoken to your boss and he can cover the change except for he doesn't have enough budget to fly you out again nor to pay for the room for three weeks so what would you like to do? He did suggest you could sleep on the beach?” Kai pulled a face as the young lady pulled out a card, typed something in the tablet than opened the door to the room that contained two large double beds. “It's got a kettle and a coffee maker and there is a small fridge for milk. It's also a small bar.” Larry wondered what the course was so Kai pulled out the glossy she'd been given. “I don't think it's the end of the world if I miss it.” Larry's eyes lit up when he noticed what it was. “I'd love to take that course. Mine got cancelled.” “Well the contractor did mention that it was booked as fill the room by Kai's company and as far as he can see she's the only one. He's local so we see quite a bit of him. I think he was looking forward to being able to return home each evening for a change.”

“Well I can't afford to stay between the two paid weeks so sorry guys.” The young lady tilted her head. “If you were to share a room you could both stay the three weeks? I could transfer your booking to next week? I have a waiting list for this week.” She added hopefully. Larry added “But I couldn't afford the meals for three weeks and besides I don't think I could telework from here.” “Kai's room was booked with meals so your food would be covered. Table d'hôte only I'm afraid but you wouldn't starve and when did you last have a week of doing nothing? A real vacation?” Larry shrugged and turned towards Kai with a hopeful schoolboy gleam in his eye. “I know the contractor wouldn't get paid either if he didn't give the course.” “Then that's settled?” Kai gave a very reluctant nod. She wasn't sure how but she had a suspicion that both she and Larry were being manipulated. Still she got a summer job out of it and that's all that mattered. Larry was given a second key card to the room.

“We could go and register this evening? It would save time tomorrow.” Kai nodded and together they returned to the foyer and thence to the conference centre. Kai looked round the crowded hall “There don't seem to be many females?” “Oh there are usually half a dozen or so. They're very popular.” “I can guess.” She said and took a step closer to Larry as two conference attendees leered at her.

After receiving a tote bag with the conference logo on the side Kai thought she'd like to go back upstairs and change. “Why you look fine to me.” “I glanced at the dinning room when we came in I think I'd stand out less if I changed.” Larry shrugged there was no understanding females but if that made her happy and he got his course that was fine. Kai looked at herself in the mirror in the bathroom. She didn't normally bother with clothes but just once in a while it made her feel good to dress up a little. She'd do. She stepped out into the bedroom and gazed at Larry lying back on the bed reading his emails. “Ready?” He looked up just a trifle startled and she had an inner satisfaction of knowing she'd had a minor impact. “Then let's go.”

At the dinning room entrance there was a small queue of people waiting to be seated but a waiter beckoned them forth. “I'm Martin. I'll be your evening waiter for the next six days. On my day off someone else will serve you. Mr. Hargraves thought you might like this table Miss Wood but you may have another if you so choose.” He stopped by a reserved table laid for two with a good view of the room. He handed them two menus without prices. “There's no prices?” commented Larry. “Non Monsieur, you dine table d'hôte so the price is always the same and included in your room rate. Would you like a wine list? Your table d'hôte includes three bottles of wine per week which allows you about two glasses per day. You have a choice from the small list at the bottom of the menu. I'll recork it after your meal and save it for the next day.” He turned to Kai “I would suggest a light white hock for yourself but your guest might prefer a claret?” Kai looked across at Larry who recognising one of the names at the bottom looked hopeful. “I wouldn't mind trying number four.” “A very wise choice sir and for yourself madam perhaps a number three?” Kai nodded. “Would you like me to select something for you? You don't know the chef's specialities yet and I suspect you both would prefer something not too spicy?” They both nodded. “I'll be back directly. This is your reserved table by the way provided you arrive before nine o'clock. Just walk straight to it.”

“Just who did you say you worked for?” “My boss is called Charlie and according to my letter of offer it’s some sort of numbered company. They were sending some else but they couldn't come. I'm just a summer student really in a long evening gown.” “It becomes you.” Kai inclined her head gracefully “Thank you kind sir.”

The food was excellent. Kai tried a portion of Larry's and he tried some of her chicken. Martin poured them a glass of wine each and a splash of each other's wine in a second glass besides unobtrusively ensuring their water glasses were kept topped up. “Well if that was table d'hôte I can't imagine what the full menu choice is like.” “If you'll pardon me sir the full menu might be long but realistically the chefs only have time to prepare three main courses properly and they are the table d'hôte menu. Other diners will be guided by the waiters or waitresses towards the same items on the full menu but at the normal price. Now if you'll excuse me I'll serve you coffee then go and attend my other tables. Just leave when you're ready.”

Larry shook his head. “I think we're being treated like royalty for some reason. Do you fancy a drink in the bar?” “And be taken for a lady of the night no thank you. I've a mind to retire and relax to some classic music.” “Would you mind if I join you princess?” Kai very delicately poked her tongue out at him. Upstairs Larry managed to connect Kai's portable CD player to the TV system so they could both listen to the music.

Kai disappeared into the en-suite bathroom to change into her long cotton night dress. It had been a long day and to be honest she just felt like a reassuring hug better. As she came back into the bedroom she noted that Larry had taken the bed nearest the bathroom. She slipped in besides him. “Don't get any ideas so much as happened today and I just feel like a hug better.” Larry slipped his arm round her and she snuggled up feeling safe. She'd manage the summer job but no way was she selling her body even for a million dollars.

Next morning they joined the throng for the conference. “Which sessions do you want to attend?” “At the moment I don't want to be left on my own thank you. My bum has already been fondled more than enough so whichever you're thinking of going to I'll tag along.” She turned quickly and caught another conference attendee who was stood behind her on the kneecap with her tote bag.

That evening they stepped past the queue waiting to be seated and Martin served them at the same reserved table. On the way out Larry caught her looking wistfully at the ballroom listening to the music. “Would you care to dance?” She nodded “But they may not let us in.” “Shall we try?” She nodded once more and they stepped towards the door. “Are we allowed in?” Kai enquired of the doorman who was accepting tickets. “Certainly Miss Woods. No tickets are required for guests of the hotel.” “Do you know every guest’s name?” “No Miss but Leahia did ask us to be helpful to you. We appreciate you extending your stay by two weeks after the conference when it's a little quieter for us.” What was left unsaid was anyone whom the very senior executive assistant had phoned down to the manager's assistant about before she arrived would be accorded creative VIP treatment. Henri's suggestion of a table d'hôte menu was thought to be inspired.

The small band was playing, “I'm not sure I remember the steps.” admitted Larry, Kai tugged him by the hand and together they stepped out onto the near empty dance floor. Around the floor stood groups of males and others of females. They danced two numbers together then Kai whispered in Larry's ear “The girl over by the column is looking wistful.” “I'd better go and ask her to dance then hadn't I? You'll be OK?” She nodded. Across the floor was a group of conference attendees she recognised. She stepped across and stood directly in front of one and battered her eye lashes. “Tom I think she's hinting at something.” “Well I couldn't possibly ask him directly to dance now could I? That would be much too forward.” The doorman looked on as Kai and Larry's dancing seemed to be the signal for the others to join in. He sent a note to Leahia mentioning the fact. In turn housekeeping were directed to deliver a small vase of flowers to their room as a quiet thank you.

Wednesday Kai pulled out an old denim skirt just for a change. As she stepped out of the bathroom Larry looked taken back. “You can't go out dressed like that.” “Well my blouse is a bit old but I thought it respectable enough.” “I wasn't talking about your blouse.” She shrugged “You're wearing denim jeans.” “But it’s much too short.” “Come along grandad, fashions have changed since the 1920s. Besides there were shorter skirts floating round the hotel yesterday. Would you like me to look for your walking stick?” Inwardly she grinned.

Once seated in the conference room she crossed her legs. Goodness anyone would think Geeks hadn't seen a pair of legs at a conference before. She hadn't realised just how much fun a geek conference could be.

“Seeing as it’s our week's vacation what would you like to do today?” Kai had been adding up her daily incidental allowance which she hadn't been spending. “Well I could do with another pair of white ankle socks. I hadn't planned on being here quite so long.” “Let us go forth and see what we can find.” Kai looked at him, was he real? A male who didn't mind shopping?

The Hotel made a pair of cycles available to them to explore with. So after a few initial wobbles they spent the week exploring the city and especially the book shops. Kai was surprised to find that the authors he was interested in happened for the most part to be ones she liked as well. The course she found parts were interesting but accepted that most was about things she didn’t really have the background for. It was a fairly advanced level course and the instructor once he found out Kai knew nothing about the subject but was happy for Larry to ask all the questions concentrated on Larry’s needs and covered the course material in four days. “You know that’s the first time I’ve ever managed to cover all the material for this course and usually we spread it out over five days. Shall we concentrate on Kai tomorrow?” Friday they both explained what the course was about in simpler higher level terms much to Kai’s delight.

That evening they lay back on the bed together. “What will you do next week?” “Return to the office I guess that and look for somewhere to live when I start college in September.” “Which is it?” She named the college. “My apartment is just up the road.” She rolled over and thumped him with pillow. “Was it something I said?” “And I suppose you'll expect me to pay rent with my body?” Larry felt lost. “I hadn't thought of it that way. I mean other couples live together.” “Married couples?” “If you like.” “Heavens is this a proposal of marriage?” Larry looked taken back and thought for a moment. “I suppose it is.” “I accept since I'm quite sure it's the only one I'll get.” Larry looked puzzled “You mean if you accept mine there won't be any other offers made?” She grinned before rolling over and kissing him on the lips in agreement. Then she started to undo the buttons on his shirt.

“What are you doing?” “Well we're engaged now so we ought to find out if we're compatible sexually don't you think?” “I've never really thought about it.” Kai was undoing his jeans and sliding them down his legs followed by her own jeans. “I'm not sure what to do.” Larry admitted. Kai was tugging off his underwear. “Well this little bit here.” She stroked his rod lightly “Is supposed to grow firmer.” With her other hand she felt herself and ran a finger round to spread the moisture around. “And then it just slides in.” She lowered herself down on top of him. Beneath her Larry started to move to meet her movements.

Afterwards he kissed her and held her. “Are we compatible?” He asked tentatively. “Definitely, worth a million dollars.” He just kissed her once more and held her. It was comforting to be part of a couple.