The Would Be Film Star by Karen Blayne 

Oh bye the way, red tape first.

Copyrighted Karen Blayne.  All copies must be of the complete document.

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 and they may anything with it. 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.

Luv Karen

Jane had a feeling this time she was going to get lucky and land a job.  She walked through the door and was greeted by an elderly gentleman.  “What can we do for you?”  “I’m job hunting.”  “Sounds a perfectly reasonable thing to do.  In fact I’d like to hire you but I don’t know how to.”  She looked at him “Our Human Resources lady left last week and no one knows the steps to hire someone.”  “It can’t be that difficult can it?”  “Well apparently there are rules to be followed if you have more than six employees.  Still you look intelligent, if you can figure out how to hire yourself you’re hired as the HR manager.”  She finally had a job, well maybe.

It took her sometime to sort everything out but eventually she managed to find the right form letter so Mr. Willis could sign it to say she was hired, back dated by two weeks to the day she’d walked through the door.

“There’s some new accessibility standards coming out.  Make sure we comply can you.”  Was the world made of red tape?  She struggled with documentation and after a few minor changes she felt happy they were compliant.  “Have you tested them?”  “Tested them?”  “Hire someone in a wheelchair then we can demonstrate we meet the standards if need be.  I’m after some government contracts and I’ve heard they have a disabled manager in a wheelchair so it might make a difference.”  “What shall I do with them?”  “You’re a department head, add them to your department.”

How does one hire a wheelchair user?  To advertise meant discriminating.  In the end she slipped a para transpo driver $50 to find her someone.

Rylee was suspicious at first but looking at her in her high tech wheelchair Jane thought if anyone could work out what worked Rylee could.  Rylee spotted a few things that Jane had missed.  She wasn’t the brightest girl on the planet but she was always cheerful and more than willing to help out where she could.

Mr. Wallis came into her office “You’ve been talking about succession planning. Well here’s my nephew Martin.  Rotate him through all the departments, a month in each and he can take over when he’s done so I can retire.  Make sure he spends January in the warehouse so he can get a feel for how cold it can get.”  Martin was quiet and didn’t say much at first.  He was recognised by one or two in the company and the general feeling was at least it was Martin and they hadn’t been sold out to a larger company.

The government manager visited and was impressed with the attention to detail.  Mr. Willis was impressed with the contract, not the most profitable but one that would supply them a steady supply of work during the company’s quieter periods.

“I’ve heard a whisper that there’s a good chance there will be a demand for office space coming up in a year or so.  I’ve brought our building, the property company is going through a bad time at the moment with its shopping centres so we need to brighten it up.  Find some tenants for all the empty stores on the ground floor.”  “What sort of tenants?”  “A coffee shop, a good restaurant, somewhere where the workers can get a reasonable lunch.  Book store perhaps? Think about what you’d like to see and organise it.”  “Rents?”  “I’ll get that back off the office rents so no its not of primary importance.”  She talked to Rylee.  “Not every disabled person is in a wheelchair.”  “On crutches?”  “The Café Joyeux in Paris is staffed mainly with people with learning disabilities and there is a café called the Stockpot in London near Leicester Square that offers a set menu at a reasonable price we could do something like that?”  “You mean run three restaurants?”  “You’d only need one kitchen.”  Jane worked out a budget to set everything up then spoke to Mr. Wallis, “Just as long as there is a quiet comfortable traditional restaurant with white linen table clothes that I can have business meetings in over lunch in the mix I’m happy.  Go ahead but no chains since I’m after character and allow yourself another 50% to cover the unexpected.”

Odette stepped into the elevator behind Mr. Wallis.  “Good morning Sir.”  Mr. Wallis frowned “What are you after?”  “Well my boyfriend would like to build a house.”  “And?”  “We need some help on the financing side.  The banks will only lend once its built.”  “We would need to discuss it in more detail but I’m busy at the moment and don’t really have the time.”  “Over supper?”  She answered perkily.  “And have every gossip columnist have a field day.”  “At your place?”  “Same problem if anyone saw you entering.”  Odette panicked she had only a few seconds left before his floor arrived.  “I could hide in the back seat of your car?”  The twenty-third floor arrived and as he stepped out of the elevator he slipped her his car keys.  “Five past five level P2 block C.”  Odette felt stunned she’d done it actually got to speak to Mr. Wallis.  They stood a chance.  She’d slip out at lunch time and buy a dress.

At five to five she arrived on parking level P2 and found block C by following the signs.  She pressed the unlock button and walked up to the SUV that flashed its lights.  She placed the garment bag behind the rear seat then snuck into the rear seat and curled up after placing the keys in the coffee holder.  Just after five Mr. Wallis arrived and entered the car.  “Keys?”  “In the coffee holder.”  He pressed the starter button and off they set.

He drove into the garage and they both climbed out hidden from view.  “Do you have you an iron?  I want to just quickly make sure there are no creases in my dress.”  “In the bedroom on the right at the top of the stairs.”  She scurried upstairs and unzipped the garment bag.  A quick iron then she got changed before coming down.  There were interesting sounds and smells coming from the kitchen so she peered in through the door.

“Sit.” came the command.  She dutifully sat at the kitchen table and was served ham with melted cheese on top together with a micro-waved potato and petite pois.  “Not a candle lit dinner for two I’m afraid.”  “Hey anything I don’t have to cook is perfect and actually this is tasty.”  They both cleaned their plates and Mr. Wallis served coffee.  “Now then show me what you’ve got.”  Odette stood then gradually lifted her flared skirt up exposing first her knee then several inches of thigh.  “No I expressed that badly didn’t I.  Let’s get down to business.”  Odette raised her eyebrows but brought her hands up to her dress’s back zipper.  “Show me the plans for your house.”  Odette pouted “and I thought you were showing me some attention.”  She turned her back on him and delved into her bag, the hem of her skirt lifting as she bent over giving a glimpse of stocking tops.  She turned and put the documents such as they were down on the table in front of him then drew up a chair next to him.

He read through the documents and frowned.  “So basically you want stage funding?”  Odette nodded.  “You realise that building a one off house costs roughly 25% more than if you build a batch?”  There was a pause “Have either of you ever tackled the city’s planning and building permit process before?”  “No but it can’t be that difficult can it?”  “It can be and its one reason why building a batch is cheaper.  Now are you planning to work part time?”  “Well yes evenings and weekends.”  “I suspect it will take you five years.”  “Surely not?”  “Normally you’d use about twenty or so different people to build a house and that might take three months.  One or two people who aren’t specialists are going to take longer.  Plus you’ll have problems insuring it, insurance companies like the idea of certified tradesmen doing the work.”  “So you’re saying Joel’s dream can’t be done?”  She sounded disappointed.  “As it stands the chances don’t look good.”   “But?  You didn’t say the word but it was there all the same.”  “Let’s go and sit down in more comfort and let me think what could be done.  You may not like my ideas.”

Mr. Wallis took one armchair and waved Odette to the other. She looked at him thoughtfully for a moment then stepped across to sit in his lap.  “I can hear you better here.”  She murmured then lent in to kiss him on the lips.  “Not bad, and you can cook as well?”  “Joel remember?”  “Who’s Joel?”  She asked innocently and kissed him more deeply this time.  “You’re playing up.”  “Who little me?” she gave him a wide eyed innocent look.  “Does that mean you’re going to put me over your knee and spank me?”  She shivered with delight at the idea.  “You’re distracting me.”  “Oh good as long as you don’t say no altogether.”  She guided his hand so it cupped her breast.  “Now how can we lower the cost?”  His thumb brushed against her nipple.  Inwardly she thought of her most exotic experiences in an effort to make him feel good as she felt her body respond both to her thoughts and to his hand’s stimulation.  “Well we could make it a company project then you’d get trade discount on the materials.”  “Trade discount?”  “A minimum of seven percent off but it can be much higher.”  For a few thousand dollars off the price Odette thought he deserved a small reward besides he might get inspired to think of something else.  She slid the dress’s shoulder strap off her shoulder leaving her bare erect nipple exposed in her quarter cup bra.  Mr. Wallis’s eyebrow was raised.  “It’s a warm day today so I thought wearing this bra would keep my nipples cooler.”  She turned so her nipple brushed against his lips.  “Open wide.”  He opened to protest but her nipple was gently eased in and he found it difficult to say anything with her warm breast against his mouth.  “Now it likes to be suckled so give it a treat.”  Mr. Wallis did as he was bid and let his hands wander over her body caressing it gently and exploring the bumps he found on her thighs.  Odette hitched her skirt up so the texture of her nylons would have the most impact on his roaming fingers.  Amazing what inspiration had resulted from a few minutes of research on the internet about what centerfolds weren’t wearing thirty years ago before she’d slipped out shopping at lunch time.  She’d worried about how much she’d spent but then thought that Joel would appreciate them if nothing else but it looked like they’d been an excellent investment.

Oh God his hands were so soft and the attention he was lavishing on her was almost as if he hadn’t had a woman in twenty years.  She felt herself spinning out of control, melting deep inside.  She hoped his fingernails were well trimmed.  She covered his groping hand with her own slowing him down for a moment or two whilst she enjoyed the sensations.  She slid her wisp of material covering, well it was round her ankle now and his finger was stroking her and easing her lips apart.  It had been three days since she’d last been making out with Joel and her body was feeling very responsive.  A small earthquake hit her and she savoured every second of it.  “I hadn’t realised you were supposed to be enjoying yourself?”  “Oh you caught me out.”  “Thank you for the compliment.”    It felt so deliciously wicked making out with the big boss.  She wondered was he?  If he had his finger up her did that mean she was allowed to touch his private parts?  She stood and took his hand leading him to the long sofa and brushed her hand up against his crotch then wiggled her body up against him.  She felt a tap on her bum.  “You’re being a very naughty girl.”  “With practise I’m sure I could be even naughtier.”  He laughed aloud and she undid his shirt buttons to run her fingers up and down his chest.  He slid her dress strap back up over her shoulder.  “No more kisses?”  “You have bruised lips as it is and if mine are as bad the office gossips will be putting two and two together.”  “But I could give you a hand job whilst you thought up some more ways to make building Joel’s house more practical?”

She undid his slacks and lowered them kissing the end of his exposed parts very lightly on the end before stroking him delicately with her fingers.  “The house, well if we made it Net Zero then I could justify it as a project on the books.”  “Net Zero?  Sounds complicated.”  “Just better insulated.”  “Sounds expensive.”  “Over the longer term its supposed to be cheaper.”  She cupped his balls gently with one hand whilst continuing to slide her fingers up and down with the other.  “And how would putting it on the company books help?”  “We’d get the local college involved and investigate the energy usage for five years then sell it to you at cost at the end of the five year experimental period.”  Odette looked round for a tissue before Mr. Willis spouted forth.

“How bright is your young man?”  “Much brighter than the average construction worker but the lure of his own pickup truck meant he didn’t stay on a school.”  There was a silence.  “You’ve thought of something?”  “It might not work out but it’s are coming together in my head.  I don’t want to raise false hopes but yes there might just be a way.”  Odette warmed at his words.  One thing about Mr. Wallis was he didn’t over promise and he nearly always delivered.  She knelt in front of him and lowered her lips over his erection instead of using the tissue.  She hadn’t been intending to go this far but this felt too promising for mere words of thanks.

“I think its time we packed you off home and I’ll sleep on it overnight.”  “It’s terribly late and I never feel comfortable catching buses late at night.  I’ve got a nightdress with me and a change for work in the morning.”  “The spare room is the second door on the right.”  Mr. Wallis sighed.  Odette slipped away to change and Mr. Wallis settled down in bed.  There was a knock at the door.  “Do you like my nightdress?”  “Not much of it is there?”  “It’s not really designed for warmth.  I could slip in besides you?”  Odette didn’t wait for permission but slipped under the sheets anyway.  “Besides if you had second thoughts overnight we could discuss any problems.”  Mr. Wallis held his arm out and she snuggled up to him.

The next morning she pounced on him whilst he was half awake and after ensuring he was hard with her lips eased him into herself before either had second thoughts.  There now, she thought to herself, that should help him make his mind up.  “I could come and give you weekly progress reports?”  “Monthly might be less likely to attract attention.”  Well at least he’d agreed she could keep him updated.  She felt in her bones something good would come out of it.

Jane looked at her instructions once more.  Well he was the boss after all.  She knocked on Odette’s office door.  “I hear you’ve been reassigned to a special project and we’re to go shopping this morning.”  They took the runabout minivan over to the hostel.  “We’re going shopping here?  It’s full of creeps.”  Jane shrugged her shoulders “So my instructions are to hire a couple of creeps and you choose.”  They entered and were greeted at the door by a social worker.  “Mr. Wallis rang and said you wanted a vet or two?”  Odette looked puzzled for a moment but Jane agreed that was right.  “Fit and healthy ones please.”  Odette suddenly had a thought “The special project?”  “Mr. Wallis thought you could do with some muscle.”  They were led through to a group of card players.  “Here you are, the worst of the bunch, take your pick.”  “Piss off we’re playing cards.”  “Now that’s no way to talk to a lady.”  “What do they want?  A spot of shit shovelling done for minimum wage?”  “They might want a bit of rough, you never know your luck.”  Jane looked taken back she was expected to support this lot?  Odette stepped forward “I bet you gang of wankers have forgotten where to put it.”  There was a silence and the four of them turned to really look at her.  “Well the do-gooding ladies don’t speak like that so let’s hear her say her piece.”  “Got a poor hand have you?”

Odette drew in a deep breath and turned to Jane.  “Can I take all four?”  There was a snigger from one of the players.  She turned back to him “You shut it.  One of my friend’s brother is a vet and I know what he went through.  If I can swing it you all get hired, twice minimum wage, free very basic accommodation, make your own beds, my cooking and yes you’ll be handling shit.  Any derogatory remarks about my cooking and you’ll be eating it.”  Jane blinked but the guys accepted it.  “You want them, you can have them.”  “Do you want them gift wrapped and delivered?”  Came the comment from the social worker.  “No we’ll take them with us.”

Jane delivered them all to the building site where Joel was stood looking puzzled.  “I’m here as you texted but why?”  Jane looked at the four container offices that had been dumped on the ground.  “I think we’re building a house.”  Anna looked at her notes.  “Six Net Zero houses according to my notes.  I’m Anna by the way, I’ll be acting as project coordinator.”  At her heels was a large dog.  The four vets looked round and seemed uneasy.  “This is Bailey he’s a support dog from WWC but we only managed to get hold of one.”  Bailey ambled over to Mike, one of the vets who was looking anxious and looked up at him with large brown eyes as if to say you’re supposed to pet me. Mike seemed to relax slightly as he petted the dog.  “Let me guess we have to take him for walks and clean up after him?”  “What else did you think I meant?”  Replied Odette innocently.  All four vets carefully checked the site out including the cabins.  Bailey tagged along with them.

“Are you crazy?  Where’s the money coming from.  Besides I can’t build six houses by myself working part time.”  Odette took him to one side.  “I talked my boss into this project.  We build six and live in one for five years then we have an option to buy it at cost. He’s setting up a company, we get 49% he gets 51% but I have an option to buy 2% in five years time for a pittance.  He’s funding it as well.  Oh we have four very depressed, grumpy vets to help out.”  “But Net Zero that’s fancy stuff and some vets who’ve seen combat are kind of crazy.”  “Pauline’s brother is a vet who needed support and these guys need something.  They’re not crazy.  Take it or leave it that’s the offer.  We get the portable cabins whilst building and I suspect we could save money by living in them.  We also get Anna to help out on the paperwork side.”  “I don’t know if I can do it.”  “Think about it and I’ll cook lunch.”

She looked round the catering container.  Not perfect but good enough. There was an insulated box by the gas range containing steaks.  Lunch she could deal with maybe after a meal things would look better.  Outside Jane took Joel apart.  “The guys are very touchy, give them space and they’ll take things from Odette more easily as they don’t see her as a threat.”  Joel wondered what he’d got himself into.

“Hi man.”  Came the call from a pickup truck that rolled up.  “How yer doing?  I heard you’d building yourself a house?”  Joel looked up to see Francesco leaning out the open window of the truck.

“Food time guys.  Anything left on the plate means you get served less next time.”  She looked across to Francesco, “You hungry?  If so get your ass to table.”  With Francesco, the three girls, four vets and Joel it was cramped but they squeezed in round the two tables.  Joel and Odette ate at the workbench in the kitchen sharing one steak whilst another sizzled under the grill.  “So any comments on the food guys?” Odette casually picked up a large chef’s knife.  “Mike was thinking of going vegetarian.”  “I don’t do vegetarian.  So what it’ll be guys normal food or you eat elsewhere.”  “I’ve changed my mind. The food’s fine.” There was a woof from the door as Bailey turned his soulful eyes on Odette. “I suppose you want some too?”

Bailey barked again.  Odette got up and opened the pressure cooker pulling out a serving onto a bowl.  “Mike come and feed your dog.”  “My dog?”  “Well seeing how he has to babysit the four of you the least you could do is feed him.”

They sat drinking coffee letting their meal go down.  “Now will someone explain what is happening?  Who are these people?”  “I’m Anna and normally I’m a project planner but the Fieldmore project fell through so I’ve been assigned to this project. I understand Odette is assigned full time as well and Jane will help out with any worker’s problems.  I have a project template for building houses but I don’t know what the terms mean.  My instructions are to keep track of your hours you spend on houses other than your own and I let you have tradesmen’s hours in exchange 1:1.”  “I thought if we lived in the trailers we could use my wages for food and you could work full time on constructing the houses.” Joel turned to the vets “And you guys?”  “Veterans who get a bit down and suffer from nightmares but on a good day we can take our frustrations out with a hammer.”  “Anyone know about Net Zero houses?”  “No but the local school of architecture are very interested in us and will be helping out.”

“I came down because I'd heard a whisper there was a block of some thirty or so building plots available.  Given I can my hands on some finance would you like to do a joint venture?  On my side I quite fancy getting into Net Zero and doing it together would lower the risk.  Building more together would mean lower costs for both and I've heard good things about project management software plus if you don't mind cooking breakfast and lunch we'll have no trouble getting tradesmen on site when we want them.”

Anna picked up her phone and spoke quietly into it before turning to Joel. “Do you trust him?”  “I've worked for him before so yes I trust him.”  Anna nodded “Well as of this morning Mr. Willis owns all the plots and he's happy to finance by stages at prime plus 2%.”

“Sounds as if have a deal.”  “Once Joel has agreed as well.”  Heads turned towards him.  “Do I have any real choice?”  Odette grinned “Of course you do love after all it was your original idea although if you don’t agree quite how you'll explain to Bailey she'll lose her four vet playthings I don't know.”

“For Bailey's sake then we'll go ahead.”  Bailey raised her head at the sound of her name and gave a satisfied woof and wagged her tail.

“The transport manager is about to buy some Volvo equipment and she'd get a better discount if we added some construction equipment to the order.  My planning template suggests the most common equipment we’ll need is something called a skid steer loader and an excavator with accessories.  If you understand what these are and if you think Volvo are any good it would be cheaper to buy than rent them.  It would give us better control as well.  Oh and she wants the answer by this evening.”  Joel looked stunned.  Anna looked through the suggested equipment list for her house plan and quietly ordered a tracked loader with a robotic controller as well.  She increased the number of units in her spread sheet and it suggested using an on site robotic system to assemble the wooden frames would be economic.  A quick email to Mr. Willis confirmed everything.  Well when could a man resist a toy.

“I think we'd better take you shopping and I assume since it’s a construction site so us girls will need new hats and safety boots at least.”  Joel blinked “You guys will need safety hats, boots, belts and tools plus you need wood to make your beds.  Odette mentioned you'd agreed to make your own beds.”  “I don't think that's quite what we understood.”  Odette's eyes twinkled “Nor did we catch on about cleaning up after Bailey.”  “Well you could use a shovel if you prefer.”  “Frank used to drive a mean cross country fork lift by the way.”

Pauline and Lil dropped by one afternoon.  “We’ve come to inspect your vets.”  Bailey wondered over and sniffed them.  “Lil fancies one with muscles and depending what they’re like I might like to sample one myself.  Odette wrinkled her nose.  “You’re invited to supper but only if you cook.”  Pauline stuck her tongue out as Mike wondered in.  “Any coffee going?”  Odette glanced at Lil questioningly.  “Not my type.”  Frank stepped in behind and slipped his arms round her waist.  “But I am aren’t I my love?” as he nuzzled her neck.  “Depends on your bank balance.”  “He hasn’t been paid yet.”  “Looks like you’re out of luck boy.”  “He does get paid at the end of the month.”  Added Odette helpfully.  Lil looked thoughtful and turned in his arms so she could kiss him.  “Maybe you’re in with half a chance.”  “What does that mean?”  “It means I get to be bridesmaid.”  Threw in Odette.  Farid walked in through the door “Any coffee?  And who is getting married.”  “Lil is.”  “Who to?”  “I haven’t decided yet.”  Lil walked across to Pauline and lightly kissed her on the lips.  “Eeny, meeny, miny, moe.”  Bailey walked up to her and nuzzled her hand.  “Bailey you’re supposed to protect me not join the enemy camp.”  Lil slipped Bailey a dog treat “Don’t you listen to him us girls have to stick together.”  “It’s a conspiracy.”

Joel walked through the door “Coffee?  And what’s a conspiracy?”  “Oh it’s just the vets having a conspiracy theory, everyone’s against them.”  “Pauline and Lil are getting married.”  Interjected Farid who couldn’t resist a chance to promote same sex relationships.  Mike looked shocked at this remark so much so that Pauline took pity on him.  “Let’s go for a walk.” she suggested.  At the magic word Bailey trotted across to her.  “Oh you can come too.”  Mike and Pauline walked quietly together.  “You’re not a bad guy you know.”  “I’m worse than you think.”  “I’ve been through all this shit with my brother.  You made sergeant so you aren’t dim.  Underneath you’re fine but you have to let it all out.”  “I just can’t.”  Bailey came up and nuzzled him.  “Girls are tougher than you think.  I heard all about the nightmares before, nothing you can say will shock me but we have to talk.  You have to open up.  It took my brother eighteen months before he opened up.  I’m not waiting that long.  Talk or I walk guy.”  They sat down and Mike started to cry.  Pauline put her arm round him to comfort him and heard him start to talk quietly about his time in the army.  Bailey leaned against him in support on the other side.

A week later Odette thought she’d better give Mr. Wallis progress report since she’d heard he was working at home on Wednesdays as an experiment.  “Is it all going smoothly?”  “Giving Joel new toys like that means he thinks its Christmas.  I get the impression he won't even question me if he walked in on us in flagrante.  No he's very happy.  It helps that Francesco is working together with him.   It gives him a bit confidence.  Now I ought to get changed into my slut office clothing then we can play Boss and Dumb Blonde.  I'm determined to make it up to you for all you've done so my body is all yours to do with as you will.”  “The toys as you call them will save time and lower costs which means more profit for me but on the other hand.”  

There was a pause as he watched Odette peel off her clothes and dressed up in every manager’s dream slut wear.  Black underwear that left her nipples exposed, a sheer white blouse that covered the black underwear underneath.  The flared skirt was black but slightly sheer and barely covered her crotch, below stockings and straps could be clearly seen.  She fluttered her eyelashes at him.  “Do I sit on your lap whilst I give you my report sir?  Or should I sit opposite?”  She demonstrated sitting opposite him with her legs slightly apart so he got the full impact of her lacy knickers.  “Sit on my lap and tell me what has been happening.”  Odette wiggled a little to get comfortable first.  

“Well you know I hired the four vets?”  He nodded “I couldn’t leave two behind in that place.  Well they’ve settled in quite nicely once they’d got over being asked to make their own beds.  Can you imagine they thought something else than making a wooden frame with slats on?  Nabil asked about having a double one so Joel helped him with the dimensions of timber he’d need.  Well it was the same as ours.  Then I had to dig Joel in the ribs when Farid said he wouldn’t need his own bed.  Joel doesn’t always pick up on these things.  We had a councilor come down to help them with their PTSD.  She was a hug everyone type you know and kiss them on the cheek.  Anyway she’d hugged and kissed both Frank and Mike then turned to Farid.  Bailey stopped her with a growl and wouldn’t let her near Nabil either.  Bailey is very protective of her little flock.  Both Frank and Mike got a bit aggressive once or twice but Bailey managed to calm them down before things got out of hand.  Francesco’s men are getting used to giving the vets the space they need and Joel’s digging holes all over the place well not really one of Francesco’s men and myself put bits of wood in the ground and connecting string to show Joel where the holes should be then he starts digging.  It’s odd really one of the little loaders seems to go off and work all by itself without anyone driving it.  Joel’s very pleased with his excavator by the way.  He chose one with wheels saying it would be more versatile.  He’s still finding his way round all the attachments that came with it.  I think there must be something about men being fascinated by gadgets.”

Mr. Wallis stretched out his hand and picked up a box.  “Funny you should mention that.”  He opened her blouse and then the box lifting out a pair of vibrating nipple suckers which he applied to Odette’s exposed nipples.  “I’m not sure this is a good idea.  Let’s move to the bed quickly.  I’ve love balls inside and I’m not sure how long I can hold out.”  She led him quickly to the double bed stripped out her love balls with one hand and fumbled with his belt with the other.  Finally she managed to get astride him and lower herself down before coming on her third descent.  “And to think I was afraid I wouldn’t last long enough to satisfy you.” She unclipped the nipple toys “I think they were just too much on top of everything else.  I’ll take care of you in a moment or two when I’ve recovered.”  She snuggled up to him basking in his attention.

“Interesting reaction.  We’ll go and look at that web site again and see what else they have.”  Odette gave him a look then gave him a gentle blow job to take care of his needs.  After lunch she sat besides him looking at sex toys on a web site.  “Why on earth would anyone want a rocking stool with a hole in the middle?”  “Look more closely and you’ll see what comes up when you rock.”  “My God, not something for little boys then.”  “No but this little boy would like to watch you on it.”  He added one to the shopping cart which already contained nipple clips for beginners since he said they’d be gentler on her than the vibrating ones.  “So kind of you to think about my poor nipples.”  “Well they stand out nicely.”  She put her tongue out at him.  “Now how about this one, you just sit on it.”  “With a big whatever sticking up me.  It probably vibrates as well.”  “Now you come to mention it I do believe it does.   Here’s something you can control from a smartphone.”  Odette thought it looked like a pink mouse with a long tail.  In it went into the shopping cart.  “No!  That one looks like a monstrosity.  A dildo on an arm that thrusts back and forth.  Who on earth thinks these things up.”  “Your body is mine remember?”  “I must have been out of my mind to have said that.  Oh go on then put it in the cart but don’t expect me to have any energy left to satisfy you after trying all these toys out.”  “Sometimes I just like to watch.”  “Since we only have until the houses are built and we’ve all these toys to try out I should give you a progress report every two weeks?”  “Now that’s a new name for it.”  He slid his finger up inside her and wiggled it round.

Over time Jane studied books on keeping people happy and on the employment laws and found she could recommend small changes such as flexible hours that kept the workforce happier.  Rylee thought they ought to test job applicants, you never know some might not have a degree but could do the job anyway.  It seemed to work well, they had lower turnover from those without qualifications as well.

She was reading the paper, being old fashioned she preferred something she could trust, when she noticed some new laws were being implemented which would mean changes would be required to their computer systems to make them compliant.  They had a year and a couple of programmers so they should cope nicely well until the programmers were offered double their salary by a consulting firm.

Programmers were suddenly in demand, one consulting company offered to put her on awaiting list in case they had some spare capacity. The price was $1 per line of code in the software.  Still one thing she could do was sort out a new supervisor.  One of those times when you had to harden your heart to do your job.  “Rose I’d like you to apply for the supervisor’s job.”  “But I’ll only be here another week at most.”  “You’ve been here five years working as a casual now do you really think you’re going to become an overnight success as a film actress?”  “I’ve been called for auditions.”  “How many times?”  “Three, but the phone might ring and I’ll wake up a star overnight.”  They exchanged looks.  “It’s not going to happen is it?”  Jane found herself unable to say anything but “It might.”  “I think I know it, I just wasn’t prepared to admit it.  Still I gave it a chance and it might have happened.  How do I apply?”  Rose spoke dejectedly.

When she returned to her office Rylee was waiting for her.  “I gave one of the would be temps the wrong test.”  “So give her the right one.”  “But you don’t understand.”  Rylee passed the scores over.  Einstein was in reception?  The logic scores were truly excellent.  “Best bring her in.”

“Hi Rilynn, I’m Jane and very pleased to meet you.”  “I just want a job for a few days.”  “You have something lined up?”  “Not exactly but with my looks Jessica says I’m bound to be snapped up for a film.”  “Did you think about college?”  “What pay all those fees and be in debt forever?  Now do you have work or should I go and knock next door at the cheesy pole dancing bar?”  “You have a job for as long as you want it.”  Jane filled in the salary of a senior developer, no way was some consulting firm going to hire her away with more money.  “Wonderful.  I can have time off for auditions?”  “But of course.  Now where are you staying?”  Rilynn looked blank.  “Where did you sleep last night?”  “With Kacie in her car but she thinks she’s had enough and is going home at the weekend so I’ll have to find somewhere else.”  “When did you eat last?”  “Breakfast.”  There was a pause “Well breakfast yesterday.”  “Martin is meeting with a businessman over lunch.  If I give you what background material we have could you sit in with the three of us and soften him up?”  “You mean whatever?”  “No just verbal.  It would be good experience for being an actress sitting on a real business meeting with a million dollar deal on the table.  It would give you an experience to draw on.”  “Pass me the details.”  Jane brought them up on her screen and printed them off. “There you are, learn your lines.”

Rilynn looked round the private dinning room in the restaurant.  No way was this a hamburger bar.  The staff were neat, quiet and attentive.  “Table d'Hote?”  There were nods all round from the others so Rilynn nodded as well.  Not a place with a five page menu then. “Now then Mark, I recognise but who are you two young ladies?”  Jane sat up straighter.  “Thank you kind sir, its been a day or two since I was called a young lady.”  Martin made a quiet comment which earnt him a black look from Rilynn.  “Rilynn has just joined us this morning and I thought she looked a little thin so a good meal might be in order and I came to play chaperon.  Besides the food is good and it will save me cooking this evening.”  Mr. Gentle looked across at Rilynn “Surely you mean slim rather than thin?”  Rilynn smiled at him and Jane sat back and watched their interaction.  “I think the idea was I would soften you up before the business part of the meeting but I can feel myself softening up at your charming words.”  Jane watched carefully as Rilynn spun her web captivating and charming Mr. Gentle.  Carefully referring to Martin as Martin and Mr. Gentle picked up the cue switching to calling Martin Martin rather than Mark.

Mr. Gentle turned to Jane, “Somehow I sense having this young women here will be expensive for me.”  The soup course was served.  Rilynn tried to think of words to describe it.  Mouth-watering came to mind but she reminded herself perhaps not eating for more than a day would have sharpened her appetite.  The second course just melted in her mouth.  The waiter smiled at her reaction.  “Élodie trained with the best and she’s on form today.”  Rilynn thought about her figure as she watched Jane carefully choose a gooey eclair from the sweet trolley then thought about how much cash she had for food that week.  Daringly she choose two and they simply melted in her mouth.

Coffee was served and Mr. Gentle voiced the opinion they should get down to business.  Rilynn remembered her notes “Well sir as I see it you have six options.”  She logically laid them down one by one including doing nothing.  Paying list prices he’d should a considerable profit not to mention the time savings.  “I thought you’d be expensive but not quite how expensive.  You realise you’ve totally destroyed my negotiating position.  In my worse case I’d hoped to get away with 15% off list.”  “I think we can offer you 25% off.”  Rilynn looked puzzled.  “But why would you offer a bigger discount than what’s he’s asking for?”

Mr. Gentle spoke “Simple enough, if my guys like the product then they’ll give feedback on how to improve it plus he’s hoping I’ll be in the market for more.  Squeeze me this time and I might look harder elsewhere next time.”  “So it’s not all ruthless in business and trying to squeeze the last dime?”  “Sometimes it is, sometimes it’s looking longer term.  What works best over time.”

Rilynn and Jane returned to Jane’s office.  “Did you enjoy lunch?”  “Well it was an experience certainly.  I didn’t realise food like that existed.  Does Martin eat there everyday?”  “Mr. Wallis did but Martin eats in the formal part about once a week.  The rest of the week he eats with the plebs.  We get the much the same food, not served up quite as nicely and he gets to talk to us to find out what is going on.  Now my girl we have to dress you to impress Frank.”  “Who is Frank?”  “He’s a retired developer who is coming in to look you over tomorrow and if he likes what he sees then he’ll help you sort out our computer programs.”  “So short skirts or low cut blouse?”  “Neither strangely enough just something so you look pretty in so a dress or two?  It will be another experience for you to draw on, looking respectable.”  Rilynn shrugged and together they took the office credit card for a walk.

Rilynn was surprised how good the dresses looked on herself as she preened in the mirror.  “When you’ve finished Frank mentioned he’d like you to say hello to the world when we get back.”  “Hello World.”  Rilynn practised different ways of saying it on the way back to the office.

Jane sat her in front of the computer.  “I’ll leave you to it but he mentioned Visual Studio 2017 and to look for a tutorial on how to write a program that says ‘Hello World.’” Rilynn started to search the internet for a youtube video on how to write a ‘Hello World’ program.  

Mid-afternoon Jane slipped in to see her.  “Mid afternoon coffee is free in the rest area complete with cookies.”  Rilynn shook her head.  “A break would be nice.  I have to concentrate to understand it.  These computers seem dumb.  They do exactly what you tell them to not what you want them to do.”

“Rose, Rilynn here is with us for a day or two whilst she breaks into the film industry perhaps you might give her a tip or two.”  Rose led Rilynn off to one side.  “Now have you put out for your agent yet?”  “Not yet, I put him off since my underwear isn’t in a fit state to be seen.”  “Keep your legs together.”  “But I thought everyone did.”  “There are three film companies in town.  One you don’t want to touch because once you’ve done porn no one else will touch you.”  Rilynn blinked “Which leaves two so say four or five directors yes?”  Rilynn nodded.  “I put out for my agent and in the last five years for another two hundred and fifty guys that my agent said could be helpful in my career.”  “My God he was pimping you out.”  Rilynn whispered is hushed tones.  “And keeping the money.  I’ve only just worked out that no way was he going to find me film work he was making too much out of me pimping me out.”  “The rat.”  “If you do end up doing ‘whatever’ dress primly with no makeup and go to the hotels that the out of town businessmen use. I used to charge a $100 an hour just to talk to them and often you get fed as well.  If you like them then upstairs is extra.  Dress like a tart and you get offered tart’s wages which is much lower than the top end.  I found I could just get by working temp here.  They let me have any time off I wanted so my advice would be work temp here as long as they’ll have you.  If it is truly meant for you to get into films they’ll find you.”

Late that afternoon Martin stopped by her office.  “I have a spare bedroom if you’re interested?”  “I’d have to pick my things up from Kacie’s car on the way but yes that would be great.” That evening he fed her then retreated to catch up on some documents from work.  Next morning she was quite surprised to find she was served bacon and egg for breakfast.

The next day after approving her ‘Hello World’ program Frank showed her the testing tools in Visual Studio that helped automate software testing.  When Jane spoke to him late in the afternoon he was more than happy with her work “Besides it saves my fingers, I can type for about ten minutes but after that the arthritis gets too painful so with her your project gets done, without her you have a problem as I find the warmth down south helps my arthritis.”  And you like having a pretty face around thought Jane to herself.

It took a day or two for Rilynn to relax around Martin but by the weekend she was relaxed enough to wonder round the house in her nightdress, well it saved her daytime clothes for more important times.

Martin felt less relaxed somehow as Rilynn flaunted her body about the house.  Still she was kind enough to wash and iron his non-iron shirts for him saying it was no trouble whilst she had the iron out doing her own ironing.  She turned them inside out before putting them in the washing so the sleeves won’t tangle.  “I know it says they’re non-iron but they look better once they’ve been ironed and if you fish them straight out of the dryer in future when they’re done they’ll look better.”

The end of the month rolled by and Rilynn got her first salary slip.  “There must be some mistake you can’t be paying me this much?”  Jane looked over Rilynn’s payslip “No there’s no mistake it is correct.” “But this is sleeping with the boss money.  If I was sleeping with him I’d be comfortable with the amount but I’m not.  It’s too high.  I’ll have to find something else I’m more comfortable with.”  “But if you were sleeping with Martin you’d be fine with the pay?”  “Well yes, he’s cute so I wouldn’t mind then but he hasn’t made a move on me.”  “Perhaps he’s shy you just need to seduce him.  Think of it as an experience you can draw on as an actress.”

Jane slipped into Martin’s office.  “We have a problem Rilynn thinks we’re paying her too much.”  “How much are we paying her?”  “Senior developer rate so she wouldn’t get poached by one of the consulting companies.”  “So if we drop her pay the consultants will snap her up, and if we continue to pay her the same amount she’ll leave us?”  “Frank is very pleased with her work.  They’ve done a third of the project already.  He’s especially pleased with her running the testing and checking the results.  It’s something that he prefers not to do.”  “Any suggestions?”  “Well she did say if she was sleeping with the boss she’d be happy with the pay so I suggested she seduces you all in the name of gaining experience she can draw on for her career as an actress.”  “Has she had any auditions yet?”  “Just the one for being a member of a crowd scene.”  “Did she get it?”  “I think if you turn up for that one you’d get it.  A day’s work at minimum wage but its experience and that’s what counts.”  “I’ll see what I can do then.”

Jane slipped away, she thought it would do him good to have a relaxing hobby rather than spend all his time thinking about work things.

That evening after changing into her nighty and eating supper Rilynn took in a deep breath.  “Could you be kind and help me gain some experience for by acting?”  “If I can but I’m not sure I can recite the full works of Shakespeare from memory.”  “No its simpler than that.  Can we try a kiss?”  Martin stepped towards her and kissed her gently on the lips.  “That sort of thing?”  Rilynn kissed him in return and the kiss deepened.  Minutes later she came up for air looking rather flustered.  “Would you like to practise more tomorrow?”  Martin asked not wanting to rush Rilynn.  She didn’t appear to have had a lot of practise.  Rilynn nodded in agreement and dashed off to her room.  The problem with being beautiful was you didn’t have to go all the way and Rilynn hadn’t gone very far at all.  A kiss on the cheek had been more than enough to keep her swain happy.  She couldn’t imagine a kiss from her agent leaving her so affected.  She didn’t want to imagine kissing him at all.  Tomorrow she’d take the seduction a step further. Having decided that she fell asleep and dreamt of all sorts of delicious long lingering kisses with Martin.

The next evening Martin suggested they take it slowly, a small step at a time so Rilynn could absorb details by thinking about them overnight.  Rilynn nodded and that evening after kissing her on the lips Martin stood behind her cupping her breasts and nibbling the back of her neck.  Rilynn went weak at the knees and wondered how anyone could have enough control to draw back and not get totally carried away.

Thursday after kissing her he scooped her up in his arms and carried her back to his room.  She felt as if she had much less under control being in his private part of the house.  He laid her on the double bed then covered her legs with kisses working his way up slowly to her thighs.  She felt nervous but knew she had to go on.  She was supposed to be seducing him for heavens sake, she couldn’t back out now. Then his hands moved up and tugged the scrap of silk that called itself a pair of knickers and eased them down. Rilynn grew even more nervous but he stroked her and spoke soft words to her to calm her before covering her most private parts with his mouth. His tongue explored her unexplored parts until she exploded with pleasure.  “Far enough for this evening?”  She nodded in a daze before rolling over and falling asleep.

The next morning he woke her with a kiss.  “Time to get up and get to work sleepy head.”  She was disoriented at not being in her bed then remembered the previous evening and blushed.  She scurried out of the bedroom to have a shower and get dressed.

That evening he asked “Shall we put all the parts together this evening?”  She smiled her agreement and inwardly quaked.  This time he kissed her until she was nearly senseless then stroked her body nibbling at her ears, cupping her breasts stroking her gently.  This time when he felt her start to moan as he lapped her out he paused and then lay on top of her.  Her body had its own ideas and her fingers dragged his hard rod inside of their own violation and she clung on to him as he moved inside her finishing her off quickly.  She lay back and just hugged him.  “I’m sure I should be doing more for your enjoyment.”  “It’s enough at the moment to see you enjoying yourself.”

The next day at the office Jane noticed her being a bit dreamy.  Actresses always fell a little bit in love with their leading man didn’t they?  “How’s the seduction going?”  “Well I asked him if he could help me practise for my acting.”  “And?”  “It took us four days but we got there finally.”  “So have you thought about how you’re going to keep warming his bed?”  “You mean another scene to practise?”  “A French Maid perhaps?”  “I’ll go shopping at lunch time.”

By the time Martin had been exposed to the French Maid scenario, the Seductive Secretary, and the Nurse outfit he just slipped his arms around her from the back cupping her breasts and suggested she came to bed and slept in his bed in future.

“He came and suggested it all by himself, so I think you’re right he was just shy.”

“Have you ever been paid for sex?”  Odette looked at him suspiciously.  “Well not precisely.”  “Good as I’ve never paid for it either.”  He reached for the remote and music poured forth from the Hi-Fi.  “For five dollars I’d like a lap dance.”  “For five are they that cheap?”  “I’m not sure but trainees always earn less.  I wonder if there is a training course I could send you on?  Imagine you want to earn a hundred dollars to pay your rent and five dollars is five dollars.  You only have to flaunt your body to another nineteen guys to be able to pay the rent.”  Odette felt herself melt at the thought of exposing herself to twenty guys for cash and let herself get caught up in the fantasy.  

She gyrated over his hips, ran her fingers over his body stroking him in intimate spots whilst the music played.  “If you want another dance it’s another five guy.”  “For this one I want you to play with yourself.  Legs wide apart and show me slipping your fingers in just for me.”  It felt so sluttish but so good as she watched him devouring the sight of her masturbating in front of him.  “You’re hard for another five I could take care of it for you?”  As she got into the role of being a sex worker.  He nodded and she undid him lowering her lips to give him a skilful slow blow job that would leave him on edge at the end of the song.  “One more five for all the way?”  God she was warming to this fantasy as she rode his cock for all she was worth.  At the end of the song he dived in his wallet and gave her a fresh newly minted twenty dollar bill.  “You’ve earned every penny.”  

As she took the bill she looked at him.   “It was for real?  I really am a sex worker now?”  “I need one for a Charity Vicar and Tarts party that I really can’t get out of and I don’t know any tarts.”  She laughed “Oh God it’s not real tarts there, just girlfriends and wives dressed up as tarts just like you’re not a real Vicar.  It’s just a fancy dress party.”  He looked so embarrassed “I did wonder it seemed out of character for Emily but I didn’t like to say anything.” “You realise you’ve turned me into a prostitute just for a fancy dress party?”  “You could hand me the money back?”  “Taking a working girl’s earnings turns you into a pimp and I’m sure its against the law.  Besides it’s my money now I accepted it.  I’ll sneak it into a pocket in my purse then I can bring it out and get wet at the thoughts of it being the first money I ever accepted as a working girl but I don’t know what I’d wear.  The stuff I wear for you won’t do it has to be brazen but respectable.  Not a fraction of an inch of nipple showing.  Just bright, flashy, and suggestive.  Black fishnet stockings are a must.  Still just think you’ll be the only guy there with a real sex worker on his arm.”  “Whoops, do you need cash for an outfit?”  She held out her hand.

“Joel has asked me to marry him and I’ve agreed.  He thinks it might be easier on the financial side and that way he can put the house in my name so if the building company goes under and he goes bankrupt we still have the house.  You get droit du seigneur in my wedding nightwear but after the wedding night as I don’t want to crease my trousseau before the wedding.”  Odette kissed him gently on the cheek.

Rilynn heard a whisper that one of the film directors was going to attend a business sponsored charity event.  This would be a her great chance, direct contact without any agents or so called casting directors. Nothing to outrageous, but it was a fancy dress event.  Cinderella?  It had been done too many times before.  She managed to lay her hands on the coveted tickets, thank heavens she was paid as much as she was.  The ticket said couple on it.  She’d need an escort but who?  Well Martin was an inch taller than she was and in the right clothes he’d act as a foil for her.  Vicars and tarts was the theme, she’d look really good dressed up as a vicar.  Trouble was she didn’t think she could coax Martin into a short skirt and fishnets.  She’d have enough trouble coaxing him to go dressed up as a vicar.  Now what to wear?  Remembering Rose’s words elegant tarty?  Was there such a thing?  She’d start with fully fashioned stockings and heels that would show her legs off nicely.  Black?  No too obvious, tan wouldn’t show up enough but white?  For the top a corset worn as outer wear?  She searched the internet and came up with a very expensive basque.  She deliberated and searched again before coming back to it.  Well it barely covered the essentials but it wasn’t exactly public.  It would certainly show her good points.  She’d need to be a bit daring to get the attention she craved and since the straps were black, black fully fashioned nylons it would have to be would go with it.  It was an investment for her future.  She’d do it.  She clicked on the checkout box before she had second thoughts.  Martin’s outfit was so much simpler.

She stood and admired at herself in the mirror well satisfied with what she saw.  Martin sneaked up and kissed her lightly on the neck.  “I like the underwear which dress are you wearing?”  “It’s a Vicar and tart party so what you see is what you get.”  Martin slipped his arms round her and nibbled her ear.  “Later after the party not before.”  Disappointment filled his face.  “Not even a quick nipple to suckle?”  “Not even.  It’s time we were off.  Although I’d better borrow your surplice until we get inside to remain decent.”

Odette kissed Joel lightly on the cheek.  “I won’t be late.  It’s some sort of business charity party that Mr. Willis needs an escort for since he can’t avoid it.”  Bailey was sat waiting at the pickup.  “You want to come as well do you?”  Bailey wagged her tail holding her jacket in her mouth.  “In you get then but you’d better be on your best behaviour.”  Bailey looked mournfully at her as if she’d be anything else.

She drove straight into the double garage and as she stepped out the door closed behind her.  Bailey entered the house on her heels.  “I’m being escorted this evening as you can see.  She has her service dog jacket on.”  “Well we can pass her off as part of my costume.”  Odette shrugged and quickly got changed then gave Mr. Willis a careful inspection, making sure his robes were just right.  “Are you sure whatever it is you’re wearing is decent enough?”  “Well you’ve seen more of me than this.”  “Yes but...”  Odette smiled with a sort of satisfied feminine smile and Mr. Willis thought it better to drop the subject.

At the entrance Bailey caused the welcoming committee to pause.  “I’ve come as a Vicar who is having doubts about religion so Bailey is my service dog in case I grow anxious.  She has an empty bladder and it will help her get used to crowds.”  “She’s a real service dog?”  Bailey just sat patiently while the humans sorted everything out.  “She normally works with vets with mental health problems but yes she is a real certified service dog.”  “She’ll probably just settle down in a corner somewhere.”  “In you go then. I think you might win a prize for the most original costume.”

They entered the first salon and Bailey trotted over to a corner and settled down.  Mr. Willis guided Odette with his hand resting on her bum.  At her look he murmured “That string you’re wearing is indecent I’m just covering it up a little.” “Just as long as your middle finger doesn’t get itself lost between my cheeks as it has a tendency to.”  He looked round at the vast numbers of young ladies wearing practically nothing.  One was wearing a shocking pink backless dress with a plunging neckline and the skirt was slit up the side to the waist.  He was stunned at the sight.  Odette gave him a slight dig in the ribs.  “They’re all would be actresses.  Rumour has it at least three directors will be here this evening and their hope is they’ll catch the eye of one of them and become an instant star.”  Mr. Wallis shook his head at the thought then caught sight of Rilynn.  “I see Rilynn’s going all out in her corset.”  There was a snort.  “That’s not a corset, that’s a basque.”  “What’s the difference?”  “About five hundred dollars.”  “You mean she spent five hundred dollars on her outfit?”  Odette eyed Rilynn, “The French fully fashioned stockings say $100, the shoes at least $400, the basque at least $600 but it could be as high as a thousand.”  “Remind me never to blink at what you spend on clothes for me.”  “Does that mean I’m allowed to buy a basque and French fully fashioned stockings then?”  Somehow Mr. Willis thought he’d lost control of the conversation.  “By the way Anna was in to see me with the numbers on the building project.”  “Anything interesting?”  “Well the equipment has paid for itself, apart from the robotic thingy that constructs the frames.  That needs another half dozen houses completed before its paid for itself.  We made a tidy profit and Francesco seemed happy as well even though he paid for a good chunk of everything.  In fact I’d say your house has about $1,000 outstanding to be paid back in five years time.”  Odette gave him an impulsive hug and a kiss on the cheek as a reward.

“George good to see you.  Am I supposed to congratulate you on getting married?”  He said peering at Odette’s ring finger with its gold band.  “Hi Tevin, meet Odette.  We aren’t married, she’s one of my married office workers who took pity on me and came with me this evening.”  “Earning a spot of overtime eh?  In that outfit I’d demand double time.”  “What a marvellous idea.”  Odette turned to Mr. Wallis, “Hello George, am I on double time tonight?”  “I see you have things to discuss so I’ll leave you to it.”  The suit scurried away in the direction of a pale blue ensemble that was gaping on the neckline and showing a rouged nipple.

Rilynn caught sight of her director and nudged Martin in his direction.  They hovered nearby and Rilynn hoped he might speak to her but no he seemed interested in the group about Mr. Willis for some reason.

“Mr. Willis the very man I was hoping to meet.”  Mr. Willis raised an eyebrow in acknowledgement.  “We have managed to put together a package to build sixty social housing units by raiding various agencies but one donor will only donate if the units are Net Zero.  We can get some funding from a Vet charity but we must find half a dozen vets with mental health problems in need of accommodation.  The local homeless hostel only has two at the moment but thought you might have some hidden away.  What sort of problems do they have by the way and we have to find a builder who has experience in building Net Zero homes.”  “You’d best speak with Odette since her husband runs a building company that is just about to finish up building a batch of Net Zero homes.”  Odette who had been hanging onto Mr. Willis’s arm trying not to look to obvious asked “What would you like to know?”  “Well I’ve heard something about robots building your houses?”  Odette laughed “Not quite, Anna’s software suggested we were building enough to make robots worthwhile.  Joel likes to keep an eye on them but really they work happily day and night and they are exceptionally good at getting the job done with precision.  Joel says Anna’s software makes it so much easier by keeping track of what is needed so its there when required.”

“What about the vets?  How much support do they need for a start?”  “Well our four are bit moody but they’re settling down.  They have one support dog, Bailey, between them and she’s been really helpful, but as a group they do support themselves as well.  One or two girlfriends of mine drop by for supper Pauline is slowly getting Mike to open up and Lil is working on Frank but it’s a very slow process.”  “But I’d heard they can be quite aggressive?”  “Oh they’re like lambs with me but there again I cook their food and they know I’ll stand no nonsense.  Mike can be a bit aggressive but Bailey calms him down quite quickly and wakes him up if she senses him having a nightmare.  Joel my husband has to be a bit more careful with them and they like their privacy and space.”  “And you say your husband is just completing a batch of certified Net Zero homes?”  “Yes and he’s available to do yours if you like.  I suggest a cost plus contract which lowers the risk for us and lowers the price for yourselves.  Mr. Willis has invested in our company.”  Odette crossed her fingers.  “That sounds ideal.  I especially like the idea of having your partially calmed vets move in and knowing Mr. Willis is involved means we needn’t worry about performance bonds and so forth but we won’t quite be ready to start for a few months.”  “I’ll ask Pauline and Lil to ask the vets if they’re interested.” “I was going to mention it earlier but didn’t get round to it.  The researchers are interested in studying another three or four homes.  I own another six plots next to the first perhaps they might prefer to build themselves something Net Zero there.  They seem a good risk to me so I’ll sort out a mortgage if you can sort out something with Joel.”

“I’m going to make you a star!”  “Sorry I’m not interested.”  “Lady you don’t understand, I’m the director in town and what I’ve overheard just now is a great story.  Just what our audience wants to see and you have real experience of working with these guys.  I can sense the conflicts, hardships, the controlling the aggression and how you relate with compassion and romance to these guys.  What a story its going to be!”  Rilynn’s jaw dropped and Bailey moved forward and nuzzled Odette’s hand.  

“I’m not so sure about compassion the story I heard from the social worker was someone saying ‘You shut it’.”  “Details, details.  Now I won’t take no for an answer.”  “Wouldn’t you be better off with someone more glamourous?”  “Glamour’s dead honey.  It’s realism they want to see now.  Someone real who has really been there, done that and got the tee shirt.  You’re going to be big girl.”  Bailey stepped forward and gave a low waring growl.  “Really big.”  Bailey placed herself in front of Odette and pressed against the director giving a sharp bark that got everyone in the room looking round.

“She’s a support dog and is trained to ensure her flock have enough space don’t get anxious.  She counts Odette as one of her flock.  I strongly recommend you retire since I don’t know to what lengths she’ll go to protect Odette.”  “But she could make millions.”  Bailey growled a warning once more and moved position.  “All right already I’m backing off.”

Rilynn turned to Martin in tears so he slipped his arms around her protectively.  “They don’t want me.”  “I want you.”  He bent forward and kissed her on the forehead.  “I wanted to star in a movie.”  “We’ll make our own.  You playing with our children and I can be cameraman.”  She thought about it for a moment or two.  Children with Martin she liked that idea.  “We could make children couldn’t we.  We’d have to be properly married though I don’t think I could manage the single parent bit.”  “We’ll be properly married.”  “You don’t mind if I don’t earn millions?”  “Not at all.”  “Do you think the company would give me a permanent job so I’d have some money to call my own?”  “I’ll let you in to a secret you’ve been permanent since the day you started.”  “Nobody told me. Let’s just go home now.”  She reached up to kiss him before they slipped away.

Mr. Willis slipped his arm round Odette.  “I’ve been here long enough and no doubt you want to get back and talk to Joel about the new contract.”  “We’ll need stage funding?”  “I’ll expect biweekly progress reports.”  She kissed him lightly on the cheek.  Well they were in public after all.