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Talk the Talk, Walk the Walk by Karen Blayne
Oh by the way red tape first.
© Karen Blayne 2020. 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 if they are not suitable for you 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. Asstr.org accepts donations if you’re feeling rich or even if you’re not.
Luv Karen
Ken looked over his audience. Most were looking bored or as if they knew it all already.
“I've been asked to talk to you about careers and how important it is to study hard and get the right qualifications. Well yes it is important but only in so far as it is an indicator of how you will perform on the job. Many of the qualifications were put in place by people who were doing the job already and wanted to reduce competition for their jobs. So qualifications are important but not always essential. For example it makes sense to have a qualified paramedic in an ambulance but often you'll work in teams so as long as the team produces results it doesn't matter that not everyone has a PhD.” His audience were looking less bored now. A hand went up “So does that mean we'll all find jobs as soon as we leave school?” “No, in the first case often my company won't have a vacancy on the date you leave school. Jobs tend to crop up during the year. Often if you go door to door and just ask you stand more chance. Someone might be thinking about looking for someone but not yet got round to doing anything. Remember you'll all leave on the same day so you'll all be searching for jobs at the same time so the competition will be strong and employers will start to screen based on qualifications even if they aren't really necessary. Having said that to succeed you need luck and the ability to pick things up quickly. You'll also need to be adaptable.”
He wondered how he’d been dragooned into giving this talk, still if it gave them a better idea of the real world it might make some sense.
Six months later he was on the bus on his way to work when a girl slipped onto the seat besides him. “So have you a job for me?” Ken had to think for a moment then he recalled her face from his talk. He’d better walk the walk he supposed. “If you can start this morning?” The girl gave a start “Well yes I guess so. I was only going down the job centre after all.” They talked about what she could do and hopped off the bus together. He guided her into HR and asked them to sign her up. “What as?” “Trainee?” “A trainee what?” The girl looked on, “Do you want to be an electrician?” She looked at him baffled. “Oh you mean watt and amps and things. No not really.” “What’s the lowest paid trainee job we have?” “Management trainee.” “That’ll do send her along to my office once she’s done.” He left her standing in HR. “Management trainee isn’t bad you know. $10 an hour over minimum wage and you get increments each year as well as a cost of living increase.”
Well more than minimum wage she could live with. They filled in the forms together and she set off to find his office.
“Now your father always arranged a sort of scholarship for manager’s offspring who wanted to go to university.” “Sort of?” “We paid them minimum wage plus rent, books and tuition.” “So who are we talking about?” “Alexander, Mr. Bradshaw’s.” He sat and mulled whilst he drank his coffee. The girl entered his office. “Shannon meet Mrs. Miller my secretary. Mrs. Miller, Shannon will make herself useful around the office. The first thing she can do is go down to the shop floor and find me someone with a son or daughter that would like to go to university.” “You mean that way it wouldn’t be restricted to managers’ offspring?” “Precisely.”
Shannon went down and chatted on the shop floor but it seemed no one had offspring of the right age and inclination. She wanted to find someone then had an idea. Natasha, she had done well at school but now had to find a job because her dad had lost his. She went and called on her that evening, best do it face to face. “But I already have a job at the coffee bar starting on Monday. They train you and you get tips as well.” “Just come and meet my boss in the morning, seven thirty if you can manage it.” “Against my better judgement.”
The next morning Natasha glared at her bedside light. It must be a power glitch she thought at first as she looked at the beside clock then remembered her promise to Shannon. She crawled out of bed and remembered she hadn’t any respectable tights left. Still she could always wear a long skirt but not the wrap over one, that way she could wear her pyjamas underneath since it would be cool according to the weather forecast. In the kitchen she put a slice of frozen bread in the microwave to thaw it out then under the gas range to toast. She preferred softer toast to the electric toaster even if it didn’t save the planet. She ran a hairbrush through her hair to ease out the worse of the tangles as the toast toasted and lifted out the jar of marmalade. She sat at the kitchen table sipping her coffee and wondered if there was a way to be more assertive and just say no when Shannon asked her to do things. She had a perfectly good job at the coffee bar starting on Monday after all even if it was a dollar an hour over minimum. She brought up Adam’s photo on her phone and kissed it for luck. He’d never notice her but she still liked to dream occasionally.
On the trip in Shannon spoke not a word sensing Natasha’s mood but at seven thirty Shannon entered Ken’s office carrying a mug of coffee. Natasha had looked at her in askance when she’d made it. “I come bearing gifts.” Shannon placed the mug down on his desk. “I’d like you to meet Natasha from my class. She was second in class.” Ken took a sip of coffee. “Congratulations.” “Be nice.” Reprimanded Shannon. “Do you have a C.V. with you?” Ken thought he’d better go through the motions. “No and I have a job at a coffee bar starting next week so I’m not quite sure why Shannon thought it was important to meet you.” Ken sipped his coffee once more and closed his eyes. “Her dad got laid off when they closed Greg’s.” Ken’s eyes opened and lit up. “I have a small job to do of going through some documentation if you’d like to start today, it pays ten an hour over minimum and I’m quite happy for you just to work this week if that is convenient?” Natasha nodded her agreement. He settled her down with the user manual on the screen then returned to Shannon. “You’d best get Natasha’s dad hired downstairs by this afternoon. Any idea what he does?” “I think she said he was a fitter.” “Oh good we can always use another one.” Shannon went off and Ken slipped down to the factor floor. “Shannon should be bringing in a fitter who is looking for a job. Unless they are totally unacceptable hire them.” “I was thinking of asking you about hiring one or two from Greg’s as it happens.”
By two pm Natasha’s dad was shown into Alf’s office. “I hear you’re looking for fitters?” “Well you’re the only applicant so we can speed up the process. You’re hired.” “Aren’t you going to ask me about my experience?” “I trust you have some, and anyway I have a training budget.” Matt thought it must be the shortest interview on record.
Next morning Natasha swept into Ken’s office and kissed him on the cheek. He looked at her oddly. “Thank you.” He looked puzzled for a moment. “My dad has a job and I’m sure you had something to do with it.”
“Sign.” Ken commanded. “It’s says project manager?” “Just sign and see Mrs. Miller for the details.” Natasha signed and waltzed into Mrs. Miller’s office carrying her letter. “Oh good he’s done it then. Right it’s just a continuation of going through the user manual for the moment and you’ll meet your team shortly.” “Team?” “Manager’s have staff and this week we call them teams. You get Shannon, and Alexander Bradshaw. Alexander hasn’t started with us yet so your first job is to ring him and see when he’d like to start.”
“Alexander?” “Yes.” “I’m Natasha your new manager when would you like to start? Would tomorrow be convenient?” “Monday would suit me better.” “I’ll look forward to seeing you at seven thirty on Monday then.” Alexander stared at the phone was she real, seven thirty in the morning. He found his dad “Dad some girl at the office rang me and wants me to start at seven thirty in the morning. That can’t be right can it?” “If she’s your supervisor then she sets your hours. Try to humour her at least. In the past as a manager’s son you’d get a university course paid for and money to live on. So you wouldn’t need a student loan.” Alex shrugged not really sure why a student loan was a big deal. All his friends had applied for one.
He strolled in at eight thirty on Monday morning and looked round and seeing Shannon slipped his arm round her waist. Natasha on hearing footsteps put her head out of her cubical. “Alexander?” “Why yes.” “We work flexitime so just note yourself down as an hour late this morning and Shannon has work to do so if you could release her?” “Where am I suppose to sit?” Natasha showed him to a cubical. “I’ll catch up with you later I have a planning meeting to attend with Shannon at the moment.” Shannon picked up her handbag and together they walked down to the canteen. “I thought we had a planning meeting?” “We do, sit and drink your coffee and let’s plan out what we can do with him.” “You mean he hasn’t made a good impression so far?” “Did you enjoy being mauled?” “No I like some say in the matter.” “Right then when we get back I’ll have him read through all the harassment stuff and see if it’s up to date.” “He’ll enjoy that.” They both grinned at each other.
“Now I need a training plan for your section. If you see Mrs. Miller will fill you in on what I need.” Natasha was dismissed.
“You need to have requirements and the training plan has to link back to them. That can be multi-year by the way so a degree isn't completely out.” Natasha tried to imagine how the history of Italian art could be linked to anything. “So a maths degree would work?” “Provided he signs off on it. Now Shannon would be hard put to it to keep up with a degree course but some sort of college course? Go and have a chat to her and tomorrow if you have a long wrap over skirt wear it.”
The next morning Natasha came back with her training plan. Mrs. Miller looked it over. “It looks fine although I can't see Alexander wanting to do a hard maths course rather than a liberal arts course.” “He requested a course in Italian art history but I couldn't make a connection to something useful.” “I must see his face when he sees it. Now because your training plan is a bit on the expensive side I think we'd better distract him.” She opened a few drawers and eventually pulled out a flat package reverently. “These always worked with his father. Mind you my legs were better in those days. There's a belt here as well.” She lifted the belt out and stood reminiscing for a moment or two. “Now I always found the most effective way was to sit myself down in his lap and hold his hand. Then say his hand felt a bit cool and place it on my thigh to warm it up.” She smiled quietly to herself. “I don't think I could.” “But university for yourself and college for Shannon?” Natasha took a deep breath in. “Wish me luck.” “Take him a coffee in with you.”
Ken looked up as Natasha entered his office. His eyebrows raised as she sat in his lap. She wiggled slightly once his hand was resting on his thigh and his thumb brushed a clip holding up her stockings. “How much is this going to cost me?” Natasha opened the folder and laid it on the desk for his signature. Ken signed. “Perhaps you should have a dress code?” Natasha quickly stood up and after kissing him on the cheek slipped out of the office. Behind her Ken grinned to himself. One for the memories.
Natasha scurried back to her small section followed by a curious Mrs. Miller. “Our training plans have been approved.” She announced grandly. Shannon looked up. “I have a training plan?” “College for three years which makes you a fully qualified.” Alex broke in “Never mind her what about mine?” “Four years maths.” Mrs. Miller watched him blow a fuse. “No way I'm out of here. I'll see my dad and get it sorted.” “Does that mean you're quitting?” Asked Mrs. Miller innocently. “Damn right it does. I’m off to see my dad about this.” Alex stormed off in a huff.
“I didn't mean to upset him. I thought he'd be happy with four years paid study.” Natasha loomed desolate. “I'll just warn Ken.” “I'd better come with you.” Added Natasha gloomily.
“Alex has resigned but I could probably grovel and get him back.” “Why did he quit?” “I offered him four years maths when he wanted four years of studying Italian Art History.” “Write it up formally accepting his resignation quickly. Let HR know he's taking a week family related.” Natasha looked puzzled “He said he was going to see his dad and we can give him a week’s family related leave. Then he has two weeks sick leave available. He’s obviously having some sort of mental health problems to turn down four years paid study, and we credit everyone a weeks leave when they start until they build up their entitlement so that should do nicely. Cancel all his access codes etc. Oh and you’d better get a replacement body in quickly before he and his dad come grovelling back.” Natasha looked stunned and walked out of the door. “You can leave HR to me but I’ll need a couple of letters signing later on.”
She spoke to Shannon “Where am I going to find someone who wants a four year maths course paid for?” “Don’t forget the family connection.” “If I don’t we might get Alex back.” Shannon’s face dropped. “If only Adam’s parents worked here.” Natasha looked at her. “Well you and he were the tops in class.” “But his parents have money.” “So go ask Mrs. Miller if it has to be full time or would part-time be OK.” “And then?” “You ask his mother if she’d like a part-time job.” “I couldn’t.” “You said that before asking for our courses.” Natasha went to see Mrs. Miller and signed Alex’s resignation letter whilst asking about part-time workers and their off spring. “I don’t see why not. Go and see his mother and bring her back her take a cab. I’m sure we can sort something out.”
“Mrs. Jackaman?” “Natasha isn’t it? Adam’s out at the moment.” “It’s really you I want to speak to.” “Come in then and have a tea unless you’d prefer coffee.” Natasha was ushered into the kitchen and she glanced round the fitted cupboards and matching appliances with interest. “I’m a sort of manager and I have a vacancy for a someone to take a maths course for four years all expenses paid.” “My maths is a bit rusty. No doubt Adam would be interested.” “There’s a but.” Mrs. Jackaman smiled as she sipped her tea. “There usually is.” “I can only offer it to someone who has a parent who works at the company. It’s a special thing that was only offered to managers’ off spring in the past.” “Well I can’t see his dad wanting to change jobs.” “I was wondering if you’d like a part-time job. Mrs. Miller thought four days a month if you could manage it or we can make it full time or a few more hours if you like.” Mrs. Jackaman took a deep breath in. “Well I suppose I could.” “Would you like to come and arrange the details with Mrs. Miller now. I’ve a cab waiting outside.”
When Adam returned that night his mother presented him with a letter of offer. “Sign it and take it with tomorrow.” “I was going to spend some time with Ethan?” “Tomorrow you’ll spend time with Natasha and do exactly what she says young man.” Adam pulled a face.
“Hi Natasha, mom says I have to spend time with you and do exactly what you say or I’m grounded forever.” Shannon looked up with a big grin. “Can I suggest things?” “Certainly not.” He handed over his signed letter of offer to Natasha who gave it to Shannon to carry off to HR.
“Well let me think. How good are you at making coffee?” “Not very.” “I’m sure I can find you a training course for that.” Natasha was enjoying herself. Power over Adam at last. “For the moment sit down at the desk in the next cubical and when Shannon gets back I’ll sort you out.” “Promises, promises.”
“Hello I’m Mr. Bradshaw and there seems to be some misunderstanding about my son?” “Shall we go and see Ken and straighten it out?” “Of course.” They entered Ken’s office together. “Mr. Bradshaw feels there has been some misunderstanding about his son.” “Well as I understand it he left of his own free will do I take it he’d like to come back?” “Yes as I say it was all a misunderstanding.” “Not a problem if he feels he can work with Natasha once more and is happy to take the maths training course.” “I’m sure he can.” “Well then we’ll be happy to see him return.” “I’ll need more money to take on additional staff.” “But surely the funding for his old post can’t have disappeared?” “No the post is funded but it has since been filled so unless we fire the replacement I have no money.” “Money is tight at the moment Bob and we do have two trainees on the books.” Mr. Bradshaw grimaced and walked out. They heard him berating his son as they left.
“Hi my name is Andrew and I’m here to tell you about my new exciting plans for the company. First we’re going to be bottom line driven, that means we’re only going to do the most profitable business. The boring low profit stuff we’ll dump. Secondly we’ll be cutting costs and right sizing so we have only the right people. Those who are working directly in production or sales on the profitable stuff get to keep their jobs with a 3% increase the rest will be laid off indefinitely. Sorry folks that’s life.” Imogen frowned as an analyst her job was more an indirect one but essential for future orders. She left with her belongs in an empty photocopier paper box. She noticed Paige carrying one out as well. They’d been working together now for more than a year with a client tailoring both needs and what was available at a reasonable cost to meet the client needs.
Why did it have to happen now? She took a seat next to Mrs. Miller on the bus. “You look as if you’d had better days?” “Haven’t I just. I rent a room from a monied friend from college days. It’s a great place but she’s getting married in three months time and I pay about a quarter of the rent in return for running the vacuum cleaner round occasionally. I couldn’t afford to take it on by myself. Then today we had a new manager with exciting plans. I was right sized. On top of that I got talked into a rather expensive holiday recently so credit card balance is high and my savings are close to non-existent. As you note I have had better days.” Mrs. Miller suggested she come into the office the following day and she’d see if her boss could think of something to cheer her up.
Imogen was still depressed when she turned up the following day. Mrs. Miller looked her over and suggested black tights might look better with her outfit. “I know but these are the last pair I have.” Mrs. Miller dug in a filing cabinet and pulled out two flat packages. “I knew they were here somewhere, leftovers from Molly’s Halloween outfit.” “Won’t Molly mind?” “She is one of those people who get bored easily and has moved on to bigger and better things. The wash room is down the hall on the right.”
Imogen stood and glanced in the mirror. She wasn’t really a mirror person, more a neat and tidy but yes the outfit looked a bit smarter with black stockings. She strolled back and Mrs. Miller led her into Ken’s office.
“Imogen is feeling down and after your inspirational talk at the school I thought you might like to cheer her up.” There was a haunted look on Ken’s face. “Don’t I have an appointment with Mr. Fletcher?” “Sorry he’s cancelled.” Not that he ever existed, she’d just entered his name in to block out the time slot. Ken looked across at Imogen, well no visible tattoos at least. “What’s got you down then?” Imogen told her tale. “What you would like out of life?” “Andrew’s head on a platter.” Ken grinned, “That might not be possible. Anything else?” “To earn enough money to be able to save up a deposit on an apartment.” “So $70,000 a year?” She wrinkled her nose, “I might stand more chance of Andrew’s head on a platter you mean?” “Well no, there is always being a personal executive assistant. That might pay that sort of money.” Imogen frowned then her pupils widened. She stood up and walked round the desk and sat in his lap before kissing him on the lips lightly. She moved her head back as if considering the matter then gave him a more lingering kiss. “I accept.” Ken blinked “I wasn’t offering.” She took his hand and placed it on her knee then moved it up sliding her skirt up as she did so until his thumb rested on the clip holding her stockings up. Then she kissed him once more. Mrs. Miller slipped through the door. “I take it you just hired a new personal executive assistant then?” Ken looked at the pair of them “Five year contract $100,000 a year. That should help you save a deposit on an apartment.” “She’ll need a thousand a month dress allowance and she could telework from your home.” Ken groaned. “I’ll take that as a yes shall I?” Murmured Imogen as she kissed him on the cheek.
“What did we do to that poor man?” She asked Mrs. Miller as they stepped back into her office. “That poor man has been working too hard ever since he took over the family business when his uncle died and left it to him. He needs to relax, besides with you living in the house there is less chance of gold diggers moving in.” “You mean he can afford $100,000 a year?” “Easily but don’t tell anyone I said so. Now I’ll find you a thousand out of petty cash for your clothing allowance this month then I suggest you go and cook him a meal to remember and since he lives on take-outs that shouldn’t be difficult. I have a spare set of keys to his house somewhere here. I’ll make sure he leaves at five tonight so he should be back by six pm.”
Imogen opened the front door with her key and peered inside. She put down her shopping bags in the kitchen. She noted the high end range and hoped you didn’t need a computer science degree to use it. She dug in the cupboards and found a roasting tin. Then she pulled out her battered notebook she kept her recipes in. Roast lamb 25 mins per 500 gms plus 25 mins but preheat the oven for 25 mins first.
She looked round and found some plates and silverware and laid the table after putting a table cloth on it. There that looked good at least. Looking at the time she set the lamb on to cook and went to have a dip in the bath before getting dressed. She admired herself in the mirror. She’d seen the dress three weeks ago but thought she’d put it off until it went on sale. Normally they put things on sale after they had been in the store for a month. Two months and the price was slashed again. She’d paid full price for it which went against the grain but consoled herself that she now had a dress allowance to spend.
A quick check in the kitchen and everything looked almost ready. She poured out two glasses of white wine hoping he didn’t want to do the tasting ritual. She heard a key in the door and slipping off her apron she went to greet him. Inwardly she smiled as he hesitated on seeing her. “New dress?” He hazarded, “But of course paid for out my new dress allowance.” “It suits you.” She gave a small curtsey “Thank you kind sir.” “What sort of take out would you like?” She frowned at him and pointed to the dinning room table. “Sit.” she commanded before disappearing into the kitchen and coming out carrying a plate of food which she placed in front of him. “Chinese take-out is off tonight I take it? Not that this doesn’t look very good.” “Good recovery.” She went back and brought out her own plate of food. They ate in silence until Ken spoke up. “It’s very good, I’m impressed.” “Don’t expect this every night but once in a while I might mange it.”
Next morning as he had breakfast she threw together some cold lamb sandwiches for his lunch. Ken raised his eyebrows. “Mrs. Miller thought you might not be eating properly and since I’m supposed to be teleworking do you have a VPN connection into the office?” Ken set her up then left.
Three days later Ken arrived home a few minutes early. Imogen greeted him with a kiss on his cheek. “We have guests tonight for supper.” She announced “Paige whom I used to work with and Matthew who is Natasha’s dad. Natasha as in Shannon find me...” “Ah yes placed you now. How are you fitting in?” “Well it has been a bit quiet so I had a look at the floor layout.” “Do we need a new floor?” “Take your coat off and let’s eat supper. There are a few things to discuss over coffee.” “A job for Paige I take it. I’m quite sure I can’t afford it.” Paige grinned “Food first to soften you up then my sales pitch.”
They ate together and over coffee Ken asked “Why are both Paige and Matthew involved?” “Remember I wanted Andrew’s head on a platter?” Ken nodded he had a bad feeling about this. “Well basically his profitable business line is about to finish. There is a new standard that has just been formally finalised that gives four times the performance of the old one.” “So?” “Imogen did the homework and we can put together a product that meets the new standard very quickly.” “But couldn’t Andrew do that as well?” “He laid off the R&D section.” “I don’t think we have the capacity.” Matt spoke up. “I’ve been looking over the factory floor and if we rearrange a few things and brought in a couple of small robotic arms we could cope.” “I suppose you want to bring in the less profitable business as well?” “Well the staff are available they’ve been laid off and if you ran a 6 to 10 evening shift and a couple of weekend shifts you have the capacity.” “I’m not sure I like the idea of so much overtime.” “Flexitime and let them choose their shifts.” “Paige could handle the extra sales work.” “What were you working on that had no sales for a year then?” “Imogen did the research for it and I think we could handle it. I mean to say Andrew’s company isn’t looking profitable at the moment so his premises and staff should be available very soon.” “Best do it then. Paige you have a job. Matthew sort out which robotic arms would work but talk it through with the shop floor and give me a rough back of envelope payback figure justifying the investment. Oh and remember the staff Andrew has laid off have a right to their month’s notice pay if they resign and a couple of small claims court actions would squeeze him at the bank.” Matthew spoke up “If you’re interested in payback on investment then there are a few things we can do to help the ageing workforce to make their job easier.” “Do I need a health professional to sort it out?” “No most is common sense and word gets around fast these days about what works and what doesn’t.” “Pass Imogen a list.”
Andrew looked at the salesperson. “Don’t just tell me the problem give me a solution.” “Make our product comply with this latest standard.” “And how do we do that?” “Sorry I’m just a salesperson.” “No, you were a salesperson, you’re fired.” As if he didn’t have enough to worry about. His cash flow had been hit because all those losers who he’d laid off had resigned and were asking for their month’s pay. Well they’d just have to wait.
Paige looked over the order book. She’d have to talk nicely to production if they were to process these orders when the customer wanted to receive the goods. She dropped by to see the production manager who grimaced when she arrived. “I don’t have the capacity.” “I’m sure you do?” Paige smiled sweetly at him. “Let’s ask the workforce shall we?” “Ask the workers, whatever next?” “The vote for women?” “Are you saying I’m set in my ways?” He demanded. “Let’s talk to them anyway.” They walked down to the shop floor and started to talk. “So you’re offering shift pay out of Monday- Friday 8-4?” “Well yes.” “So if I wanted to work three long days a week that would be OK?” “Well yes.” “Good, me and my old man can split the week up and he can child sit three days a week and I can do the other three. Save us a fortune in childcare.” He looked at Paige, “That I wasn’t expecting. So yes get us some orders then.” “Matthew has some ideas about automating things. Don’t worry Ken has said the no lay off policy will continue.”
Shannon looked on, “But if you pay them more for working less hours how can that be profitable?” “When we make something the cost is a mixture of labour costs, roof over our head costs, machinery costs, transport costs, R&D, training costs and overhead.” “So labour cost is only part of it?” “And if we work more hours we still pay the same for the building and machinery and we can spread the overhead out over more orders.”
Shannon looked up and saw Aaron glance at Holly. Interesting, there was a definite interest there. Later she perched on Mrs. Miller’s desk and asked about them both. “Aaron, is a bit shy but good at his job. He’s the sort that doesn’t like conflict so I try to keep him away from aggressive managers and so forth. Holly has some sort of post grad qualification in mediaeval studies. She’s quiet as well but has an eye for grammar in our user manuals.” “Could we nudge them together?” “It would take a sledgehammer to nudge Aaron but on the other hand it would almost certainly make them less likely to take another job elsewhere.”
Holly stood at the railway station with a roll on suitcase at her side. “Hello.” She greeted Aaron “What are you doing here?” Shannon has booked me into some sort of conference. Holly grinned “The How End Users Cope with System Changes?” “Yes. Something about we should take their views into account. I mean why would we I thought they enjoyed change for change sake?” He grinned before pulling out a tablet and checked a couple of forums for messages. “I think it’s politically correct and fashionable.” “Yeah but they never know what they want to start with. Normally I give them something to play with then go back after a week or so and develop it from there but management doesn’t like that approach as you can’t estimate how long it will take or cost it out. I mean you can make a guess but the ones I do that way they feel more involved with and happier in the end but never ask them what they want to start with. They simply don’t know what is possible.” The train rolled into the station and they clambered aboard. “Shannon mentioned something about a sleeper.” Holly held her hand out for his ticket and inspected it then showed him hers. “A family sleeper?” Aaron spoke out loud in disbelief. “She probably got a discount on the price.” “She would. Shall we inspect?” They looked round the sleeper together. “Well we can always ride in the observation car.” “Or fold the seats out.” “I wonder why we’re travelling by train anyway?” “Simple, in bad weather the airports close but normally the train gets through unless there are protesters blocking the line.”
They found an on-board service attendant and asked about getting a second cabin. She brought out her tablet and looked. “Well I can offer you one but the only one available will be full price at just under $10,000 round trip and I’d have to confirm the return trip when we reach Wi-Fi.” Aaron and Holly exchanged glances. “Thanks but we’ll share.” Spluttered Holly.
They both read books to pass the time. Holly remarked at least they hadn’t had to go through security and the seats were comfier. That night Aaron turned his back whilst Holly got changed and slipped into the bottom bunk which was a double. She peeked out from under the covers. “There’s room for two and it’s safer than climbing into the top bunk. Aaron gave her a look of disbelief. “Safer?” “I don’t bite and I promise not to push you out of bed unless you misbehave.” Aaron looked disappointed. “Not even a nibble?” A pillow flew across the cabin. He slid into bed and Holly snuggled up and nibbled his ear. “Better?” Aaron just purred.
Aaron looked at the person behind the check in counter. “Are you saying my reservation is for next week?” “Correct and because of the conference we don’t have any vacancies this week unless we get some no shows.” Holly smiled and asked about her reservation. “Room 1405.” “I think Shannon has been up to her tricks. I get the impression that we share my room for a week then yours.” Aaron looked at his train ticket “Surprise, surprise, my return ticket is for two weeks time.” Holly looked at hers. “Been busy hasn’t she? Oh well looks like we’re stuck together for a week’s vacation unless we telework? If we’re careful where we eat I think expenses could just about cover both weeks.” “I haven’t been spending that much recently so we could stretch to a meal or two out.” Holly smiled at him. “I’d best search for the top rated French restaurants then.” She broke into laughter when she saw the expression on his face.
Mrs. Miller looked at them fondly, things were settling down nicely. You knew where you were with couples so much more stable than singles. You never know perhaps if she talked about weddings they might take a hint and walk the walk.
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Talk the Talk - Karen Blayne