33. Catriona
Thirty Three
Catriona
“Afriend came over to visit me when I lived in Kuala Lumpur, and he stayed in this fancy hotel. On his last day, he decided to avail of the spa on the top floor of the hotel and booked himself a massage. He was a little surprised when he was asked if he wanted a” – Rian clears his throat for effect – “pretty masseuse.”
“What?” Gemma’s finely plucked eyebrows furrow while she scoffs out a little laugh.
I haven’t seen much of her contagious smile lately.
Eric left a few days ago, causing serious heartache for my colleague, despite the short time they’ve shared.
There were no promises made between them, but still, I could sympathise with the other woman’s sense of loss.
We went for coffee yesterday. I let her talk freely about Eric and supplemented her with stories about us growing up together.
I hope that talking helps Gemma and doesn’t add to the void caused by him leaving.
What I had realised, though, as we sipped our hot drinks, was that it was the first time I’d ever gone for coffee with a colleague. It made me sad at the same time as I was happy to be there.
“Yes, like I said, my friend was a little surprised by that question as well, but not wanting to offend anyone, he said it didn’t matter if the masseuse was pretty or not. Sure enough, as you might have guessed, what he had booked wasn’t a massage but a massage with benefits.”
Rian glances meaningfully at each one of us around the conference table in his office.
A flippant comment from Trevor started this story – a comment about what spa services a new hotel in KSS’s portfolio would deliver.
The hotel is situated in not necessarily the best part of this dirty old town - actually, it’s close to where I grew up.
I used to think it was a waste of time to talk about non-work-related issues, that it was unprofessional.
But maybe I’ve been too stuck up? Maybe having social interactions at work is good for a happy work balance?
And besides, I now secretly like listening to Rian’s voice, so I didn’t object when he started telling this story.
“Since my friend hadn’t specified a preference for looks, the masseuse he got was anything but stunning and at least in her sixties.
” He pauses at the gasps around the table.
“My friend’s dilemma was that, if he declined the ‘benefit’ part of the massage from this lady, would it be considered sexist and ageist? ”
“Well, what did he do?” Gemma’s eyes are huge with disbelief and curiosity.
“He’s a nice guy and didn’t want to insult her, so he went through with it.” Loud groans and laughter fill the room. “I don’t know what the moral of that story is,” Rian adds with a lopsided grin.
“Oh, just admit it,” I say. “That guy was you, wasn’t it?”
“Oh, darn, you got me there.” Rian smiles while doing the appropriate fisted hand movement in front of his body.
That smile…
A nervous flutter spreads at the pit of my tummy. Tonight, we’re going on a date to a BDSM club. I don’t know what to expect. According to Rian, what we’ve been up to in his office is only light stuff. Not that I’d ever thought of it as bondage or S&M. I’ve kind of just labelled it kinky.
It’s not only the club I’m nervous about, but also being with him. What does he want from me? He’s so out of my league. And his admission about Alexandra?
I drum my pen nervously on my notepad and notice Rian looking at me, an eyebrow half raised, as if he knows what I’m thinking.
I glare back at him, take a deep breath and straighten in my chair.
The corners of his mouth start lifting, and I know he loves the way he can get me all rattled and defensive with just one look.
The bastard.
Sexy bastard.