Kate Educates Jacob #57
A Mentor In Business And Life
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Isabelle’s Point Of View.
I’d been summoned to meet Kate at the main house for breakfast. That made me nervous because no explanation came with the message sent to my phone. I rose earlier than I needed to, got dropped off at my cabin by Karl, and showered, feeling a little flustered.
I was very apprehensive about the main house and my right to access, so I hung around outside, pacing nervously until Kate stuck her head around the front door, having caught sight of me from Lizzie’s Bar.
“What on earth are you doing out here?”
“Hi, Kate. Sorry… is it okay to come in?”
“Why on earth not?”
“Sorry. This is your home, and I’m a, well… I’m a member of staff.”
“You’re a bit more than that, Isabelle. Hannah hand-picked you and brought you up here, which means a great deal. I asked you to join me for a breakfast meeting, so technically, you’re late.”
“Fuck! Sorry.”
“You have quite a potty mouth, Isabelle.”
“Sorry, is that a thing with you?”
“Not anymore. I’d rather you didn’t habitually hang around outside before a meeting, though. They say it gets damn cold with a few feet of snow in the winter. I don’t want you getting hypothermia.”
“I’m sure you understand why I’m nervous, right, Kate?”
“I don’t think you need to be anxious. We’re just having a work meeting.”
“Am I being fired?”
She squinted as though unsure whether I was joking. When she saw how serious I was, Kate strolled outside in her slippers and hugged me.
“Jesus, Isabelle, why the hell would I do that?”
“Okay, sorry, I couldn’t figure out why you might want to talk to me.”
“You’re being repurposed, sweetheart.”
“Okay. That’s still worrying.”
“It’s all good… well, I hope you feel similarly to me.”
“Okay. I’m all ears, Kate.”
“Sit with me at Lizzie’s bar; order whatever you like for breakfast, something to drink, and we’ll get stuck into it.”
I knew something was up, but it wasn’t clear what that might be. Kate was as poker-faced as a world champion at the river. I felt more nervous about why the boss summoned me than anything else in my recent memory.
“Could I have a stack of pancakes, syrup, and a latte, please, Lizzie?”
“Of course, sweetheart.”
“Thank you.”
My short respite from Kate’s discerning eye ended, and I was back under her scrutiny. It must be work-related, and I thought perhaps it had something to do with Harry.
“I’m sorry about the meeting nonsense with Harry, Kate.”
“Please stop, Isabelle. We’re not discussing Harry ever again.”
“What are we talking about then?”
“This meeting is to discuss your future role at GD and working for me if you’d like to.”
“Oh fuck, you’re joking, right?”
“No Isabelle. This is not a game or joke. I was proud of how you dealt with Harry. I also like how honest you are. You, my dear, are a rare young lady to be treasured.”
I settled down after a massive adrenaline spike that rocked my world. I felt thrilled but confused about why my sudden rise in Global Dynamics happened, but this was welcome news and high praise.
“What is my new role?”
“You haven’t accepted it yet, Isabelle. It’s a proposed role.”
“Okay… I’ll accept it, thank you.”
“You don’t know what the job is or how much it pays.”
“I don’t care either. Nobody here has steered me in the wrong direction yet, so I’ll take the job, thanks Kate. Now… what is it?”
“You’ll work for me with Tiffany. I need research on people that Jacob and I will meet and for you to accompany us.”
“Do you mean clients?”
“Staff, clients, politicians, and suppliers. When we meet them, I’d like to know already who they are, their kids’ names, and anything else you can glean that might help.”
“No more Harry’s then?”
“Not necessarily, Isabelle. Harry’s are fine so long as we know what we’re dealing with; that way, we can set them to our advantage.”
“I can do that, Kate.”
“I know you can, sweetie.”
If being a hooker had taught me anything about people, it was when they were hanging around, being polite after the main event was over. Kate was genuinely interested in me. I felt flattered, dawdling with my pancakes, thinking things through, and formulating the questions my boss knew I must have.
“I know you value honesty, Kate.”
“It’s true and above most other qualities.”
“Everyone says that, and you mentioned it earlier about me. The only people who don’t like you are afraid, and probably for that reason.”
“You don’t fear me, surely, Isabelle?”
“Not at all.”
Kate looked confused, and I guessed it was because I sounded like a babbling brook. I was excited, unsure about why the sudden acceleration and that felt like it should be an issue.
“Do you have something you’d like to tell me?”
“Something to ask, please, Kate, if that’s okay?”
“Of course, shoot.”
“Why are you doing this for me?”
“You are the right person for this job. I’m helping you to move forward because it benefits my company and me… Jacob, too.”
“Okay. That’s honest, but it doesn’t answer my question.”
“Perhaps you aren’t asking the right question, Isabelle.”
My heart thumped, and I felt queasy because the elephant in the room had an ass so big it almost pushed me out of the door. My hands felt cold, and I wanted to sprint away to safety. Three generations of my maternal family line screamed for me to stop staring a gift horse in the mouth, but I couldn’t help myself.
“Did someone ask you to move me into a new job?”
“Yes.”
“Who?”
“Hannah.”
“Why?”
“Her professional reasons were because she feels you have huge potential, which would be best explored reporting directly to me.”
“And are there any other reasons?”
“Yes.”
“May I know them, please?”
“Do you trust me, Isabelle?”
“Yes… generally… umm, I mean, yes, I do trust you.”
“Don’t ask that question of anyone, please. I’m sure you’ll figure it out. Hannah believes in you, and I do, too. Can we leave it at that?”
“Yes, of course, Kate. I’m sorry.”
“Apologies aren’t necessary. Now… I’m told you have already studied GD’s forthcoming visit agenda.”
“Yes.”
“Let’s start there. Figure out a network of the people we will meet for each visit, the purpose, and key facts that help us close deals. We don’t want surprises, and a tactical advantage is always helpful.”
“You can count on me, Kate.”
She seemed as relieved as I was. Kate and Jacob had been furious about Harry, and I wondered if they might feel protective. For a fleeting moment, I hoped not because I could easily handle myself.
“Jacob and I are pleased about this development, Isabelle.”
“Jacob is awesome.”
“Yes, he is. So is Karl.”
“Ahh, you know about us?”
“Of course. I wouldn’t be much of a mentor if I didn’t.”
My life took off at Mach One the moment Kate finished briefing me. Before I finished eating my delicious banana flavor, syrup-soaked breakfast, Tiffany arrived and handed me a new iPhone, tablet, and laptop, providing a printed list of my new email address, phone numbers, and a job description.
“Change all of the passwords once you log in, read the job description, sign the back, copy, and bring me the original tomorrow.”
“Okay, Tiffany.”
“Be here at 9 a.m. dressed for a helicopter ride.”
“Where are we going?”
“Granger Hall.”
“What for?”
“To fuck the contractors for being late with our new office building. I have a lawyer joining us, so we’re ready to battle. Bring clothes for three days and prepare for fun and games.”
“That sounds awesome.”
“Bring your coffee for the ride, Isabelle. Nobody fetches coffee for anyone else around here.”
I spent the afternoon in town buying sensible yet sophisticated clothes with Lizzie, who was like my Mom but more fun and a little naughty. I took to her like glue and hoped she felt the same as we marched down the main shopping street, peering through windows, going inside if something we saw ticked both our boxes.
“Isabelle, I can assure you that Jeans are fine so long as they are tasteful.”
“Do you mean baggy, dowdy and unappealing?”
“No. Skin tight is fine, but no camel toes.”
“How do I avoid that?”
I held up a pair of skinnies I rather liked, wondering if my two pairs of panties trick might work.
“Wear panty liners, sweetheart. Nice, thin ones that show girly bits the way they should be. A suggestive curve between the legs should beckon your future lover, and a three-carat diamond ring.”
“Okay… I hadn’t realized fashion tips were your forte.”
“I’m an ocean of knowledge, Isabelle. Fashion, securing a proposal, and any decadence you care to name and quite a few you never heard of.”
“I’m visiting Lizzie’s coffee shop more frequently from now on.”
I grinned at her and saw the mischievous twinkle in the eye of a woman who knew everything. When our shopping spree ended, I was pleased with the style Lizzie helped me create. I was halfway between looking like a horny wealthy horse owner and an office babe.
“One is never a slut, Isabelle.”
“What is one then, Lizzie?”
“One is a lady, my dear, or… one is in the wrong company, consorting with cheap, undeserving gentlemen that have insufficient funds to afford anything but a slut.”
“I’m guessing they would never afford a diamond engagement ring?”
“Definitely not, my dear.”
My wardrobe had grown larger than at any time in my life. I had more than ten complete outfits and lots of accessories, including casual clothes, pencil skirts, a couple of blazers, and a body warmer I wanted to wear forever.
Lizzie dropped me at my cabin, where I set about making a more permanent home, tidying, arranging furniture, folding, hanging, and stowing my new wardrobe. Before evening, my rental car turned up, and I spent ten minutes with the delivery driver, learning its controls.
Once they left, it was late afternoon, so I decided to chill on the front deck, wrapped in a blanket, watching the sunset. A light breeze that wafted through trees losing their leaves suggested colder nights were ahead, so I put a winter coat on my mental shopping list and decided to find the blanket store in case my bed ever got cold with only a duvet.
A rustling noise from the bushes where my trail to the main house started drew my attention. I was surprised to have a visitor, but he was welcome, warming my heart.
“Hey, Isabelle.”
“Hello, Karl. I wasn’t expecting you.”
“I couldn’t stay away.”
“Where’s your truck?”
“Security said that after 4 p.m., all visitors must park at the main house. It’s to avoid disturbing your peace.”
“Do you want to join me?”
“Would that make me needy and clingy?”
“Yes.”
“Perhaps I should walk past you, pretending I lost my way, collect some walnuts, and come back to enjoy a chance visit bearing gifts.”
“I’d rather you were clingy than uncaring Karl.”
I shot a downward curl, sad look even though I was pleased to see him and for his happiness in seeing me because I liked my boyfriend’s keen. Karl’s interest in me was a turn-on rather than being unwelcome. I lifted my blanket that kept the growing chilly air at bay and let him slide onto my couch.
“Do you want a mug of coffee, Karl?”
“I brought my flask full, especially in case I came across someone on the trail.”
“That’s sounding more like a stalker than a needy boyfriend, sweetheart.”
“It occurred to me that you might be busy and may not have bought groceries.”
“Coffee isn’t groceries, Karl… it’s fucking life support.”
He unzipped a small thermal pouch with a flask inside, two small thermos beakers, and a bar of chocolate to share. Karl served our steaming hot, milky coffee while I relaxed and snapped off tiny chocolate squares, feeding my boyfriend and basking in a new life already treasured.
“Did you have a good day, Isabelle?”
“I had a great day, and what about you?”
“I heard Kate and Jacob saved the local orphanage. I have been offered the legal work conveyancing on that property and drafting a charter for the home, so yeah, today, my job means something special, and I’m building rather than fighting.”
“They are quite the couple.”
“Vastly different from the arrogant asshole here before. I feel more positive when I’m near them. I feel the same way about you, Isabelle.”
I sunk my face onto his chest, enjoying its rhythmic rise and fall, feeling a little sad I was leaving the next day. I slipped a shirt button and slid my hand onto Karl’s washboard stomach, raking the hairs there gently, enjoying the oncoming darkness as our sun dropped below nearby mountain peaks.
The shadows seemed mysterious, and I wanted to be held tightly, which was precisely what my boyfriend did, easing my primal instincts.
“I leave tomorrow, heading for Granger Hall. I’ll miss you, Karl.”
“I’m coming with you. It seems my legal advice is needed for a building project that’s falling behind.”
“That’s great news. I love the helicopter. Do you have any idea where we are staying?”
“Catherine said there is plenty of accommodation at the massive mansion house. Perhaps we could share rooms?”
“I’d rather not, Karl.”
“Oh… surely I haven’t been judged a stalker?”
I saw a gloomy look fleeting through his expression akin to puppy dog sadness. He looked cute, and I enjoyed how much Karl seemed to want me.
“Perhaps you might sneak from your room to mine late at night, then leave before dawn. It seems the sort of fun and excitement a needy, clingy boyfriend might treat his girlfriend to while staying at a mansion.”
“I can do that.”
He looked relieved. In truth, I wanted Karl to chase and woo me a little, not because I was high maintenance, but because I felt it might help him fall deeper in love and be more attentive in those difficult moments ahead.
I lay back, he wriggled to spoon me, and we dozed off together. When I woke up with a cold nose and someone shaking me, I saw a security guard staring into my eyes.
“You both should probably go inside.”
“Thank you.”
Karl woke with a start, stood up, and lifted me effortlessly, carrying me to my bed. It was 2 a.m., and I was exhausted.
When my boyfriend tucked me in, kissed my forehead, and left, I was pleased we hadn’t made love because it would make our night at Granger’s Hall much more fun.
Next Chapter:
Love the different POVs. Always good to find out the ways different people think and view different situations. Really helps in getting to know the characters.
What a great chapter and an opportunity for Isabelle to blossom and mature in a way.The sexual aspect was so good because we all thought about it especially when Karl showed up. The absence was a point a testament to the strength the writer has imbued in the saga. Well done Kate.