Masters & Lovers Box Set Three

I’m crossing the floor of the lobby, thinking about the ongoing groundworks of D-site and trying to decide whether to tackle the east or the west side first. I’m not truly paying attention to my surroundings.

“Morning, Kirstie.”

“Good morning Mr Alexanders.”

*Jab elevator panel*

Lay land drains first to the east side?

Enable access via the west?

Or wait for the circular route to connect from the bridge?

Where’s that damn lift?

…

…

Reverse mental gears….

Kirstie…

Too much make-up…

Swollen eyes…

Trying not to be too obvious about it, I turn to take a better look at her. Even from the rear…

… slumping in her seat…

Not like her…

The elevator bings, but I ignore it, strolling back to the desk.

“Kirstie, is everything alright?”

“I'm fine, Mr Alexanders. Thank you for asking.”

She's painted on her business face, but as she speaks, she doesn’t look at me, keeping her eyes turned down. One thing I like about Kirstie is that she looks you in the eye…

Usually…

I take her chin in thumb and forefinger. “I expect you to look at me when I speak, Ms Jamieson...” But I cut myself short. Under the makeup she's caked on, her eyes are puffy.

“I’m sorry, sir. I’m fine.”

“No, you're not. You look terrible. Is it something I can help with?”

“No sir, it's... personal…”

I wait, giving her a silence to fill.

A flush rises up her neck, vanishing under the makeup line before it hits her face. “My sister, Erin is falling out with Ben....”

Not Ben again….

He really doesn't have the hang of people…

Why would that upset Kirstie so much?

“... so I have her crying on my shoulder and Ryan...” She stalls.

“Yes? Ryan…?”

Staring down at her desktop, “Nothing.”

little longer, but no more is

she doesn’t

to go home? I'll find a stand-in for you

I'd rather be at

“As you wish.”

*****

around my office door. “James, I have Kirstie on from downstairs. She's asking if you could spare her a few minutes sometime today?

Aaahhh…

wants to. Can you make coffee for two,

James.” Francis fixes a gimlet

if I’m

*****

at my door. I left it standing open, but she

“Come in, Kirstie.”

you for making the time

but as she leaves, I close the door behind her. “Kirstie, we’re friends. And I have the

nods, winding

What now?

good at this sort of

it is.” I gesture to

Nope…

Wrong…

the low seating by

into a handkerchief. I sit opposite her, pour the coffee, try to make myself busy while she gets her

Should I call Charlotte?

but Kirstie

there’s Michael of course. You always seem so happy together. And, well, you've been doing this

As she knows…

eyes slant

How we met…

at

rules. How it works.

“Get it?”

you really understand the

to see where

Ryan…

dries up again. I try a gentle prompt.

to this. He... He thinks

the rules of the game. If something upsets you, or

that, but Ryan... Could you

in the relationship between a Dom and his sub? That's quite an ask,

nods. “I

tell me what he is

But her

Crucified with embarrassment.

everyday life here, Kirstie? Or are

she starts crying again, tears running furrows through

Ah, fuck….

Weeping women…

Francis?

No…

I met, there can't be too

and sweating, she says, “He gets off

right for him. He can be as exhibitionist

Parking lots, elevators. Places we could be caught. He's careful,

if he's taking you too far,

eyes red-rimmed, meet mine. “He gets

Shit…

that can't be used isn't a

thinks… James, you and Charlotte have been together for a while. Was there ever a time, maybe in your early days when…?” Her hand rises to her mouth as though cutting