Free My Scandinavian Lover by Bella Donnis Page A

obviously pretending not to pay attention. Did they not have lives of their own – what with their big salaries and all.
    “Hello Mrs Bateman, how can I help you?” Again, she hoped the scorn was not evident from her voice.
    The old woman must be close to retirement by now? If she retired then perhaps Abdul or Angela could have her job, leaving an opening as accounts executive. That really would be the best of all worlds. “I need copies of everything in the Carrington file.” She prodded a brown wallet in Jayne’s direction without looking up. “Get on to supplies and find out when they’re replacing the broken printer. There’s a stack of filing waiting for you which built up during your leave.” Now she looked at Jayne. “And would you not make my tea so strong – I don’t know how many times I’ve told you.”
    “Sorry, Mrs Bateman.” Crushing the tea bag against the side of her mug may have been a small and petty form of revenge but it was all she had.
    “Let’s have a quiet word through there.” Mrs Bateman pointed through to the meeting room before setting off in its direction.
    “Ok.” What was this about?
    They entered and Mrs Bateman closed the door behind them.
    “Look – I can imagine how you’re feeling. I just didn’t think you were ready at this stage for a full position.” The old woman stood, arms folded and Jayne found it hard to decide if she was enjoying this. “Astrid is here – Getting shown round the office by HR so when she takes her seat, I expect you to be civil. You remember how it is starting a new job – So make her welcome!”
    Jayne took a deep breath. This was it. “Mrs Bateman, I’ve been thinking things over and I think I’d like to hand in my one month notice.”
    “Well if that’s really how you feel then you should know that you’re not an actual employee here. You only require a notice period of one week – Which I shall duly accept.”
    “Thank you.” Did she detect the faintest hint of a smile from the old bat? Jayne pulled the door handle down…
    …”Getting ahead in advertising requires tenacity and a ‘fuck you’ attitude!” Mrs Bateman placed a hand on Jayne’s shoulder. “You’ve demonstrated you have only one of those qualities. Maybe working with kittens and puppies would be the better thing for you.”
    “Thank you, Mrs Bateman.” Jayne felt crushed and returned to her desk determined to see out her final week with a good reference at the very least.
    She took a sip from her tea which was now borderline cold. Only five more days of this and that would be it. She sensed Abdul and Angela looking at her, trying to gauge her mood. God this was awful. Tears welled in her eyes, an empty feeling in her stomach which was probably helplessness crept to the fore. What a waste of six months.
    “And this is your office and your new colleagues.” Anita entered the office, startling Jayne. She gestured wildly, waving her hand around the room.
    And then she entered.
    The most noticeable thing was the long blonde hair, untied and free flowing down her back. She was pretty – elfish even with small and feminine features. She wore a black and white business suit that showcased wide hips, a slender waist and breasts that wanted to escape. Her high heels pushed out muscular calves, demonstrating she worked out and took a real pride in her appearance. Her walk was more a glide than a bounce, she was graceful and elegant while at the same time powerful and confident. This must have been Astrid and the reason for Jayne’s disposition. To look at her was to understand why she got the job. She would be an asset to the organisation. She appeared to be a similar age to Jayne although her maturity was of somebody who’d experienced far more in life.
    She approached Abdul and held out her hand, looking him in the eye - total confidence. He was smitten, that much was obvious. He stood, bumping his leg on the table as he did. As he reached out to shake her