Thank you for all the replies…
Got some issues with the final post.
Can’t seem to get the file opened. Will need to rewrite a good portion of it.
Will update and wrap up by tomorrow evening.
Cheers
ilock
Really sorry.
Not my intention to leave things hanging….
Been swarmed with work, the rewriting part is quite tedious…. really lost a big chunk of the ending.
Will update asap.
Last post is a long one… definitely worth the wait.
Have a curry puff in the meantime
cheers
ilock
Quote:
Originally Posted by
qwiksilver
I wonder how long will it take anymore…. is it really plain busy or procastinating? C’mon… u want ur stories read and supported and well received… but you aint completing it. Be a man… ginish what u started. Be a writer…. finish your story as you started it.
Wah….. need to say until like that or not…..
Your words hurt my feelings…
Here’s a condensed version of the ending.
……………………….
I took off my casio watch and i jump into bed with Joan.
We had sex many many times that night.
We used up all the condoms.
The next day,
We got a sale of balance flat at Duxton and we won a lucky draw that gave us a brand new car with COE, and we struck the 10 million toto.
While cashing in the toto, i realised Joan won the big sweep.
We put the money in the bank and lived happily ever after knowing that we no need to worry about the minimum sum.
The end.
………………………………………….. ……..
Kidding.
For alternative ending, check in again this evening.
Doing the final editing.
cheers
ilock
I was feeling a little exasperated and I really wanted to show Joan what I could do with the hoop.
Then again, with her wide eye coy look just staring at me, I decided to keep the demonstration for the future and just cast the hoop aside in my room.
I feel weak almost immediately, knowing that I had just given myself in to the offer of sex. It’s amazing how easy men can be controlled once you know the right button to push.
In my feeble attempt to make it seem as if I’m not that desperate, I went to the scattered condoms and in a grand display of wide arm swipe, I picked all 5 up at one go.
I shook my hands left and right, as if I’m some Japanese yakuza shaking a few dices in a cup.
James : I’ll show you !!….. I’ll show you what I can do with these !!!
I twirled 2 rounds, my hands shaking more vigorously and I cast the condoms onto the blanket Joan was covering herself with
James : Huat ah !!! …..
I clasped my hand together with a loud smack before immediately going for the condoms.
I took one, threw it up into the air and caught another, playing a game of 5 stones as I smirked and looked at Joan.
James ; I actually quite good with this one ok… haha… look… look !….
Joan’s face was expressionless, the smile she had on earlier left her face and she looked like she wanted to strangle me.
James : Ok.. ok.. I was just kidding…
I tried to straddle Joan but she hit me several times and pushed me away when I tried to mount her.
Joan : Go and play with your 5 stones.
I laughed and tried to straddle Joan again only to get pushed roughly away, landing awkwardly on my back on the squeaky bed.
James : Haha… dear ~~ … kidding la..… haha
Joan mounted me 5 minutes later and my brains was fucked out by her that evening.
As if making me moan was not enough, she made me pay back the slaps I owe her long time ago.
I found it hard to express in words the feeling of getting slap while being rode on like a galloping horse.
We used all 5 condoms within 2 hours, I came twice, had 2 blowjob and it felt like we had both ran a marathon.
Joan : How are we going to work later ~~~ ….
Joan fell asleep with her perspiration soaked t-shirt while I knocked out with a clump of tissue wrapped around my dick as if it was bandaged.
1st April 2013
Monday
Joan’s phone rang several times in the morning after we got into work, it was not hard to tell it was her parents.
Right after lunch, her phone began a 2nd bout of ringing and it was Thomas. I could hear Joan speaking his name when she answered, asking what he wanted.
I was busy with my work and did not pay much attention to the phone conversation.
Joan left on the dot at 6pm after sneaking in a quick peck on my cheek that day, she said she had to meet her parents to sort out some issues.
8th April 2013
Monday
One week after the incident at the kitchen, Joan was giving serious thoughts about quitting her job to concentrate on the new venture. Her parents voiced their support for her but ultimately, they wanted her to decide for herself.
Joan : They said as long as I was happy with whatever I was doing, they would support me.
I nodded in agreement and said that as long as she’s happy, I’m behind her decision too.
I noticed Patrick acting a little weird that day, entering and leaving Mr Chan’s office several times.
I found out in the pantry later that afternoon that he had just tendered his resignation.
I told Joan about it and she was a little surprised about him leaving too.
James : Well…. If I was caught playing with your …..
Even though it was a hush whisper, a quick jab on my ribs made me stopped as Joan gave me a frown and push her finger to her lips.
Joan : You never know who’s listening.
She whispered quickly before turning back to her work.
26th April 2013
Friday
Joan told me over dinner that Friday evening that she had made up her mind.
Joan : I’m handing in my resignation in May.
I was a little sad that I would not be able to see her at work everyday but I did not let it show.
Joan updated me on the issues at the Kitchen, several staff had left, with a few more serving their notice. Her parents had come up with the initial capital of close to 300k for her to start out the new business.
James : Wah…. So rich….. you really ah siah kia….
She ignored my comment and added that the 3 chefs who would be the business partners are coming up with another 120k
6.30pm
I made dinner reservations and we spent some time packing up her table since it was still early.
I helped Joan packed up some of her stuff that had accumulated over the years deep in her drawer and she mumbled she had some missing stuff.
Joan : I thought I had them here all along……
I looked at the box of belongings when Joan went to the bathroom right before we left for dinner around 7.30pm.
Some of her pads looked like it had been opened and stuck back. Lip gloss with missing body, only the cap remained. 2 bottles of hand lotion which Joan said was brand new but the seal looked like it had been tampered.
She mentioned she was missing some photographs too, pictures of her days in the office.
I disposed off all the pads and tampons and threw away the hand lotions.
You never know if there are any other sick people in the office.
People like me.
10.00 pm
I headed over to Joan’s place that evening after dinner to see her parents packing up quite a bit of their stuff in the house.
I placed Joan’s stuff down on the dining table and went forward to help Joan’s dad bubble wrap a laughing Buddha sculpture.
James : Uncle, you all moving ?
Joan’s dad went on to tell me that they had leased the place a while ago. Their original intention was to live there for a while, and when Thomas and Joan get married, they intended to buy over the flat from the owner for the both of them to live in.
Now that things had come to this state, there was no point in extending the lease any longer.
I nodded as I went into the room to wait for Joan to finish her shower.
As I settled onto her chair, I began to ask myself how much did I really know about Joan ?
Come to think of it, it’s only been a quick few months, yet it felt like we had been together for so long.
Perhaps it was because of the amount of things that had happened within this period.
Well, I knew Joan’s parents pocketed a tidy sum from the en bloc deal at Farrer court few years back, they should have no problem putting up 300k for the business.
Still, for someone who has yet to have even 30k in his bank, I cannot begin to imagine what it feels like investing 300k in a new business.
Joan emerged from the shower, drying her hair as she hummed along a pop song from Jay chou.
James : Dear…. You never mentioned you’re moving….
Joan : Oh… ya…. Wanted to ask you to help me pack this weekend.
James : So last minute…. Are you running away ?
Joan studied me for a moment before breaking out into a smile.
Joan : Ooooohh… someone not happy I never tell him we’re moving ah ? …..
She chuckled and sat on my lap, using her feet which was still damp from her shower to push the door close.
As she guided my hands around her waist, Joan told me that she was just moving back to her old place. She did not think it was such a big deal.
When I asked where her old place was, she just casually mentioned Serangoon garden.
My eyes widened and I nodded without any expression.
She gave me a weird look and asked me what’s wrong.
It was at that moment I realised I really don’t know much about her.
Joan : It’s not mine la….. my parents one.~~ ~~….
She went on to mumble about some workers quarters that was just around the corner and so on before changing the topic.
James : So besides that….. do you have any other place to move to ?
Joan looked up to the ceiling and thought about my question for a moment before replying.
Joan : It’s either there, the one at Punggol end, where the world war 2 execution site is …… I still prefer Serangoon Garden.
She said it in such a nonchalant manner that my jaws had difficulty closing after hearing her sentence.
James : Why do you even bother working…. Just stay in my room and collect rent….
She threw her wet towel at me and added.
Joan : Which part of “ they do not belong to me” do you not understand. ?
I wanted to remind Joan that she was her parents’ only daughter but thought otherwise.
She changed the subject and I did not ask her about it any longer.
2 May 2013
Thursday
Joan tendered her resignation.
Mr Chan had a long lunch with Joan that day and I found out from Joan that Mr Chan supported her decision although he was reluctant to let her go.
Joan had saved up a good amount of leave from her years at the office and she calculated that she would only need to work another 4 days before she can concentrate fully on the new business.
She started handing over her work and clients to me and I pestered Mr Chan to get a replacement for Joan over a cup of coffee at the pantry.
James : No experience never mind….,…. Hot, pretty, short skirts will do. .. I’ll guide them. Haha ….
Mr Chan said he’ll post exactly what I said on the jobs forum the moment Joan came into the pantry.
Mr Chan : I’ll make sure to write short skirts, high heels and no safety shorts into her employment terms…. Like that gum bo James ? hahah
I could only afford a weak smile after a strong glare from Joan.
3rd May 2013
Friday
News of Joan’s resignation spread and at about 5pm, several colleagues came over and chatted with Joan.
By 5.30pm , the crowd had grew and our cubicle was getting a little crowded.
When we left for dinner that Friday, Joan realised her shawl was missing.
6 May 2013
Monday
Joan had to stay in her heels the entire day. The spare pair of slipper she kept under her desk was gone too along with some wet wipes.
7 May 2013
Monday
It was Patrick and Joan’s last day at the office. Mr Chan offered to buy them lunch and they did not get back to office until 3pm.
Patrick shook my hand in the pantry and was a little shy when he thanked me for keeping his secret.
I just smiled.
25th May 2013
Saturday
For a good 3 weeks, Joan gave the new start her undivided attention. She would start work at 7 sharp in the morning, only returning home at close to 10pm.
She took most of the meals at her new work place which was another central kitchen in a industrial building near Simpang bedok.
Joan’s parents helped her out initially but after a week or so, they let her go.
I went down to the kitchen on that Saturday to check out the place. It had minimal renovation done, they took over from a previous owner who wanted out. A lobang from the Head chef.
The office Joan was working out off is small, barely the size of a HDB living room. Most of the space was dedicated for the food preparation and storage of the catering equipment.
I did what I could to tidy up the place.
10th June 2013
Monday
Joan’s catering business was officially ready for business.
She had a skeleton staff, 3 chefs, 2 assistant from Malaysia and a cleaning auntie.
That was it.
Parked in front of the kitchen was a old 2nd hand white van that had seen better days.
Everything was ready.
Everyone was ready to go.
There was just one problem.
She had no clients.
I took leave that Monday to lent Joan my support. Together, we sent out emails, posted out even more menus to the corporate clients. I even suggested going door to door to push out the menus in new housing estates.
Joan drew the curtains and pointed out of the office.
Joan : Look James….. you’ll probably curl out and die in this heat and the bad haze.
I peered out the window and realised visibility was really poor, there was just this gloomy sad view of the industrial estate. Too foggy to see anything.
James : Well, it’s the first day…… Tomorrow will be better.
13th June 2013
Wednesday
Joan stayed over at my place, exhausted and disappointed.
She had a good lunch though, testing out new creations from the chefs.
15th June 2013
Friday
Helpless.
That was what Joan told me she felt.
Joan : I did everything I could…… hope it pays off.
17th June 2013
Sunday
There was a couple of enquiry in the mail.
Nothing concrete.
18th June 2013
Monday
The look on Joan’s face was priceless when she came back and told me she had 2 confirmed jobs meant for Friday.
I get to fuck her that night.
One of my first in a long time.
21th June 2013
Friday
10.00am
My phone rang when I was about to sneak out to grab breakfast
It was Joan.
She sounded desperate and asked if I could take urgent leave that day.
James : What happened ?
Joan went on to say that the staff that was supposed to be delivering the food crashed the van when he went to top up the fuel tank. 2 Staff called in sick because of the haze too.
Joan : I’m left with 2 chef and the cleaning auntie….. ..What do I do ? ….
She was panicking over the phone, blabbering that she’ll be dead if she screws up her first deal.
James : calm down…… calm down…. We’ll think of something.
I told Joan I’ll call her back in a minute.
James : Get the food ready.
I made a few phone calls and activated the only resources I could think off and explained the situation.
I called Joan back and told her not to worry.
James : I’ll be over with help within the hour.
I asked for a day off from Mr Chan in person, my first urgent day off and he told me to go ahead.
I activated my parents who was midway through their breakfast at the round market hawker in Tampines.
I activated Jasper who said he was about to head to the shower.
He told me later that he too activated Cheryl who was about to get dressed in his room.
11.00am
It felt like we’re mobilising for a mission.
I was the first to arrive, my sleeves rolled up and I was ready to lend a hand.
Joan’s parents arrived shortly, reversing their car to allow for easy loading.
My parents and Jasper arrived shortly, they too reversed their car and double parked in front of Joan’s parents car.
We said hi and I made the introductions.
The skies were grey and hazy.
There was a smell of burnt ash in the air as the radio broadcast about the bad haze that had descended upon the country.
Like the opening scene of some hero movie, the roller shutter opened, rolling up to reveal a pair of tan coloured boots that reached up to the middle of the owners’ calves.
As the metal shutters went up higher, a beautiful pair of legs followed, the smooth flesh covered in the middle of the thighs in a pair of black shorts.
Joan’s grey T-shirt was peppered with sweat spots and her hair was tied up in a high pony tail.
I fucking kid you not, if she had a pair of guns on her waist, she was ready to raid a tomb.
Her headset was on and she gestured over to her parents to take over the phones and orders that were coming in.
Joan pointed 2 fingers at Jasper and me before gesturing to the office.
She asked for the trunk of both cars to be popped and everything to be emptied out to make space for the stores.
Joan spent 5 minutes updating Jasper and me on the situation.
Thankfully it was a high tea setup, we still had some time.
The stores for the tables and chairs were already in the van. Jasper and I were to head out and retrieve it.
11.20am
Jasper got into the driver seat for my parents car while I took the wheels for Joan’s parents ride.
The engine got started and I was about to drive off when I saw Cheryl running towards me, waving for me to wind the window down.
It was hard to concentrate on anything else except her boobs as she waved and bounced towards me.
I wound down the window and I laughed when the walkie talkie cracked and Jasper’s voice came through.
Jasper : J Lo 11…. This is J Lo 12…. What’s the plan ? haha
I watched as Cheryl went into the office, passing by Joan who was walking furiously towards me.
She tapped on the window and tell me to get going.
James : J Lo 12….. Proceed to secure to crash site.
Jasper laughed as the crackle of the walkie talkie died off.
I followed behind Jasper’s car and we got to the site where the Van crashed.
11.40am
I could see Ah soon unloading the sores to the side of the road while the tow truck waited for him to be done.
Jasper and I immediately pulled up as close as we could to do the store transfer.
12.15pm
We arrived back at the Kitchen and immediately Joan directed everyone to start loading up the food.
12.30pm
We were done with the loading.
The convoy moved out at 12.40pm and we managed to reach the first location at Toa payoh within 30 minutes.
Jasper, Joan and I did the setup in the small foyer outside of the office. It was hard work getting everything ready. Thankfully Joan spent some time doing a few dry runs on setups during her free time.
My whole body was aching by the time we were done with the set up at the 2nd location in Novena.
Joan and I hardly spoke in the car as we head back for a quick rest.
It was already 3.20pm when we pulled into the driveway and knocked out in the car after switching off the engine.
4.30pm
Joan went to help her parents with the administrative work in the office and by 4.30pm, they had 1 more confirmed job for the following week and Thomas had actually called for help, citing manpower issues because of the bad haze.
Thomas pushed 2 jobs to us, both dinner for the following day.
The rest of us ferried Charlie and Ah soon to start picking up materials from suppliers as it was too late for them to deliver.
6.00 pm
We unloaded the raw materials and food, filling the fridge and stores.
Ah soon and Charlie went to prepare dinner for the whole crew.
7.00pm
We gathered in the staff pantry, a small cozy corner with a salvage round table.
It was not enough to fit everyone and most of us stood.
The atmosphere was warm, family like and there were laughter and cheers as we ate, joked and filled our stomach with more than just food.
Stories were exchanged, from something as silly as unable to find a pair of scissors to having to borrow soy sauce from the kitchen next door.
We chuckled and laugh as everyone related how things went wrong on that faithful day.
I watched Joan’s dad peel an orange for her mum as she brushed off some dust on his t-shirt while asking him to drink more water.
I turned just in time to see my mum laugh at my dad as she helped him pound his lower back, commenting that it was a good work out.
Jasper and Cheryl ate quietly in the corner, their eyes never left each other as they put dishes on each other’s bowl from their own bowl. Their soft whispers made them seem as if they were in a world of their own inside the noisy room.
Joan was leaning back against the countertop, smiling as she looked at Charlie scold Ah soon for crashing the car in a funny manner.
Charlie : Kuar zhar bor si bo ? ( Look at girls is it ? )
Ah soon looked apologetic and admitted he swerved to avoid hitting a stray dog who dashed out.
Charlie laughed and gave him a light shove, exclaiming loudly that he was born in the year of the dog.
Charlie : Aiyah….. suar la…. Suar la…… Lang bo dai ji xiang toing yao… ( Forget it, the most important thing is you’re ok )
Joan turned towards me and I went over to her side.
Before I could speak, she spoke first.
Joan : Thank you James…. I could not have done this without you….
I smiled and I reached for a peck on her cheek.
James : What are family for … ? …
Joan : When did I ever agree to be part of your family ? haha…
We turned our attention back to the group in the room, there was a special kind of warmth that I found it hard to describe in words.
No, we definitely did not just pull off some out of the world feat, it was nowhere close.
It’s just that the realisation that we had accomplished that much together brought about this overwhelming sense of satisfaction.
I asked Joan how much did we make from that 2 job and I could not help but laugh and chuckle from the amount.
She laughed too before turning away to get more food.
Sometimes it’s really not just for the money.
She estimated a profit of about $250 max.
I was about to tuck into my second helping when Joan suddenly put her bowl down a little too loudly onto the table.
“Piak “
Joan : Shit !……
There was an immediate silence around the table as all eyes turned to look at Joan.
Joan : I forgot about clearing up after the job… !!! Everything is still there !
The room was quiet for a good 3 second before Jasper put down his bowl and said he was ready to go
Jasper : Let’s go…
Cheryl too joined Jasper by his side, rolling up the sleeves of her cardigan and gave Joan a wink.
My Dad reassured my mum he’s fine and stood up too.
Charlie followed next and it was clear dinner was officially over. He began directing staff to prepare for the next day.
Joan : I’m…… I’m so. Sorry for dragging everyone into this…..
Jasper spoke after Joan, echoing what I just said only moments earlier.
Jasper : Joan…. Don’t be sorry…. What are family for ….. we’ll support you all the way..
7.45pm
I started the engine of Joan’s parents’ ride as I watched Jasper and Cheryl get into my dad’s car from the rear mirror.
I saw my Dad deep in conversation with Joan’s father and both of them got into the back seat behind Jasper and Cheryl.
I watched Joan drained a bottle of water at the entrance through the side mirror and I waited.
Moments later, she walked towards my car in a swagger that reminded me again of Lara croft.
She got in, took off her boots and put her feet up on the dashboard.
She stuck her left hand out of the window and gave Jasper a thumbs up and the headlights flashed twice from behind.
I shifted the gear into drive and slowly rolled out of onto the road.
Joan turned on the radio and just so it happened it was playing the song which she sang that night during the company dinner
She started humming the song as she tapped her thigh with her finger.
Joan : Please James…. Please let this day be over soon….. please…please…please… please…..
Joan stretched and massaged her neck as she lowered her seat a little to make herself comfortable.
At the first red light, I turned and look at Joan.
James : Look at me in the eye when you beg…….
She laughed and tried to give me a playful jab in the rib with her phone but it ended up being pushed and dropped near the accelerator when I tried to counter her move.
Joan : Haha… idoit… see la… my phone…
Joan tried to retrieve it while I looked down and gave her directions as I knew roughly where it landed.
Right at this moment, the walkie talkie crackled on the dash board.
Jasper : J Lo 11….. This is J Lo 12……
James : Wassup ?
Jasper : Is Joan doing what I think she is doing ?… Because it really looks like it from back here……. And Joan’s dad is asking….
We laughed but did not reply and as soon as the lights turned green, we sped off.
December 2013
Joan ‘s new company took about half a year before finally turning a profit.
After taking away operating cost and drawing a salary of $2700 for herself, the company made a profit of $1700 that December.
She has since expanded to include confinement meals in her menu.
Joan now employs 12 staff and owns 2 delivery Van.
It’s really a tough environment getting good committed staff in this climate, especially in the F&B sector.
Still she managed a decent turnover with an average profit of 6-7k per month after deducting all her cost, rental and staff salary.
It’s not a lot but it’s a start.
Definitely going to be a while before everyone gets their capital back.
Jasper, Cheryl and I helped out during peak and festive periods. Mostly for corporate events and setups.
So do keep a lookout if you see 2 handsome guys, a girl with huge boob and a local version of lara croft which you think might be Joan doing the buffet setup at your office.
Go ahead and have a casual chat with the crew…. And keep an eye out for the walkie talkie.
If you ever see if sitting by the side while the crew is setting up, try your luck with the call sign.
You never know who will reply.
The end…….
Coming in July 2015 ………….
Patrick…………………….
8 April 2013
I heaved a sigh of relief after Mr Chan accepted my resignation.
It was long overdue.
I wanted to leave the moment the incident with James happened.
I never expected myself to get caught in the act by James. That was perhaps one of the most embarrassing moments in my life.
I could not understand how it happened, I had called to check with Joan and was certain she was no longer around in office. The lights were off, no one stayed beyond 8.30 pm if they could help it. Still I could not have guessed that James and Joan were helping Mr Chan rush some stuff out.
It’s a sick and perverse act but I could not help it. Joan was just so attractive to me. Snooping around her desk and cubicle was something I looked forward to every time I feel stress at work.
As for James, he is a good chap, he’s humble and willing to learn and he’s not afraid to ask questions no matter how stupid they may sound.
He’s cheerful, funny and a joy to be around, a complete opposite of who I am.
You see, I’m just a timid and quiet guy.
All through my life I’m always told to avoid trouble and to just follow instructions. I never dared to approach any girls back in school. I could only secretly carry a torch for them.
I know some of my friends call me weak behind my back but I could not help it.
It was just me.
I’m just afraid of everything and I’m overly cautious in the things I do.
In Hokkien , you can say I’m not ‘Zai’ , perhaps in a harsher manner, you can say ‘ Buay gan ‘
I liked Joan the moment I laid eyes on her in the office. She had this cheerful brightness like the sun that was so attractive to me. She’s pretty and spunky, dress well and she’s friendly and approachable.
I like how she would joke and playfully punch me or tap me on the shoulder when we chatted in the pantry, that simple gesture would melt my heart and on occasions, gives me an erection.
Before long, I was stealing glances at her whenever she passes me by.
I would pray that she come to work in skirts, and I would always time her visit to the pantry.
There was a little secret unknown to the rest of the colleague in the pantry. I don’t think anyone noticed it except my but the stainless steel bin reflects well, like a mirror.
I always made it a point to discreetly check out the reflection that told me what Joan was wearing that day.
That quick glimpse was enough for me to wank off to.
I knew things were getting out of hand when I came back on weekend or stayed back late in the evening to smell her slippers or masturbate to her heels.
The countless times I smelled her seat cushion, the attempts to put on her jacket or cardigan and the rare occasion she brought spare clothes to office appealed to me like a drug.
I could not remember how many times I skipped lunch and loitered near her desk whenever it rained heavily.
I wanted to wait for the office to empty out so I could check out her wet clothes, the towel she used, and her wet slippers.
As the days went by, I started stealing her sanitary pad, rubbing my dick head in the toilet with them as I masturbated to her. Sometimes I could wrap everything back properly and return them to her cupboard, secretly hoping that she would put them on.
I stole used tissues, spoons, even disposable cups she used for her coffee take away.
I was tempted to seek professional help when one evening I masturbated and came into her hand lotion as I licked her high heels.
I chickened out in the end because I was afraid.
I was afraid of getting help
I was scared of telling someone my problems.
I was terrified of confronting my sickness.
This was just me, a timid useless guy who can only do these sick acts behind Joan’s back.
2nd May 2013
I was secretly happy to hear that Joan was going to leave, partly because it would mean she would probably not hear what actually happened from James.
It’s highly unlikely that colleagues would keep in close touch with each other after leaving. Especially after catching him in the act of going through her worn gym clothes.
I was determined to get some keepsake to remember Joan by and I went back to office over the weekend and stole what I could.
Something to remember how Joan look
Something to remember her scent.
Something for the timid me to masturbate to.
I was thankful I had a job offering through a old contact. It was for a small furniture firm that specialise in customising furniture. A more frank way of putting it would be they are good at ripping off designer furniture and producing them at a cheaper price after some modifications.
The main production is in Malaysia of course but the design and sales office was situated here.
Frequent travel across the causeway was required.
Being Single and all I did not mind travelling, I was a little afraid of flying but since it was just across the causeway, the journey should be fine.
3rd June 2013
Monday
It was my first day on the job. The office was just a stone throw away from my place in Chinatown. My parents HDB was right smack in the middle of the bustling neighbourhood and they receive offers on a weekly basis.
They would have sold the place and retired, if their son was more capable. They kept asking if I was seeing someone, if I was planning to get married and I always avoided their questions.
I could not blame them.
At 32, I never had a relationship before. I was pretty sure it had nothing to do with my looks, believe it or not, I was approached by talent scouts before when I was younger.
There was a period of time they actually sat down and asked if I was gay.
I assured them I was not, and that I have yet to find the right girl.
Sometimes I wonder if someone as timid as me could ever find the right girl.
I don’t even dare to ask someone I like out. Friends tried to hook me up, but I was too shy.
From the sisters at weddings to the occasional friends of friends that was introduced to me, my good friends by my side tried everything.
Everything.
I was just too shy and timid.
My best friend actually said this to me.
“Bro…. something is definitely wrong…. I’m telling you as a friend….. you might want to speak to someone..…I don’t think this is normal… “
I brushed him off and told him I’m fine.
I had my passport with me that day as I was told by my new boss that since I might need to travel on a ad hoc basis, so it’s better to keep my travel documents in the office.
I stepped into the small office of 10 and was showed to my desk by a colleague called Karen. She introduced herself as both the HR and the finance in the small office, when I saw her take up the seat at the reception, I suddenly felt a little worried.
Worried that this new post requires staff to take up multiple responsibilities.
I’m bad at multi tasking.
10am
I had just familiarise myself with which printer to use and where the pantry is when my boss Tommy asked me to join him for a meeting across the causeway.
Not sure what the meeting was about, I packed my bag and brought along an array of tools from measuring tape to notepads.
I know… I know… it’s not that hard to ask, but I’m just not comfortable talking to the boss.
I got into Tommy’s car and we started off our journey.
The moment the car moved, I felt obliged to talk to Tommy. The thing is I’m not a good talker.
If it were up to me, I rather remain quiet and not speak for the entire ride.
Thankfully Tommy started the conversation and I managed to continue.
11 am
We cleared customs and it was another 15 minute drive to the client’s house according to Tommy.
11.15 am
We pulled up to the client house along a quiet street lined with houses on both sides. It’s not a gated community and you could probably guess by now, yes, I was worried again.
Afraid of the high crime rate in the state of Johor.
I checked out the roads, it’s empty except for another Singapore car parked in front of us.
I heard some dogs barking a distance away, there was a gentle breeze and the air was definitely a lot fresher than in Singapore.
Tommy gestured for me to follow him and I caught up as fast as my legs could carry me.
We entered this house that look pretty plain and simple from the outside. The paint looked like it could use a touch up and the grilles on the main gate at the drive way had seen better days.
There were some rust stains on the grilles but as I observed closer, the mechanics which controlled the gate were new and looked well maintained.
The gate may be old but they were rock solid.
I stepped into the compound and noticed a few cameras at the porch, well this is Malaysia afterall, it’s better to pay more attention to security.
There were old slippers, shoes and a sad looking shoe rack on the porch. A large container was set on the floor to collect rain water from the end of the roof gutter.
Tommy press the bell and the door opened to reveal a old wall with some dusty cabinets filled with trinkets. Tommy waited for the owner to close and lock his door before introducing us.
Tommy : Hey Sam, this is Patrick, my new Staff…
Patrick : Hi Sam… nice to meet you.
After the pleasantries were exchange, Sam opened a creaky door beside the old cabinet I saw upon entering. We took 3 steps up some old concrete steps and entered.
It was a whole different whole I stepped into.
No it’s not some palace with a private garden, no, nothing like that but it’s a really cozy and homely place.
I would be exaggerating if I said it’s like a condo show room but it’s a house that was tastefully done up.
The walls were white and clean, a stark difference from the exterior.
Layout is simple and functional, the living room had a decent entertainment system from a 50 inch TV to it’s accompanying sound system.
Kitchen is well stocked from the latest nespresso machine to a large 2 door fridge.
There were some queer pieces of art and antiques too but I don’t know how to appreciate them.
What caught my attention most was not the furniture.
What pique my curiosity most was not how the way this humble abode was hidden from the outside.
What made my heart beat faster was not the fantastic collection of wine at the cellar beside the kitchen.
It was the lady that was staring at us across the hallway.
She just stared at me with her unblinking eyes, a mix of caution and curiosity.
She was wearing a grey top with white cardigan. Initially I thought she had on a mini skirt that ended at the middle of her thigh but upon closer observation, I realised it was a pair of short shorts with an extra flare on the outside that made it look like a skirt.
I saw her boots.
The flat sole white boots that reached up to the bottom of her knee she was wearing and I immediately look down on my feet to realise that all our shoes were still on even though we were in the living area.
The vacuum sound snapped me from my daze as I took notice of a domestic worker cleaning up the floor and 2 other contractors fixing up some light fixtures at the courtyard facing the back.
I tried to peel my eyes away from the lady but it was really hard not to look at her for a couple of reasons.
One of which was that she was staring at me.
In Chinese, I would say she had this 清秀 look.
She had her makeup on and I saw her fold her arms and turned away as Sam led us across the hallway to introduce us to the lady
Sam : Lai… lai… Patrick….. meet Fiona..
Sam did not introduce Tommy, and from the friendly nod Tommy gave her, I assumed they already knew each other.
We introduced ourselves and Sam asked us to join him with the walk around with Fiona leading the way.
I could not help but looked at the way Fiona’s skirt like shorts bounce with every step she took. She glanced around randomly, like a tourist showing disinterested glances at boring exhibits in the museum.
We took a round at the backyard, circling back to the kitchen before coming again into the living room in a seemingly random pattern.
She paused at the stairway leading up to the 2nd floor and retrieved a red square like device from her sling bag.
It struck me then she was doing the fengshui consultation for the house.
As she started on her advice with Sam, I found her voice to be sweet, yet that was this tone of strength mixed within her vocal chords. There seemed to be this burning will of fire when she expressed certain issues strongly and recommended Sam make some adjustments to his house.
I felt this sudden urge as I listen to the commanding tone that stem from Fiona’s sweet voice. The sudden realisation of arousal as I traced the body contours of this lady.
What I would not do to be able to smell her boots after she wore them out for the whole day.
I had already started imagining what Fiona would be like with her clothes off.
Fiona proceed upstairs shortly after and Sam asked us to wait for him.
I casually asked Tommy about Fiona and he teased me playfully.
Tommy : Why ? …. Interested ah ? …. Haha…. She’ll eat you alive ah…. Stay away from her…
Patrick : No la… no la… just curious…
The domestic helper served us drinks as we took a seat at the dining table.
Tommy went on to fill me in about Fiona.
He told me that Fiona’s family was in the fengshui consultation trade for a long time, right from the time her great grandfather arrived from Fujian. It was a skill handed down from generation to generation.
Patrick : She looks quite young to be doing this…..
Tommy : She’s born in the year of the dog… I would say early 30s…..
Tommy revealed that Fiona takes only clients through word of mouth recommendation and does not take walk in customers.
Patrick : Wah…. So arrogant one ah ? …
My boss laughed and said I would not understand.
I asked him if she was any good and he just told me that the reason I and my colleagues had a job was because of Fiona.
And she was the reason he could operate and run a office in Singapore while maintaining a factory in Malaysia too.
Tommy : Her family is low profile…. They don’t see this as a profit making venture. It’s against their values.
Tommy asked for a refill of his drink and asked me not to bother asking Fiona about those yearly fortune you see on TV.
Tommy : Don’t ever ask her about how your zodiac signs are and stuff like that…. It makes her mad
Patrick : Why not ? I thought the famous ones all on TV….. got some do big shopping malls and casinos one leh…. … CNY always got feature.
He laughed and patted me on the back.
Tommy : If you are really that good….. you don’t need the TV…
Tommy went on to say that some people like to market themselves, print large newspaper articles, go on TV, conduct speech and seminars.
Tommy : It’s not wrong, everyone needs to make a living….. but Fiona…
He took his drink from the domestic worker and continued.
Tommy : Fiona’s family doesn’t practise that.
I nodded and my eyes drifted to the pair of boots that was now descending the stairs.
Fiona starred at me for a second too long again and I suddenly got a little worried again.
Worried that she might look through my thoughts and read my mind.
People like her should be able to read palms, facial traits and stuff right ?
Right before Sam and Fiona came across to us, Tommy added something that sent a chill down my spine.
Tommy : Oh one more thing…. If you encounter anything….ermm ‘ dirty’, she can solve it for you.
He gave me a pat on the shoulder and got up.