Her Favorite Customer (closed)

[MelancholyBaby]

Caitlin smiled widely as she watched her last customer walk out of the store, both arms full of bags, a vibrancy in her step. Caitlin loved her job, she loved doing that; not the bags filled with merchandise, but the way her customers left after she had worked with them. Fitting women for bras and explaining the difference between a hipster and a brief was at the heart of what Caitlin did at work. Helping a girl find the right bra and an invisible seamless panty was fun but helping the same girl be confident in her body tickled Caitlin pink.

She wasn’t sure if she would always want to do this. Caitlin knew she needed to get back to college, but she couldn’t decide on a decent major. In the meantime she’d taken the job here. Caitlin didn’t regret any of the decisions she’d made, each was a path of self discovery. If she hadn’t taken this job she wouldn’t have discovered just how much she enjoyed helping people.

Marissa, her manager, tapped her on the shoulder. “Why don’t you go on break, sweetie? I’ll watch here for you, and then when you get back we can work on getting ready to close.”

“Thank you,” Caitlyn said. “You read my mind. I bought these shoes yesterday and they are sooo cute but they are killing me…I just want to sit down.”

“They are cute, you little fashionista. Do you actually spend your check outside of the store,” Marissa teased.

“One word – clearance.” She did a little dance and then winced. “Ouchie. Be back in fifteen or so.” Caitlyn rested for awhile and then made her way to the ladies room to touch up. She ran a brush through the long strawberry blonde hair that ended just above the fullest part of her breasts and debated whether to put it up in a messy ponytail. Nah. Messy was not an easy as it sounded. Caitlin brushed on another coat of mascara, her dark lashes framing her bright blue eyes and applied a fresh coat of lipgloss. She didn’t mess with powder or foundation, she was fortunate to have a good complexion and she took care of it well. The discount on cosmetics and skincare helped.

Caitlyn noticed a gentlemen browsing. Usually a guy couldn’t get two feet into the department without being “helped” by one of the girls but he appeared to be on his own. She looked around for Marissa who was busily restickering some bras. Caitlyn loved her manager to death but she was not exactly attentive to the customers sometimes. Hoping she would not be annoying she approached the gentleman.

“Hi, are you finding everything alright?”

 

[Otto26]

Grigori looked up from the rack of lingerie at the saleswoman. She was a very attractive young woman made even more lovely by a friendly smile. Grigori, Greg to anyone who spoke with him for more than two minutes, liked attractive young women. When they were helpful... The thought was more than enough to mollify the irritation his last meeting had left him with. "No," he replied. "I'm looking for black, sheer bodystockings for a size 12. I'm also looking for a white, silk thong for a size 10. If you have those, and can offer delivery, then I'm interested in opening an account with your store. Do you have them?"

The store seemed, from his brief browse, to have a wide selection of what looked like quality clothing. Certainly it had a good reputation, which is why he had come in when he had decided to stop doing business with his old store. If this young woman was representative of the staff then visiting the store could be an invigorating divertment rather than a chore. His clothing, of course, was tailored. He ordered his suits from London and Milan, ties from Bangkok, shoes from Northampton, and shirts from Paris; trusting them to give him the latest in simple, conservative fashion. He didn't bother to keep up with fashion, at the prices he was paying he considered it the job of the suppliers to keep his clothing up with fashion. If he felt they were failing to do so, he didn't complain, he simply switched suppliers.

Lingerie, on the other hand, was almost a disposable purchase. Where his suits were merely the clothing that protected his body against the elements and mollified convential standards, lingerie was of interest to him. He enjoyed knowing that it would be worn for him because he had purchased it, and that the wearer would remember that his purchase, the physical manifestation of his interest, pressed against their body. The thought made him smile even now.

 

[MelancholyBaby]

Caitlin chuckled. “You know what you want, and I can get it for you,” she said confidently. She was a bit disappointed that he already knew exactly what she wanted, she found it fun to help male customers discover what they liked and what little things would look best on the woman (most of the time) they were purchasing for. “If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go make sure we have those items and get the account paperwork started. If we can get it done in time I can arrange for the items to be delivered tomorrow morning.” Caitlyn bowed her head a little and smiled, then walked quickly to the counter.

“Don’t finish the reports for the day yet, Marissa. I’ve got a customer and he wants to open an account. A real account.”

“We just don’t give out accounts, Caitlyn. It’s not like a credit card...”

“I know. But I can tell he’s good for it.” A smile tugged at Caitlyn’s lips as she thought of her customer. He was different than the men who came through her. It wasn’t that his suit was nicer or he was more handsome…it was something else, something she couldn’t put her finger on. “If he happens to come by here looking for me, tell him I’ll be right back, please? I just have to get the items.”

Marissa nodded without looking up from the register. Caitlyn hurried through the racks and tables, finding the black bodystockings first. She paused for a second as it finally dawned on her he had asked her for two different items…in two different sizes…two different women? She giggled. She wondered if they knew about each other.

She used her best guess to try to figure out whether she should choose a M or L thong. Typically she could use her own experience with the brand and the cut to make a decision…size 10s could go either way sometimes. Caitlyn didn’t wear thongs so she couldn’t use her experience to make a decision. She picked a M and prayed it would work. Dropping the items off near the register she went off in search of him; finding her customer near a rack of babydolls.

“There you are!” Caitlyn smiled brightly. “The items were in stock and all that’s left is the paperwork. Unless there is anything else you needed or have questions or…” Her voice trailed off uncharacteristically. Finding herself again quickly she extended her hand to meet his, her eyes sparkling. “Oh, by the way, I’m Caitlyn.”

 

[Otto26]

"Grigori," he replied. "Greg Urshenko." The lack of an accent always threw people, but she seemed to take it in stride without having to hear about his parents fleeing Soviet Russia before he was born. He looked at the items, fingering the thong to make sure it was a good quality silk.

"Yes, those will do nicely. We'll need to set up the account, and you'll need the delivery information," he prompted. "Do you have an office?"

"Not personally," she replied, "but if you'll follow me I have access to an office."

He followed her across the floor, taking the time to casually admire her legs and ass, to an office where she pulled out several sheets of paper. "We don't normally open accounts," she began.

"I've done this before," he assured her. He took a ballpoint pen from the inner pocket of his jacket and wrote down the information for one of his credit card accounts. Below that he wrote a name and an address. A second name and address went below that. He passed the sheet of paper, along with his ID and credit card across the desk to Caitlyn.

As she verified the information he had provided, he pulled out two business cards. On one he wrote, 'For dinner on Friday. With your black heels.' He placed that card on the body-stocking. On the second card he wrote, 'Wear this to work on Monday.' That card went on top of the thong.

"I'll expect same day delivery, Caitlyn. Even if that means using a courier service. Purchases and services can be billed to this account; that should include a ten-percent sales commission. I prefer to have a single point of contact for my account so I'll work exclusively with you. Do you have a business card? And an after-hours phone contact?"

 

[MelancholyBaby]

Caitlyn froze. She felt like pinching herself but she was mindful that if this was really real she would look like an idiot. All of a sudden she felt like she had a real job. It was no longer just running around the store, making folks comfortable and happy with their bodies; she would be representing her employer to this man…to Greg…to Mr. Urshenko. Caitlyn thought for a minute of letting Marissa take over. She had more experience; she was a manager after all. Still, Caitlyn knew that Marissa’s heart wasn’t in it like hers was so she decided she would do this. Of course she would explain her inexperience and all to Mr. Urshenko.

Caitlyn’s voice was a bit shaky as she began. “As I said before, we don’t have many accounts so my experience is not what it could be. That said, I promise you I will do everything I can to…” She struggled to find the right word. Service you? Please you? They seemed so dirty. “Meet your needs. You will not regret placing your trust and faith in me.” Caitlyn continued, her eyes meeting and holding his. “Junior associates like me don’t have our own business cards but I will give you my contact information.” She rummaged through the rack of cards next to hers, finding Marissa’s and writing her information on it. No one had asked her for information before. It was always “The little smiley blond” or something like that.

Taking one last glimpse at the handsome picture on his id she handed him back his cards, her fingers brushing his lightly. Caitlyn’s eyes skimmed the papers, making sure all of the necessary information was there. “It looks like everything is in order here.” She slid them into a manila folder as she stood up, picking up the items and cards carefully. “If you’ll excuse me a minute I need to go package these and arrange for delivery today.” Her mind wandered to the cards, the messages written on them. She wondered what kind of women they were, the kind of women that men sent lingerie to. What would Caitlyn do if a similar package arrived at her apartment? Her face flushed with the thought and she quickly composed herself. “Unless you need me for anything else just now? I should return shortly.”

 

[Otto26]

"That's perfectly fine, Caitlyn, go take care of those. Bodystocking to the top address, thong to the bottom." He pulled out another card and set it down on the desk. "You can contact my administrative service to let them know the packages have been sent. Thank you." He turned and walked out of the office. As he passed the older woman marking merchandise he said, "Caitlyn was extremely helpful. Based on the level of service she's promised I think I'm going to be a regular customer." Then he walked to the entrance and out of the building.

The car was waiting for him outside and pulled up to the curb to pick him up. He climbed in the back. "My apartment, please." He looked at the information on the sheet of paper and thought. Caitlyn was certainly attractive, but what really tickled his fancy was her desire to please. 'I wonder if that's just her sales face or if it's something more? I believe I'll make the time to find out.'

When the car arrived at his building he thanked the driver and went upstairs. The piece of paper with Caitlyn's information went into the box marked 'Data' with a sticky note attached instructing the service to enter her into the database as 'Sales-Lingerie-Caitlyn' and a scribbled comment at the bottom; 'Sales helpful or more?'

***

Dinner on Friday went very well, but the bodystocking failed to survive the evening. Greg didn't mind, it had served it's purpose and given it's life for a good cause. After his sunrise shower and a quick breakfast he went into his office to work. But before he began he picked up his phone and found Caitlin's number on the speed dial. He waited as the phone rang.

 

[MelancholyBaby]

Caitlyn smiled happily as she set down the receiver of the phone. The first thing she had done when she arrived at work was to ensure that the packages had been delivered. It had taken a bit of work on her part to line up the appropriate courier service, having been inexperienced in arranging these types of things, but it all worked out for the best and she was incredibly happy. She found herself being more aware of her surroundings, hoping that she might see him again. It was foolish of her to wish it, but she wished every male customer could be like him.

As she folded panties for the new table they were placing them on Alex, the store manager approached. Typically he didn’t pay any attention to her unless it was to complain about something, but it seemed that today he had sought her out. “Caitlyn, right?”

“Yes, hello Mr. Connor.” She smiled brightly, although a little nervous at why he had approached her. She was sure it would have something to do with Mr. Urshenko.

“I just wanted to thank you for your service to our new customer,” he said, his smile coupled with seriousness. “I typically wouldn’t entrust him to a junior associate, but Marissa has assured me that you are extremely competent and she has seen much promise in you. I am counting on you to keep him happy. If you feel you can no longer do that, please let me know.”

“I will. Thank you for the opportunity, Mr. Connor. I promise I won’t let you down.”

“Good,” he said, his eyes skimming their department. “I don’t like that display near the aisle…can you do something about that eyesore?” And he was back to his old self.

“I’ll get right on that,” Caitlyn assured him, but he had already walked away. Her face beamed and she had that nice feeling of contentment that embraced her entire body.

*****

It was a good thing she was a morning person or a short version of “Irreplaceable” by Beyonce would have woken her. Caitlyn looked at the number on her caller id, but she didn’t recognize it.

“Hello?”

It was him. Her heart leapt jumped in her chest and a big smile crept over her face as she realized that Friday night had came and went. She hoped the bodystocking had been put to good use. She blushed at her thoughts and found a pen and paper to take notes if needed while she listened to his words.

 

[Otto26]

"Good morning, Caitlyn, this is Greg Urshenko. The bodystocking was a hit, but it was ruined after dinner. I'd like two more sent to the same address. Black, again. Make one of them a lace pattern. I'm interested in looking at garter belts and hose tomorrow. Four o'clock would work well for me, so please have everything ready. Let me know if there are any problems and have a nice day, Caitlyn."

He ended the call and set the phone down, turning his attention to the reports in front of him. Two very successful analysts had produced contradictory reports regarding the future of a small company he was interested in purchasing and he was trying to understand exactly where their opinions had diverged.

 

[MelancholyBaby]

Mr. Urshenko ended the call so quickly that it was a bit shocking. Caitlyn was in this for real. She was his official go-to girl. She looked at the notes she had scribbled down on the paper. She had scribbled ruined next to the bodystockings. Wow. She chuckled. At least someone was getting some action. It was not that Caitlyn minded being single. She had plenty of male attention from her customers and guy friends and was happy with that. She just hadn't met the guy who would take her breath away. If it meant going without, that was fine. Still, she wondered what kind of savagery would "ruin" a bodystocking. The ones they sold were pretty durable she had heard.

Caitlyn sighed as she realized that he wanted to meet her tomorrow. Tomorrow was her day off. That's right, *was.* It wasn't anymore. She would get it approved by Marissa and would help Mr. Urshenko select some appropriate garter belts and stockings. Caitlyn loved stockings, they made her feel grown up and glamorous, the little seam running perfectly straight up the back of her leg. It'd taken some practice but she was quite good at putting them on. And taking them off.

Work went by quickly that day and she was glad she had chosen to come in a bit early to make the arrangements for the delivery of the bodystockings, selecting a nice and exotic lace one. It was a bit pricey but it was what he asked for. She was sure that his lady friend would be delighted with Caitlyn's selection. She realized as she prepared the bill that her commissions were adding up quite nicely. Still, she wasn't in it for the money. Caitlyn just liked to help. It was about time she was rewarded for it!

The next day Caitlyn arrived at three-thirty, assembling a collection of her favorite garters belts and stockings. She had picked them out the day before, pretending she was shopping for herself, carte blanche. She slid her fingers of the intricate lace pattern of a cream colored garter belt in front of her. What it would be like to wear it. What it would be like to even afford it! Maybe in white it would go with the white silk thong he had purchased the other day. Nah, the thong was silk and would look best alone, without competing with the lace. She looked at her watch as she moved about the racks, searching for him.

And she was surprised for when she saw him...he took her breath away.

 

[Otto26]

"I shouldn't be more than half an hour," Greg told the driver. He walked into the store and headed for the lingerie section. Caitlyn, it seemed, was looking for him. He smiled at her and walked over. "Good afternoon, Caitlyn."

"Good afternoon, Mr. Urshenko. The body stockings were delivered as you requested and I have a selection of garter belts and stockings laid out for you," she replied.

'She really does have a dazzling smile,' Greg thought as he followed her back to a table set up in the fitting room. He fingered through the collection, unconciously separating the items into two piles; I like it, I don't like it. He picked up a garter, examining the fastener, and noted the size. 'Not a 12 for certain, and probably not for a 10 either. She picked them out in her own size,' he realized. 'That's *very* interesting.'

He set the belt down and took another look at the items while he thought.

"I like these," he said, tapping one pile. "I'm just not sure about some of these stockings. I'd like to see this pair, for instance. Please put one of them on."

 

[MelancholyBaby]

Caitlyn pulse quickened and she felt stunned for a second as she realized what Mr. Urshenko had just asked of her. She had never modeled clothing before, not for anyone. Still, she had made a promise to do all she could for him. Alex and Marissa were counting on her. Think of that, she told herself, that and the money.

"Alright, I can do that," she said calmly. She just then realized as she picked up the stockings that she had selected all the items in her size. Well, she had pictured it as a carte blanche shopping trip after all. She hoped he did not notice. "Please follow me. There is a place where you can sit down while I change." Caitlyn decided as they walked that she should make conversation. "I am very glad that you liked the bodysuit. We are getting some new arrivals in, I'll be sure to show you those once we have them. Oh, here we are. I'll just be a minute."

She quickly ducked into the fitting room and removed the stockings. She realized she hadn't grabbed a belt, it would be totally obvious to him that she was wearing one today. Caitlyn was thrilled at how the fine material felt on her legs, she wasn't used to its sensuous caress. Straightening the seam up the back of her legs she then fastened the belt to the stockings. She held her skirt up and looked at herself in the mirror. Not bad. Not bad at all.

She exited and presented herself shyly to Mr. Urshenko. "These are the stockings. I think the lady will find them very comfortable and beautiful." She was careful not to lift her skirt to show the lace pattern on the edges. He would probably want to see but she couldn't appear too forward.

 

[Otto26]

Greg watched as Caitlyn moved around the room in short steps, pausing to show off the stockings from various angles. It had the effect of showing off her legs, too, but he suspected she was aware of that. The thought was exciting. 'She recognizes the game and she's willing to play. But how much is she willing to play?' he wondered.

"How far up on the thigh do they ride?" he asked.

 

[MelancholyBaby]

Caitlyn's eyes widened. She knew of course that he would eventually want to see the stockings in their entirety but when he finally asked she was a bit flustered. She looked around, making sure no one was around to see her modeling. What was next? Modeling bras and panties, merrywidows, corsets, babydolls? She put it from her mind now. She would take each sale, each session with him separately and not worry about the future ones.

Her fingers wrapped around the hem of her skirt loosely, pulling it up slowly, stopping when the hint of lace of the edge began. Something in his manner encouraged her that she needed to lift her skirt a bit more and she did, her heart racing. She felt vulnerable in that second. It wasn't like her previous boyfriends hadn't seen her in stockings before, but she barely knew this man and here she was pulling her skirt up for him, nearly exposing her panties and garter belt.

"I'm not the tallest girl in the world so they may come up a bit lower on a different woman or women. So what do you think?"

 

[Otto26]

She looked flushed, nervous or excited or some combination of both, to Greg. But she did what he asked despite her nervousness. That excited him. Beautiful women were a dime a dozen to a man in Greg's position, but obedient women, women excited by obedience... They were gems. Greg considered his answer. "Visually they seem almost undistinguishable from nylon. Do they feel different?"

 

[MelancholyBaby]

"They feel wonderful. They are different, I can't explain it, they are like 800 thread count sheets when you are used to 100. They are lovely," Caitlyn gushed. She straightened up. "They really are different, just feel them quickly and you'll see." She hoped it was not too forward but it some things you just have to experience. This was one of them. "I think any lady that would receive them would be very lucky." She approached him and demurely lifted her leg closer to him to allow him to touch the stockings. She felt hot and flushed all over, Caitlyn had to constantly remind herself that he was just a customer and she was just a representative of the store. Still, she could be fond of Mr. Urshenko.

 

[Otto26]

Greg almost laughed in delight as she extended her leg for him to fondle. 'A fiction as thin as the silk, but as important as the quality difference between nylon and silk,' he ruminated. But he didn't think any the less of Caitlyn for it; quite the contrary. He leaned forward in the chair and slowly ran his hand up her calves, behind her knee, and stopping on the back of her thigh, midway up.

"You're right. A very tangible difference, but hard to quantify. They just have a higher quality feel. Are these what you wear?"

 

[MelancholyBaby]

His hands were light, practiced, upon her skin. No doubt he had felt many materials, Caitlyn could tell that he demanded quality and he could afford such. Still, his caresses were different than what she was used to. She swallowed hard as his hand went further up her leg and was thankful he stopped when he did. If he went up any further she would have an extremely difficult dilemma to contend with.

"These are our best stockings. It is hard to describe them. As I said, sometimes you just have to feel something to experience it." She carefully removed her leg, cautious that someone would see her. She wanted to be known as a quality saleswoman, not as a girl who used provocative measures to keep and retain customers. Alex probably wouldn't have minded as long as she got the business, but Caitlyn did have standards and expected much from herself.

She smiled and chuckled a bit. "Me? No. Even with my discount they are a little out of my price range. Don't tell anyone but I buy mine at Target." She hoped she did not seem like she was lamenting her lack of money, but facts were facts. She was proud of herself that she did her job well, that she could take care of herself. If she couldn't buy pricey stockings it wasn't some great tragedy. "So what do you think? They are a keeper and we have them in white and a black as well."

 

[Otto26]

'She's nervous,' Greg realized as she darted glances around. 'I can work with that. Nervous and excited are just a small attitude change apart. I'll start slowly.' He smiled thinly in anticipation of the dance of seduction, the slow dance of seduction.

"Yes, they are nice. I'd like to know how they wear, though... Tell you what, bill me for that pair and you wear them for the next two days. If they hold up well then I'll take three pairs of the flesh and two pairs of the black for each account. They'll each need a matching garter belt for each color, of course."

He stared at her waist, picturing what the garter-belt and stockings would look like when not covered by clothing. 'I could ask to see, demand even, but without a context for aftercare she's likely to go home and turn that into a trauma. Not nice, not productive. No... She's a smart girl, she knows what I'm imagining. I'll leave it at that. And the garters and stockings really aren't giving me the effect I wanted...'

He said as much to Caitlyn. "They're good, but not quite the effect I wanted to achieve. The wrong medium, really. Let's try your jewelry department; I have an idea."

 

[MelancholyBaby]

Caitlyn gasped. He wanted to buy her the stockings. He wanted her to wear the stockings for him. She wanted to protest, to tell him no, that she couldn't possibly accept such an offer. But, then again, he needed some perspective on their quality that she could offer. And her wearing the stockings would result in ten of them being sold. But it wasn't just that. There was something about him that made her not question his decision. Caitlyn didn't understand it; what could she do but follow his lead?

"Of course, Mr. Urshenko, I will let you know how the stockings wear and if they work out I will let you know that they have been shipped." She smoothed her skirt, trying to get her composure back. Caitlyn was flustered and she couldn't appear so to the women in the jewelry department, they were so cool and collected. "The jewelry department is this way. We have some stunning pieces, distinctive and unique, not like the common designs you would see at the chain jewelry stores." She couldn't resist asking him more about his 'idea.' "What kind of pieces did you have in mind?" That was perhaps a question better suited toward someone who actually worked in the jewelry department rather than Caitlyn. But she was not letting go of him that easily, she was not fond of handing him over to another salesperson. Caitlyn silently chastised herself for being so selfish. She was a representative of the store and giving him the best service would mean letting one of the more experienced women in jewelry help him select some items. "I think Julia is working today, she is very knowledgeable and she will help you find exactly what you're looking for."

 

[Otto26]

"Chain," he replied pensively in response to her question.

Her comment about another sales person penetrated the creative fog and looked at her. "Another representative assisting you in the sale will be fine," he stated, "but you are my account manager and I expect to work through you." The look on her face seemed a mix of about equal parts unease and... satisfaction? 'Yes, I think so.'

Julia was an immacualte woman, a china doll given human form and possessed of about as much warmth. Caitlyn's warm and helpful demeanor made Julie seem cold, haughty, even snobbish. She was covered in jewelry, a walking advertisement for excessive consumption, and evidently didn't belong to the less-is-more school of thought. She seemed to expect Caitlyn to vanish when she greeted Greg and was visibly miffed when she didn't.

"What may I show you this evening?" she asked.

"Gold chain," Greg replied. "You have it by the spool, correct?"

"Yes, of course, sir. What weight would you like?"

"Just bring them over to the counter. You have your own jeweler?"

"Yes, sir," Julia replied as she put the dispenser on the counter. "He works off premises, off course."

Greg fingered the chains until he found one he liked, middle of the road and all rounded links. He looked around.

"Caitlyn, I need a waist. Would you mind standing just here with your arms above your head?"

 

[MelancholyBaby]

Ignoring Julia's icy demeanor Caitlyn stood by, a bit unsure as to why Mr. Urshenko had insisted that she remain with him. As she listened to their conversation she knew very well that any help she could have given him in the jewelry department would not have been satisfactory. She had no idea chains came like that and, much to Julia's dismay Caitlyn leaned in closer, naturally curious about all things pretty. Not wanting to upset Julia she quickly moved away. She would explain to the older woman later about why she had remained with Mr. Urshenko.

When she heard his request she cast a confused look to Julia whose eyes were fixed narrowly on Caitlyn. "Alright," she said quietly, moving toward him and lifting her arms up as he directed. She suddenly felt very vulnerable and exposed although she wasn't sure why. She wondered if the ladies he purchased for felt the same way toward him. His manner and actions didn't seem to phase Julia who, while extremely knowledgable about jewelry related matters, was smug and self-assured. She took a deep breath, lifting her arms higher so that more air would fill her lungs and waited, curious as to what his intent was.

 

[Otto26]

Greg pulled on the chain and wrapped it once around Caitlyn's waist. "Hold this," he told Julia and the woman put her finger on Caitlyn's waist, holding the chain in place. Greg stepped back and regarded the effect. "Too plain," he muttered. He stepped forward and drew some more chain off the spool. Draped loops didn't satisfy him, nor did stringers. He took the end of the chain away from Julia and drew it once more around Caitlyn's waist. "Better, definitely closer." He put Julia's finger back in place and stepped back. Then he adjusted the loops of the chain so that one end of a loop was high and on the waist while the low end rested on the opposite hip. The other loop did the same so that they presented the appearance of two crossed loops forming an X.

"Much better. Get some safety-pins, Julia," he instructed as he replaced her finger with his. When she returned he used safety-pins to secure the chains together and then they both stepped back to look at the effect.

"Do you think it'll sit that well on flesh?" Greg asked her.

"I... I don't know, sir," Julia replied.

"It still needs something... A tail? Yes." He stepped forward and reached around Caitlyn to pull the slack in the chain down so that a tail of gold hung to just below the top of her ass. "Cut it here," he instructed.

"Of course, sir," Julia responded. "I'd just like to remind you that our policy is that once it's cut, you've committed to purchasing it."

"That's nonsense," Greg replied. "A simple re-link and it's good as new. But I don't care about silly policies, I'll buy it. Now cut it and bring me a sheet of paper."

"Yes sir."

"You're being very patient, Caitlyn. I appreciate your assistance. Just a few more minutes."

When the paper was produced he quickly sketched a female form and the criss-crossed gold chain over it. "I'll want a clasp here, in the rear, that will use the tail as a means of sizing it. On the front where the chains meet I'll want a flat gold disk with a one carat, teardrop cut, blue sapphire. Dark blue, even if that means using a heat-treated gem. Have it ready tomorrow for Caitlyn to approve. And let's go ahead and get her out of this."

Julia, eyes somewhat wide, helped secure the chains with a few more safety-pins and then cut the chains again, in back, to allow them to be removed from Caitlyn's body.

"Thank you for assistance, Julia. If you have any questions address them to Caitlyn, she manages my account here," he said.

"Walk me out, Caitlyn?" he asked.

 

[MelancholyBaby]

Caitlyn stood perfectly still as Mr. Urshenko and Julia created the jewelry, using her as almost a mannequin. She wasn’t used to people fussing over her, not that they were fussing over her per se but just so many people surrounding her at once. She couldn’t help but look down, her eyes widening as the long gold chain wrapped around her waist. She was a bit amazed at the decadence, being around someone who could afford such things without a second thought. He was meticulous; a designer, an artist, a visionary.
She didn’t need to look at whose hands were adjusting the chain or moving it along her body. She could tell whose they were. The delicate touch of Mr. Urshenko, his long fingers molding the piece along her flesh, was unmistakable. Julia’s fingers were not gentle, instruments of her frustration for having to share this customer with a younger and less experienced junior associate. Caitlyn was torn. She did not want to incur the wrath of Julia as she was well connected, but at the same time she was unwilling to waver on her commitment to helping Mr. Urshenko. Surely she could tolerate some petty jealousy from the other women at the store.

She felt dizzy as she heard the exchange between Julia and Mr. Urshenko. He was going to buy the chain. Caitlyn was no expert in jewelry but she felt sure that the piece would end up costing more than she made in a few months. She longed to lower her arms, the muscles started aching. His words of appreciation renewed her strength and spirit and she remained in position, smiling inwardly at Julia’s irritation.

Caitlyn could tell that he was creating a very unique piece of jewelry. She was unsure as to its purpose and use. He had asked how it would sit on flesh. Caitlyn couldn’t help but wonder if his question meant what she thought it did. It certainly seemed to have flustered Julia.

Finally freed, Caitlyn shook her arms, feeling the dull ache in them subside. She was a bit startled that Mr. Urshenko had indicated that she would be approving the exotic piece. She felt her pulse quicken a bit, imagining for a minute what it must be like to wear such a piece for such a man; to feel the cold kiss of the metal on the soft warmth of the flesh. She felt herself blush at her thoughts and then composed herself, hoping he had not seen in her face that her mind had wandered. It would do her well to come back to earth and mind his words; she would be approving the piece after all. She could also not afford for Julia to see her dreamy eyed over her new customer. The jewelry clerk was visibly miffed already when Mr. Urshenko had indicated to her that Caitlyn was his account manager. One thing she didn’t need in her life was more drama, and she was sure that women like Julia lived on it.

Caitlyn nodded politely at Mr. Urshenko’s request that he walk her out. “Of course, Sir,” she said, following dutifully as he led the way toward the exit. Her mind was spinning, she thought of everything that had occurred today and how her life had been jarred so very much by a man who she barely knew. She needed to tell him how truly thankful she was. “Mr. Urshenko, I can’t thank you enough for this opportunity, I hope that I am doing well, I’ve never done this sort of thing before. I know you are counting on me, Sir, and I don’t want to let you down.”

Caitlyn was a bit disconcerted at her choice of words. Sir seemed awfully stiff and formal, yet it also seemed somehow appropriate. She hoped her word choice had not offended him. She just wished to express her sincere appreciation for his trust in her.

 

[Otto26]

Greg smiled and put his hand on Caitlyn's shoulder. "I'm pleased with your performance, Caitlyn," he assured her. "I think you have a real talent for this. Now, that's a fairly simple piece but it's late in the day. If you want it early in the morning, you're going to have to light a fire under whatshername. So long as you have a chance to inspect it and report to me before 5pm tomorrow I'm satisfied. Don't let her bully you; I wouldn't want someone representing my affairs to back down to bullying."

The driver opened the door to the car and Greg ducked his head and climbed in. "Don't worry about letting me down; do as I say and I won't let you fail. Have a good evening, Caitlyn. I'll look forward to your call."

The driver closed the door and walked around to his side. As the car pulled away, Greg could glimpse Caitlyn in the rearview mirror, watching the car pull away. 'Definite talent,' he thought to himself.

He pulled out his cellphone and pressed a speed dial number.

"Urshenko Holdings, Rhoda speaking, how may I help you?"

"Rhoda this is Greg, I need to dictate a letter."

"Certainly, Mr. Urshenko. One moment please. Ready, sir."

"This will go to my newest personal store account. Please make it a personal letter to the store manager. Let's see.... Mister whoever, I am writing to express my appreciation with the efforts of one of your staff. Caitlyn signed me up for an account with the promise of excellent service and I have already enjoyed the fruits of her labor. I usually purchase my jewelry elsewhere, but the quality of service I have been receiving from your staff in general and Caitlyn in particular is a serious incentive to change my habits. Personal signature. Read that back to me, please."

He listened to Rhoda and then nodded. "Yes. Send that out same day. Have there been any important phone calls?"

He dealt with the details of business for the rest of the ride, most of him focused on work, but part of him looking forward to Caitlyn's phone call. He had plans.

 

[MelancholyBaby]

Caitlyn stood in a daze for a time; her eyes moving following Mr. Urshenko's car until it became indistinguisable. The imprint of his hand remained on her shoulder, a simple gesture that should not have moved her as much as it did. An icy voice broke her reverie.

"Well, if it isn't little miss helpful." Cailtyn recognized the voice immediately. Julia. Normally the younger girl would have backed away, shirking from confrontation. This one, however, seemed inescapable.

"I am just trying to do my job." Caitlyn straightened up, her eyes fixing on Julia's. "I brought him to you because I knew you would do a better job than I could. I just stayed there as I am of similar build to the woman he was purchasing it for." The last was a bit of a stretch. Mr. Urshenko had wanted Caitlyn to remain with him. There was no way out of that one.

Julia raised one thin, arched eyebrow. “Is that so? You seem to be very familiar with a man who is a new customer.” Caitlyn’s blood boiled at Julia’s words. She knew exactly what the older woman was implying. The older woman…

“I just know her size, Julia. You are probably closer to it, but perhaps he wished a younger woman to model it for him.” Caitlyn wasn’t used to confrontations of this nature, but she knew that at some point she would need to stand up for herself. She hated to be catty but it was the nature of the game at this point.

The rage that crossed Julia’s painted-on face was priceless. “I don’t think you realize who you are messing with, Katie.”

“I am not messing with anyone. Alex is counting on me to see to Mr. Urshenko’s account. As I said before, I am just trying to do my job. And my name isn’t Katie; it’s Caitlyn,” she said, stressing the last syllable of her name. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to get back to work.” A surprising bit of boldness flowed through her. “When do you think I can expect the item to be completed?”

Julia’s icy stare assured Caitlyn that she would not cooperate easily. “I will see what I can do. Our jeweler is a busy man.”

“Please do your best. I would hate to have to explain to Alex why we lost Mr. Urshenko as a customer. Thanks for your help.” Caitlyn walked away, feeling terribly giddy. She had stood up to Julia, the ice queen. She felt empowered although it was silly that a new pair of stockings and a hand on her shoulder could make that much difference in her character.
_________________________________

Caitlyn was not scheduled to work the next day until noon but she was there promptly at nine am. She had debated putting her hair up in a French twist as Julia did but she had decided against it. Standing up to her didn’t mean she would have to try to emulate the older woman’s icy demeanor. Caitlyn was wearing the stocking he had insisted she try and luxuriated in the feel of them on her skin. As long as they held up well she was sure that his lady friends would be very pleased at his generosity. Making her way over to the jewelry counter she smiled and felt on top of the world.

“Good morning, Julia,” said Caitlyn, her voice pleasant. “Do you have any word on the chain for Mr. Urshenko?”

“As I told you yesterday evening, Caitlyn, our jeweler is a very busy man. You can’t expect him to…” Julia was interrupted by Alex, the store manager.

“What’s this about a chain for Urshinko,” he asked eagerly. He had directed his question at Caitlyn, not at the woman in jewelry.

“Mr. Urshenko has requested a chain be created for him. He has asked that I approve it for him, so I would like to have it by noon to make sure I can examine it and notify him. Julia has all the specifications.”

Alex pulled a letter from his suit pocket, reciting a portion of it to the two women. “Let’s keep it this way alright? She’ll have the chain by noon or it’s your ass, Julia.” He walked away briskly, no doubt inspired by the dollar signs floating around in his head. Caitlyn hurried away as well, not wanting to catch Julia’s ire.

Promptly at noon Julia had sent another associate to present Caitlyn with the dark blue velvet box. Her hands trembled as she took the item, asking Marissa if she may have a few moments to inspect the item. The fittings rooms were oddly quiet and Caitlyn slipped into one of them, locking the door behind her.

Mr. Urshenko’s earlier words echoed in her mind, “sit that well on flesh.” Caitlyn would find out. She unzipped her skirt and stepped out of it, careful to not to let it wrinkle. She placed the exotic piece around her waist, shivering at the sensation of it. She adjusted it and then lowered her garter and then her panties, letting them fall around her ankles. Caitlyn felt the coolness of the tail tease her lower back and the curve of her behind. Although she would not be the one to demonstrate it, it did sit nicely on the flesh.

She felt a pang of jealousy as she redressed and carefully placed the chain back into its box. They were lucky women, whoever they were. Mr. Urshenko was no doubt very selective. After all, he could be. He was handsome; wealthy; generous; and, most of all, kind. Coming back down to earth Caitlyn examined the clasps, the stone, the fusion of the chains. The work appeared flawless.

She tried to calm herself as she made her way out of the fittings room and to the phone. Marissa opened the box and peeked at Caitlyn dialed the number that he had called her from the other day. She hoped she had selected the right number and waited patiently for an answer.