‘Miss Idle Snooty Pants was complaining about all the walking she’s got to do to get to her office. I pointed out that we’re at the end of the corridor and have twice as far compared to her, but she just smirked that smirk of hers,’ said Roxanne. 'Can't believe I've spent my lunch break doing the shopping.' She put her bag of groceries down by the sash windows and wiped the moisture off her upper lip with her sleeve. Slipping out of her shoes and sighing, she turned to face Rita, who had stopped typing in order to listen. ‘I wish I had time to flick through a magazine and refresh my nail varnish like she’s doing.’
‘She’s multi-tasking!’ Rita laughed seeing Roxanne’s expression. ‘Or maybe she’s caught up with everything,’ she added.
‘If that’s the case it’ll be because she’s got mugs doing her work.’ Roxanne turned up the sleeves of her lime green blouse and undid another button. Lifting the fabric away from her chest, she pursed her lips and blew into the gap to cool her skin. ‘God it’s hot out today. If it’s going to be like this tomorrow, I’m wearing my polka dot skirt.’
‘Probably will be. Roxy, it’s no biggie doing the odd letter for her, I really don’t mind. And if Brian’s okay with it…then, you know…and he is our boss.’
‘We’ve only got her word he’s okayed it. He might not even know about it. But, if he is, you know what that means? She’ll have told him we have time on our hands. And the more you do it, the more she’ll take advantage. It wouldn’t be so bad if she was nice, but I’ve never heard her say a good word about anybody. If she’s trying to impress Brian by climbing on our backs, and gets promoted, what then? It doesn’t bear thinking about. You eaten?’
Rita nodded. ‘Cheese and tomato sandwich. Was going to do a salad but I was running a bit late.’
‘That man of yours stayed over again?’
‘Yeah.’
Roxanne wanted to ask Rita when had her new man taken her out, but having noticed Rita’s reticence in discussing him, she knew to leave well alone. When the time was right, her friend would spill the beans, if there were any to be spilled. Grabbing the next letter and perusing it, she snorted. ‘This woman wants our advice on dressing sexily. Does she need a few magazines or shall we ignore this one?'
‘Suggest a few magazines.’
‘Did you notice her new look?’ Receiving a nod, she continued, 'What d'you think?''
Rita pulled a face. ‘In my opinion a tight perm isn’t flattering…sort of ages her. I just hope she doesn’t ask you if you like it!’
Roxanne burst out laughing. ‘Oh, I really hope she does. I’ll just tell her I think it’s perfect on her! I can be a cow, I know, but she bloody deserves it. I can’t believe Brian’s wife can’t see what’s going on.’
‘I think we need a code name for her. Just in case.'
'Wouldn't hurt.'
'I was thinking of something like Miss I-S-P? Or Misp?’
‘I like Misp.’
‘Misp. That’s good. Do you think she’s really married? I mean it’s easy enough to wear a ring. Oh, that gives me an idea. But let’s not talk about it here.’ Rita gathered her finished letters together and aligned them. ‘Are yours ready?’
‘Almost.’
'I’ll make us a brew.’
Roxanne grinned. ‘Good idea. I’m spitting feathers.’
4th story in the R&R Agony Aunt series. Copyright Robyn Cain, May 2024
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