The Business Trip

CHAPTER 1 - The Flight, Saturday Morning

Untying the loose knot of my silky robe I let it slither down onto the wooden flooring. Outstretching my fingers and arching my back I turned to allow the sunlight from the bay window to ignite my skin. I smiled contently and began to dress myself. I slipped into the ash grey pencil skirt and pulled on my nude blouse. Seating myself in front of the dressing table, I began to apply foundation. I unscrewed the mascara and began to motion the wand in a “zig-zag” fashion against my lashes. Finishing with exclusive lip gloss, I smacked my lips together and tousled my freshly curled hair, satisfied with the way I looked. My alarm buzzed.

Startled, I stood up, smoothing down my skirt with my manicured fingers and reached for my phone. Ten Thirty, time to go. I placed my feet into my heels and rolled my suitcase across the hallway. Checking the lights and windows before I left, I locked my apartment door and sighed. Three months is quite a while, I’ll miss New York, my apartment, my own space. Yet at the same time I was excited, excited to meet new people, to promote myself professionally and leave a lasting impression on the company as a whole.

I worked for Chrysler, for at least 5 years now, I was in charge of marketing and promotion so they sent me on a three month business trip to kick start and devise a new advertising campaign to increase worldwide sales. Walking to the station, I hopped on the subway and proceeded to the airport.

******

I woke midflight hearing a beep noise and saw seat belt lights flashing. I had arrived.

“Welcome to Detroit City, thank you for flying with us, have a wonderful visit”, the flight attendant spoke.

This city was very different to mine. It looked dull, old and cranky from the skies and on ground level, it didn’t seem any better. I exited the plane and walked into the terminal. I squinted, searching for a board with my name printed across it. I scanned across the blur of curious faces several times in hope of finding my rep.

'ATHENA GREYSTONE', printed in black block capitals. A middle aged man, dressed in a crisp black suit with stubby fingers stared at me as I walked towards him, pulling my luggage along.

“Hello, I’m Jack Carter, nice to meet you”, the man held out his hand as we swiftly walked out of the airport, I took it and he shook it firmly.

“I will escort you to your hotel Miss Greystone and explain what transport you will have to take in order to get to the company Headquarters and explain the living arrangements for your stay”.

We reached Mr Carter's luxury Chrysler 300 in the parking lot of the airport, he took the suitcase from me and we entered the car. He coughed, adjusted his tie, gripped the steering wheel firmly and sped off in a matter of seconds.Mr Carter's eyes were firmly fixed on the busy rotting roads ahead and he made no attempt to converse, until...

"So, the hotel that has been arranged for you Miss Greystone is around half an hour away from the Headquarters. A taxi will wait for you at 8:30am sharp from Monday to escort you to Chrysler HQ. As for returning back to your suite, your own arrangements must be made due to the flexible nature of your work schedule", Mr Carter spoke professionally and his voice was sharp.

"What transport could I use to get back?”, I spoke up, in an abrupt tone. Why hadn't they organised this properly?

"The city's buses run until 10:00pm Miss Greystone, your other option would be to arrange your own taxi.", he replied back in monotone.

"Okay, thank you Mr Carter", I was still quite unsatisfied with the whole situation.

Mr Carter continued to drive and I turned my head towards the window. The sky was darkening and fog curled up against the glass as I tried to gather a profile of my new surroundings. I curiously knotted my brows together in a hope of reading the road signs.

'8 Mile Rd, exit left'. Fluorescent tube lighting poured through and a long strip of road appeared in front of us. Men dressed in grubby hoodies and low hanging jeans were scattered in groups, conversing. Women draped in revealing dresses walked seductively alongside the men. This reminded me of home, New York night life. I glanced at the road even deeper, noticing something very different. The buildings along 8 Mile were torn, ripped and even crumbling, rusting pylons followed the road and piles of junk were cluttered in various crevices in the side of the pavement.My eyes sagged into a look of disappointment as I drifted into a daydream of my sunny New York City.

I snapped back to reality as Mr Carter's car pulled up outside the hotel.

The building looked a lot like my daydream. ‘MGM Grand Hotel’. Exclusive. Posh. Classy. Although, I was still a little off about the transport situation.

"This is it Miss Greystone", Mr Carter spoke enthusiastically, unlike the rest of our journey.

The inside was even better. Marble covered the floor and the ceiling consisted of intricately carved artwork. There was mood lighting and classy decor. He escorted me to the lobby desk still holding my suitcase.

"Everything should be in order; I shall leave now and see you on Monday morning. But before I go, read over this before you arrive to work on Monday. It's an introduction to the grounds and the work you'll be doing"

He reached into his breast pocket, took out a white envelope and handed it to me.

"Goodbye Miss Greystone", Mr Carter sounds awfully sweet.

"Thank you very much Mr Carter. I'll see you on Monday. Goodbye", I replied, sounding lethargic from my long journey but flashing a smile anyways.

And he was gone. I pulled myself together and asked the receptionist for my room.Sighing, I trudged to the elevator and through several hallways until I had finally reached my new 'home'.

Room 504. With the envelope gripped between my teeth, my suitcase and handbag on one arm, I swiped the key-card.I pushed down the door handle and entered the suite. A fresh scent swept through my nose. A large bed took up some of the space, a desk and coffee area surrounded it. The luxury bathroom was situated at the side and scented candles surrounded the gold rimmed bathtub.I opened my luggage and placed the items accordingly around the suite. I seated myself on the soft mattress and no matter how tired I was; I opened the envelope and proceeded to read, yawning at the same time.

Be at work for nine. Introduction at 9:15. You will be briefed with your assignment when you start work.

I scanned the pages further to find more detail on my assignment. I need more information than this.

Health and Safety at Chrysler HQ - Detroit. An introduction to the fire drill procedure. Our code of conduct.

I let out a huge huff and buried my face in my hands. I had no idea what I was meant to be doing and have to arrange transport for myself. I heaved myself up and off the silky bed sheets and headed for the bathroom, I needed to relax.

After filling the tub and lighting various candles. I slipped off my pencil skirt and blouse, unhooked my bra, pulled down my lace panties and dipped my foot into the warm water. I climbed in, settling and succumbing to the warmth of the water. The pleasure of the Jasmine candle scents caressed my worn out body. I leaned back, letting the heat consume the stress within and causing me to drift into a deep fantasy of one of Jane Austen's sensual scenes from her books.