GINGER AND BUBBLES

3| STEPPING OUT

As usual, I'm the first one on the office floor. Or so it appears. I switch on the lights as I walk down the passage. The desks in the empty glass cubicles are lined with computer monitors, keyboards, and stationery stuck into a variety of holders.

One office has an occupant. It is Annie, the COO. I open her door and peek inside hoping she's not on one of her inquisitive trips. She is.

"Morning. What's with the red eyes and nose?" Without giving me a chance to respond she's at it again. "Is it my imagination?" Now she is squinting her eyes and pouting her lips as if in pain on my behalf. "You look terrible."

Annie always speak to me without making eye contact. Merely glances at me like a traffic cop inspecting the roadworthiness of a car just before he pulls out his book and issue a fine before her attention drifts to a document. At that point of saturation I mumble something, wish her a good day and go my way.

Today I will take Ginger's advice and become involved. Behave more sociable. "Change of season," I say. I fidget in my pocket. "Where is my hank-Oh yes. Forgot. In my bag." I unzip the side zipper, pull out my personalised, hand-embroidered handkerchief, and blow my nose. "This wind." I stuff the handkerchief in my pocket. "And the pollen. Make my hay fever act out this time of the year."

Ginger's advice hits the jackpot. She's looking. No, she's staring at me with a wat-de fok-gaan-vandag-met-jou-aan expression on her face. She finds her balance.

"That explains your eyes. You sound as bad as you look. Did you see a doctor or get something to treat it?"

Ginger was right. It's not fair to make judgment calls about people you don't know. I always assumed Annie only tolerated me. Now I know the truth. She cares...

"It's only hay fever. Besides, I'm not a chemical girl. Herbs do it for me."

"Either way, Suzan, you look run down and tired. You must take care of yourself, deary. This is our busiest time of the year and we want you in excellent condition. Health and performance-wise."

See? There it is. I told you so. She's the devil's crooked ass with her fake hair and lips. Can't you see why she needs you in excellent condition?

"This new project. Schedules are tight...so doctors and self-pity? Not an option."

That struck a chord. Her face morphs into a smiling spider with red lips. The sharp nails of the hairy claws ease into the high-back ergonomic chair. The full, moist lips curls around the cup of steaming coffee. I shake my head and close my eyes to erase the disturbing vision.

"A luxury...I know," she says almost to herself. Then, as if reminded of my presence she continues. "It's a big one, Suzan. This project will change the future of this company if we land it tomorrow."

"Not if." I correct her. "When we land it tomorrow."

She nods, surprised but pleased. With her gaze fixed on me, she takes another sip.

Silly, silly Shazz. Look at you, getting all comfy with that one. Do you honestly think she cares about your sniffles and sneezes? Oh, the way you make me laugh. I almost peed myself.

"After the presentation tomorrow I'll make an appointment with my doctor."

"I'll be on your case if you don't."

When I get to my office, Rowena is hunched over her computer, typing away. She looks up and greets me when I enter. I take out my laptop, put my lunch in the little bar fridge and settle at my desk.

Err, excuse, me-

My hands are shaking. I fidget in my drawer trying to recall why I opened it. I must not let them in. I must not let them in. I'm must not-