Page 30 of The Secret Club
Before we can speak any further on the subject my son opens his door and yells out asking what is for dinner. And back to reality I go.
16
When I arrive at the Clarendon Club on Monday, Sandy, my manager walks into Café Marion like usual for her coffee but this time she asks, “Hi Roxy, can you pop in my office today at 12? Sophie will be ok to cover you for ten minutes.”
“Sure Sandy, is everything ok?” I ask nervously. This is only the second time she’s asked me and the first was about my probation finishing.
“Everything is absolutely fine, Roxy. I just wanted to have a catch up is all, and check in on how you are doing?”
“Ok, no problem, see you at noon Sandy.”
I serve the members like usual, the club becoming busier as the warmer weather approaches with Spring in Melbourne. I still look around and see if there is anyone I know and try to guess what kinds of kinks they’re into. You can never look at anyone and tell of course. It would be amazing if the members could wear different colours to show what they’re into, but of course what purpose would that serve other than to put my curiosity at bay.
Sophie hustles and bustles with me around the café, we work like a team—the dream team as we like to joke. I reallyenjoy her company and it’s what I have been missing in my own little business—colleagues. Coming to work at the Clarendon Club is becoming more appealing than going to work in my own business. Maybe working for myself wasn’t everything I’d have wanted it to be. Or maybe it’s the best of both worlds, working here and then my own business. But with being a playmate, do I need three jobs? That is what it is becoming. I file those thoughts away for another time. Right now I have the meeting with Sandy to worry about.
“What do you think she wants to talk to me about?” I ask Sophie when we’re finally both in the same spot at the same time with a moment to spare.
“Exactly what she said, she wants to see how you’re doing is all. Sandy likes to ensure the staff are happy. Happy staff, happy members. Plus, you’ve had a few playmate jobs now, maybe she just wants to see how you feel about them?”
“Have you had meetings like this with her?” I enquire.
“Oh sure, every few months—even though I’ve been here nearly two years. It’s nice. I don’t mind it.”
“Have you or anyone had any meetings about stuff that has been bad, like a client gone wrong or something? What if one of my club members complained about me?”
“Is that what is getting you all knotted up right now?” she asks teasingly.
“Well yes. I hate to think I’ve done something wrong. I mean I don’t think so, but what if I did…”
“You need to relax and have some self-confidence. I know you haven’t done anything wrong and I know you would have been amazing. Plus, Sandy would have called you into her office straight away and been much more discreet. Those things don’t really happen around here, but if they do I can assure you they are dealt with professionally and in my opinion kindly. Sandy is the best.”
“Have you ever met the ‘management.’” I say making air quotes.
“No I have not. I’ve even given up guessing now. That is one secret I have not cracked nor anyone else. I don’t even know if Sandy knows them or not.”
“Really? This whole place is one giant secret, isn’t it?”
“Yes, and I’m ok with that. I don’t want my parents or my neighbours knowing about this place. I don’t want my real-life colliding with our secret life here. Management probably feels the same. They are probably MP’s or owners of huge companies who cannot be associated with any kind of scandal.”
“Yeah in fairness, not one of us nor the members would ever like to be exposed so I guess that is why it hasn’t come out and likely won’t.”
“Plus I’m under the impression no one would dare leak anything about this club. So maybe they’re mafia running it.”
We laugh together. And then a chill runs down my neck making the hairs stand up on end.
“People can leave on their own accord though, right?”
“Yes, yes. No murders or disappearances from here. Well, now there was that one girl before you…”
“Stop.” I elbow Sophie. “Unless you’re telling the truth?”
“I’m kidding. Nothing unhinged has happened on my watch. Everyone just wants to keep their dirty little secrets a secret. Management has a way of ensuring that happens and everyone is happy. Including me. And so should you.”
“Oh I am happy. Imagine if the mums at the school gate knew what I did in my ‘other job’.” I shudder at the thought of how quickly that rumour would travel around the school like wildfire. “I’d have to move.”
“You and me both. So chill. Sandy is a good egg. It’s nearly time now anyways.”
She’s right, I check my watch. Ten minutes to go. “Wouldyou mind if I dash to the loo before I head up to meet Sandy, I suddenly need a nervous pee.”
