F Is for Fiona

As I got nearer to the store I was distracted. Well, we're all vain aren't we. Not 'ggs' that is, genuine girls, some are and some aren't. But girls or women like me, we really are vain, always pay such an awful lot of attention to our appearance. I was still looking in the mirror, not properly paying attention to where I was going. Which is why, it wasn't his fault at all, a young man in a hurry almost rammed his trolley into me.

"Shit! Sorry, darling," he muttered, quite loudly.

"That's all right," I replied, a little embarrassed.

'Darling' indeed. He grinned at me, and carried on past me.

Kate had noticed our near collision. She looked a little alarmed, probably disappointed at not having spotted me earlier.

"Good morning, Ms Fletcher."

Nothing special, just an ordinary matter-of-fact greeting to one's boss. Polite, respectful really, absolutely nothing in her tone of voice to indicate anything out of the ordinary. Not that this was going to be in any way an ordinary day.

"Good morning Kate," I replied, giving her 'that look'.

I didn't know if I could still do it, give the look through the hair and the make-up, but she got the point. I had always encouraged nearly all my staff to call me Fred. That would have to change.

"Sorry, I mean Fiona."

Matter of fact again, she really is a damn good PA, not just a secretary.

Philip had noticed, he seemed puzzled at first despite the fact he certainly knew the sort of thing to expect. But I like to think he was taken aback - not so much by the sheer beauty of his new boss, rather by the fact that I didn't look like a man in drag. He recovered quickly.

"G' morning Fiona."

He was quick, he realised what his reaction should be.

I smiled a greeting towards him but I didn't have time to speak. Kate was by my side. She reached across and clipped my ID badge on the lapel of my jacket.

"Ms Fletcher, you look sensational. I mean, I was surprised when I saw you yesterday but - well - you really do look gorgeous today. Exceptionally good if I may say so. The red hair is right, it suits you wonderfully, and that IS the right style. Welcome Fiona, to the first day of the rest of your life."