Changing

Steve used the bathroom. There was no longer any intimacy in the room. Everything seemed mundane, soberingly meaningless.

Marie took a shower after him. He barely glanced at her. She took her time. The conference didn't start for another two hours. As the water splashed down her back, she reflected.

Her life had been turned upside down overnight. She had allowed things to happen that had seemed unthinkable yesterday. What did that say about her? What was it doing to her?

She didn't know. At least not yet. She needed to talk to someone about it. Sharing her thoughts and hearing other opinions would help her understand it all better. But who could she talk to?

Sitting on the edge of the bed, she got dressed. First, the long, hold-up stockings. She didn't hide herself.

Steve watched her. He seemed interested, but not lustful. That was worse than if he had made suggestive comments.

Marie dismissed the idea of talking to him about her feelings. She straightened up.

“Can you take me to Mr. Jenkins before the conference?”

He grunted his agreement.

She quickly put on the skirt and blazer of her business outfit. “Shall we go?”

On the way to the elevator, Steve assumed his official role: bodyguard and bulldozer. He led her past hotel guests and employees who stared at her. She smiled to herself; at least there were still men who noticed her, unlike her silent companion. She hadn't lost her charisma. But no one dared to speak to her or even stop her. Marie realized that without Steve, she probably wouldn't have gotten ten feet down the hall.

When the elevator doors hissed shut, he stood next to her, his hands folded in front of his body. He appeared unmoved, but Marie noticed him glancing at her.

“Is something wrong?” she asked, glad that her voice sounded as snappy as she had intended.

“Hmm. Interesting choice of outfit. Is that standard office attire where you come from?”

She laughed brightly and briefly. It was good to know that she wasn’t invisible to him after all.

She had deliberately chosen her outfit to make an impression. And if even stoic Steve reacted to it, then the effect on other men should be even greater.

“No, it's not quite the European standard,” she replied, “but I'm a quick learner and I adapt to local customs.”

She looked at her reflection in the mirrored back wall of the elevator and couldn't suppress a smile at the sight.

Yes, it had been a good decision to forego a blouse and underwear. The blazer and skirt looked as formal and businesslike as ever. Underneath, she showed that she was open to new experiences.

She was already looking forward to seeing the expressions on the faces of the conference attendees. But first, she had to talk to Jenkins.

Minutes later, she was standing in front of the American negotiator's door.