The Life Guard

To be in a car in the middle of winter in the north of England with a man you loathe when you’ve split up with your boyfriend is not an ideal situation. But that was the way it was for Melissa Wightman and she guessed she would just have to live with it. She and her colleague, Tony Price, were heading for Harrogate, North Yorkshire for an annual Pharmaceuticals Trade Fair, the idea being to massage the egos of all the current clients and hopefully reel in some new ones. It was pretty big deal and all the major players in the industry would be there. It was an opportunity to really make some hits and since it was Melissa’s first time, her bosses hadn’t tired of telling her how important the whole affair was. She had been with the company three years and was fairly experienced but would not normally have been let loose at such a high profile clambake. However, Dussier-Vandenbergh Industries best marketing agent had gone down with a touch of flu the night before, and Melissa had been summoned at short notice without notice. It was a case of drop everything, pack a bag and ask questions later. Tony, her traveling companion, on the other hand was an old stager, a veteran of ten consecutive fairs. A star, supposedly. He was doing the driving, and glanced over at her as they crossed a junction.
“You know Melissa,” he said, rather knowingly “the key to making an impression at these things is this; forget about selling the company, forget selling the product, and think only about selling yourself. That’s the only thing you need to concern yourself with. The rest will follow. The clients know they get the product from John Smith down the road if the want to, or Joan Smith even, but they’ll work with us if we give them that bit extra. Its what its all about.. Its about making contacts, being busy, getting your face known.”
“Right.” Melissa said.
“You don’t sound too interested.”
Certainly not interested in you thought Melissa. She knew what Tony’s angle was. Everyone at Dussier Vandenbergh bar the tea lady knew that she had just broken off a two year engagement with her boyfriend Tom only a month before, and for that reason she was fair game. And why not she supposed wearily. She was twenty four, intelligent, blonde, very attractive and had the body of a Dolce Cabbana underwear model. On the surface she had everything, a 40K a year job, an apartment in Islington, a good job. No, a great job. But as of November 15th 2001, no boyfriend. Until two weeks previously the possibilities seemed endless. Marriage. A house. Holidays in the Caribbean. Babies. No more though. Tom’s problem, she had concluded, was that he possessed a lethal combination of being just about the best looking man in London yet having zero will power. He just couldn’t say no. Just exactly how many other girls he had been fucking since they were engaged she would never know, but it was double figures at least. She supposed it was only a matter of time before she had caught him. On this occasion it had been when she had decided to pay him a surprise visit at his office and he had caught him with his pants around his ankles with his PA giving him a blowjob. Less strong minded girls would have fallen for his pathetic explanations, his crass attempts at reconciliation (flowers, chocolates, courier delivered taped messages etc.), but Melissa knew that to do that would be to keep on forgiving him forever and ever. Therefore, she had to end it right there and then. It had hurt to do that. Big time. He may have been a weak willed, fornicating, public school educated twerp, but for that she loved him. A lot
But she supposed, what had been disastrous for her love life had been great for her career. Since the big split she had literally lost herself in her work, turning in one nine o’clock finish after another. Out had gone the late nights drinking and partying in the West End, in had come hours glued to her desk working, reading and researching. Mostly it was simply an attempt to prevent the whole thing getting to her, but it had also had the effect of making her very good at her job. Clients had suddenly started asking for her by name to run their accounts and she had secured two big contracts on the strength of her growing reputation. Her efforts had not gone unnoticed by her superiors and a promotion to senior status had been mentioned on more than one occasion. And with that would come a substantial pay raise and an upgraded company car. The fact that she had been summoned to fill in on this high profile marketing event was a clear indication of the growing esteem in which she was now held. It didn’t stop her from feeling unhappy though. Or from being lumped with a complete idiot as a traveling companion.
After another half an hour on the road, they found the hotel, an old style establishment in the outskirts of Harrogate that had been bought up by one of the big chains and then refurbished. After checking in they found their rooms, and Melissa was pleased to see that she and Tony were on different floors. They agreed to meet for dinner. Melissa didn’t really want to and would have much preferred something from room service, but given that Tony was effectively her boss she figured that she had best make the effort. The hotel restaurant was about half full when they arrived, and inhabited mostly by people in suits as well, many talking secretively. Melissa presumed that many of them were also there for the convention. They ordered food and Melissa made as polite and congenial conversation as was possible.
“That one over there,” said Tony, thrusting his fork in the direction of a table by the wall, “is Andy Taylor. Pretty awesome reputation. Awesome. Been in the industry fifteen years. Worked for all the big names. Knows everyone and everyone knows him. As for the girl whose with him, that’s anyone’s guess. Andy always was a bit of a player though. Over there is Jan Robson, another big hitter.”
Tony looked in both directions and then leaned forward conspiratorially. In a loud whisper he said, “Rumour has it that Glaxo Wellcome have just headhunted her but noone officially knows so don’t mention it to anyone.”
“I’ll remember not to.” she replied.
Melissa studied Tony with detached contempt as he spoke, fairly uninterested in his industry gossip. He was about thirty five and balding rapidly, very bad teeth as well. Not a particularly attractive man, but from she had heard he was very good at his job. 
“Another thing I should have mentioned Melissa,” he continued between mouthfuls, “these things aren’t all work, work, work. The guys know how to party too. There have been some pretty legendary times down the years. Its tradition for the all the delegates to get together on the Saturday night. It can get pretty wild.”
“Oh.” replied Melissa
“But hey, that’s what were like yeah? Work hard, play hard. That is if you can keep up with the pace” With that Tony took a long sip of his wine, and had a pleased look on his face. He winked at her. Melissa groaned inwardly.
“If you say so Tony.” Melissa was loathing it already.
“I do. Listen, how about we have a few drinks in the bar afterwards, go over our strategy for tomorrow?”
Melissa shifted in her seat.
“If its all the same Tony I’d rather get an early night. Its been a long day. I’ll make some more notes before I go to sleep”
Tony looked a little disappointed but then nodded, “You do that. You’ll need all your energy. Plenty of time for socialising later.”
“Er, yes.”

Melissa did not go straight for bed after dinner. Instead, she made for the hotel pool which was located in an adjoining building on the ground floor. When she had got the call to arms she had checked out the hotel’s facilities on the web and remembered to throw her swimming cossie in with the rest of the stuff. The pool area seemed fairly new and looked clean enough, designed with a kind of roman baths theme in mind, lots of white marble and so on. The lighting was soft and the poolside was adorned by some large tropical looking plants and a couple of fake statues.
There was no one around and she carefully draped her towel over one of the poolside loungers. She then carefully lowered herself in. The water was lovely and warm. The pool was only about twenty metres, but Melissa made good use of what was available, alternating between strokes for about thirty lengths. Gradually she felt herself begin to relax, stretch out and focus her mind on the next day. She had always made an effort to stay fit, even through the excesses of university. Working out for 2 hours a day was her way of counteracting too many cigarettes, late nights and vodka aftershocks 
Eventually she stopped for a rest, and leaned against the edge, the only sound in the hollow chamber that of her breathing hard from the effort. She ran a hand over body through black material of speedo. Her breasts were a good asset she knew, high, full, not too large, kept taut from exercise. Her mid section next. Still quite firm, but a little bit of a tummy developing, probably the result of too many chocolate bars consumed for consolation in the wake of the break up. She was about to turn around and start swimming again when a voice called out.
“Closing the pool soon.”
Melissa looked up. A guy dressed in shorts, t-shirt and flip flops had appeared from nowhere and was busy gathering towels from the poolside.
“Okay.” replied Melissa loudly, “Just give me a minute.”
The guy nodded and carried on with what he was doing. He had short blonde hair and was a little boyish looking, maybe in his late teens or early twenties. Nice smile. She couldn’t help but notice that he also had great legs, slim and lightly muscled. That was the downfall of many a good looking guy she decided, great up top, but let down totally by legs like pipe cleaners. He began to heap the towels into a laundry bag.
“Excuse me.” called out Melissa.
The attendant stopped what he was doing and came over to her.
“Can I help?”
Melissa nodded in the direction of a glass door on the other side of the pool. “I see you have a sauna. It looks locked though.”.
“Yeah.” said the attendant at length, “Problem with the thermostat. They’ve meant to have been coming to fix it for ages now. Hopefully it will be fine by next week.”
“I’ll be gone then, “Melissa said glumly.
“Just here for the weekend?”
“Yeah. I’m work in marketing for one of the big drugs companies. Got a big sales fair tomorrow and Sunday.”
“Oh yeah. Heard about it. There’s a few people staying here for that. Come here every year apparently. Saw some of them before in the lobby, lapel badges and the like”
“Spot us conference lot a mile off can’t you?”
“I can hear you a mile off more like!”
“Hey!”
“Sorry.” The guy looked genuinely embarrassed, a little humble, like he felt he had spoken out of turn
Melissa shook her head, “Don’t worry about it. I’m teasing. The industry is populated with idiots who think that lapel badges, laptops and suit carriers are the very hallmarks of success. What about you? Do you work here full time?”
“Me? No. Just on weekends. I’m studying medicine at Leeds University. Second year. Do this to keep the wolf from the door. You know, impoverished student and all that. My parents know someone in this hotel group and got me the job that way. Its okay I guess. Better than serving in a bar.”
The guy bent down to pick up a couple more loose towels. Nice backside too, thought Melissa, if only subconsciously. Having studied him for a couple of minutes she decided he was pretty good looking overall. Bit like a grown up choir boy without the floppy hair. Not that she was interested in that kind of thing in her present state of mind. From now on she was little miss career minded. He was probably a bit young too. After all, Tom had been ten years her senior. For some reason she then asked;
“Do you have a girlfriend?”
A pause. Then he looked at her a touch sheepishly and shook his head, “No, no.”
“Oh surely you must.”
Another pause.
“Well, there was someone. Last year. Someone very special. But....” he broke off, his eyes tinged with a little sadness, “Let’s just say that medical degrees and relationships don’t really make the best companions”
“You go out a bit though.”
He shook his head, “Not much, between studying and working here there isn’t a lot of time.” Then he broke into a smile, “Or money for that matter!”
Melissa grinned also. She felt for him a little. By dedicating himself to something so worthwhile he was forsaking his youth to a degree. She recalled her own time at university, all wild nights of partying and getting drunk, stoned and laid, the routine broken by the occasional lecture or exam. And then straight into a good job after that. These poor souls had to study properly for five years for the privilege of working 80 hours a week for ungrateful employers and equally ungrateful patients. Why anyone would do it she couldn’t fathom.
“You must let off steam somehow.”
“I guess.” he shrugged, “I swim for the university team.”
“Really? Are you good?”
“Okay I suppose.” Almost as an afterthought he added, “I was in the Great Britain squad for a bit. Did the pre Olympic training and all that.”
“Okay?” she chided, “Okay? The Olympic team? That’s amazing. I’m very impressed. What happened?”
He sat down on one of the lounger and sighed. “I took it seriously for years, but then figured there are more important things in life than swimming up and down a pool all day just for the sake of winning a little bit of metal to wear around your neck. I swim now because I want to.” He brightened a little and smiled, “And because it stops me from becoming an alcoholic chain smoker!”
Melissa laughed. She liked this guy. He seemed different from the majority of men she knew. He had a good heart. He also had that little touch of vulnerability that most girls couldn’t help but find quite sexy.
“Why don’t you come in and join me for a swim?” she asked. Again the words left her without actually having been granted permission by her brain.
The life guard looked a little embarrassed and then shook his head firmly, “Not allowed. If the management found out I’d lose my job. Besides I have to throw you out now anyway.”
Melissa felt slightly foolish having asked him. She hoped he hadn’t got the wrong impression.
“Okay. Just give me two minutes.”
He looked uncertain. “Alright, but only two. I’ll expect you to be gone when I come back.”
“Thanks.”
“Don’t mention it.”
He turned to walk away. But then turned back. He squatted down on his haunches.
“I’m Matt by the way. Matt Smith.”
She took his hand, “Melissa. Melissa Wightman. Pleased to meet you.”

Saturday morning was an early start. Melissa and Tony took a light breakfast and then left their hotel at 7.30am. The conference facility, an old country house, was about two miles away and it took them a good half an hour to get everything set up. All around them were their competitors all busily making their own preparations. Tony disappeared occasionally to make banter with someone he recognised but generally he spent his time organising and fussing. At 9.30am sharp the delegates began to flood in and soon Tony and Melissa were at full stretch selling and promoting the company. The next eight hours were among the most exhausting Melissa had ever known. Many of the people who came to see them were people they already supplied, but there was new blood too interested in what they had to do. By the end of the day her face ached from smiling so much. But it felt good. She knew that she had performed well. Tony was a revelation. Repulsive he may have been but he really was a master at this game. He knew the industry inside out and most people recognised him. His appearance belied a silver tongued elegance when delivering a pitch and he had a whole battery of techniques at his disposal; although mostly variations on a theme, flattery for the ladies, banter with the guys. Several prospective clients had taken an interest in their stand and had gone away with brochures and flattery ringing in their eyes. At the end of the day Tony looked pretty pleased with himself.
When they returned to the hotel Melissa headed straight for the pool again before dinner. She was slightly disappointed not find the young life guard there this time. Instead there was a guy in his fifties who looked like a Royal Marines fitness instructor.
“Is your colleague not here this evening?” asked Melissa after she had completed her swim.
“Who? Matt? Not sure. I think he might be studying for an exam for something.”
“Oh right.”
Melissa headed back to her room and changed for dinner. After eating she reluctantly agreed to attend the traditional conference bash at another nearby hotel. It was a hellish as she had imagined. Lots of overweight executives drinking too much and trying it on with every piece of skirt available. After being so great in the day, Tony returned to normal. He was particularly annoying and insisted on making crude and suggestive remarks all evening. Eventually Melissa made her excuses, citing a headache and that she was tired.
“But the party’s just getting going!” pleaded the drunken Tony.
“All the same, I’m going.” replied Melissa and walked herself home.

Sunday was traditionally a quieter day at the fair and Melissa and Tony actually had time to stop for a breather from time to time. Tony needed the rest for the previous night’s exertions had clearly taken their toll and he was not the bright and cheery spark of 24 hours previously. It was not quite as successful as Saturday, but still a good days work. By about four o’clock things went very quiet and Melissa and Tony began to pack up. They were back at the hotel by five.

“Well, that’s that over with for another year.” Tony said over dinner. “We make a good team me and you. Hopefully we’ll do it again next year.”
I doubt it thought Melissa. By this time next year she would be the one deciding who did and did not represent the company at these events.
“By the way, you’ll come to round two tonight won’t you? Its at the Marriott. And hey, you’ve got no excuses for not lasting the distance this time.”
“I don’t think so thanks. We have a long drive tomorrow”
Tony leaned forward toward her in a manner that made her feel a little uncomfortable. 
“Listen Melissa,” he said, “There’s no point in denying it. Let’s not mess around any more. I like you, you like me. Why don’t we see if it can work.”
Melissa raised her hand, “Er Tony, I don’t think...”
Tony was seemingly oblivious to all reason. He reached forward and placed a hand on her breasts and leaned forward to kiss her. Melissa had encountered this situation before and pulled away sharply.
“Tony! What do you think you’re doing?”
Around them people stopped what they were doing to watch.
Tony turned angry.
“You’re nothing but a prick teasing slag, no wonder your boyfriend screwed around on you. You’re not even any good at your job. Yes, that’s right. You only got the job because of your looks. The directors figured you’d be good for a few contracts on that basis alone. And don’t think that fancy bloody education is your ticket to fame and fortune. Everyone knows that any old slapper can get a degree these days.”
Melissa chewed slowly, digesting the hurtful words carefully, resisting the urge to take the wine bottle and smash over his stupid thinning head. Instead her rebuke was purely verbal
“You bastard. You absolute bastard. You pathetic, ugly, foul smelling, inadequate bastard. I wouldn’t sleep with you if you were the last man on earth!”
Tony took the insult like it was an everyday occurrence.
“That’s it. Consider yourself out of a job as of Monday. I’ll see its done, mark my words.” Tony swept away from the table, “I’m off to find some real action. Have a nice night.”
And so Melissa was left on her own, fighting back the tears. She had shown defiance, but the cut ran deep. She was not as tough as she liked to think.

It was an extremely angry, upset and pent up Melissa that took to the pool that evening. Foregoing style and grace for raw aggression she thrashed up and down the cool cyan waters for as many lengths as it took her to work out the worst of her bile. She stopped for a quick breather and then started again. The next twenty lengths were calmer and more controlled, and her mind became engaged in thinking up ways that she could put one over on her odious workmate. Various ingenious schemes came and went, some of them particularly cruel, others devilishly clever, but all eventually abandoned in the face of reason and a desire to keep her job. She decided that there wasn’t much anger left in her that couldn’t be cured by the bottle of unopened red wine in her room. She was already plotting her defence and wondered what trumped up charge Tony would try and make up against her. Whatever it was she was damned if she was going to go without a fight. She was good at her job and had every intention of keeping it, every intention. She just hoped that her bosses would give her a fair hearing. She was just pulling herself out of the pool when Matt arrived carrying a mop and bucket.
“Hello there.” he said.
“Hi.” replied Melissa, wrapping a towel around herself.
Matt stood in front of her for a while, not saying anything. It was all a bit awkward for a moment and Melissa figured she would make for the door and finish drying herself in her room. Matt started to dip his mop into the bucket.
“The sauna is going again by the way. They came today to fix it. If you want to have a go. you’ve got about thirty minutes before I close the pool. See, the door’s open now.”
Melissa swallowed hard, thinking. What the hell, she thought, what the fucking hell. She dropped her towel to the floor and could see that her nipples had hardened visibly against the stretchy fabric of the swimsuit.