Category: The Housekeepers’ War

The Housekeepers of RangeMan run a psyop on Miami. Miami vs. The Ladies. Who will win THIS Battle of the Sexes?

Chapter 87: Decisions Have Consequences

Armando’s POV

I’m ready. I have everything I need and I’m prepared.

Time to fire my major annoyances. All five of them.

I pull my documentation regarding every instance in which Antonio has irritated the shit out of me in the past six months. I pull the documentation detailing his disrespect of every housekeeper in RangeMan, and Diego brings his documentation showing every attempt to disrespect Maria since her return. He also brings additional documentation, from every time he’s written Tony up and everything that’s happened since Steph arrived. I compile all the information and hand it over to Candy, who flips through and nods. I take a moment to sit down and center myself.

I’m going to enjoy this but it’s long overdue. Continue reading

Chapter 76.5: I’m not the same person

Armando’s POV—Wednesday

Tank and I are reviewing the third option the Atlanta guys have chosen for a Charlotte headquarters. The first two were busts. Tank didn’t like the locations or the setup inside. This building is more promising, but the longer we walk it, the more flaws I point out. Tank merely nods in agreement. The listing agent is looking at me as if he’d like to choke me now.

“Mr. Cortes, for the needs of your company, this is the perfect setup. Centrally located, priced to sell with excellent potential. This place is perfect.”

My back stiffens. I’ve had enough condescension to last a lifetime. I turn my coldest look on the real estate agent, who goes pale.

“Mr. Law, are you in security?” Head shake. “Have you ever worked with a security company before?” Another no. “Then please explain to me how you know what is perfect for the needs of our company?” Continue reading

Chapter 67.5: The Housekeepers’ War, Part X

Timeline: Starts during ‘The Noose is Fitted’. This chapter ends at Steph’s clearance (but no additional hints.).
This is the final installment in the Housekeepers’ War.

Week Three

Diego’s POV

I love Ella Guzman. I never thought I’d say that, but hell. I do. I love her.

The men of Miami are some tired motherfuckas.

They miss Maria and Rafe now. They’re desperate for her to come home. They can’t wait to tell her how much they missed her and how they’re willing to work with her now.

Antonio had the nerve to suggest, during today’s staff meeting, that we needed to get professional cleaners in here before the CO’s arrival to ensure everything was perfect. I stared at him.

“Since when do you care about the CO’s opinion?”

Antonio snorted. “Well, we’ve seen that women can find dust anywhere.”

B cut me off. “My mother can find dust anywhere because that’s her job, but you forget, I worked in the business too. I can spot dirt and dust too and I know you want to bring in a housekeeper cuz you half-assing the windows. Get ’em clean, muthafucka. Quit leaving streaks.”

Continue reading

Chapter 59.7 The Housekeepers’ War, Part IX

San Antonio, Part I

Maria’s POV

I am very interested in meeting the San Antonio RangeMen. This will be the first time I’m walking into a branch where there isn’t an established housekeeper. I’m not following in someone else’s footsteps. It’s just me this time. Rafe is also looking forward to a month-long vacation to another location. We’re giddy about this opportunity.

Lester, Tank and Rafe meet me at the airport. True to his silliness, Lester picks me up and twirls me around.

“Maria!”

I giggle and Tank slaps him on the head. He turns to me and gives me a warm hug, as does Rafe.

“Maria, welcome to Texas. Where are your bags?”

Continue reading

Chapter 58.5 The Housekeepers’ War, Part VIII

NYC, Part II

Lucia’s POV

I’ve been waiting. When Ella told me about the war against Miami, I got ready. I informed my children I was coming for a visit and I was staying at RangeMan for a few days. They’re looking forward to having me and I’m looking forward to seeing how the Miami men respond to me.

 Susan reported that after she ruined pounds of chicken breasts, the men apparently had a fight in the break room, including thrown punches. Antonio has been demoted from interacting with the housekeeper and Mario has taken his place. The men worked with Susan to discuss her usual procedures and they executed their first grocery run, which Susan said was successful, but they need work. Apparently, they fidgeted and non-verbally tried to get her to move faster, which she ignored.

Continue reading

Chapter 55.7: The Housekeepers War, Part VII

NYC, Part I

Maria’s POV

I haven’t been to New York since I was a newlywed, and I’m thrilled to be here. I can’t wait to see what special thing NYC does for the housekeeper. The Boston men purchased an iPod for me and downloaded some of my favorite songs and albums onto it. Now all their questions about my favorite music and dances make sense! They also said they sent a message to Armando to ensure I had a hookup available in my prep area when I get home. It’s such a sweet present and it made the train ride from Boston to NYC very enjoyable. They were sweet boys, when not pumping me for info. They behaved just like all the other men I’ve met so far.

Continue reading

Chapter 52.7: The Housekeepers’ War, Part VI

Boston, Part II

Maria’s POV

Boston! I have to admit, I’m looking forward to being in Boston in the heat of summer. It’s nowhere near as hot here as it is in Miami. The cooling breezes and cold drinks are keeping me hydrated and happy. I’m met at baggage claim by two handsome young men, Mark and Rodney, the XO and liaison for the branch. They fetch my bags and escort me to the waiting SUV, where they fill me in on office procedure and tell me that if I need anything, just let them know. They don’t cover grocery procedures, so I ask. Again, they have the same grocery procedures as Trenton and Atlanta.

Things I’m requiring in order to return to Miami: respect, consideration, grocery procedures.

Continue reading

Chapter 51.5: The Housekeepers’ War, Part III

Boston, Part I

Susan’s POV

Steven and I were surprised when Ella called to say that she wanted to move us to Miami for two weeks. Once she detailed what was going on, I was curious. It sounded a little fantastical, so I talked to Patrick and Rodney.

That was a stunner.

“So, let me get this straight. Ella wants to move you to Miami for two weeks to determine the level of sexism in there?” Rodney asks, eyebrow raised. I nod and he snorts. “That’s easy to answer. High. Ridiculously high. Astronomically high. I wouldn’t send my ex-wife to the Miami office. Do you have to go?” Continue reading

Chapter 48.7: The Housekeepers’ War, Part IV

Atlanta, Part II

Maria’s POV

I’m beginning to see, more and more, that I’m not treated fairly at RangeMan Miami and I wonder how I allowed it to happen. More importantly, how am I going to fix it?

The Atlanta men are sweethearts. Again, I’m picked up at the airport by the XO and the strategist, Danny and Chase. Danny is an incredibly handsome man and Chase is pretty good looking too. Problem is, standing next to Danny, he looks somewhat ordinary, but he reminds me so much of Bobby. Same dimples, same beautiful brown eyes, same impish grin.

“Hello, Ms. Maria!” Danny says. He kisses my hand and steps back to allow Chase to do the same. I’m star struck by the attention.

Continue reading

Chapter 48.5: The Housekeepers’ War, Part III

Atlanta, Part I

Rose’s POV

I’ve been waiting at Miami International for 20 minutes. This is unacceptable. I’ve called the Miami office twice since landing and been told that my escort is on his way. My husband, Chris, is quietly furious on the phone. Finally, I walk out the building and run directly into a familiar face.

“You’re a RangeMan, aren’t you?”

He nods. “I’m Armando, the XO. I was just informed you were here and since I was close by, I swung by. I’m sorry that your escort hasn’t arrived, and I apologize for that. Can I take your bags?”

I look at him suspiciously. That sounds like bullshit to me, but I hand him the bags. He escorts me to the waiting SUV and tucks my bag in the back. He climbs into the driver’s seat before he realizes that I’m still waiting outside.

I’m a lady. I don’t open my own doors.

Continue reading