Tagged: Housekeeper’s War

The Housekeeper’s declare WAR on Miami!

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 →

The End of Grief

A/N: Prompt from shirleygirl2013. This takes place in Miami before Steph arrives.

“Every widow wakes one morning, perhaps after years of pure and unwavering grieving, to realize she slept a good night’s sleep, and will be able to eat breakfast, and doesn’t hear her husband’s ghost all the time, but only some of the time.” ~ Jonathan Safran Foer

“Sneaking away?”

The voice is rough, sleep edged and amused. Maria stills, her clothes in hand. She’d meant to leave Rafe’s room before he woke, but he must be a light sleeper. She feels caught, like a naughty child.

“Umm . . . ” This is awkward. She’s unsure. How do young women do this? How do they get up and walk away after a night of passion without feeling awkward and guilty? Continue reading →

Deleted Scene: The Return of Maria

This is the way I originally wrote Maria’s return. This would have been in Chapter 83: The Power of a Woman, after this section:

So the league of assholes (much easier than trying to keep count of the quickly dwindling number) is silent for two days, watching her, assessing her, before they ask again. They get the same answer. Finally Nacho comes to me as the representative of their ‘concerns’.

It takes everything I have not to say ‘windows’.

“Diego, we don’t know what’s up with Maria, but she’s not cooking like she used to. It’s almost like having Ella here. Can you find out what’s wrong?”

So I called a meeting and allowed Maria to tell the men of RangeMan Miami her needs. No man was prepared for what he heard. 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 →