Room 2D

From Uniform Girls 25, also published as Office Rules in New Blushes 2.23. I assume the story was inspired by the 1987 takeover by BA of British Caledonian, who were known for their tartan-clad lovelies in the cabin. There had been rumours of job losses, of course. It was to be expected. But little had Amanda thought that the takeover of her airline by the giant of the industry allegedly the world’s favourite airline — could result in her being threatened with what the new manager had quaintly termed ‘a little old-fashioned discipline’. She smiled uncertainly at him. He returned the smile. But there was no warmth. More like a lizard, she thought. If a lizard could smile. The problem, Amanda, as I see it,’ he glanced at the thin folder before him. ‘Is that there are only a certain number of jobs available, and far too many cabin staff to fill them.’ Amanda bit her lip. ‘And the notes here say that you are: One, overweight. Two,...

From Blushes 31 ‘Modelling.’ Mrs Birdley pronounced the word as if its meaning might be foreign to her. ‘Modelling!’ Mrs Hodges, who lived two streets away from Mavis Birdley but patronised this same corner shop, assumed a smug expression and nodded her head. Mrs Birdley did not look too pleased, and indeed the concept was not at all to her liking. Arlene Hodges! She shook her head and then seized at a straw. ‘What  sort  of modelling?’ ‘What sort…’ echoed Arlene’s mother. ‘Well the real sort and no messing about. Oh yes, she’s a regular model, is my Arlene.’ As a clincher she added ‘London-based.’ Mavis Birdley shook her head again, though of course it was difficult to argue with London. ‘I should have thought with her shape — your Arlene — well, she’s not skin and bones, is she? And them models…’ ‘My Arlene’s got a marvellous figure, as you know. Stunning. That was what the bloke said, that judge, when she was t...