Page 102 of Business Casual

“Please get out,” I demanded. “I don’t have the energy for this right now.”

“Oh no, we’re doing this because here’s what you failed to realize,” she hissed. “Alex is an attractive man and he will run this company one day. You’re an attractive woman and from everything I’ve heard, you’re good at what you do. Now what do you think will happen to him if it came out that you two have been…ignoring company policy? Likely nothing. His grandfather is on the board, his father is the CEO, his legacy is set. And even if he did get fired, he would bounce back somewhere else. Now you? What do you think will happen to you? If you’re painted out to be someone who slept her way to the top, what do you think will happen to your credibility? Your integrity?”

My pursed lips and hardened face softened with the validity of her points. “Why do you care?”

“You were the only woman in a handful of men who were interviewed for the position. And you know the reason the company hired a contractor? An incident happened a couple years ago with an interoffice romance. It got news coverage and it did not go over well. The company took a financial hit. Mr. Franklin doesn’t play about impropriety or losses of any kind so neither the manager nor the employee work with us anymore. Powerful men don’t always protect the women they sleep with—especially when their career, their livelihood, is on the line.”

By the end of it, she was talking through clenched teeth.

Pointing to an arbitrary spot down the hall, she lowered her voice. “The manager got a cushy job in DC doing marketing. His subordinate”—she shook her head— “she isn’t even working in the field anymore. It was a PR nightmare for everyone involved—for us, for them. He was painted as a predator; she was painted as a whore. But still, he has a job.”

My jaw dropped. “That’s not right.”

“And what do you think would happen to you? Your business?” she continued. “Alex is a good man, but don’t make it harder on yourself by giving your power away for a little bit of fun. How do you think other companies would view you if it came out that you slept with your employer? Do you think they would see your talent? Do you think they would see your value? Do you think you would get paid what you are worth?” Her face twisted in discontent. “As a Black woman in this country, it’s hard enough for us. And unfortunately, because they like to lump us together, your situation becomes a justification for not including women, particularly Black women, to have a seat at the table.”

“Would Mr. Franklin do that?” I wondered aloud.

“No. Not normally. But he has a plan for his son and Alex has been deviating from that plan. On top of that, he’s been sneaking around with you, an employee, for the last couple of months. So, when you two get caught, and you will get caught, I don’t know how Mr. Franklin’s going to act.” She paused. “I’m not going to be the one to throw you under the bus, but do not think one of these other people won’t be quick to do it.” She made a face and shrugged. “So no, I wasn’t giving you a hard time. I was looking out for you. Because believe it or not, I don’t want to see young talent squashed—again.”

Without another word, she walked in the direction of the bathroom, leaving me standing there confused.

“What?” I said again under my breath.

As I headed toward the exit, I caught myself looking around for Tre. I didn’t see him, but I saw a couple kissing. The way he held her was possessive and with no regard for them being in the middle of the hotel lobby.

Whoa.

A flashback hit me so hard that I had to slow my gait. The pulsing between my thighs was sudden and severe.

No.

Josephine had literally just called me out and alluded to knowing what I already knew she knew. I couldn’t even be sure that she wouldn’t blow my spot to Mr. Franklin. I had no idea what her reason was for saying what she said when she said it. And not even a minute later, I still craved Tre.

What is wrong with me?

It was only a matter of time before everyone knew what was going on between us. Josephine knew. Avery knew. And by Monday, Mr. Franklin was going to know. My reputation was on the line. Tre’s career was on the line. And even with all that going on, my body still craved him.

Seriously, what is wrong with me?

*****

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