Rent or Forfeit 18

Chapter 18: Office Politics

The offer of more money was awfully tempting. But after the experience as Santa’s helper in that humiliating costume, Tommy wasn’t eager to repeat it. Deciding to avoid the risk of an even more embarrassing situation, he took the secretarial position instead.

On Wednesday morning, Tommy clicked through the doors of a private law firm in a head-turning pair of platform pumps. The journey had been a long one, requiring two trains and a bus to get there. Despite the usual ache in his ankles caused by his borrowed Mary-Jane pumps with dangling tassels, the hour-long commute wasn't nearly as bad as he'd expected. Dressed in business attire, he blended in among the suited professionals and fellow secretaries heading into the city. He found a seat on each leg of the journey, put on his headphones, and tuned out everyone around him. On a gloomy January morning, it seemed as though the other commuters had a similar idea.

Arriving just after 8:30, Tommy was shown up to the third floor and introduced to his new boss, Miss Terry, a smartly dressed floor supervisor. Like Tommy, she wore a silky blouse – his bright red with poofy bishop sleeves, hers an emerald green with cap sleeves. They both wore knee-length skirts, though Tommy’s asymmetric design revealed more leg. The similarities ended there. While they both wore heels, Tommy’s were a good four inches higher than Miss Terry’s. He also wore much more makeup - or looked to be, given his dark, fan-like lashes and plumped red lips. Where Miss Terry’s conservative bob made her look professional and authoritative, Tommy’s platinum hair, scraped back into a high ponytail to showcase his gold hoop earrings, gave him an entirely different look.

“Good morning, Tammy,” Miss Terry greeted him warmly. “Thanks for coming in. You’ll be covering Karen’s responsibilities while she’s away on holiday. Do you have any prior office experience?”

“Good morning, Miss Terry,” Tommy replied, trying to sound as upbeat as possible - a challenge, considering how early he’d had to get up to do his hair and makeup. “Thanks for the opportunity. I’ve had a bit of office experience, but never in a place as important as this,” he added, buttering her up a little and stretching the truth - With the entirety of his office experience consisting of half a day of data entry before he's been fired. That day, his newly extended nails had caused him all kinds of trouble while typing, but with a few more weeks of practice under his belt, he was optimistic they wouldn’t slow him down as much this time.

“Oh, wonderful!” Miss Terry replied, looking genuinely pleased. “You never know what you’re going to get with a temp agency. The last girl we had... well, let’s just say things didn’t work out. Anyway, let me show you to your desk and get you set up. If you’ll follow me, please?” she said, striding away confidently on her low heels.

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Later that afternoon, having spent the day as a secretary, Tommy was starting to settle into the role. It wasn’t so bad, really. Sure, it could get a little dull at times, but the tasks were straightforward, and everyone was quite friendly. His main responsibilities involved answering the phone when it rang, making coffee when someone wanted one, and reminding Mr Hopkins - the manager he was assigned to - of his appointments. The rest of the time, he was expected to transfer data from two large folders of forms into the system. Without a set deadline, he worked slowly, taking regular breaks to surf the internet and relax.

Returning to his cubicle after a round of photocopying and delivering coffee to Mr Hopkins, Tommy was eager to get back to his comfy swivel chair and rest his aching legs. After tottering around the office in his tall black pumps for the last thirty minutes, his calf muscles were beginning to cramp. But his respite was delayed as a strikingly beautiful woman stood up from the desk across from him.

“Hey, new girl! Are you busy?” Jill called, striding over to him with purpose.

“Erm… yeah. I mean… no, not really. How can I help you?” Tommy replied, a bit flustered as he turned to face the red-haired beauty.

(See image 18)

“Just thought I’d come over and introduce myself. I’m Jill,” the woman said with a smile.

“Hey, Jill. Nice to meet you. I’m To… Tammy,” Tommy replied nervously, feeling strangely intimidated by this attractive, yet domineering woman.

“How are things going, Tammy?” Jill asked, her tone confident, her posture upright, and her eyes piercing. “Mr Hopkins isn’t working you too hard, is he?”

“Erm… no, no problems,” Tommy replied, shifting his weight back onto his heel. “He seems like a good guy.”

“Ha,” Jill scoffed. “I wouldn’t exactly call him that. But he is easy to manipulate if you know how to play the game. I mean, that prim and proper look you’ve got going on here,” she gestured at him with a sweeping hand, “is cute. But if you want to turn your temp role into something more permanent, I’d suggest a shorter skirt and a top that shows some cleavage,” she added, giving him an appraising look.

Tommy glanced over at Jill’s outfit - a short leather mini skirt and a low-cut top - much bolder than his own. “Really? Surely women don’t have to do those sorts of things these days,” he announced, sounding genuinely surprised. “They taught us in school that women have equal rights in the workplace now.”

Jill burst out laughing. “Oh, you’re an innocent one, aren’t you, Tammy? Hate to burst your bubble, girlie, but in business, there’s only one way for a woman to reach the top: flirt, agree, and make the men above you feel smarter. But don’t worry, Blondie. Jill here can show you the ropes.”

Tommy forced a nervous smile, noting Jill’s odd quirk of referring to herself in the third person. “Erm… thanks for the offer, Jill, but I think I’m good.”

Jill’s expression soured slightly as she eyed him. “Nonsense,” she replied, her voice loud and firm. “I see potential in you, Tammy. I can tell by your choice of shoes you’re not as shy as you look. You just need a mentor. Bring a nice dress on Friday. You’re coming out for drinks with me and the girls. We can discuss the details over lunch tomorrow.”

“I… I…” Tommy stuttered, taken aback by Jill’s forcefulness.

“Or don’t,” Jill shot back, sensing his hesitation. “I could always talk to Miss Terry, tell her to get someone in who’s more fun.”

“No!” Tommy replied quickly, knowing he needed to keep this job if he ever wanted to get his life back. “Sounds like fun! Count me in,” he added, forcing a cheerful tone.

“Great,” Jill said, a satisfied smile spreading across her face. “I think you and I are going to be the best of friends.” She then turned and strode back to her desk.

With the conversation over, Tommy slowly made his way back to his desk, his mind reeling. As he sank into the chair, feeling the smooth satin of his skirt glide over his nylon-clad legs, a sense of dread settled in. He took a deep breath, staring blankly at his computer screen, wondering what exactly he’d just agreed to.