Rent or forfeit 17

The offer of more money was awfully tempting. But the last time he had taken a job involving a costume from Claire, he had ended up as Santa’s helper in an absolutely humiliating costume, he took the secretarial position.

On Monday, morning, Tommy arrived at the law firm of Cohen and Weinstein, it was a little far from his house, meaning he’d had to take two trains and a bus to get there, but funnily enough, the hour-long commute hadn’t really bothered him. He wasn’t out of place in his business attire, dressed just like all the other commuters heading into the city, he just put on his music and ignored everyone around him and at 7.30 on a cold January morning, everyone else seemed to have the same idea.

Arriving around 8.30, he was shown up to the 3rdfloor and was introduced to his new boss, Miss Terry, the floor supervisor, and as far as bosses went, she seemed really nice, she welcomed him with a smile, “Good morning, you must be Tammy, thank you for coming in and helping us this week, you’ll be taking on Karen’s responsibilities while she’s away on holiday for a few weeks, have you worked in an office before”?

“Good morning Miss Terry, thank you for having me, and yes I’ve worked in an office before, but only for a short time,” Tommy replied, wanting to make a good first impression, and thinking back to the data entry job he did for a day, on that occasion his long nails had caused him all sorts of bother trying to type typing but with a few more weeks of practice since then, he hoped this time, the long red nails extending far past the end of his fingertips wouldn’t hinder him as much.

“Great, well let me show you to your desk and get you set up, follow me”, Miss Terry said before turning and expecting Tommy to follow.

On Thursday afternoon, having worked as a secretary for four days, he actually didn’t mind the job, sure it was a little boring at times, but it was easy work, and everyone was very friendly. All he had to do was answer the phones, make the occasional coffee, and make sure he reminded Mr Hopkins; the man he had been assigned to work for, when he had an appointment, the rest of the time he was free to surf the internet and relax.

Mid-afternoon as Tommy arrived back at his desk, after completing a few jobs and taking Mr Hopkins a coffee, he was ready to sit down in his comfy swivel chair and rest his legs for a bit, having walked around the office for the last 30 minutes on his tall black pumps, his toes were cramping up. Waiting for him at his desk was Jill the woman who worked at the desk next to. Tommy felt on edge as soon as he saw her, everyone in the office was really nice, but there was something about Jill that just didn’t sit right with him.

“Hey Tammy, busy”? Jill asked.

“Er…, yes, I mean no, how can I help you Jill”? He replied flustered.

“I just came over to see how things are going, you getting on ok with Mr Hopkins”?

“I’m fine, no problems, he seems like a good guy”, Tommy answered.

“Ha, I wouldn’t call him a good guy, but he’s easy to manipulate you know how to play the game, I mean this prim and Proper look you’ve got going on is really cute, but if you want to work here past next week, I’d consider a shorter skirt and a top that shows a little cleavage”, Jill said looking him up and down.

Tommy looked down at his silky red blouse, with its puffy sleeves, and his knee-length asymmetric skirt, shocked at what she had just said. He looked up at Jill’s outfit with was much more risqué compared to his, with her short leather mini skirt and low-cut top, “really? Surely women don’t have to do those sort of things these days, they taught me in school about equal rights in the workplace”

Jill burst out laughing, “ha, you’re so innocent aren’t you Tammy, so pure. No, for a woman in business, there only one way to the top, you have to give the men what they want, how do you think I made it to supervisor? But don’t worry blondie, jill is here to help you out”.

Tommy smiled nervously, always thinking it was odd when people referred to themselves in the third person, “Thanks for the offer Jill, but I’m ok with the way I’m dressed”.

“I’m not taking no for an answer Tammy, I see potential in you, and I’m going to bring it out, starting tomorrow night, me and some of the girls are heading out for drinks in the city, and you’re coming with us, make sure you wear a nice dress”.

Tommy had a choice to make

1. Agree to go along with Jill and the girls on a girl’s night out

2. Say he can’t make it as he’s going on a date

What should Tommy choose? Vote in the poll.