Six months ago,fresh out of college,I got an interview at a Fortune 500 company
in Seattle.Richard Baxter was one of the interviewers.
“Emma Clarke,University of Washington grad,nice resume…and…”
His eyes roamed over me with a lecherous smirk.
“Very pretty.”
The other interviewers showed no reaction,as if his inappropriate remarks were routine.
I stared him down.His smirk faded,and he made no further inappropriate comments.
I chalked it up to typical middle-aged,married creep behavior and didn’t dwell on it.
The interview went smoothly otherwise,and I landed the internship.
On my first day,Richard called me into his office alone.
“Emma,your resume wouldn’t normally get you in here.I fought for you to join my department,so don’t let me down.”
I frowned but stayed silent,recalling his unsettling behavior during the interview.A bad feeling crept in.
When I didn’t respond,he stood and approached me.
“Good performance means business results,not using your gender to your advantage
.Your outfit today,for instance, violates the company dress code .
“How so?”I shot back.
As expected,the creep was testing my boundaries.
“Your neckline’s too open.”
He reached for my chest,buttoning up my third button,his hand“accidentally”grazing my earlobe.“This is more professional.”
“Is it?”
Through the office window,I spotted Olivia Grant approaching.I grabbed Richard’s tie,yanked it hard,and growled,“Keep your hands to yourself.Don’t test my limits.”
The tie choked him,cutting off his air.His face turned red as he gestured for me to stop.
I tightened it further, and pretended not to understand.
As he raised a hand to lash out,Olivia walked in.He smothered his rage.
I let go.
Richard stumbled back,clutching the wall,coughing and gasping.
Olivia cleared her throat,ignoring the scene,and slapped a folder on his desk.“The Harper Group’s bidding plan—competing companies and their materials are here. Project’s worth $5 million.”
Richard took the folder,glaring at me as he caught his breath.“Spunky.I like your defiance.Go,I need to talk business with Olivia.”
Then he slapped my backside.
I was stunned by his audacity.I’d made it clear I despised his behavior,yet he doubled down.
I was about to react when Olivia’s look stopped me.
“Emma’s a project planning major,perfect for the bidding team.I want her on it.No objections,Mr.Baxter?”
“Absolutely agree.”
Richard’s smug grin showed he thought he’d won.
I bit back my urge to slap him,knowing patience was key.
Richard, if you mess with me again, I’ll make you pay twice as much.