(This was inspired by a Litster who mentioned how she wanted to learn how to drive a forklift as we chatted about my day job. So this goes out to her. I do not advocate workplace shenanigans like this though because depending on the environment, this could be considered harassment.)
I have been working for the same warehouse for several years. I started as an entry level floor guy and transitioned into their Safety Officer just this past January. Contrary to popular belief, I am not what folks consider a "corporate guy". I work to take care of my bills, to pay the alimony I owe the tramp I divorced a few years ago who cheated on me, to keep myself with a roof over my head and fed. Most of my coworkers consider me a no bullshit kind of guy. It has helped me avoid a ton of problems.
There was this new hire named Lisa who started here two months ago. She started on the floor initially before she was moved into the main office two weeks later. Rumor had it that she blew the Office Manager for that gig, but I've known Greg long enough to know that he wouldn't risk his marriage for some younger girl. Lisa was blond, 5'3" with a chest that was just perfect for her athletic body. Rumor had it that she was a runner back in college. It made sense considering her physique. Still, even though she wasn't one of my subordinates, I stayed away from her just because I didn't need that drama in my life.
Turned out the Training Manager wanted to roll out a new policy where everyone in the office had to have the same certifications as folks out on the floor. Luckily, the company had always promoted from within. Every person in the office from the Facility Manager to the newest aide used to work on the floor in some form or fashion. It was when the Training Manager was looking at his spreadsheet that he called me into his office. Now, Kyle and I technically were at the same level. Kyle had two months on me though, so he was technically senior to me. He almost never held it over me until that day in the office.
"Jack, how long would it take to certify Lisa on the forklift?" he asked me.
"Does she have experience?"
"She didn't indicate any on her resume."
"Damn, Kyle. Teaching her is going to take a few weeks depending on how quickly she picks up."
"You have time to do that?"
I thought about it. We had a safety meeting next week I had to set up the Powerpoint on. There were no new hires as of yet, but I couldn't see a reason not to.
"When can I have her?"
"I'll talk to Wendy and find out. Lisa's the only one in the office who isn't forklift certified."
"Why can't we use Charles to train her? I just certified him as a trainer two weeks ago."
"Honestly, Charles is a bit of a perv. Although Lisa is single, I don't feel comfortable having that young punk near her. I don't need another sexual harassment charge. I know you'll respect her and keep your distance."
He had a point. Charles seemed to have a way with sleeping with every young female that was hired. I was against making him a trainer, but it was impressed on me by the Facility Manager that I needed a backup, especially if I was to move up. Charles seemed to be the right fit even if he was a horn dog. A week later, Wendy sent me an email detailing that I would have an hour with Lisa each day for three weeks. She was to be totally certified. So I found the forklift video and waited until the first appointment the next day.
The good thing about the training room was that there were no windows to distract anyone while they watched the required videos. The downside was that there was also no way for anyone to be watched to ensure no impropriety was going on. When I had a video to show, there were usually two people in the room at the same time for my safety as well as theirs. Unfortunately, no one else was available to be there with us. So, it was Lisa and me. She arrived on time and walked into the room right after I set the video up. I turned and was floored with the outfit she chose.
It started with her hair. She had it put up in a ponytail as she always did. Her makeup was conservative except for the dark red lipstick. She wore a conservative dress. It was blue, knee length. She had a modest while cardigan over her arms. Her shoes were matching the dress but had a slight heel on them. She looked really gorgeous to be honest and I could feel my resolve crumble a little.
"Am I the only one?" she asked.
"I'm afraid so."
"I thought Charles was going to train me."
"I was asked to do it by Kyle. His initiative hinges on you learning how to drive a forklift. Do you have any experience?"
She looked down on the ground.
"No," she whispered.
I went ahead and dimmed the lights before hitting play on the video. The videos they give us for certain training are a bit long and boring. Luckily, I had my phone to keep me occupied. Unfortunately, Lisa wasn't very attentive.
"Isn't this the same video they showed during Orientation?" she asked.
I thought about it for a moment before realizing she was correct. I started to apologize before I hit pause. It was then I noticed that she started to undo her sweater. I discovered that the conservative dress was sleeveless under the sweater.
"So, we are in a private room right now. It's kind of warm, isn't it?"
I started to say something before she removed her sweater and looked at me.
"Is it required that I watch the video again?"
"No, not really. I thought you might have wanted a refresher before you took the written test."
