My first job out of school was working in an office. I was in my early twenties and just getting started in my work career. I was thrilled to have a full-time job and finally have money of my own.
I was hired by Mr. Wilson who was in management. The job interview went very well, and I was thrilled to learn I was hired.
Mr. Wilson was this nice older gentleman and over time he began to take an interest in me. Maybe he felt responsible for me since he was the one that hired me? Maybe because I was the youngest employee? He wasn't my direct supervisor but he was well above me none the less.
He picked up I was on the shy side and would always go out of his way to talk to me or compliment me on a job well done. It was just office talk but I did notice he talked to me more than the other women in the office. He was like a father figure to me.
Our relationship was purely professional. I was very careful to behave and act professionally. This was my first full-time job and I didn't want to mess it up.
Over time Mr. Wilson asked me to call him by his first name, Ben. It didn't feel right to me so I kept calling him Mr. Wilson out of respect.
I couldn't help but notice Mr. Wilson was an attractive man for his age. He was easily in his mid 40's. He very much reminded me of my father, kind and gentle. He was always well dressed and groomed. He was a very classy man. He was confident and had that look of success which is very attractive. I had no idea if he was in any kind of relationship, it wasn't my place to ask.
The other women in the office were all older than me and they all spoke very highly of him. He was everyone's favorite manager.
One day while chatting and I complained about the cold weather and how I hated winter. He responded that he felt the same way and suggested that we should go to Florida for some sunshine. I jokingly agreed and said something like my bikini is already packed. That was the end of it...we were just joking...So I thought.
About a week later he called me into his office and told me to close the door. He had never called me into his office before. I was intimated and worried I did something wrong. I sat down across the desk from him. He pulled some papers out of his drawer and slapped them down in front of me. I was getting worried and asked him what this was all about. He said he just purchased two tickets to Florida for next weekend. I said, "how nice who's the lucky person you're taking?" That's when he said "you". There was a pause as I processed what he just said. Then I chuckled and said "Great, but its OK if you don't want to tell me". He just smiled and said, "seriously, you." Was he serious? He wasn't laughing, he just smiled at me.
As I looked at the tickets, he explained to me he had arranged for a three-day mini-vacation and he would be thrilled if I would join him. I was in shock; speechless. He explained it was Friday to Sunday and he could arrange for me to be off work on Friday if I so pleased.
I was taken aback. I was flustered and began to ramble on something about not being able to afford it with student loans and all. He smiled and said not to worry it was all taken care of. He apologized for being so forward and said he would completely understand if I refused his offer. He also asked that we keep this between the two of us either way for obvious work reasons. He told me he had 24 hours to cancel so go think about it and let him know the following day.
This came right out of left field and I was at a loss for words. I just nodded my head. I walked out of his office in shock. My mind was racing. What just happened? As I sat down at my desk it hit me, I suppose he expects sex? OMG, he is twice my age. I can't just go with him on a vacation. What if people in the office find out? I don't want to be the office slut. Why would he even ask me? I did nothing to encourage this. At this point, I was pretty sure I wasn't going. He was nice enough but I didn't think of him in that way. How would this affect my employment? I was pretty sure there would be no repercussion but he did hire me, so he could easily fire me also. I was confused and worried. I needed this job.
I had to discuss this with my good friend Jenny. Jenny had more experience than me. She had street smarts and I always valued her opinion. She always knew what to do. I made arrangements to meet her that evening.
Jenny listened as I explained what happened. Jenny's first question was if I thought my job was in jeopardy? I was pretty sure it wasn't. Mr. Wilson wasn't like that, I trusted him. She was relieved to hear my answer. "So you do like him," she asked. I said yes I did but he was twice my age. She asked if he was attractive...well yes, he was. Did he treat me well...yes he treated me great. She said "so what's the problem? A free trip to Florida in winter with a nice guy you like and find attractive."
She told me she preferred older men as they were more mature and respectful. I agreed. I was still seeing Alex's (ex-boyfriend) father off and on and he was wonderful to me. I wasn't in a serious relationship so I suppose I could go. After an evening of discussing the pros and cons, it was settled...YES, I'm going to Florida.