The Boss
In the luxury office of
Cobolt Lansing
, a woman named Charlotte leaned back in her chair as she reviewed the resume. She was a director for the major corporation, but approving internship applications was her favorite responsibility.
"Your record looks great," Charlotte said, looking at the page. "I like that you challenge yourself with tough courses and you've managed to do well. I also like that you spend your free time doing charitable work for the community. This is an impressive resume."
Across the desk was Becky, a sweet looking college student. She was wide-eyed and fresh faced. She sat with perfect posture and appeared to be the very definition of a 'good girl.'
"Thank you," Becky said proudly.
"You want to spend your winter break as my intern. Why?"
Becky cleared her throat. "Because I think it will be a great opportunity for me to learn. Also, I think this would be very beneficial to you as well. I'm great at organizational work and menial tasks. I could be of great service to you."
"Wouldn't you rather spend your winter holidays with your family?"
"They would understand, given this opportunity to work for a major corporation like
Cobolt Lansing
."
Charlotte smiled. "Ambitious. I like that. You know, you remind me of myself when I was your age. I was also ambitious. And I did whatever it took to succeed."
"I'll take that as a compliment," Becky said proudly.
"Unfortunately, I did a little bit of research into your background. It seems you were a bit of a bad girl in your previous college, before you transferred."
Becky's confidence suddenly disappeared. Her face looked drained and her eyes widened.
"What do you mean?"
"You know exactly what I mean," Charlotte replied with an almost gleeful sound in her voice. "Apparently, there was a fraternity party and you were suspected of being a very bad girl."
Becky's lips quivered. "It's not like that. You have to believe me. It was only once. A friend invited me. I had never been to a party like that before."
"Well,
Cobolt Lansing
has close ties with ivy league fraternities and sororities. After all, we're always looking to recruit the best and brightest. Our sources are well-informed."
Becky fought back the tears. "If you aren't going to give me the internship position, then why did you request this private meeting in your office?"
"Who says you're being denied?"
"You're not rejecting my application?"
Charlotte shook her head. "Not at all. Someone's personal life is their business. I don't mind if you're a bad girl on the side."
"I'm
not
a bad girl," Becky said in a highly defensive manner. "It was just, I made a mistake. A horrible mistake. I never do those kinds of things. I'm a very religious person."
"I believe you, Becky. You look like such a sweet girl. However,
Cobolt Lansing
is a giant in the corporate world. We deal with billions of dollars. With that kind of power, we demand trust from our employees. If there's no trust between management and employees, then we can't succeed. Does that make sense?"
"It does."
Charlotte leaned forward with a serious expression. "So, Becky, what did you do at your old college?"
It was a tense moment. The interview for the internship position suddenly felt like a police interrogation. Especially since Charlotte was showcasing her shrewd no-nonsense business side.
Becky took a deep breath. "I joined a sorority. I desperately wanted to be popular. There was an initiation. We had to go to the fraternity party. And...."
The young college student froze for a moment. There was pure embarrassment on her face as she sat in the large corporate office.
"And what?"
"I did things I was ashamed of," Becky replied.
"Such as?"
"I'm assuming you know what a gloryhole is," Becky said with the utmost humiliation.
Charlotte leaned back in her chair. She finally got the admission she was looking for.
"You truly are a bad girl, Becky."
"I'm not..."
"Stop. Not another word."
Charlotte stood up and adjusted her office skirt. She was a tall and graceful woman with a powerful presence. She walked over to the young college student, as the student was mystified by what was happening.
The boss stood in front of Becky and leaned her bottom against the edge of the desk.
"I think you have so much potential," Charlotte said. "I really like you. There's something special about you and I'm willing to take a chance. Am I making the right decision so far?"
Becky swiftly nodded. "Yes, you are."
"Sign the documents. The forms are written in plain English."
The non-disclosure agreements and waivers of liabilities were on the table. It was carefully drafted by the corporate legal team to ensure their secrets would be safe.
Becky took a moment to look them over, then she signed.
"Now we can trust each other," Charlotte said. "As I've mentioned, trust is very important in a corporation like this."
Becky nodded. "You're right."
"I'm glad we're on the same page. Becky, do you know how a corporation is structured, as it relates to shareholders?"
"I have an idea."
"Then explain it to me."
Becky gathered her thoughts. "Well, shareholders elect the Board, and the Board elects the CEO. Basically, the shareholders elect the people who run the company and make the decisions."
"Exactly," Charlotte smiled. "That's exactly how a corporation is structured. A large part of my job is keeping the shareholders happy. That way, I can continue to have all these wonderful things."
"It's nice to see more women succeed."
"Correct. And you're going to help me."
"I'd love to," Becky replied.
"Good, because our company has an annual New Year's Eve party in the office. A few weeks later, we have our elections. So we like to keep certain shareholders happy."
"If you're looking for someone to help arrange a party, I'm your girl," Becky replied with determination. "I've done plenty of this for sororities and other jobs that I've had over the years."
Charlotte smiled, "Excellent. But the party is already taken care of. Everything is arranged."
"Then how can I help?"
She reached out and held both of Becky's hands. It was a soft and tender moment, the kind of emotion Charlotte rarely showed to anyone else, but Becky was special.
"If you do a good job as my intern, who knows, maybe you'll be offered a full-time position after you graduate."
"Really?" Becky asked with wide-eyes. "I'd love an opportunity like that."
"Before you accept, allow me to get to the point, okay?"
"Okay."
Charlotte smiled and let go of Becky's hands. "What do all men want? Especially powerful men. Use your imagination, Becky."
There was innuendo in the boss's voice and Becky had an idea what she meant. It made Becky blush a little. Becky wondered if she misunderstood or if it was a joke. As they looked each other in the eyes, Becky knew that the boss was absolutely serious.