"Also, our errors are down to only one this month," I finished, sitting across the large L-shaped desk in Michelle's office.
"Are we ready for the inspection next week?" Michelle replied with her assertive and commanding voice as she looked down at the report I gave to her.
"Yes ma'am," I promptly answered.
Although I had been manager for over a year now, I was still nervous reporting to Michelle. She was a great director and often easy to get along with, but she always held an aura of intimidation about herself. She was a strong, confident woman that you did NOT want to be on the bad side of.
I admired her, though. She was intelligent and assertive. Although she was in her mid forties, she looked great. Tall with long blonde hair and all the right curves. Respected and feared. The kind of woman I could only hope to be someday, though I can't see myself filling her shoes.
No one fears and respects their petite boss, which is the best way to define me. Petite. A foot shorter than Michelle, with smaller curves and dark brown hair. However, the part I lacked the most was the confidence that she had. It just wasn't in me.
"Great," she continued, setting the report down, folding her arms on her desk and gently smiling at me. "I knew I was right choosing you as manager."
I silently let out a brief smile, accepting the praise. I wasn't great with handling compliments.
"How about the new hire? How is his training coming along?" she asked, sitting back in her black leather chair.
"Oh, Zach? Yeah, he's doing well. Catching on quick. I like him," I answered.
"I think the feeling is mutual," she said, her voice now more sultry.
"What do you mean?" I asked, confused.
"I peeked in on you two the other day. I saw the way you were both looking at each other," she smirked.
"What? No, that's n--"
"Relax. I get it. He's an attractive young guy. You're an attractive young woman. I'm not judging you."
"No. It's not like that," I squirmed. Honestly, his appearance was the main reason I hired him. My stomach tightened into a knot when he walked into the interview. Michelle saw right through me.
"Be honest with me, do you find him attractive?" she asked.
I hesitated. Michelle has this thing about honesty and trust. It was the first lecture she gave me when she promoted me. If I wanted to keep my position, I had to be completely honest with her.
"I do," I replied, looking away embarrassed. There was a pause.
"Would you sleep with him?" The question shocked me. I turned back to her in disbelief. She stared smiling playfully, waiting for my answer.
"Well... I...," I started, trying to find a way around admitting the truth before conceding to her. "Yes," I replied shortly. My eyes dropped to my feet, my cheeks burning red.
There was another pause, then she slowly leaned across her desk. "I wouldn't care, you know. The whole HR and fraternization shtick? It's bullshit. You're a grown woman. If you choose to move your team building to the bedroom, who cares? As long as it doesn't interfere with our work."
I was too stunned to respond. There was a moment of silence and then she leaned back again.
"I need you to come in tomorrow so we can run through some things before the inspection," she stated simply.
"Yes m'am," I answered.
"Thank you Rachel. That's all," she said, turning away from me to face her computer.
I rose from the chair quietly. As I opened the door to leave, I looked back at her for a moment, still in disbelief. I slowly shut the door.
--
That Saturday morning I sat at my cubicle, struggling to focus on my work. The conversation with Michelle kept replaying in my mind. Was it a test? Did she suspect something was going on between me and Zach? It was all I could think about, until a message chimed on my computer. Michelle.
'Swing by my office real quick', it read.
My anxiety immediately flared up. I wondered if she wanted to discuss work or return to the uncomfortable conversation from before. I took a long, deep breath, rose form my chair and slowly walked to her office, pausing at the open door.
"Rachel! Come on in. You can shut the door," she called out from her desk. I entered and pulled the door closed behind me before noticing the two chairs--one empty, with Zach seated in the other. My heart raced. I had forgotten he worked that weekend. Why was he there too? I silently sat down and looked at Michelle.
"I was just talking with Zach about his fiancΓ©, Amy. She sounds lovely," said Michelle, smiling at Zach.
"Oh, yes, I'm sure she is," I replied.
"So...," began Michelle, folding her hands together, "I called you both in because I wanted to discuss something with you. The work we do here is tough and stressful, but it's important. Now, I've always felt that great teamwork has been the key to our success, and it's something that I really try to emphasize."
She focused her attention towards me. I looked at her nervously, recalling our conversation from the day before. What was she doing? I wanted to stop her but was intimidated by her, so I remained silent as she continued.
"As you know, Rachel, I believe that great teamwork at its core requires two things above all else. Trust and honesty. Any team lacking those is certain to fail, in my opinion." She turned to Zach. "What about you Zach? Do you think trust and honesty are important?"
"Yeah, of course," he agreed, nodding.
My gaze turned to him. Even in the uncomfortable moment I couldn't resist looking him over. His muscular build. His short, dark beard and medium-length hair. Attractive was an understatement.
"Do you feel like you have that trust and honesty with Rachel?" asked Michelle.
"Yeah, I think so," said Zach as he turned to meet m
I smiled softly and averted my eyes, trying to not blush.
"Good," stated Michelle, "Now, I have a little exercise I'd like you two to try."
"Sure," said Zach.
"Rachel?" asked Michelle, turning to me after I didn't respond.
"Yes m'am," I acknowledged nervously. There had never been an exercise before.
"I want you both to think of three things you admire about each other. Rachel, you can start."
"Oh, alright, ummm," I said, flustered on the spot. "I like... that you put a lot of effort into your work. That you are helpful to others. And, you make me laugh." It felt strange stating that out loud, like some elementary school way of making friends.
"And Zach?"
"I like that you're comfortable to interact with, that you're a good teacher, and you're sweet," he said to me. I blushed and smiled softly.
"Perfect. Now, the next part," said Michelle, leaning in a bit. "Rachel... do you find Zach sexually attractive?"
My body flushed with heat. Zach looked confused, as if he was questioning if he heard her correctly. Michelle knew exactly the position she was putting me in. If I lied she would probably fire both of us.