I am and have always been . . . well . . . a dirt bag. Not really evil in a cold and calculated way, but someone who seizes just about any self-serving opportunity that comes my way. I don't really look for them, but if they find me? Let's just put it this way: if I'm the guy that picks up the wallet you drop, you're fucked.
So when my company "asked" me to oversee their latest downsizing, it was not really a big deal. I deliver the bad news to a couple of dozen folks, and in exchange, I get thrown a few extra weeks' pay as part of my separation package. Yep. I was on the list as well.
The day had gone about as I had expected. I got a few "fuck yous," lots of tears and self-pity, and even a few "thank yous" from those who hated their jobs but didn't have the balls to quit. As soon as five o'clock hit, the office cleared of those remaining in two or three minutes. I guess they wanted to get out before I got to them. The whole floor was a ghost town except for me, and Jill, my assistant. For some reason, she was still there just sitting at her desk and peeking into my office every couple of minutes to see what I was up to.
My plans were simply to tell her that she had been reassigned to another division and tell her that I would be leaving the company effective immediately. I had no idea how fortunate the upcoming misunderstanding was about to make me.
"Jill? Can you come into my office, please."
Normally she was quick to please. Whether I wanted a cup of coffee or needed copies or whatever. She was there in an instant. But, this time she rose slowly from desk chair - with a slight pause before turning as if to brace herself. Slowly she moped into the office before taking a seat - unoffered - in the same chair that most all of the others had sat in earlier in the day. She didn't even look up. She just sat there staring at her hands as they fidgeted with her dress.
Being the insensitive bastard that I am, until that very moment it had not occurred to me what she had witnessed all day. She had seen every face as they had left my office. She had even called some of them to my office for me. She knew exactly what was going on - at least she thought she did.
Before I could begin to formulate the words to clarify the situation, she broke down.
"I CAN"T lose this job, Mr. Buerman. I can't. I am about to lose . . ."
Between the sobs and the whimpers, I couldn't make it all out, but there was something about an apartment, her ex boyfriend and his gambling - bla, bla, bla - and an oddly placed excerpt concerning her mother and how she had warned her about him. And she couldn't just go home, and . . .
I didn't stay engaged in her banter for very long. My mind had wondered to a very large glass of Johnnie Walker Black and a lap dance, but her closing remarks brought me back around.
"Can you help me, Mr. Buerman? I'll do anything."
Frankly I had wondered for a while why she hadn't left long ago. I didn't pay her shit, and she was constantly sexually harassed by mostly me but also the other senior managers. We'd share any and every nasty joke or story of trysts with the various office skanks and never even bother to whisper when she was within hearing distance. I'd called her every demeaning pet name you might imagine, and on the rare occasions that she would wear anything with a low neckline, I was going to be sure to hover over her desk at least a half dozen times those days with various questions and requests. I did mention I was a dirt bag, right? But now, it kind of made sense. She was desperate.
Over the years, I have leveraged my "opportunities" into a variety of things. I've used them to close deals, get promotions, you name it. But, there's nothing quite like using them to get pussy. So, when one of these falls in my lap, I NEVER pass on playing it out.
"Unfortunately Jill, your position has been eliminated. It's already done. One assistant is transferring to operations. They have asked me for a recommendation, and I have a preferred candidate."
All of that was true. The only omission was that the candidate was actually Jill. It only took about 30 seconds to convince the director over there. I'd known him for years, so when he called asking who to take to fill a vacancy for his personal assistant. I told him about her loyalty, work ethic, attention to detail, etc. He asked, "is she the red head with the big tits?" As soon as I said "yes," he said "I'll take her."
"Preferred candidate? Mr. Buerman I have worked really hard for you. If there's something I've done wrong, I am sorry . I can do more, sir. Please . . . '
Grabbing a box of tissues, I stood and walked around the desk to where she was sitting. I handed her the tissues, and as she looked up I extended my hand to her as any gentleman would to assist a lady from her chair.
"Let's see if we can work through this," I said as I led her over to the couch on the other side of my office. As we walked over, it gave me the chance to scan the floor and confirm we were alone. After seating her, I walked back over, took one last look out and closed the door.
It wasn't unusual at all for me to sit with colleagues and staff on the couch. I often used it when I wanted to take the edge off of tough discussions or have a more relational conversation. So I don't think she was shocked at all when I sat next to her.
Trying to fuck Jill was pretty safe, I figured. Technically, I wasn't going to force her into anything, and even if she told the company, I didn't give a shit. I was done. And, based on all the crap she had put up with from me, I doubted she'd do more than just get up and walk out if she wasn't interested in the deal.
"Jill. You have worked really hard for me, and I appreciate it. There is no question you bring a lot to the table. But, there are others who offer a lot as well. Some offer things that you don't . . . or at least haven't shown that you do."
"Like what, Mr. Buerman? I can do anything that any of the other girls can do." She perked up a bit with her comments. It was almost as if she was a little pissed off to think someone could do more than her.
"Jill, there are many intangibles to success in the business world. It's not only about your work but about relationships. I have a VERY good relationship with some of the other assistants."
If she didn't already know what I was insinuating, she was going to figure it out any second. So, it was time to take the plunge . . . so to speak. Turning towards her, I asked "are you interested in improving our relationship?" At the same time, my hand slid under her dress hem and up her thigh.
I made it within 6"-8" or so of my destination before her legs clamped down on my hand like a steel vise. She didn't try to remove it, nor did she scream or try to get up and run. She just froze. I didn't pull away or continue to advance. I just held it there.
Moving my lips just inches from her ear, I asked again.
"So Jill? Are you interested?"
"Wa . . . wi . . . will I get the recommendation?"
"Absolutely, " I said.