Monday morning came faster than I anticipated. I spent the weekend replaying my Friday night with Mr. Ryan and dreading having to look Mr. George in the eyes on Monday.
The office was just as it had been when I left. My cubicle appeared untouched, and my jacket was still hanging off my chair, just as I had left it.
I wasn't sure what I was expecting to come back to. The office completely gone? All my co-workers sobbing at my absence? I shrugged and sat down in my chair.
I looked towards Mr. George's office door, which was sealed shut. It was still early for him to come in, although the anticipation of seeing him again was hard to contain.
Whenever someone walked into the office, I jumped, expecting to see Mr. George with his square glasses and leather briefcase. But, it was never him.
As the day passed, Mr. George never came into the office, emailed, or called me. Deflated, I drove back home.
***
The next day, Mr. George texted me to come into his office immediately after I got to work. Now, I was officially worried. Mr. George usually never strayed from his regular schedule, and he's never texted me to request my presence as soon as I show up.
I hesitantly walked towards Mr. George's office door when I arrived--drawing out my steps as long as possible, trying to stall in any way possible.
As I opened the door, I immediately saw his hair. Darker than Mr. George's. Curlier, too. My breath caught in my throat. What was Mr. Ryan doing here?
"Hello, slut," Mr. George said harshly, sitting from behind his desk, and Mr. Ryan winced. "Kneel by my chair."
I walked over to Mr. George, trying to avoid eye contact with Mr. Ryan entirely. I took my position by Mr. George's side, but it didn't feel normal to return to his conversation with Mr. Ryan. "We had a deal," Mr. George said, "You can't just back out on it."
"I'm not backing out; I simply feel you are being dramatic about the situation." Mr. Ryan said casually.
"Don't forget you work for me now," Mr. George growled; he was beginning to sound angry.
"Okay, I'll do it. One more time." Mr. Ryan said, but his voice sounded distant, as if it wasn't him talking.
"I knew you'd come to your senses," Mr. George hummed, "Slut, strip and go lay on the conference table."
I blinked at Mr. George. Confused as to what was happening. I thought he'd be happy to see me after a week apart. But now, he seems hard and cold.
"Now, bitch," Mr. George barked.
I quickly began taking my dress off over my head. I unlatched my bra unceremoniously, and since Mr. George didn't allow me to wear underwear, that was all it took for me to be completely naked.