Not really...

Mary was sweating. Laurie Matthews, chief of the registration office for 23 years, knew exactly what he did to her as he mentioned it directly. “But Ms. Hansen, you are blushing, really, how cute!“ Mary was completely overwhelmed by the situation. “Mrs. Hansen please…“ “Ohh, you are married?“ Alfred Masters, chief of the building department asked his question extra surprised and gave Laurie a wink. “No, I, I mean…“ Mary got into stuttering. From this moment on she felt completely exposed. She looked at herself and her new co-workers completely different now. These gentlemen seemed to judge every single move of her. Her head had to be shining in scarlet like a carnival balloon! Who is blushing easily already because of trivial reasons is looked at in general as uptight or at least shy. And Mary didn´t want such an impression, not at all. She had to get herself some respect if she wanted to fulfill the high expectations. Especially her dominating father would never accept his daughter to fail.

“Pooh“, Laurie Matthews´ voice broke the embarrassing silence, “pretty hot here in our room beneath the roof. I think we should loosen up the dress code.“ Having said this he already took off his jacket and put it over the back of his chair. The other chiefs of department followed. And again there was this sly wink of an eye.

“And Ms. Hansen, don´t you want to ease yourself, too?“