Yes, you need to get a another job...

“No, everything..…”

You feel the stone on our chest get get warm. One of those now or never moments to gain traction on your quest? Listen to the old hag’s tip? You take a deep breath.

“Actually, yes. I wanted to ask you if you have some time for me today to have a talk.”

He frowns.

“If it’s about that vending machine you ladies want in your restroom, I already told Ms. Peters I’m already in talks with…”

You shake your head. You vaguely remember some women complaining about the missing offers. It does seem more relevant all of a sudden. He probably remembers you complaining abut it too, in this reality.

“No, not about that. Even though you should get it done. I wanted to talk some career options for me.”

He sighs.

“I told you there's no budget for a raise in the current economy and as for promotions you know you’re in some kind of a dead end job, middle management position available from your job are rare and all filled.”

“I wasn’t necessarily thinking about a promotion, more of a – lateral move.”

He lifts an eyebrow.

"You want to change departments? I must admit I have been wondering about you a little bit. You're not doing bad job were you are, but I always wondered if you may have - other skills that might serve us better.”

He keeps eyeing you.

“Alright, Ms. Jordan, come into my office at 3:30, we can talk that over. Just knock, you know my assistant is on maternity leave and I only got a half day replacement."

“Yes, Sir. Thank you Sir.”

You go to your desk and have a normal, uneventfully day. Except for Jordan slapping your ass in the coffee kitchen at lunch and you giving the intern the shock of a lifetime when you walk into the men's room inadvertently.

Not a bad cock for an 18 year old boy.

What are you even thinking?

As 3:30 comes around, you walk into your boss’ office, knock and walk in.

“Ah, Lexi. You don't mind if I call you Lexi, do you?"

You shake your head. He's been calling you Alexander literally all the time.

“Do sit down.”

“Thank you, Sir.”

“So – a lateral move?

“Yes, Sir.”

"I have been wondering if you'd ever find the initiative. Feeling in a dead end in your current position?"

Not even wrong, whether you’re a man or a women.

“Well, yes, kinda…”

“I can agree. A smart and pretty woman like you is wasted in that cubicle. Have you been thinking about any position in particular?"

“Well, I think I’d like…” You hesitate, touch the stone around your neck and feel it warming…

“I’d like to have more contact with people. Socialize more. Be in a – servicing position.”

“I see. And you're not thinking of a management position?”

“Uh. No. Really not, no.”

Again the stone feels warmer.

“Rather on the contrary. I feel I could… be an good asset if I… execute orders. You know… follow leads?”

He chuckles.

“That’s kinda refreshing. ‘I'm good at obeying orders' isn't normally what I get to hear in job interviews. It’s all about initiative and ambition these days. So… summarizing. Get to meet people and have someone tell you what to do? That's about your idea of your new job?”

“Yeah. I guess…”

“Hm… I don't know if you chose this time – I mean you must have noticed the open positions in the company, right? Currently the two most obvious departments with openings that fulfil your criteria be the receptionist's desk and the mail-room."

You take a sharp breath. Smiling at visitors or running around all day handing out mail?

He smiles - a little apologetically - and shrugs.

“Both entry level positions, obviously, for which you are a little overqualified. Calling that a lateral move would be a bit of a euphemism."

You have to hold yourself back from scoffing. Definitely more of a demotion.

“I might be able to pull some strings so you can keep your current salary and not be downgraded. Given how you’re already an experienced employee who knows the company. But you must be aware that the promotion chances aren't any better than in your current position. Those jobs are definitely more social so if that's what you’re looking for…”

He winks at you. What does that mean?

“I'll be honest with you, the reason why it’s so hard to fill those two jobs is because the last girls have – left over some – unresolved complaints about harassment. Both our visitors and our own personal can be a little – hands on with some of the lower ranking girls. And to be perfectly frank, unless you think you can be a bit more – lenient when it comes to – personal attention and physical contact either with visitors or your colleagues, depending on which job you chose, you’d probably not be a good match."

Is he telling you to let yourself be groped for those silly entry level job?

The necklace is getting warmer.

Is that the lesson you want me to learn? Being a woman in a workplace?

“Are those the only ones you can think of?"

“Well – there's still the issue of my Personal Assistant's absence.”

“But she's only on maternity leave, right?”

“Officially yes, but she’s sent some clear signals she won't come back and become a full time Mom."

Oh… Is he offering you a job as his secretary?

“Technically for that you maybe a little under-qualified. But I know you're smart. And apparently… willing to get more – sociable and to whet you're told. I'm sure you’re be fast to learner when it comes to keep your boss – happy and satisfied.”

He winks at you lewdly. You frown. More groping, but in this job mostly from him? Does his last one not come back because of that?

These jobs definitely sounds like – they would teach you some humility, alright.

But somehow thinking abut having a job in which this new body of yours can be – of lot of good use to serve the company makes your nethers tingle. And your necklace heat up...

You gulp…