Day 3: Relenting

The next day as you approach the workshop with your co-workers, you notice sidelong glances from many of your male coworkers and your cheeks grow red from embarrassment. You’re wearing exactly what Ruffus demanded, a short striped skirt, tall red heels and your Christmas hat and blazer. Ruffus smiles as he sees you, he asks you to go to the warehouse and assist the factory elves moving boxes. When you get there the lead administrator Reginald tells you to help grab some boxes from a high shelf. You begin to pick up the box but Reginald stops you and tells you to lift with your legs as well. You climb the short stepping ladder but its precarious in heels. You also know you are giving Reginald and the other warehouse elves a show as your skirt is too high to not see underneath it. You finally reach the shelf.

You: "Here you go"

Reginald: "Ah yes, that's better. Thanks."

Reginald: "Always happy to have your help here Jane, especially in that outfit," he smiles at you and winks.

You feel your stomach turn but decide to pick your battles: "Thanks Reginald, so how have the warehouse elves been behaving this year?"

Reginald: "Smooth as can be, but we’re coming up on Christmas and the pressure is already mounting."

You: "Well that's good to hear, still I wish I could help more than just sit at a desk all day."

Reginald: “Aw Jane I'm sure having you around will lift their spirits, try to spend some time with the factory elves and help them with their tasks, we never have enough hands this time of year."

You: "Sure thing Reginald, but I do have some suggestions on how you can make things go a little more smoothly for the elves."

Reginald: "Oh? Well alright then." He looks at you curiously. He thought you were just a pair of legs it seems and is surprised at your confidence. He also isn't sure how much you've been told about the nature of the factory.

You think fast trying to devise a way to impress the elf.

You: "Well what if you hire some interns each holiday cycle, to help alleviate the stress of the full-time staff. Distribute them to each department." Reginald: "Interesting, you'd have to work with some of the teams and see if an extra pair of hands improves moral. I think there's too much of a learning curve with the actual manufacturing, but you could help with other tasks."

You: "Like what? More moving boxes?"

Reginald: "No no something a bit more hands on, I think these elves are under a great deal of stress, if you could just listen to them and give them an outlet for some of their angst it could go a long way."

You: "Well that sounds nice I'm always happy to help!"

Reginald: "Ha ha, you'll be perfect."

You: "Thanks, Reginald, things haven’t been going great here and I appreciate you being so kind."

Reginald: “Hey no problem, Jane we need more good people like you!”