Page 29 of Unbossly Manners

“He gave me permission to show you this, so you could confirm his account.”

Prathi opened a folder that sat in front of her on the desk and slid a printed version of the email across to me. I paced the room as I read.

On Friday, June 5th, Peyton Holland and I spoke in my ex-wife’s apartment, where Peyton is currently living. We both were drinking whiskey. I believe we each had two six-ounce drinks. I was clear-headed and Peyton appeared to be as well. Along with my ex-wife, Katrina Ansley, we discussed the merits of beginning a sexual relationship. We laid out the parameters of the relationship and agreed to it. It was a mutual decision.

* * *

There was no physical contact. It was a friendly, respectful conversation.

* * *

I bring this to your attention to document the sexual nature of the dialog and the impending relationship. At no time did either of us (to my knowledge) feel threatened during this interaction.

* * *

Best,

Jackson Rhodes

VP, Business & Legal Affairs

* * *

Under the roaring embarrassment, I was annoyed. Jackson should have warned me he was going to speak to HR. Instead, I’d been ambushed.

“What do you need from me?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

“To confirm his account is accurate, and to hear what happened in your own words.” Prathi opened a document on her laptop.

“Oh, um… Basically what he said. We’ve decided to start a casual sexual relationship. It’s consensual. We both agreed.”

“What did you agree? You don’t have to tell me word for word. But I’d like to know who initiated the relationship. Jackson said it was you.”

“I didn’t barge in and ask him to have sex with me if that’s what he implied,” I said, flustered. “I mean, not really.”

Prathi leaned forward. “What do you mean?”

“Ugh, this is so stupid. It was his ex-wife who suggested we get together. And I agreed. So I went to his office and told him… er, I mean I asked him if he wanted to, er, hook up.”

God, that sounded awful. I was so nervous I could barely speak coherently.

Prathi’s eyes widened but then her professionalism kicked in, and she dropped the expression.

“Did you sense any discomfort when you presented this request to Jackson?”

“As he said in the email, it was a mutual decision.” I sank into the chair and crossed my arms. “I didn’t realize he was going to make a federal case out of it.”

“He’s a lawyer. He’s doing his job; protecting himself and the company. And you.” Prathi formed a steeple with her fingers. “Look. It’s fine if two colleagues have a sexual relationship. We just need to know. It helps us keep you safe. Do you feel safe?”

“It’s all good. I’m good.”

“Great.” Prathi typed on her keyboard, then turned the screen to me, showing me the documentation of our conversation. I approved it, and she gathered her belongings and slipped them into her bag. “I’ll let you know if I need anything else but it probably won’t be required.”

Outside the studio, Isaac and Derrick waited. They usually recorded their show on Fridays, not Monday, so I was surprised to see them there.

I smiled briefly. They were my bosses and had interviewed me, but I didn’t interact with either of them daily. Plus, I’d totally embarrassed myself with Derrick Jacques the first time I’d met him. I could barely get two words out and then I asked him to sign a t-shirt from their show, which I’d been wearing. I was a total fangirl and I’ve been avoiding him ever since because I don’t trust myself not to spin out again.

“Hey.” Derrick stopped in front of me.

---