I took up a new job as a corporate manager in a large healthcare organization and never imagined in my wildest of dreams just how rewarding the job would become. The salary was fantastic, as was the corner office overlooking a golf course. My administrative assistant was drop-dead gorgeous and I really liked the laid-back atmosphere in the office.
About a week into my new role, April stepped into my office to remind me of a meeting I had with an insurance company executive for a game of golf. I closed the door to my office and quickly slipped into my golf attire. As I stepped out of the office, I could tell my more casual appearance was a shock to April.
“Have a great time,” April commented as I made my way past her desk and to the elevator, As I stepped on the elevator, I could see her fanning herself with a manila folder. I proffered a wink and wave of my hand as the elevator door closed.
I didn’t think anything about the quick non-verbal exchange. The afternoon flew by. I stepped back into the office about six and was surprised to see April still setting at her desk.
“Working late are we?” I asked as I made my way into my office. She nodded her head without even so much as looking up from the computer.
Our corporate offices have a gymnasium and work out center in them, along with a sauna and accompanying locker rooms. I grabbed my office attire and headed for the showers. The water felt good after being out in the hot sun all afternoon.
I lathered up and stuck my head under the shower spray. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw movement in the locker room. I didn’t think anything about it, as I was pretty sure it was another co-worker taking full advantage of our facilities.
I turned around and saw April standing about ten feet from me, leaning up against the entry to the shower area. To say I was shocked would be an understatement. Instinctively, I attempted to cover the family jewels.
“What’s up?” I asked, the shower spray beating down on me.
April twirled a lone finger in her long brown hair and smiled.
“We’re the last one’s here,” she said. “I’ve locked up the office suite and set the alarm. Do you know the code to reset it?”
No, I did not.
“Six fifty-three, sixty-nine,” April replied.
I repeated the number.
“Sixty-nine,” April repeated back. With that, she turned and disappeared.
I was stunned. I stood there not knowing what I should do or how to respond.
I darted into the locker room, grabbing a towel off a table and wrapping it around me. I heard the locker room door closing and darted in to the office suite. The elevator doors were closing. As they closed, I saw April tender a small hand wave.
The next morning was a little awkward. April was already seated at her desk when I arrived.
“Good morning, Mr. Jones,” she said as I walked past her desk.
“Good morning, April,” I replied, as I headed straight into my office. I booted up my computer, and while waiting for it to start, April appeared in my office door.
“Do you want some coffee?” she asked.
“Sure,” I replied. I started to get up, but she asked me to stay seated while she went to get the coffee.
I opened my email and casually looked through the preview boxes, but I could not get my mind off of April. A few minutes later and she reappeared in my office door, a cup of coffee in hand. She approached my desk and set the coffee on the corner. I took a deep breath and exhaled.
“Is there anything else I can get you Mr. Jones?” she asked.
“Yes,” I replied. I instructed her to close the door so we could chat.
She closed the office door and took up a seat directly in front of my desk, politely crossing her legs very lady-like.
“Do you normally walk into the men’s shower area?” I asked.
“No,” April responded, quickly adding that she hoped I was not offended.
“No,” I replied, “I wasn’t offended.”
Am I in trouble?” April asked.
“No,” I replied, ‘You’re in good standing,”
I could sense that April was nervous.
“You’re married,” I noted.
“Yes,” April replied.
“And you see no problem with walking into the men’s shower room?” I asked.
“No,” April replied. “I just wanted to make sure you knew the security code.”
“You could have just written it down and left it on a sticky on my desk,” I replied.
“I know,” April replied.
“So why didn’t you?” I asked.
“I don’t know,” April replied. “I guess….”
Her voice trailed off.
“You really had no issue with coming into the shower area, did you?” I pressed.
“No,” April responded, her hands clasped in her lap as we talked. “I never gave it a second thought.”
“You know,” I replied, “You’re a very attractive young lady.”
April smiled.
“Thanks,” she replied. “I try to look presentable.”
“You look very presentable,” I said. “I like the way you dress.”
April chuckled.
“I could dress better if I was salaried a little better.”
I should have seen that one coming, but I didn’t.
“I don’t know that I have any say in your salary structure,” I replied.
“Sure, you do,” April shot back. “You’re my boss.”
“But your salary is set by HR, not me,” I replied.
April casually unbuttoned the top button of her satin, white, button down shirt.
“But you have the ear of the HR Manager and you can encourage her to bump me up,” April replied.
“I just started here,” I replied.
April unbuttoned a second button on her very tight firm fitting blouse, exposing the tops of her cleavage.
“Mr.