“Actually, that isn’t why I’m here, but now that you’ve mentioned it…” I’d be a fool not to walk through the door he’s opened. This could be a huge opportunity for me.
“Ah. I thought for sure that’s why you wanted to chat.” He leans back in his seat and surveys me with an unreadable smile, which I’ve come to realize is intentional. He likes to keep people guessing. “I think you’d be a good fit. You’re ambitious, and you bring a unique perspective to the table. I appreciate that.”
Wow. And I appreciate that he’s noticed. “Thank you. I guess I assumed you’d want someone with more experience working beside you.”
He lifts a hand. “Experience doesn’t always equal talent.”
“I’m so glad you think so.” I’ll apparently be cleaning up my resume this weekend in addition to hosting Alana’s birthday party.
“Anyway, enough of that for now. Tell me what I can help you with today.”
Feeling more comfortable now that he’s inflated my ego, I come out with it. “Well, to be honest, something has been bothering me for a while now. I didn’t say anything sooner because I thought it would eventually resolve itself. Unfortunately, that’s not been the case.”
A line forms in his brow. “Okay…”
“This is difficult for me to say, because I know you think highly of his work, too, but I’ve had a few inappropriate run-ins with Spencer.”
He blinks, and once again, his expression is inscrutable. “Inappropriate in what way?”
“We’ve run in the same circle of friends since college. You may remember that Spencer, Bella, and I all started around the same time. We all graduated from together, too. He’s a nice enough guy, but he comes on a little too strong sometimes. Even here at work.”
Nodding slowly, he asks, “Can you give me an example?”
I shift uncomfortably and cross my legs while I fidget with the hem of my skirt. “Um, sure. Do you remember when he used your office while you were on vacation because he was working on that big brewery project?” Our creative team shares a collaborative space down the hall, and while there are several other rooms for quieter, more focused work, Jeff had offered his office to Spencer so he could spread out.
“I remember, yes.”
“He asked for some help one afternoon, and I was happy to. Only, when it came time for me to go back to my own work, he blocked my way to the door and refused to let me leave until I agreed to have dinner with him.”
Jeff raises a brow, but he doesn’t say anything.
“Fortunately, Shayla came by, and I was able to leave. Spencer didn’t bring it up again, at least not here at work.” I hesitate, trying to decide whether I want to bring up our trip to Vegas and Bella’s wedding. That was off the clock, but it’s still evidence that Spencer’s persistence is problematic.
“And there have been other incidents of similar behavior?” he asks.
“Not that extreme, but yes. Underhanded comments, glances that make me uncomfortable, bumping into me, which leads to having to touch me…”
Jeff steeples his hands in front of his mouth thoughtfully. “These are serious accusations, Tessa. Can I ask why you didn’t report them before? Immediately after they happened, specifically?”
I frown. His tone almost sounds judgmental. “Like I said, I hoped he’d stop. But he didn’t.”
“When was the last incident?”
I curl my fingers around my hem and squeeze. “It was outside of work. At Bella’s wedding.”
“Ah.” He nods and smiles again, as if something I’ve said finally makes sense. “I imagine there was drinking involved.”
“Yes, but what does that have to do with anything? He came on to me a couple different times that weekend, and he wasn’t shy about it. He intentionally put his hands on me, Jeff. I’m not okay with that.”
“I assume you told him that?”
“Of course I did.” Right? I’ve told Spencer multiple times that I’m not interested in dating, and at the wedding, I told him my dance was reserved for Dean. But now that I think about it, I’m not sure I’ve ever explicitly told him that his advances make me uncomfortable. I suppose I was subconsciously trying to keep the peace because of our mutual friends and work situation. But saying no should be good enough, and I shouldn’t have to justify my reasoning.
“Okay. I can see you’re getting upset, and that’s not my intention.” He softens his tone, and the knots in my stomach subside a bit. “I’ll talk with HR to be sure we handle this properly, and then I’ll follow up with you as soon as I know more. Sound okay?”
“Yes. Thank you.” I stand and smooth my skirt. “I’d appreciate that.”
“That’s what I’m here for, Tessa.” That smile falls into place once again, the subtext unclear, as usual. I hope this isn’t one of those times he’s using it disingenuously. I need him to take me seriously, because there are plenty of people in my life who’ve already let me down in that regard. My brothers, Dean…
