It had been about a week since Tierra’s meeting with Mr. Baxwell, and things at the office were weird, to say the least. The male colleagues that were once cold and callous towards her seemed genuinely friendlier. They were beginning to operate as a unit, which was great. She only hoped once the news hit the fan that the new office harmony would remain.
She was sitting at her desk, awaiting her 10a.m. appointment, Mr. Townsin. She was praying he had a new attitude, when Terri buzzed that he arrived.
“Come in, Mr. Townsin,” Tierra said, standing in front of her new desk, hands folded across her chest. “Now, where were we?”
“Mrs. Rodriquez, can I just say that I am very sorry for my attitude the last time I was here? It was very unprofessional…”
“Look Mr. Townsin, that was a month ago,” she cut him off, “Do you think you are the first man to set up an appointment with Ms. Rodriquez, then come into my office and act like they were expecting a Mr. Rodriquez? You’re not. I’ve been in this business for too many years. I’ve had to listen and deal with a lot of stupid male egos, innuendos and belittling due to the fact that I’m female and in charge of this department. But, trust me when I tell you, I work later and play harder than any man here at B.E. And I made it to where I am because of my work ethic. Not my skills on my back or my knees, ok! So let’s skip the apologies and get down to work.”
Mr. Townsin reluctantly swallowed what pride Tierra left him from his last meeting, opened his briefcase, and took out the folders. He and Tierra sat at her desk and talked about the company he represented financial problems for several hours.