FOWC with Fandango — Umbrage

I’m doing something new. I’m participating in Fandango’s One-Word Challenge. Each day they post a word, and you write a blog post using that word. My goal is to do at least one each week. Why not give it a try.

Anthony ambled by Mel’s desk. Once again, his hand brushed against her breasts. She gritted her teeth and gave him a nasty look. No apology. He paused only for a moment, grinned, gave her the once over, and walked on.

Mel took umbrage at his entire demeanor. She leaned over and whispered to Kim. “We need to do something about him. I can’t continue working like this. Just because he’s our supervisor doesn’t give him the right to make me feel like this.”

“Of course, you’re right. But what can we do? He’s got us in a no-win situation. Who do we go to?”

Mel sighed. She needed to do something. She couldn’t continue working in this type of environment. An idea came to mind. Could she pull it off? She’d need help. Could she count on Kim?

“I’ve got an idea. But I’ll need your help. There are a few things to do, but I’ll fill you in.”

“I’m in. Just let me know.”

After confirming that Kim would help, Mel went back to her desk, made a few phone calls, and sent a couple texts. Now she waited. The time seemed to drag. Could she count on them? They owed her. She’d helped them. Now it was time for them to help her.

Her phone buzzed. Twice. Her hand shook. She hesitated, but finally looked. They were in. Time to explain her plan to Kim. Saturday. Hopefully she could make it that long. Could she pull it off? That was the question.

Kim played her part perfectly. She had Anthony all hyped up for Saturday.

He walked up to Mel and caressed her cheek. He leaned in and whispered in her ear. “I’ll see you at the Inn on Saturday. Wear something nice for me.” He touched her again and walked back to his office.

Mel and Kim got to the Inn early. Mel turned to Vince and said, “You know what you have to do right?”

“Yes, Mel. I know what I’m supposed to do.”

It wasn’t long before Anthony came in. How she loathed him. He even looked smarmy. After letting him stand at the door for a few seconds, the girls waved him over. He waved back and made a beeline for their booth. He slid in beside Mel and put his hand on her knee. She cringed. Soon. It will all be over soon.

Both she and Kim got up and excused themselves. “We’ll be right back. We need to check our make-up,” Mel said. As they headed to the ladies room, Mel leaned in to Kim and whispered in her ear. “Everyone at the bar is a cop. This place is where they come after their shift or just to hang out with other cops. I used to work here. My cousin got me the job as bartender when they were shorthanded.”

“Are you afraid they’ll hurt him?”

“No, they won’t hurt him, but they’ll certainly scare him. Especially when Big Jim comes in and sits with us.” The girls laughed.

The girls came back from the ladies room and slid back into the booth.

“That took an awful long time. I missed you, Mel.” He slid in closer.

It seemed like an eternity before Big Jim came in. Mel saw him and nodded. He made his way to their booth and slid in the other side beside Mel. He leaned in and kissed her on the forehead, and turned to the rest of the table.

Anthony leaned in and whispered, “Mel, who’s this?”

“No idea. Thought he was your friend.”

Vinnie walked over. “Hey, Big Jim. What can I get ya?”

Anthony tugged at his collar. Mel looked at him and whispered, “If you want to be with me, you need to get rid of him. Tell him to leave.”

“I—I—“

“What’s going on, Mel. Who’s he?”

“Big Jim. I can explain.”

“Nothing to say, Mel. I’ll take care of him.” Big Jim stood.

Anthony scrambled to get out of the booth, but Big Jim was faster. He grabbed Anthony’s arm. “You and me. We’re going to have a little talk.” He looked at the girls, “Excuse us.”

“I—I— I was just about to leave. “

“Outside. Now.”

Both men went out the back of the bar. Minutes later, only Big Jim came back in. “He won’t be bothering either of you any more.”

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