Maggie got up, went to the door, peeked out, and then came back. "She's gone. What about Nicole's boyfriend?"
"Which one? Boyfriends don't last long either; they can't keep up with her. Some guys like sex to be their idea."
Maggie tipped her head to the side. "You're making that up, right?"
"Nope." This time Jim talked just above a whisper. "If you only knew how many times Nicole has propositioned me…and every other man in the company, you would be mortified."
"Really? Isn't that sexual harassment?"
"It is in my book."
"Why doesn't someone say something?"
"You mean file charges?"
"Yes," said Maggie.
"Well, she is an attractive woman and some guys fall for it. Others don't want the hassle of having to stand up in court and testify. I know I don't. Besides, the owner of the company likes her, and who knows what he would do to the guy who complains. We all need our jobs."
Maggie frowned. "I don't like Mr. Gallaher either. There is something about him that makes me..."
"Yeah, well, if he ever offers you a way to make extra money, turn him down."
"Why?"
"Harold Gallaher runs a phone sex business on the side."
She slumped in her chair. "So that part is true. At least he doesn't bring that business into the phone company."
"Who says he doesn't? If you own a small phone company, then it is easy to set up as many phone-sex lines as you want without having to answer too many questions."
"I suppose it would be."
Jim reached across the table and playfully patted the top of her head. "How I would love to be as innocent and as unsuspecting as you are."
"I'm not all that innocent."
"Just be careful, my favorite little Brit. Nicole likes the power she has over people, and you and I are probably moving up on her hit list."
"I'll do my best to stay out of her way."
"I wish I could." His eyes suddenly widened. "Know what would be worse than getting fired?"
"What?"
"If Nicole makes Susan our manager."
"Oh gosh, that would be awful. Susan has only been here a few months and she still doesn't know what she's doing."
"That's what I mean…things could get worse."
Maggie rolled her eyes. "Especially for me. Susan is mad at me again."
"What did you do this time?"
"I insulted her. You know how she stands too close when she asks a question?"
"I hate when she does that."
"Me too. Her eyelashes are very long, and hang down over her eyes. I can't imagine why it doesn't bother her. Anyway, a couple of days ago, I told her it made her look like she's in prison."