Rude Boss

Another email comes through – a reply to the one I just sent.

To: Quintessa Bailey

From: Essex DePaul

Date: Wednesday, February 2, 2022 08:21:42 EST

Subject: Re: Accounting Associate

Call me before 9 a.m. I’m going into a meeting.

Thanks,

Essex DePaul

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“Unbelievable,” I blurt out. “Another email came through.”

“Shut up!” Ella says, beside herself.

“It says I should call him before nine because he has a meeting.”

“He’s a persistent little booger, isn’t he?” she asks, then stuffs her mouth with a spoonful of oatmeal.

“It’s not him. It can’t be him. It’s his assistant, Shanice. She probably doesn’t know what happened yesterday, so let me enlighten her.”

“You’re sending another email?”

“Yep.”

I reply:

To: Essex DePaul

From: Quintessa Bailey

Date: Wednesday, February 2, 2022 08:28:19 EST

Subject: Re: Accounting Associate

Hi, Shanice. I know you’re sending these messages on Mr. DePaul’s behalf, but I won’t be coming in for any further interviews. I was humiliated beyond belief on Monday. I refuse to put myself through anything like that again, so you can stop emailing me.

Quintessa

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“Okay. I replied and addressed her this time so she can know what happened.”

“That should take care of it, then,” Ella says, placing her bowl in the sink. “Let’s hope so. Well, I have to get to my desk, so good luck with your interview. I know you’ll do good.”

“Thanks, Ella.”

I take my time finishing breakfast and browsing the Internet, checking my social media and all – just killing time since I have plenty of it. That free time is interrupted by a phone call coming through from that 850 number. It’s the same number that was in those emails I received from DePaul & Company.

I answer, “Hello?”

“It wasn’t Ms. Davison emailing you. It was me.”