On the surface
A microfiction challenge entry
A fine tremor rolled through her hand. The faint smudges of charcoal on the pads of her fingers itched and twitched with the need to draw.
This was it.
She inhaled deeply and pushed through the door.
"Miss Collins?"
"Yes, I'm here to see Mr–"
"Ah there you are, Miss Rawlins! Pretty as ever and right on time. Looking forward to seeing those...drawings, is it?" His greedy eyes traced over her shapely form, ignoring the portfolio case.
"Let's talk privately in my office, shall we?"
The question hung heavy, answered with a single, resigned nod.
Beauty always had its price.
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Comments (17)
Beauty does have its price. Sometimes it works for us, and sometimes it works against us. This reminds me of the show where one lady takes on the role of Madam C.J. Walker, the first Black female millionaire. One of her sales pitch from the show that I recall is, "Do You want to make more money? Do You want to have a better job? Do You want to get the recognition You deserve?" I probably botched that up, but the main line was "We are judged by the very least of us, therefore we always know that we have to raise ourselves up, even if we are judged by the least of others." I was taught this from a very early age. 1st appearances do matter. How You appear outwardly can be a judgement of how Your life really is. I feel ashamed that he couldn't even call her by her name correctly for the 2nd time. Either her shapely form has to be one of the most beautiful forms he's ever seen, or (as the tone seems to suggest) he's only looking at her and caring about her outward appearance. This brings up a weird conversational topic. Why can't we just be honest with people? Even if it seems to be unprofessional in the long run, get Your interest done and out of the way, state them, make them evidently clear, and then return to business and make sure that the professional boundaries can't be muddied, or have powerplays installed preventing people from achieving better and greater things. "Ma'am, You look lovely. I may be an atheist but seeing a figure like Yours makes me understand that there is a divine creator and that he takes delight in making divine artistry, such as Yourself. If You'd do me the honor of answering me straight, would You care to be involved outside of our professional business?" There is nothing wrong with making Your intentions known. What is wrong is using Your position of authoritative power in manipulating people into doing things that go against their own integrity and cause them to have physical, mental, and emotional boundaries violated beyond repair. I just hope that she didn't let him cop a feel or get access to her body, especially if she doesn't enthusiastically consent to it. Now, on a more humorous note, this reminds me of a skit from Family Guy. It's the one revolving around "Penguin Publishing." I'mma leave the link right here for ya'. Hopefully it'll make You laugh a bit. Though, with the theme of this story, this skit might just seem to be more like dark humor if anything. https://youtu.be/jIwXqZ_4-2c
😩. So sad. Great work on this one!!❤️
Felt this! Beauty in a man world! You did such a great job! ❤️❤️
Incredible.
Whoa 😳 You did this so well. This is so sad, yet powerful! You have such incredible storytelling skills! 🤗
Another "Me, too" moment, about to commence? Why must everything be transactional & those with power make this part of the transaction?
😞
Omggg, is this what I think this is? 😱😱😱😱 If it is, this is so dark! And sad. Very well done my fear friend!
Oof! That’s a good one. Great story.
An ominous setting created with ease. Well done Heather.
𝐟𝗼𝐫𝐫𝐫 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐫𝐫𝐞
Oh this situation is awful, but so common. Really well done micro-fic! You said it all.
The haunts of the 'casting couch' - great spin, Heather!
Oof. Big message in few words. The resigned nod is what hit me most.
Nice one😉📝👍❤️
Outstanding, Heather!!! Loved it💕💖💖
Oooh. This is great. Well done, as always.