Page 23
***
In all my seven years of working life, getting ready for a new workday has never been such an ordeal. But I refuse to stay in bed, to take a few days off, or to call my savior. All I want is to get back on my feet. To go to work without giving in to my anxiety, without being ashamed of what happened. Wilson is the one who did something unforgivable. He’s the one who should be dying of shame, the one who doesn’t dare show his face at the office. I hope he’ll have the decency to stay home today.
I’ve just stepped out of the shower when my cell phone rings. Sophie Adam’s name appears on the screen, and when I pick up, she starts jabbering so fast I can barely follow.
“Oh, Alma, I’m so sorry. Thank you for answering. I thought about coming straight over to your place, but I didn’t know if you’d appreciatethat. How are you doing? Are you traumatized? Yes, of course you are! What happened to you is so awful. I feel terrible for not going with you to the restroom. I should have had your back. King was incredible, you know? When he found you passed out and realized Wilson was trying to take advantage of you, he went crazy! He was the one who took you home while security dealt with that disgusting pervert. You should have seen it—they threw him out into the street like a piece of trash. It was so satisfying!”
“…”
“Sorry, I’m rambling… Are you okay?”
I turn on the speakerphone so I can continue getting ready, then shake out my wet hair and wrap myself in a towel.
“I’m just getting ready to leave for work.”
“What? Are you crazy?! Take a week off! Stay home. Everyone will understand! Do you want me to take the day off to keep you company?”
“No, I want to go to work. I need to.”
“Alma?”
“Yes?”
“What happened exactly? I mean, if you want to talk about it. Did he…?”
“No. But that was his intention.”
“I know. King asked me if there was something going on between you two.”
“What?! Are you serious, Sophie?”
I lean against the sink, stunned.
“It’s just that Wilson claimed you were… into it. That you were the one who asked him to meet you in the restroom to—”
“Me? Into it? Me, up for sleeping with that sleazebag?! Fuck, this is real a double whammy. Now I also have to prove that…”
My throat goes dry. I have a bitter taste in my mouth, and my vision blurs with fresh tears. How did I end up here?
“Are you going to press charges, Alma? You can’t let him get away with this.”
“And have to explain why I drank too much when we were at a work event? Why didn’t I complain about his behavior before? How I could have been stupid enough to end up alone with him in that restroom so late at night?”
“None of this is your fault. I won’t let you blame yourself for any of it!” Sophie declares in a fierce voice.
“But you know I don’t have any proof. It will be his word against mine.”
“No, Clarence and I can testify! We know Wilson was harassing you. We’ll tell them everything he said to you, tell them about all the sleazy looks and creepy smiles. I promise we won’t let you down!”
“I just feel so humiliated.”
“Alma, we’re here for you. Take all the time you need, but filing a complaint will probably help you process and accept what happened.”
“And it’ll stop him from doing it again,” I say. “That guy has a real problem. He’ll definitely go after other women if no one does anything.”
“Yeah, I didn’t want to pressure you, but that’s exactly it. And when you’re ready, I’ll go to the police station with you,” Sophie adds gently.
I take a deep breath before thanking her. The mirror reflects my drawn face. I think back to the moment Wilson entered the restroom and came up behind me.
