Asher Exposed
“No, please, we are at work.” Asher stepped back from the clutches of the consultant. “This is not appropriate at all.”
Miss Simpson, who had somehow managed to let her hair down from its bun and reach into Asher's trousers in the same movement looked cross. “So you aren't interested?”
“Even if I was interested, I am at work, and we are busy. Now please, we can discuss this over coffee if you want. Here is my mobile number if you want to chat about it, but don't do this again.” He smiled at her awkwardly, handing her his card. “It is very kind of you, but no.”
Miss Simpson was not to be trifled with apparently, although Asher was unaware of having flirted with her. It was most unfortunate that at that moment the Head Neurological Consultant walked in.
“What on earth? Miss Simpson, wait in my office.”
“Yes, sir.” Miss Simpson was already putting her hair back up as she headed for the door.
“What is going on here Asher?”
“I think there has been some misunderstanding between Miss Simpson and I. Please, I really don't want any fuss made about it.” Asher did not want to know what the grievance procedure was about stuff like this.
“She might accuse you. You should make a complaint. You are lucky I saw that. You know what women are like.”
“Well, yes actually I do, and I have no interest in getting involved in a complaint. Please just leave it. I am sure she will be very apologetic, if not you can let me know. You witnessed it anyway.” Asher just wanted to get back to work. “I'm not the sort of person that goes out to damage others over what is essentially rubbish.”
“If you say so Asher, but don't say I didn't warn you. You should get in there first.”
The Head consultant left and Asher made himself a cup of tea before going back to his desk to review the scans. How tiresome!
At length the boss returned to say that Miss Simpson had indeed been very apologetic, and repeated his desire to proceed with a complaint.
“There is nothing between Miss Simpson and I, and there isn't going to be. I do have a life outside this hospital, and I do not want any stress or upset affecting anyone in this department.” Asher sighed. “Please leave me alone.”
“Very well, Asher. I hope you aren't making a mistake.”
“I'm pretty sure I'm not. It was a bit random.”
And so Asher thus discovered that animal magnetism was not always a good thing. He thought of Cynthia, and what had just happened to her at the bank. Fired for sending an email and giving someone a book. What would have happened to her if she had stuck her hand down someone's trousers, and she wasn't an allegedly responsible hospital consultant? Had the world gone mad?
No wonder she didn't trust anyone. He felt somewhat privileged. He resolved to do something imaginative with his visible hand in a video to cheer her up, and laughed to himself before turning to his reports.
After work, he got a text from Miss Simpson to apologise and thank him for not wanting to report it. He texted back a simple “No problem.” and made his way home to edit his videos.
Once at the computer, he felt unusually naughty, and sent a quick message to Cynthia, who was offline. They frequently communicated like this, without direct conversation, which was rather nice.
“I think you want to meet me, and I think I might like to meet you too.”
“I think that's distinctly possible.” Cynthia had been and gone so fast that he didn't catch her answering. He laughed.