A longer version of today’s story appeared in the Vittles column ‘The Hater’. The abridged version below was edited by Zoe Guttenplan.
Then, after lunch, one of the very important people might ask you to come outside with him for a cigarette. Your boss might give you an encouraging nod. The very important person might put a hand on your back as you leave; you might grimace and let him. When he asks you to come back to his hotel you might politely decline and when he leans in to kiss you, you might excuse yourself and walk calmly back inside. You might tell your boss, who will apologise, and comfort you, and assure you that it won’t happen – to you – again.