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PROGRAM D-8017
As we continue our story of Fran and Jesus on the job, Fran is encountering some overt sexual harassment. A new vice president has conspicuously made unnecessary contact with Fran and said some suggestive things. At first, Fran feels guilty and wonders what she has done to encourage such behavior. But Jesus has warned her to be very alert.
At lunchtime, Fran says, “Listen, John, why don’t you go on to lunch without me? Joyce will pick up a sandwich for me. I’ll stay here and keep working.” But John insists they take a lunch break.
He wants to go outside the office, but Fran insists they eat in the company cafeteria. She grabs her purse and heads for her door. Again, John positions himself in such a way that she has to walk past him and, when she does, he brushes up against her again, but this time she’s sure he pats her hip.
Walking to the cafeteria, Fran is in stunned silence. Could she have imagined that? Surely John, a Vice President, would never touch a female employee in that way? Walking along beside her, he seems so professional, so intimidating, and so in control. Fear starts to gnaw at Fran’s stomach.
She tries to keep up small talk during lunch, but she can’t look John in the eyes. “Fran,” he says, as he wipes his mouth, “You’re one good-looking woman; I’m sure you know that. I’m glad we’ve got some women in our company who look and act like women.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Fran thinks. “Jesus, I feel very alone here—and guilty and humiliated. What do I do?”
But John continues. “A lot of women try to be one of the boys. Man, I hate that. I like a woman who’s a real woman—like you. Pretty face, nice legs, and a real nice shape. A woman—that’s what a man likes.” He looks at her with a knowing smile.
“John,” Fran stammers, truly at a loss for words, “this is not appropriate. . .”
“Oh, come on, I’m not attacking you, Fran, I’m just telling you how good looking you are. Can’t be anything wrong with that, can there?” he responds.
“Somehow, John,” she manages to say, “it doesn’t feel like a compliment.”
“Well, it is. Believe me, it is,” he replies. “It takes a lot in a woman to impress me, and you’ve got what it takes, Fran.” As he says that, he grabs his tray and heads for the exit. Fran has no option but to follow.
She sends up emergency prayers like crazy. “Jesus,” she says, “Help!”
“I’m here; I will not leave you,” he assures her. But Fran knows she must confront this situation quickly.