Ryan was God’s gift to women…absolutely irresistible.
However, Melissa was a tough nut to crack, and she was driving him crazy.
She always started the day with a coffee. This morning he was waiting for her. There was no escape.
“No one gets in between me and my first cup of coffee,” she asserted without the hint of a smile.
“Are you sure?” He coaxed, oozing masculine charm.
“Damn sure.”
The office was empty. He didn’t mean to. It just happened. Captured on four different security cameras. They both lost their jobs.
No one even questioned whether Melissa wanted coffee.
…..
100 words
The issue of consent blew up here in Australia in February, 2021 after Liberal Party staffer Brittany Higgins went to the media with allegations she’d been raped while she was drunk and semi-conscious in Parliament House in 2019. Around the same time, former Sydney schoolgirl, Chanel Contos, conducted a poll on social media asking whether any of her friends who attended Sydney private schools had been raped or sexually assaulted. It went viral, and attracted significant media attention. She later submitted a petition calling for earlier sex education in schools to Australian Prime Minister, Scott Morrison. Consent is an issue which often flies under the radar, but clearly needs to be brought to the surface.
This has been another contribution to Friday Fictioneers kindly hosted by Rochelle Wishoff-Fields at https://rochellewisoff.com/ PHOTO PROMPT © Ted Strutz Thank you!
Best wishes,
Rowena
Beyond the Flow 
An important issue
by the same token,rape must be one of the hardest crimes toprove. Often just two people, boils down to one word against another.
A heavy and important topic that won’t be going away anytime soon.
No means No… and she should not have lost her job if it wasn’t consensual. This will continue to be a hot topic forever I’m afraid.
He thinks he’s entitled, and thus justifies his predatory attitude to her, and all women. A sadly accurate picture of how such things occur.
I totally agree, consent is super important. A semi-conscious person does not give consent. Poor woman in your story – I know it still happens and there is a very, very long way to go, but since “Me Too” came on the scene (at least here) more people are at least making an attempt to listen to her side in these types of cases.
Something came between that first cup!
Yes indeed.
Yes, last year I think we saw a big leap forward here too, although this big leap forward still has a way to go. People’s communication is also problematic and people make assumptions and while it can be awkward to break the mood and ask questions, if I was a bloke these days, I’d be wanting consent in writing.
Thank you, Margaret.
I agree with you, Kimber. People are often too awkward to discuss things and make assumptions. Then, there are the predators. I put this guy more in the awkward camp. He’s not used to women not responding and the people in the office wouldn’t be expecting her to refuse his advances and made assumptions.
Unfortunately not.
Yes, indeed. So much confusion potentially even between the two involved.
A very necessary story. Some things are in motion but the default is still not believing the victim, up to victim-shaming.
Yes, indeed.
Dear Rowena,
Topical subject. She should’ve stuck to her coffee. And I have plenty to say about him that’s not printable here.
Shalom,
Rochelle
I’m sure, Rochelle.
A challenging topic. Well done.
A realistic tale you’ve written. Coffee always comes first.
My issue with the Brittney Higgin’s case is — what happened to innocent until proven guilty? He has been vilified, named, and shamed all over the media before even being arrested. Any witness drunk to the point of passing out is questionable. Without a doubt, he is a creep and no gentleman, but being a creep isn’t a crime. It will be interesting what comes out in court. Hopefully, there is footage. It’s a shame she didn’t seek medical attention after.
The amount of alcohol Brittney had consumed bothered me and the fact that seems to be par for the course with these Parliament House staffers. Also, that none of the women there were looking out for her. That opened up a discussion with my daughter about you and your friends sticking together. I am getting older….
Brittney’s story is definitely a caution tale.