The Client

The client in question wanted a proposal for a Noodle factory. We'd earlier gone to take measurements of the site and presented him a sketchy proposal after which he asked for more proposals and research and gave some money for it. He said he'd be travelling to China around 20 something of this month so we were supposed to give him feedback before then. This led us to a race to beat time last week. As of Thursday we still had nothing on ground and were sweating our heads out to present something before the week ran out. Finally we put something together Friday evening. It was pretty past our working hours that my colleague's husband drove us to our client's office. Lo and behold, it was closed. I was silently praying that he wouldn't be cross with us whenever we finally got hold of him because of the slight delay. My colleague promised to get in touch with him during the weekend and we parted ways. We saw briefly on Saturday morning but she'd not made contact with him, said she would later in the day.

My weekend ran by swiftly, I practically forgot about the client. In fact I was in oblivion of any sour events that might have transpired.

Monday came and I was at the office bright and early. Even earlier than usual, my colleague was pretty late in coming and I had place a call to her to find out if we were working from the office that day, yes she said, she would be in soon.

Finally she showed up. We exchanged greetings, arranged the numerous office paraphernalia she lugged around, prayed and then she told me "We might be pausing on the project or even pulling off entirely", I'm not a shouter neither a helter skelter person so I calmly asked, "The pastor's project"? That came to mind first because I suspected money issues but she said no, the noodle factory, "Okay?", "It''s because of some events that happened over the weekend" she further explained, my mind quickly sifted through some options: maybe he got really mad that we delivered late? Or by a queer twist of events he got another contractor? Or ... What? My mind never went close to what she narrated next;

"My husband drove me to his office that Saturday after our lectures at the polytechnic and waited outside with my 11 month old baby and nanny while I went in to show the client our work. We discussed at length and he showed me some pictures on my system that he also wanted us to print as they were not in the printout we'd done. Quite some time had passed and my hubby who was waiting outside got impatient and called my mobile line 'cos we had other places to go that day. I picked the call right there in the client's presence after which I told him I would have to leave soon because my hubby who was outside just called, he expressed surprise that I had come with my hubby and left him alone outside instead of bringing him along inside for introductions. I apologized and he said we could head out so he'd meet my hubby. On our way out, he put his hands over my shoulders, I didn't think it inappropriate initially as I considered him a father figure just being "fatherly". Next thing I knew was that his hands dropped down to my boobs, directly on my nipples and squeezed them! Ah! I drew aback with alacrity and turned to look at his face... The expression told it all, that smug smile of satisfaction that said 'it is intentional'. I quickly rushed ahead of him in shock and silence, I couldn't even retaliate in any aggressive way. He is a huge man, the office/showroom was empty of other persons except the two of us and dimly lit. He certainly knew his turf better than I did if a tussle ensued. I was indeed at a loss of actions and just kept on walking ahead towards the main entrance that led outside. Outside I kept my distance and my head low, mulling my next course of action while he exchanged pleasantries with my husband.

We took off after that and my husband was still angry with me for taking so much time hence I didn't even dare telling him what transpired. All in all I was angered, revolted and disappointed. Jobs shouldn't come for me at the expense of my body because I'm a woman, it's demoralizing. I even considered us closing up the firm but that was only in passing, challenges are meant to crop up. But this! From the most unlikely of persons! He's an elder in church and sits at the front, even collects offering sometimes. I haven't said anything to him, I even blocked him from my whatsapp after he sent one of the silly broadcast messages about politics and the battle against Christianity in Nigeria blabla, probably testing the waters for my reaction"

I sat there not totally shocked but disgusted. Quiet all through the long narrative. You could say I was dumbfounded. I felt like twisting some one's balls but who am I? There are ladies who make it without compromising their bodies right? I really felt sorry for her that she had to go through such an experience. One of the worst things that can happen to a lady is being touched in a sexual way without her consent (I dunno for guys though). But it's really distressing, a total disregard for one's privacy and person...

So, for now we're still thinking of what to do, how do we handle the client. Back out totally or just tread softly? Spell out our standards and see his reaction or what? It's playing with fire anyways...

And then the pressing question, the one that we all itch for when we're at the receiving end, awaiting the moment when we'll dole out advice perfectly suitable to our individual reasonings, not considering the  differences in personalities, circumstances and environments sometimes, the question that prompts answers that may or may not be helpful but would have enabled you express yourself and empty yourself of your opinion; it comes in varied forms but carries one plea: your input. So, here it is: What do you think we should do?

Drop your comments and watch out for the sequel after we take your advice!