I'd just come back from inspecting the factory floor that day, still in my work coveralls, and ran into her in the elevator right after she'd passed her interview.
She wrinkled her nose, gave me a once-over, and instinctively put distance between us.
Everyone at the company kept a respectful distance when they saw me, so I didn't think much of it.
The next day after work, though, I was about to drive home when Maureen walked right up to my car, pulled open the passenger door, and sat herself down. Her tone was pure entitlement.
"You're one of the factory technicians, right?"
"I saw you drive past Lakeview Residences yesterday. That's where I live. Drop me off on your way."
I was stunned.
I oversaw more than a dozen companies. Tens of thousands of employees.
This was the first time anyone had ever had the nerve to order me around like that.
I opened my mouth to say something, but she'd already buckled her seatbelt and was snapping at me with that cold impatience of hers.
"Let's go already. I'm in a hurry."
She pulled out her phone and started scrolling, not sparing me another glance.
She was new. I let it slide.
It was on the way, so I drove her.