James tried to shrug off Shaun’s abusive commentary. He wanted to conjure up his own judgements on the poor woman with no knowledge of the thoughts of the vicious people around here.

James hated how everyone in the office was so superficial about looks, Shaun especially. The only reason he sided with him on most things was for his own survival. If he didn’t smile politely whenever Shaun or most other coworkers began to blabber he knew he would be cast out. James wasn’t terribly attractive himself. He was tall and lanky, and had absolutely unmanageable dark shaggy hair and he wore big square Elvis Costello style glasses and brown suits with clashing ties.

If he had to spectate a little torture in order to save himself, he was more than willing. He knew he should be used to this. They did it all the time, Shaun making lewd comments, him, the dainty sidekick with an oblong smirk.

But this time he couldn’t help but feel a little defensive for this poor girl. She didn’t have the assets the others did.