When we pulled up to Lakeview Residences, she didn't say thank you. She just shoved the door shut and walked off without looking back.
I figured she was fresh out of college, probably didn't understand workplace etiquette yet. I didn't dwell on it.
I thought that would be the end of it.
It wasn't.
From that day on, Maureen showed up in my passenger seat after work like clockwork. Never asked. Never waited for an invitation.
Before I could even object, she started making demands:
"From now on, stop by my building in the mornings when you're heading in. Pick me up on the way."
"I hate the smell of smoke. I know it's your car, but no more smoking in it."
"I got down here three minutes before you today. Be faster next time. Don't make me wait."
"These seats are too hard. Bring a cushion for me tomorrow. Something soft."
"I don't like the color of this car. When you get a chance, wrap it in pink."
I'd been racking my brain trying to figure out how someone could freeload rides every single day while acting like she was doing me the favor.
Now I knew.
Her cousin was the HR Director.
"Hello? Why aren't you saying anything?"
"Are you on your way or not?"