Page 38 of Sinful Beauty
Lucia
Kehlani: Girl. WSP?
Kehlani: No news here. One interview. Blah. Didn’t click.
Kehlani is interviewing for job opportunities within her company and yet she’s struggling. She’s optimistic she’ll find a fit soon, but hearing about her challenges doesn’t make me optimistic I’ll find a company willing to relocate me.
Me: You’ll find something soon. Faith!
I unwrap the cheese that I packed for lunch, and debate telling her about my one-night stand. Mr. Pelz left the office early for a business dinner, and although it’s after five o’clock, this is the first time I’ve had a break to eat.
Mr. Pelz asks me to attend many of his meetings so I can take notes. I could tell him he could record the meetings and ask one of the AI services on the market to provide him notes and action steps, but I haven’t done that because the meetings are highlights in my day. It just means that on days when he has back-to-back meetings, I do too and the time in between is packed with other tasks.
Kehlani: I met my neighbor. If this app had emojis, I’d insert one gigantic eggplant and fire.
I snort. It’s late her time. The only thing that could make this impromptu sesh better is if I was sitting at the pub with a glass of wine, but cheese at the table in the break room will do.
Me: Snag photos & share.
Kehlani: Of his eggplant?
Me: FUNNY
Kehlani: And you??? Anyone?
There’s really no reason to not tell her. Why am I hesitating?
Me: I met a guy.
Kehlani: Get. Out.
Me: I mean, it’s nothing, but I did get acquainted with his eggplant
Kehlani: NOOOOOOO!!!!!!
I consume the rest of my cheese, watching the dots, inwardly giggling, waiting for her response. The screen lights up, and I cackle when I see her name.
A woman in a pantsuit enters the break room and stands in front of the coffee machine. I offer her a smile and answer my mobile since the obnoxious ring fills the space.
“I can’t really talk.”
“What? Oh. You’re at the office?”
“Yes.”
The line disconnects. I stare at the screen. She’s going to continue via What’s App.
Kehlani: Who?
Me: You don’t know him.
Kehlani: But you like him?
Me: Don’t read into it. It’s only physical. Once and done.
Me: Nothing will come of it.
Kehlani: That’s what they all say at the beginning. What does he do?
