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?

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