Jenny: I’m just trying to get you to see things from a different perspective because I care about you and I worry about how hard you work.
Jenny: Like . . . I’m just asking . . . What’s the point of running a business if you can’t put yourself first?
Taking a deep breath, Lauren dropped the phone in her lap. As she stretched, she pulled her hair tie out of her hair and let her long, wavy brown hair tumble down behind her. With both hands, she rubbed her scalp, focusing on where her hair had been in a tight bun.
When she was less reactive, she picked up the phone again. She was glad that meditation was working.
Lauren: I know it’s hard to date me when I’m so consumed by work. It’s not fair that I’m always limiting you, and I promise it won’t be like this forever. Right now I’m just proving to my parents that I’m ready to take over completely. Once I’m fully in charge things will be different.
Jenny: Maybe I just don’t get it, Lou. Not for nothing, but you’re their only child. . . . It’s not like there is any real probability that you’re NOT going to get the business. You’ve been taking care of it for at least the year we’ve been together. . .
Jenny: Are they really going to take it from you if you live more of a normal life?? Like, seriously. Who are they going to give it to?? Your cousin who’s never stepped foot in the bakery and doesn’t even speak Spanish?!?!
The tone in Jenny’s message was sandpaper grating Lauren’s skin. With her heart pounding in her ears, she regretted having vented to Jenny about her frustrations. She didn’t expect her confessions to be used as ammunition.
Jenny: I’m sorry. I shouldn’t say it like that. Can I come over, please? We’re going off the rails, and if I could just look at you while we talk, I know you’ll see I’m coming from a good place.
Clenching her jaw like she was holding a hand-grenade pin between her teeth, Lauren forced her breath to remain steady. Jenny was a good person, she’d proven that to her when they were friends in college and after when they reconnected a year ago. Her intentions were pure, even if her execution was sloppy.
Lauren: You don’t have to apologize, babe. I know you mean well. It’s been a long day. How about we meet for lunch tomorrow? Sushi?
After cementing plans with Jenny, Lauren leaned back in her chair and looked up at the night sky through the hole in the roof of her covered porch. In these moments, she wished things were easier. That Jenny could just understand without it taking so much effort to communicate. She just wished that they spoke the same language.