Chapter 10 #2
“I see,” Harold said, sounding less enthused. “Well, we can look at their schedules and figure out which day is best for bringing
the Prince and Princess from the Palace to the ghetto.”
Lauren froze in her seat.
“I’m sorry, what exactly do you mean by that?” Joy asked, her voice suddenly icy in a way that Lauren had never heard before.
“Oh come on,” Harold said with a laugh. “I’m only joking.”
“Then please explain the joke,” Joy said, folding her arms. “Nobody here is laughing, so maybe you could walk us through what
exactly you meant.”
“Oh lighten up, it was a joke,” Harold shot back. “No need to attack me.”
“You don’t get to joke like that, not in my office.” Joy’s voice was sharp but measured. “This is a neighborhood, a beautiful
community, with good people living there. You’re not going to disrespect them in front of me or anyone present, am I clear?”
Harold just rolled his eyes, but Lauren could see his knee bouncing up and down underneath the table.
Joy stared him down for a few long seconds before going back to her notes. “Let me know which dates are best for the couple
and I’ll connect with the community center to start with next steps.”
“Excellent,” Harold said as he stood up, seemingly ready to beat a hasty retreat. “I’m sure we all look forward to it.”
Joy’s mouth was pinched as she replied, “I’m sure.”
The second Cockburn and his anonymous lackeys stepped out of Joy’s office, Lauren was shutting the door behind them, Joy scribbling
a few notes down as she took a deep breath. “What the hell was that!” Lauren whisper-hissed. “What he said was so insanely
inappropriate!”
Joy just held up a hand as she finished her note, then gestured to Lauren to sit down again. They were both silent for a minute
before Joy finally raised her head, looking annoyed. “Not the first time, not the last time,” she said. “Unfortunately.”
“He should be fired,” Lauren said.
“Why, so another Harold can pop up to take his place? Someone else who can make me out as the angry Black woman?” She scoffed
before sitting back in her chair and sighing. “Maybe I shouldn’t have said all that just now.”
“No,” Lauren said. “You were right to call him out. Do you want to go to HR? I’ll totally back up your story. I’ll come with
you.”
Joy laughed again. “You mean file a complaint with the white Daily Dispatch–reading lady who runs HR? I’m good, thanks.” She turned toward her laptop and frowned at an incoming email. “It just never
changes, you know? Always the same idiocy.”
“Well, if I see Harold in the halls, I’ll trip him.” It was a childish joke that sounded even more immature out loud, and
Lauren regretted it when Joy barely smiled at her. “I’ll be at my desk for most of the day, okay? And let me know the second
you’re ready to talk comms strategies for the engagement. It’s going to be so good.”
“All right, love,” Joy said, then reached for her phone. “Thanks. I’m going to call the community center and let them know that they’re the lucky winners today.”
The office had an air of heaviness to it that day, and Lauren had to stop herself several times from going down to Joy’s office
to check on her or, worse, going to HR herself and telling them everything. She would never betray Joy like that, though,
especially because she knew Joy was right.
Lauren was just starting to pack up to go home when her phone pinged.
“Hey you,” the text from Oscar read. “Want to get dinner?”
Lauren read the message three times to make sure she had it right. He was asking her out to dinner. Was this for work? Was
this so they could get drunk again and make out against another wall? Was it because he had just spent time in Singapore watching
her escort Jasper?
She tried several times to write back to him, then gave up and FaceTimed.
“Hello,” he said, his phone pointing almost directly up his nostrils as he sat on a bus. “Video calling me, I see. You’re
catching me at my finest angle.”
“I wanted to see you to make sure I have this straight,” Lauren said. “You want me to get dinner with you tonight.”
“I’ll double-check what I wrote, but yes, fairly certain that’s what the text said.”
“Hmm, interesting.” Lauren ran a finger along her desk, wiping up dust. “With barely any notice? How do you know I’m not busy
tonight?”
“Well, partly because I know you’re still at work and partly because you’re calling me. Doesn’t exactly imply a hectic evening schedule.”
Once again, Lauren was torn between wanting to reach through the screen and both throttle him and make out with him again.
“Well, I’ll have you know that I need at least twenty-four hours’ notice before any social commitments. Because I am a professional.”
There was a pause before he said, “You do realize that I watched you put up your hair with a binder clip last week in Singapore,
yes?”
“That’s how busy I am,” she replied. “No time for proper accessories.”
“Or dinner, apparently.”
“Oh, I plan on eating dinner tonight, please don’t worry about that.”
Oscar finally laughed. “Lauren, you’re exhausting, and I mean that as a compliment.”
She blushed despite herself. “What every girl dreams of hearing,” she said. “Maybe try again tomorrow. I’ll check my calendar.”
“Fine,” he said. “Go eat your mysterious work dinner, then. Probably frozen and microwavable.”
Lauren decided not to acknowledge her Amy’s Organics frozen enchiladas that she had hidden in the freezer compartment of the
office fridge, just in case anyone got any ideas about stealing her meal. “I’ll see you at the weekly briefing tomorrow, right?”
“Wouldn’t dream of missing it,” Oscar replied, and Lauren could see the smile on his face as he spoke. “The people are breathlessly
waiting for the latest news about which group of citizens the Duke of Exeter plans on charming next.”
“Well, we also might be dropping a few tidbits about the royal family members’ plans for World Book Day. Going to be a big one. Maybe pack a snack so you don’t miss anything.”
Oscar laughed. “Good night, Lauren. Good luck with your busy evening.”
Lauren hung up, then went down the hall to find her freezer dinner. On her way, though, she could see into Joy’s office and
saw her sitting at her laptop, typing away, her face so smooth and neutral that Lauren knew she was still upset.
And then she had an idea.
“Hey,” she said, sidling into Joy’s office, her coat over her arm and her bag over her shoulder. “How are you?”
Joy shrugged. “Regretting not signing up for breathwork classes, if I’m being honest,” she said.
“Understandable,” Lauren said. “Is Theo with his dad this week?”
“Mm-hmm. Thought I’d try to get some extra work done while he’s gone.”
Lauren sank down into a chair across from her. “What food makes you happy when you need cheering up?”
Joy glanced up from her screen. “Hmmm. My mum’s ackee and saltfish with fried dumplings.”
“Well that settles it, then, I’m making that for you,” Lauren declared.
“You can cook Jamaican food?!” Joy said, surprised.
“Well, no, but I’m great at following a recipe,” Lauren said. “Plus, I want you to have a good end to a crappy day.”
“Babe, no offense, but I’ve seen those struggle dishes you put in the microwave when you’re working late.” Joy laughed, closing
the lid of her MacBook. “And now I’m hungry.”
“Fine. Hot pot in Chinatown?” Lauren suggested. “Boba afterward? My treat?”
Joy paused and stood up. “Yes, please,” she said. “I need to boil some things and eat them. A lot of things. And also drink some things as well.”
“Excellent.” Lauren took her coat and helped her into it. “So do you want some good gossip?”
“Of course I want some good gossip!” Joy said, shutting off the lights as they headed out. “Do you even know who you’re talking
to?”
Lauren grinned. “Gotta wait until we’re out of the office.”
Joy squealed in anticipation and took Lauren by the arm so they could walk faster.
“Oscar just texted me and asked me out to dinner tonight,” Lauren said as soon as they were outside the Palace walls.
“And you clearly said no, judging by the fact that you’re currently on my arm and not his.”
“I didn’t say no, exactly.” Lauren sucked her teeth for a second, drawing out Joy’s suspense (and secretly relieved that her
friend was smiling again). “I just told him that I need twenty-four hours’ notice for any personal events.”
Joy patted her arm. “That’s my girl. I think it’s the stupidest thing you’ve done in some time, but that’s my girl.”
“We’ll see,” Lauren said. “To be discussed over a boiling pot of meat.”
“Lead the way,” Joy replied.