“But, first, we’ll start with each of our breakout group leaders who will give us an overview of the most poignant ideas that surfaced as we peeled back the layers of the inequality onion.”
Phew! Thank God. I’ve got a few extra minutes to think. I’m sure something will come to me while I listen to everyone else’s ideas. Something I can tweak or change that could be of use.
The first group leader gets up and takes the podium.Okay, concentrate, Arabella.
“I want to start by saying what an honour it’s been to…”
Blah blah blah. Get on with it.
My mobile buzzes and I sneak it out of my pocket. Aww, a text from Will.Can’t wait to see you tonight. I have all sorts of plans for us. Are you still landing at six?
Me:Yup. This finishes at two. I miss you so much, I’ll literally sprint out of here.
I grin to myself, then glance up, only to make eye contact with Dr. Highbrow, who gives me the raised no brow. At least I think that’s what she’s doing. It’s so hard to tell from back here.
Straightening up, I set my expression to ‘very much paying attention’ and turn my eyes to the stage.
“…in conjunction with, not in opposition to, our male counterparts around the globe. The concept is to help men see what’s in it for them when we do well…”
I wonder what Will’s got planned. Whatever it is, I’ll love it. Gosh, how is it only eleven o’clock? Six p.m. is so far away. Focus, Arabella!
I should really take notes.I dig around in my briefcase and take out a pad of paper and a pen, disturbing the woman next to me. She purses her lips at me, and I whisper, “Sorry,” to her.
Okay, think. Think. What’s the best way to permanently solve inequality?
* * *
All right, so I managed to make it through the first half of the session without being called on. (Thank goodness, because inequality is a tough nut to crack.) I sat alone at the luncheon to give myself time to ponder. By dessert, all I’d come up with is, “Believe we can.” It’s shit, I know.
Now we’re back in the auditorium, trying to hash out a slogan we can use going forward. We’re running thirty minutes behind schedule, which means I’m going to have to duck out before it finishes so I can make my flight.
Oh, great, Dr. Sandra Snooty Pants is taking the stage. Of course she is, since she knows so much more than anyone else.I’drather be up there than have to listen to her. Okay, so that’s a lie, but you get me on account of the fact that I’ve established how much I hate her.
“My fellow women…”
Herfellowwomen? Ironically sexist, no?
She goes on for nearly the entire twenty minutes I have left, which, quite honestly, is a huge relief. I can sneak out without having humiliated myself. I haven’t actually done anything of service either, but when those are your only two options, I’ll take the first one.
I gather my things, then stand, apologizing to each woman in my row while I sneak past them. I get to the aisle and am turning away from the stage and toward the exit, when Dr. No Brows says, “Oh, Princess Arabella. Sneaking out early?”
My entire body heats up with embarrassment and I turn to her. “I’m afraid I’m going to miss my flight.”
“That’s okay,” she says, with a nasty grin. “I’m guessing you didn’t have much to add to the conversation anyway.”
I stiffen up and stare at her. “Actually, I do.”
No, I bloody well don’t. Why the fuck did I say that?
“Really?” she asks. “Why don’t you come up and share with us?”
“Fine. I have a couple of minutes,” I say, walking slowly down the steps to the stage. My legs feel like two cooked spaghetti noodles, and for once, I’m glad I’m in boring one-inch heels. When I reach the front, she hands the mic down to me and I turn to the crowd and clear my throat.
“Good luck,” she whispers, but we all know she doesn’t mean it.
I stare around at the women in the room, feeling as out of place and on the spot as I ever have. Lunch feels heavy in my stomach and I’m cold and sweaty at the same time. “I um…my experience is not…I haven’t been…over these last few days I’ve been wondering if a good slogan might be…”Shit! Say something!“Fuck it,” I say into the mic.
A few gasps are heard from around the room, along with some giggles.
