“Oh, I do.”
“You don’t.”
“I really, really do.”
“Why?”
She pauses, mouth open, cheeks blazing again, those eyes flashing fierce and green. For a handful of seconds, I have to work to get my breathing back to normal.
“Whatever, Genghis. I’m done talking about it.”
“What was that?”
“I said whatever. I’m not—”
The conversation is saved by a knock on the door. “Quick question, Rae.” Dorothy slides inside, smelling like a marijuana dispensary. “I’ve been thinking about benefits.”
“Okay.” Rae sets down the clothing stain pen and wipes she’s just unpacked from her magical mystery box and, after a scathing glance my way, gives Dorothy her full attention. “Shoot.”
“You know how McGruntcakes got sick last year?”
“I remember. So glad he’s better.”
My attention bounces between the two of them, wondering why on earth they’re talking about Dorothy and Malika’s dog.
Dorothy comes over and perches on the corner of my desk. “Weeeell, I was thinking we should give the employees paternity leave. In case of pet sickness.”
I lean forward. “What leave?”
“Paw-ternity. Isn’t that cute?”
“It really is.” Rae slowly nods. “And how long were you thinking?”
“Oh, you know. Very flexible. Like, Grunty was sick for a couple of weeks, so…” She shrugs. “As long as it takes.”
“Right.” Rae appears to consider. “Um, so, would there be, like, a limit on what kind of pet?”
“Oh, no. Of course not! We don’t discriminate.”
“Definitely. Obviously. Cool. Yes. Right away. I’ll look into it and get back to you with details.”
Dorothy stands up with a tinkle of bells and bends to give Rae a big kiss on the cheek. “You’re a delight.” She turns to me. “Isn’t she? Come on. Look at her. Isn’t she just freaking gorgeous?”
“Ahhhh.” I glance wildly over at where Rae’s watching me with an expression that says,Go on, agree with her. I dare you. “Rae seems great.” I settle on neutral ground, relieved when Dorothy mumbles something about just being so happy to have us both in the office as she jingles her way out, closing the door behind her.
“What the hell was that?”
“What?” Rae goes back to emptying the box.
“How could you say yes to something so patently idiotic?”
“You’re talking about the paw-ternity leave?”
“Yes. Why on earth would you agree to that?”
“I always say yes to Dorothy.”
“That’s ludicrous!”
