Page 2 of True Colors

Dot must’ve sent him the latest reports from the team, and isn’t it just my luck that he decided to question mine?

Oh God!

I can’t do this.

I can’t do this.

I can’t….

Luther flips to the next page as if paging through a disappointing menu. “Walk me through the variance in Scenario C.”

I’m not equipped to speak at all.

Usually, I rehearse my words, even if I have to speak for only five minutes, and now he wants me to say stuff off the top of my head?

Why can’t he just let me sit, observe, and then go back to my spreadsheets?

I focus on the second button of his shirt.

He’s not wearing a suit.

He’s in a white dress shirt and jeans.

The sleeves of the shirt are rolled up.

He has a nice watch.

Rolex.

It’s nice, but we know that it’s old-fashioned. Even James Bond, who is a traditionalist, is wearing an Omega nowadays.

Get with the program, bud!

“You are Anouk Starling, yes? And your name is on this report?”

His eyes are blue—like very blue. They’re probably a regular blue, but right now, because the sky is clear and blue outside, it’s reflecting in them through the tall floor-to-ceiling windows that have a view of the Golden Gate Bridge. It’s a peaceful view.

There, focus on those rust-red beams, Anouk. And don’t forget to breathe.

I take a deep breath. “Y-yes. I-I-I am.”

“Well?” He looks around the room, exasperated as if silently asking people what the hell is wrong with this chick.

There are a few quiet giggles and snorts. I know who they’re from.

I watch. I observe. I know how people feel about me. I’m considered to be Dot’s pet, but I’m not. She’s just aware of my condition and makes accommodations for me so I can do my job, which I do extremely well.

Dot’s jaw ticks once, barely visible, but she doesn’t step in. Not yet. She only intervenes when there’s blood in the water.

“Sss—”

My tongue locks. I swallow, try again.

“Scen—Scena⁠—”

A few people look at their hands or laptops, trying not to meet my gaze. Others look right at me because they’re enjoying the show.

You can do this, Anouk. Come on!