This Can't Be Love 2

Chapter 4: Innocent

Aaron is in the conference room of his office building going over certain aspects of the business that would not be readily clear to anyone unless they've already worked there for some time. The private conference is interrupted by a buzz on the intercom. Aaron is obviously not happy about that, but pushes the button to answer anyhow.

"Very important conference here, Brenda. I even have our Moscow branch here via satelite, so whatever this is..."

"I know sir. I am extremely sorry. I told her you were busy, but she adamantly insisted. It's really difficult to say no to your daughter."

Aaron runs his hand down his face while exhaling. He rubs his chin while looking at the intercom.

"Tell me about it... Alright... Is she listening? Put her on the line."

A subtle click and rattle are heard over the intercom, followed by Rebecca's voice.

"Hi, dad!"

"Hi precious! Look I'm very very busy, so, please just tell me you're not here because you're in trouble. Are you okay?"

"I'm not in trouble, dad. I just came to see you. I'm done with all my classes today so I just asked Tim to bring me here. I'll wait till your meeting's over, I'll be in the lobby talking to... Whatever this broad's name is."

"That's fine, honey. I'm just glad you're not in trouble. I love you."

"Mom and I love you too, dad!"

Aaron clicks the button on the intercom to return to his conference call.

"I apologize for that interruption, gentlemen. Where were we?"

Meanwhile, Rebecca hangs up the reception desk phone and hands it back to Brenda with a smile. Brenda looks at her with a faked smile as Mia ignores her presence.

"It's Brenda, by the way."

Rebecca raises her eyebrows with a smile.

"What is?"

"My name. It is Brenda. Don't refer to me as this broad."

"Don't take it personal, I call everyone broad. Unless you're a total bitch, then I might just call you a total bitch. Or a slut, maybe a hoe if I don't really hate you... Sometimes I might even use the word 'bimbo' but I'm not even entirely sure what it means."

Mia is trying to ignore them but she can't help but chuckle so she just offers a free comment.

"She's funny, Bren. I like her."

Rebecca laughs a bit and rests her elbow on the counter while looking around the lobby. Brenda relaxes into her seat and smiles at Rebecca.

"Okay... Anyway, that was an interesting thing you said to Mr. Walsh... 'Mom and I love you'? That's kinda sweet, seeing as your mom doesn't know him."

Rebecca scoffs.

"Bitch please..."

Mia clears her throat and rolls her chair away from Brenda, who glances at her and then looks back at Rebecca.

"I don't mean any disrespect with that comment. I really just think it's the sweetest way to say I love you to your dad. It must be so hard for him as a single parent and--"

"You know, Brenda... Every time I come here I wonder 'hmmm which one of these office sluts is the one who would be willing to bang my dad just to get a raise?' And I always leave with that question unanswered, but in the back of my mind, your face keeps popping up. Right now, I think you're making it pretty clear... I found the office slut... And she's not even that pretty."