Call It What You Want

Chapter Twenty-Five: Let Me Down Slowly

THE SMELL OF coffee was settled heavily in the atmosphere. Laavanya was holding her cup of chai tea latte (which should just be called tea latte because chai itself means tea) and watching the people live their day. It was the weekend so the hustle of workers was less than that of those who just stopped by for their morning breakfast or coffee dates.

She sipped her latte, waiting for Ryker to join her. They had a call to attend with Mr. Z and then Paris was going to drop off Rain because she wanted to spend the day with her father and the woman he was seeing. It was a different kind of happiness to be liked by a child.

Someone slid into the booth and she looked up to smile at Ryker but was caught off guard to find an unexpected person to sit in front of her with their drink in their hand. The smile from Laavanya's face was replaced with a questioning and slightly (read that again, slowly) disappointed look.

"I just need a minute of your time and then I am off to work," Diana said. "First of all, I heard about the autobiography project. Congratulations on that! I don't know who the celebrity is but this is a big win for the firm and...you have proven to be an asset."

"Why the sudden change in niceness, Diana? Why not just ask if I slept my way through?"

Diana's face was hot with shame. "I am sorry about that. Truly. I got too caught up and intruded. I should never have believed in those rumours."

"Rumours?" Her voice cracked. "What the hell are you talking about?"

"It's just—I overheard one of the Head of the department say that Mr. Morris only took the job offer because Mr. Edison agreed to hire you–on his condition. I joined the dots that you two were together because my girlfriend–she is in HR—said that you and Mr. Morris were old friends. Everyone loves good old office gossip but I swear I never doubted your potential. I know you didn't sleep with him to get where you are today."

"How would you know that?"

"I read the article and I looked you up. Your work is actually freaking good. You are better than any of our team members—more than Mr. Morris too, in my opinion. But beware. I know we got on the wrong foot but...they are jealous of you. They know how good you are so with every step you take, be careful."

"I still don't get why—"

"After reading your article, I read more by the same writer. Sydney Quinn, that is. She wrote an article on sometimes how women can be quick to tear each other apart instead of standing up together and I realised—I have done that too. This is me swallowing my pride and toxicity and being a better person. I am trying, Shaw. And I hope you can forgive me."

Laavanya took a breath. She was upset, yes—but not at Diana. She didn't mean any harm. She just wanted to be colleagues, the kind that gossip and make fun together. Even in the beginning when Diana had stepped up to talk about Ryker, she wasn't there to gather information. She simply wanted to talk. She couldn't hold that against her and the fact that she realised her mistakes and was setting them right, she deserves to be forgiven.

"I forgive you." She smiled. "But only if you promise to not engage in rumours about anyone unless they admit it themselves, okay?"

"Yes! Thank you, Laavanya. I'll see you on Monday." Saying this, she left and in a matter of a few minutes, Ryker was sitting beside her.

"Hey." He gave her one of the exclusive soft smiles that are only offered to Laavanya and Rain. He leaned in for a quick kiss on her neck and said, "Have you prepared questions to ask Mr. Z?"

She ignored the fireworks she felt on her skin at the spot he had kissed. "Um, yes. They are on my phone. I was thinking if we could ask Mr. Z if we can record the call."