"Diana, I have those documents for you." Jenna walked into Diana's office.
"Sit them over there." Jenna sat them down. "Thank you. You can go." Jenna stayed standing. Diana continued working. Jenna sighed and shifted her weight from one leg to another. Diana stopped writing and looked up at her. She peered over her glasses and folded her hands. "Is there anything else?"
"Yes, umm...I haven't seen Toni. She hasn't been here in a few weeks and I'm just....concerned about her."
"Ms. Braxton is fine."
"It's just that, Toni..."
"Ms. Braxton." Jenna sighed.
"Ms. Braxton has never taken this much time before and I'm just worried that..."
"Ms. Braxton is fine. She's home with Mrs. Braxton, her wife, and their new baby having some lovely, happy family time." Jenna felt her head tighten.
"Oh, that's nice."
"It is, isn't it?" Diana stood up. "Having a beautiful and loving relationship like theirs is so precious. You know, Ms. Braxton told me that her wife is the best thing that has ever happened to her. She couldn't even imagine a life with anyone else." She went around to Jenna and looked directly at her. "I mean, isn't that just amazing?" Jenna swallowed and tried to hide her irritation.
"It is."
"Good. Now as much as Bishop Jackson likes to keep the office running like a family, I want you to understand that the personal lives of the senior staff is not to be questioned or discussed. Toni is not Toni, she is Ms. Braxton and her wife is Mrs. Braxton. I expect that you understand the boundaries that have been set forth and will abide by them." Jenna felt herself get more upset.
"Yes, ma'am." Jenna headed to the door.
"Oh, and from this point on, you will address me as Ms. Ross. I would appreciate keeping a very professional setting here in the workplace."
"Of course. Thank you, Ms. Ross." Jenna left out of the office and Diana went back behind her desk.
At her desk, Jenna tried to hide her irritation. "Hey girl." Ivan stood next to her desk with two cups of coffee. "Venti chai tea with oatmilk."
"Thanks, boo." She took a sip.
"You okay? You look a little....upset." She sighed.
"It's just a conversation I had with Ms. Ross."
"Ohh...are you in trouble?"
"No, she just....actually I don't know. I took the documents to her like she asked and I asked about Toni because she hasn't been in the office..."
"Oh yeah...I wonder what's going on with her."
"Well, I voiced concern for her well being and Ms. Ross went on this tangent about how she was at home with her wife and their new baby and how great it is for her to be a supportive partner. Then she talked about keeping it very professional in the workplace."
"Yeah, she can be a bit harsh, but she's amazing at her job and you don't get to where she is by being too easy going. She's very serious, but you'll get used to it. She's actually very sweet." Jenna scoffed.
"I hope so." She sat her cup down and looked at her computer. Ivan tilted his head and looked at her.
"It'll be okay." He chuckled. "Ms. Braxton's wife sure is lucky to have such a good looking partner." Jenna smirked.
"She sure is." She chuckled. Ivan looked at her.
"Ivan." Diana called from her office. "I need to speak with you."
