Beautiful When You Don't Try

Chapter 31

"Oh, thank God you are back." Kim exclaimed as she caught sight of the two taller women walking through the studio to the workstation. She scurried along behind them. "I have been answering and discarding phone calls all day long. Reporters, magazines, newspapers. Keeping the important business messages, as well as a few potentially favorable offers..." Both tall women glanced at each other than over their shoulder to the smaller girl in curiosity. "Offers for interviews in support of the gay and lesbian community." Kim explained with uncertainty in her voice.

Lauren turned her attention back in front of her. She wasn't expecting to receive those calls. Camila, yes. The diva was the one to stand in picket lines and that sort of thing. Lauren just lived her life. She had been prepared for negative interviews or tabloids looking to sell their story for money. She hadn't thought of the possible positive effect this could have. "That's fine. Can I have those before I leave? Camila may want to look into those."

"Of course. I'll type them up and have them for you shortly. However, I am unable to deal with one rather persistent caller. I have been professional, patient, firm, then forceful, and flat out rude...but they still keep calling back. I was looking for your approval to have their number blocked."

Meg laughed, the whole concept of Lauren being hounded for being exactly who she was three days ago was very amusing to her. She was also trying to envision the nervous assistant wandering through each phone call with the emotions she just described. The picture didn't quite fit.

Lauren nudged her and handed her the memory chip to put in the computer. "Sure. Do you remember who they were so I can have them blocked from my home number as well?"

"Yes. She was very rude when I told her you would not be taking phone calls today. It was a woman by the name of Ally Hernandez."

Lauren burst into laughter. "Are you serious?" Kim nodded her head, unsure of what was so funny about it. "Oh, then don't worry about blocking her number. If she's already called that many times and you were rude and forceful with her...she's already in her car, driving up here to kick your ass for not allowing her to talk to me." Fear swept across Kim's face while Lauren had to do a double take to process that it was in fact anger she saw on Meg's face. The woman was indeed protective. "She won't actually hurt her. Calm down. Well, I should say that I won't allow her to hurt your new buddy." Lauren teased. "There's not something going on between you two is there..."

Meg rolled her eyes as Lauren grinned. Kim straightened her posture, a little uncomfortable. "I'm straight actually. Not that there is anything wrong with being gay." Both women turned their attention to the computer screen to hide their smiles as the nervous brunette stumbled further. "I mean, it's just not for me. I..I haven't exactly had any experience with it...with...women, but I'm fairly certain that it wouldn't make much of a difference to have such an experience in regards to my sexuality."

Lauren stood up straight and turned to Kim, pulling Meg by the shoulder to look at her as well. "Now, I'm only going to say this once, and it is based out of past experience. If there is interoffice dating...keep in professional."

Kim's jaw dropped open and bobbed a few times. "But I'm-"

"Straight." Lauren finished for her. "Knowing so, despite having no previous experience with a relationship of the same sex and that even if you were, by chance, curious, you are fairly certain you would still be straight...we 'know'." Lauren smiled again and turned back to the computer.

Meg looked up to the slouched brunette hovering over her shoulder as she sat at the computer. "Would I get the toaster?"

Lauren nudged her shoulder. "Shut up and look at your pictures."