It Started in Paris

Chapter Twelve: We Had A Talk

After sending the report last night to Margaret, I showered and changed to a double-sized t-shirt and ladies boxer shorts. I wondered if last night was a dream or did he actually say that he liked me better than my sister? It's the most flattering compliment anyone has ever said to me. Even my parents always compared me to my sister. They say things like, "Lauren, why don't you decorate your toilet like Claire's?" or "Lauren, why don't you excel in Math like Claire?"

Ugh! It makes me sick.

Despite his hatred for women, he can make one feel accepted. Here I am, lying on my bed at two in the morning, thinking about what he said, "I like you better than your sister."

God, why does it have to be so hard?

I've been trying to avoid the massive thumping my heart has been making since I closed the door good night. I wonder if he's thinking of me, too...

Of course not, Lauren! Why would he waste his time thinking about you? He hates women, remember?

But, people can change...

Stop it!

The only thing that's permanent is change...

Seriously, Lauren! Think straight!

I think I've changed...

Shut up!

Okay, I've got to stop scolding myself before I lose my sanity.

I've got to sleep. I don't want to look like a mummy in front of him...

Why. Do. I. Even. Care?!

Finally, God has showered me mercy, allowed me to empty my head, and put me fast asleep.

"Lauren," Leila's voice was hushed. I felt the light shaking on my lap. "Lauren, wake up. Jack's here."

What. Did. She. Just. Say?

Okay.

Don't panic, Lauren.

Sit up very slowly.

I did as what I instructed myself. I sit up in a slow motion. "What?" I said groggily.

Oh, good. He's not in my room.

"I said, Jack's here."

"Who cares?" I shrugged carelessly.

"What do you mean "who cares"?" Leila said ridiculously. "This is for your report, remember? Unless you changed your mind about getting promoted and decided to get fired instead."

My senses came back into realization. "Right," I said. "Right, right. So, I'll just get changed," I said as I got out of bed. "And--and we'll leave."

"Lauren?" Leila called as I got changed into a mid-loose v-neck blue-and-white-striped shirt, skin-tight jeans and dark blue Converse sneakers.

"Yeah?" I said.

"Can I be the one who'll make the rest of your reports?"

"What? That would be completely unfair," I protested.

"It's just that..." she hesitated. "I know you like Jack and--"

I rolled my eyes in exasperation. "No, I don't."