Page 52 of The Aries Alliance
“Not yet, but it’s coming when anti-diversity, equity, and inclusion activities are shut down. Until then, I’m sure it’s just a misunderstanding that can be worked out,” Lance stated with a weak smile.
I cocked my head at him and frowned, clenching and unclenching my fists under the table so I wouldn’t blow up.
“There’s nothing to work on when that woman is making false accusations. I expect someone in leadership to straighten this out before I invite my attorney to this table.” I gestured around the room. “You are all interrogating me like I’m on trial. Your anti-Blackness isn’t my problem.”
When I said the world attorney, Henry’s face softened.
“I-I,” he stuttered.
“I, what? Finish your sentence so I can catch you in a lie.”
By now, I was ready to pop off on his silly behind. They were all trying my patience.
Lance’s big-as-saucer eyes confirmed that I was showing out with my performance, but I was ready to finish what I started.
“There she goes again.” Judy clapped her hands like she’d caught me in a trap. “It’s that language that’s taking our country in the wrong direction. Why are you even here if you don’t like white people?”
Lance covered his mouth with his hands, then lifted his head, looking at each of us in turn.
“Let me take this information back to my supervisors and get back to you with a resolution,” he said.
Judy wagged her bob like an obedient dog. It was the most agreeable I had seen her since our meeting started.
I pointed to each person as I spoke.
“You all are an embarrassment, with your farce about caring for people. You only care about yourselves. Shame on you for hiding behind reverse racism when you’re the real racists. Stop using your power to mess with people’s livelihoods. I wish someone would hold you accountable for being so cruel.” I checked my watch and stood with my belongings, not waiting to hear another word of this stupidity. “I have somewhere to be. In the future, please copy my attorney on any email you send my way. Good day.” I walked out with my head high and scurried down the hall, attempting to gather myself.
I still pictured the three of them talking in the conference room as I nearly collapsed in the private restroom outside my office. When I stood in the mirror and examined myself, I frowned, willing myself not to cry.
I pulled a piece of paper towel from the dispenser on the wall and wet it before applying it to my flushed cheeks. I was strong, but hell, this direct attack made me want to crumble. Humans were not created to be hit like punching bags.
With every fiber of my being, I wanted to pull out my burner phone and call War, but I knew better than to be so careless at work. I texted him instead.
Me:
I need you. Just got out of a crazy meeting.
Within seconds, he responded.
War:
I’ve got you, Scar. Breathe.
I closed my eyes and did just that as the reality of our mission hit me. I took a final deep breath and straightened my spine before walking out of the bathroom and back to my office.
Reality II
The second Scarlettmessaged me at work, saying she needed me, I was ready to run to her office, scoop her up, and carry her away from EFU. For the past couple of weeks, we’d been teasing each other with curt messages and calls, but it wasn’t enough to satisfy my hunger for her. After the week I had, I needed to reconnect with her and comfort her, as I promised her I would.
When Scarlett didn’t pick up her phone, I concluded that she might need some space. I worked out and watched some TV until she messaged me. We flirted for a few moments, but I wanted to look in her eyes and check in on her.
Me:
Join me for dinner?
Scarlett:
Where?
