It’s Zombie, MJ, and Brooklyn.
“Hey!”
“Hey!”
“Is Ashley here?”
“She’s..working. I told her you were here but she won’t leave her desk. She’s chained there by some sense of duty to The Company.” I’m saying this in the echoey reception chamber and the security guard/receptionist is looking at me.
“Can we see her?”
“Basically..no. I told her you were here. She said she’s not coming out. Maybe I can get her to meet for lunch in like..an hour?”
Brooklyn opens her clutch and shows me a joint. “We brought something for you two.”
“I see. I can call her, but..”
“She’s not picking up, remember?” That’s Zombie. And she’s standing very close. She’s much shorter than me so I always have the experience of her looking up at me.
I have my phone out.
“Oh, she’s gonna pick up for you?”
I shake my head. “Ravi? Hi. Would you tell Ash that I need her to come out to the reception area. She has to sign for a package. Use those words: she has to sign for a package. Thanks Ravi.”
Ravi pulls the phone away from his mouth but I can clearly hear him tell Ashley she has to come to the front to sign for a package.
“She’s not coming.” Indian accent.
“Thanks for trying Ravi.” I sigh. “She’s not coming.”
“Well,” Brooklyn says, “can we smoke this here?”
I’m looking at the security guard and we’re both totally grinning.
“Come on outside,” I say.