After eating a large salad with turkey that Eve picked up, I open the window in my box-filled office. The air is so fresh, almost briny. There’s no ocean here, but somehow, the air feels salty. Even the sky is fresh—clear blue with puffy white clouds. Perfect really.

Eve comes into my room in a pair of straight-leg khaki slacks and a soft white blouse, showing me dress options for the opening of Hook. I vote for the tight red one because her boobs will look best in that scooped neckline.

She smiles. “My sister said the same thing when I showed her via FaceTime. You think Vincent will like it?”

“Like it?” I scoff. “The man won’t be able to function!”

She laughs, and I do my best to smile.

All is well! Lauren is always happy! That’s what my face says. It’s what I always say even if my insecurities and fears are currently ravaging my insides.

“I was thinking”—she lifts her pen, clicking the back—“have you considered going back to school for social work?”

“Social work?” I repeat, squinting my eyes.

“Yes. You can help service some of the kids who come in here when their parents aren’t in the right place to care for them. Even if you don’t come back here, I can see you continuing this work back in LA. It suits you.”

I nod. For the first time in countless years, an idea about my career feels right to me. “It’s a great idea actually. You know my dad is still pushing law school—”

“You’ve got to be kidding,” she huffs. “Why would you do that? You’ve never wanted to be a lawyer. If you did, you would have done it by now.”

“I know. But it’s what he’s always wanted for me.”

“So?”

“What do you mean, so? You can’t understand. There’s a cultural expectation. I need the advanced degree. And my father has wanted me to follow in his footsteps for so long.” The words sound ridiculous, coming out of my mouth, and I can see the expression on her face is one of incredulity. But it’s the truth nonetheless. “Even Sanam has a master’s in real estate. I’ve got to make something serious of myself, above being a legal secretary. I know it’s good work, but—”

“First of all, you’d be getting a master’s,” she interrupts. “And, if you’re going to spend your time and hard-earned money, do something you actually care about. Otherwise, you’ll be miserable. I see the difference in you here as opposed to back in California. Your work is better, too. And the reason is simple; you like it. I don’t want you to be underneath me here. I want a partner, Lauren. That could be you. Work during the day at Crier and get your degree at night. Or just move here and work with me while you do your degree online. You’re competent and smart. Let’s do this.”

I bite my lip. “Look, I just came here for a break. Let me go home and figure it out.”