A racist

Good morning Mrs Payne. Sorry I’m late, I met some irritation at your door.

Good morning Advocate Grey, thank you for finally agreeing to meet. Please take a seat.

Sorry, I have been busy, she lied. Please call me Aziza, she said sitting down.

I presume you busy so I will get to the point. There has been a lot of racial incidents in the country and the tension is evident everywhere. If ignored I’m afraid we could end up with a civil war. I have been tasked by the president to bring in a team of leaders and influencers who can look at our policies and give constructive advice on changes that could lead to healing of  old wounds and bring all races together. I would like you to be part of that team.

Thank you for considering me Mrs Payne. I am really humbled but I’m afraid I can’t join your team.

The door opened behind Aziza. I am so sorry I’m late Mrs P. I had an accident at the door and had to go change my suit. I hope I did not miss our guest.

Come in Steve. This is ....

You! Aziza said narrowing her eyes.

Steve smiled extending his hand. Hello again Detective Grey.

Dolly Payne watched the awkwardness between the two. Steve had offered his hand to greet Aziza but she just looked at it like it was plague. She wanted to diffuse the situation fast. Of course you know each other, you both in the legal fraternity.

Aziza stood up. I was just leaving, thanks again for the invitation Mrs Payne.

Steve stood up blocking her way. Did I offend you in anyway?

Besides trying to convict an innocent black man of a crime he didn’t commit and spilling coffee on my suit, I can’t think of anything else.

I had no idea that was a setup, I swear but I should have picked it up. The coffee was an accident.

Yes, you should have. You would think accusing someone of murder is a big deal because it messes up their whole life and stresses the whole family but it did not really matter, did it?

Steve was called in, that morning to take the case to stand in for the Advocate who fell sick. He had to read everything in five hours. Dolly explained.

Aziza was caught off guard. She remembered Steve very well in court. He did not sound at all like someone who just read about the case that morning. She would have been impressed if the whole case was not so infuriating.

Steve watched closely the expressions on her face and found the way she bit her lip very sexy.

Who takes a case five hours before appearing in court? Are you an idiot or a pushover? She snapped at him.

An idiot I guess, he said with a smile. It seemed Aziza just wanted to find anything to scold him for.

Look what we are trying to do here is important. I will be leading the team, Mrs P thinks you will be a valuable member and I trust her judgement.

Aziza remembered that she was on her way out when Steve blocked her way. I have already told Mrs Payne that I won’t be able to join the team but I wish you all the best. She said trying to go around him but ended up facing him.

Why not? He asked with one eyebrow raised.

I don’t think I owe you any explanation.

Why not? Because I’m white and you think all white people are racist.

Not all, just the ones alive, she said cheekily looking directly at him.

You can’t possibly be serious! he exclaimed.

Now you know why I can’t join your team. She said, trying to walk around him to get to the door again.

Steve moved in front of her, blocking her way again. I spilled coffee on you, let me clean your coat.

Not a chance! she exclaimed.

Why not? You don’t want a white man shaking your hand and touching your coat? That’s racist you know? Advocate Grey, are you a racist?

No I’m not, she said looking at Dolly to back her up.

Well, if Steve had refused to shake your hand and refused you to touch his coat, it would be regarded by some as racist. I guess that applies to you as well.

Aziza opened her eyes wide in disbelief. Mrs Payne was supposed to be on her side and back her up. Are you being serious right now? There is just no way I could be racist.

All racist say that, I will organise a spot for you on racist anonymous. Steve said, enjoying himself. Her disbelief was so cute and satisfying.

I am not a racist! She snapped, taking off her coat and stuffing it on his hands. LL cleaners and nowhere else, she said before storming out.