Tit For Tat

I'm peeking through the blinds, watching them drive off, when Jude comes behind me. Massaging my shoulders, he whispers, "You did good, baby."

His hands release me when I step to the side. With my head hanging, I ask, "When's the last time you talked to Melanie?"

"After Mama died. Why?"

"Lana's mentioning her made me realize she has been missing in action for a minute now."

"Melanie dropped Knight as her last name and lives as a Lowry now. You know this. Lana is months behind us. Her outdated knowledge is useless. Like I keep telling you, our focus should be Ellie."

The following day, I returned to work. I saw Ellie in passing but ignored her, and vice versa. Harold invited me out to lunch, but I declined. Instead, I went to the store and purchased a new phone.

I returned to work in the nick of time. Harold wanted to gossip and play, but I told him, "I need to focus today. Let me listen to my meditation podcasts."

"That's cool, Ajay. You're so enlightened. Maybe you can help me get in