So Wrong

Nothing happened. Patrick came calmly out of his office a few minutes later, Karen wished us a good lunch, and we were out in the afternoon sun without incident. I promptly burst into tears.

“What the hell is the matter with you?” Patrick asked, pulling me over to the side.

I shrugged. I didn’t know, exactly. “I can’t deal with all of your, whatever. Your friends and coworkers. Not that I’ve really met any of them.”

Patrick’s head tilted and he sighed. “Okay, so you’re upset I didn’t introduce you to anyone? I have to get back for a meeting and—”

“No, no, it’s not that. I just mean that they all must know who I am, or if they don’t ... Well, they will, won’t they? It’s just embarrassing. What are they going to think of me?”

Patrick’s eyes squinted at me. “I don’t know ... Who gives a fuck?”

“I do!” I cried loudly. People paid us no mind as they walked by, but I felt foolish. “I do,” I said again in a quieter voice. “It just makes me look bad.”

“Nina. You have to grow up. Yeah, it’s no