An Unexpected Paradise

by Chelsea Curto

“Nice to meet you, man,” Greg says. “Please don’t tell me you do social media work too.” “What’s that supposed to mean?” Jack asks, and his voice turns to ice. “C’mon.” Greg laughs, but it sounds stilted. “You know.” “No. I don’t know.” Jack’s palm slips from my cheek. He stares at Greg and narrows his eyes. “Explain it to me.” Greg fidgets and runs a hand through his hair. He shrugs again, nervousness overtaking his face. “You look like a smart guy. You probably do something important. I.T. maybe? Software development?” “Ah.” Jack nods. “I get it. You think what Josephine does isn’t important. Did you know she’s increased our sales by over twenty-five percent in the last year? Did you know she redesigned our company’s website? Not only that, she was also asked to speak at the conference this year because someone more important than you thinks she’s fantastic at her job and works her ass off. Next time you want to insult her or her profession, take a second to realize how stupid you sound.”

swooning