September 6, 2021

Fuck, Fuck, Fuck I looked at my screen and saw that I didn’t click the leave meeting box and was still in the meeting. Thankfully, I noticed it was just Eloise, so at least my embarrassment will be minimal. 

“Earth to Minerva, are you okay?” Eloise asked due to my panicking state.  

“Yeah, I am fine; uh, why didn’t you exit out of the meeting,” I said, slightly fumbling and thankful I didn’t fall out of my chair. 

“Oh, my delivery just arrived, so I forgot to sign off,” Eloise said.

Then, I noticed that she had cheese smeared on her mouth. “Oh…”

“So, what about you?” She then asked before taking a bite out of a burrito the size of my forearm.

“Oh, I didn’t log off properly and only noticed when you spoke.”

“So based on your ‘thank God, that is over,’ I take it you prefer to work solo.”

I then said it in the politest way I can think, “Group projects have their merit, but overall, I like working by myself.”

“It’s cool. I prefer group projects, but I get it. Everybody has their own preferences.”

After that, we kept staring at each other, and I was wondering what to say to cut off this unexpected interaction when I noticed her bearing a phrase I am very familiar with “I heard it both ways.” This relaxed me, and I said, “Do you like watching Psych too?”

My question made Eloise elated, and she then exclaimed, “Yep, it’s one of my favorite shows. Have you seen the last movie?”

“Yeah, I thought the pregnancy test belonged to Juliet, not Selene,” I said, glad to find something to talk about.

“So did I. But it makes sense if you were to rewatch it. Have you heard anything about the next movie?”

“It will be Gus-centric, and they will be tracking down Selene’s estranged husband so he can sign the divorce papers in time for their shotgun wedding.” 

“Cool. I wonder how many movies they are going to make. 

“The creator said they hope to make a trilogy.” 

“Do you think any past characters will reappear in the next movie?” 

“I hope Despereaux makes an appearance in either this movie or the next. Who do-”  

 “MINERVA!!!!” I heard my mother yell.

“Sorry, I have to go, but it was nice to talk to you,” I said  

“Likewise, bye,” Eloise said before her zoom box disappeared. 

I made sure to log off properly this time and signed. I then signed before quickly running to my mother.