Baby Proof Part 12

At one point, when Michael comes into my office, he catches me laughing at the computer. He darts around my desk, and takes instant note of my in-box filled with Richard Margo's name. There are at least ten in a row.

"Busted," he says.

"Whatever," I say, but my goofy grin suggests that I am, indeed, busted.

"What the f.u.c.k's going on here?"

I minimize my in-box and work hard at ridding my face of the guilty smile I can still feel straining at the corners of my mouth.

"Are you schtupping my boss?"

"No," I say with pretend indignation.

Ding ! My e-mail notifler rings loudly.

"Is it from him?" Michael demands.

I can't resist checking. It is. Which Michael sees over my shoulder.

"Holy s.h.i.+t. You're so schtupping my boss!"

"There's no schtupping going on," I say.

Yet.

"Now. Can I have some privacy, please?" I say.

When Michael leaves, shaking his head, I read the latest from Richard.

I type back, "Yes." Then backs.p.a.ce and type, "Would love to" before clicking send.

I reread the entire exchange, beginning with another one of his weak attempts at a legitimate business purpose.

From: Richard Margo Sent: July 27,9:30 a.m.

To: Claudia Parr Subject: Timothy Lynde

Timothy Lynde just rang. He's interested in paying to take himself on the road for a book tour I think it's worth it. Any ideas on what markets might work best for him? Let me know what you think By the way, did I tell you I had a nice time at lunch the other day? Thanks for joining me.

From: Claudia Parr Sent: July 27,9:33 a.m.

To: Richard Margo Subject: Re:Timothy Lynde

I'll think about cities and touch base with Tim. He's a Mormon so Salt Lake's probably a safe bet As for lunch, yes, you mentioned that I had a lovely time, too.

From: Richard Margo Sent: July 27, 9:38 a.m.

To: Claudia Parr Subject: Mormons

A Mormon, huh? I went out with a Mormon once It didn't go so well.

From: Claudia Parr Sent: July 27,9:44 a.m.

To: Richard Margo Subject: Re: Mormons

Did she try to convert you?

From: Richard Margo Sent: July 27,9:50 a.m.

To: Claudia Parr Subject: Re: Mormons

No, I slept with her and she was excommunicated It wasn't good.

From: Claudia Parr Sent: July 27,9:55 a.m.

To: Richard Margo Subject: Re: Mormons

Shame on you. When did this happen?

From: Richard Margo Sent: July 27, 9:58 A.M.

To: Claudia Parr Subject: I'm old

High school.The 70s. What are you, Cla.s.s of 2000?

From: Claudia Parr Sent: July 27, 10:00 a.m.

To: Richard Margo Subject: And you're funny, too

Ha ha.

From: Richard Margo Sent: July 27, 10:03 A.M.

To: Claudia Parr Subject: You

I bet you were cute in high school.

From: Claudia Parr Sent: July 27, 10:08 a m.

To: Richard Margo Subject: Nope

I so wasn't. I was spectacularly lame.

From: Richard Margo Sent: July 27, 10:08 a.m.

To: Claudia Parr Subject: Re Nope

I bet I was lamer

From: Claudia Parr Sent: July 27, 10:10 a.m.

To: Richard Margo Subject: Re Nope