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Something about my encounters with Zahra and Martha have me itching to learn more about the hidden issues of the park. Something is haunting me, stealing away my sleep as I consider the daily struggle employees have. Medical insurance. Retirement funds. Savings accounts. All of it batters against me like rough waves, and I feel like I’m struggling to stay afloat amidst my growing guilt.
This seems like something my grandfather would find important and worth exploring. He cared about his employees like they were family, and although I can’t relate to that, I can pretend for the vote.
So this morning I decided to follow my gut and speak to Zahra. It’s time I talk about her concerns as Rowan, the man who can get shit done, rather than Scott, the lonely asshole who has no pull or stakes in Dreamland. If there is someone who will be honest with me about employee affairs, it’s her.
I find Zahra’s cubicle empty, and a heavy breath escapes my throat. It takes me only a few steps to stop by Jenny’s office.
“Where’s Zahra?”
Jenny looks up from her computer. “She’s doing some recon work. You know, that whole ‘boots on the ground’ mentality.”
“Did we sign up for a war that I didn’t know about?”
She cracks a rare smile. “She asked me for a special kind of workday, and I’m intrigued to see what she comes up with after it.”
“What do you mean?”
“She wants to explore the park as a guest and take notes.”
“A guest,” I repeat.
Her cheeks flush as her eyes roam over my face like she wants to gauge my reaction. “I think the idea is genius, and I plan on doing the same for the entire team. Some are hesitant about giving up one of their unpaid vacation days though.”
Interesting… Why didn’t I think of that?Maybe the fresh take on Dreamland boosts creativity.
I clear my throat. “Consider it a paid vacation day on the house.”
Her eyes widen. “Really? We haven’t had one of those in years.”
You really are a heartless piece of shit. Another thing that’s your fault.
I exit Jenny’s office and text Zahra through my personal messages this time. I tell myself it’s only business. That I’m only trying to meet up with her because I want to discuss semantics and wages and health insurance benefits and employee issues that I’ve done nothing but exacerbate over the years.
Except the small voice in my head calls me out on my bullshit, whispering how all I do is lie.
24
Zahra
Itake a step forward as the line shuffles a few feet ahead. My phone vibrates in my backpack, and I pull it out.
Unknown Number:Where are you?
I scan the thread to check for any past messages but come up empty. The phone vibrates again before I have a chance to tuck it away in my backpack.
Unknown Number:It’s Rowan.
Really? What does he want?
I’ve been keeping my distance from him for the last few weeks, ever since Ani’s little stint to get us together. I’m afraid I’ll end up doing something I’ll regret. Between the dinner he didn’t need to buy me and the pumpkin carving, I’m losing the battle against staying away from him. Plus, I feel guilty about stringing Scott along while becoming more interested in Rowan.
You’ll have to pick one eventually.
The thought makes my stomach sour. I grind my teeth together as I type out my response.
Me:What do you need?
I update his contact information while I wait for his response.
