wittingly | Meadowlark Inbox;

why

[ two minutes later ]

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That's barely fit for a funeral, let alone this kind of shindig. I'll send Valentino, he'll get you set up, call it an early bonus.

Why are you doing this

Because if you're going, you're representing The Company, and we can't afford to look like schmucks. There's a look- I know you're neck-deep in the work aspect but if you're going to step out and step up? It's a whole other ballpark. You work for me, how you handle yourself reflects on me.

I'm covering my own ass here, don't feel special.

Right
Makes sense

I'm not gonna embarrass you
I still remember the post-quarry tours
You've got nothing to worry about

Thank you for the tailor

Thank me by taking a nap or getting concealer for the bags under your eyes. That's my look, copying it is gauche.

They say imitation is the highest form of flattery
Everybody's gotta have a role model

Don't make me send Paulette to do your makeup for the party, if you're gonna imitate me, it means going all in.

Is it strange that I've never met Paulette and yet somehow a cold ominous breeze just blew through my apartment and down my spine?

No, that is the appropriate amount of dread. She's the best but- that comes at a cost. She may or may not be an eldritch being of some kind, I'm not sure. I've never asked.

Does she come with weird rules like
knock thrice on the pantry before you open the door to let her in
place a single dime under your tongue until she leaves
only say your own name backwards
turn all your cups upside down or she'll over-line your eyes?

So you've seen her usual contract. Don't forget to leave out a glass of milk and thimble of honey and never, ever turn your back on her or your contouring will be all wrong and she'll give you an orange tan.

I've built hydraulic presses less complicated than this

Welcome to the big leagues, Orbie. It's all up from here. And by up I mean increasingly complicated games of social chess and political capital.

I got enough of that after my quarry like a decade ago, I'm good in my lowly station minding my own business and not reminding anyone I'm still alive
I can live vicariously through my boyfriend when I want to remember how much I hated it