Wendy dashed into the cubicle and leaned close to Tara’s ear. “Um… this is embarrassing, but do you have any chocolate? I just started my period and I’m craving like you wouldn’t believe.”

Tara’s fingers went limp on the keyboard. She turned to look at Wendy incredulously. “Are you serious?”

“I wouldn’t ask, but I’m broke till lunch when I can get to the ATM. Do you have any?”

“You think just because I’m fat, I’ve got chocolate?”

Wendy’s eyes widened. “No, Tara, that’s not what I’m saying at all. It’s just you’re the only other woman in this section, and I feel funny asking a guy.”

“I’ve lost fifteen pounds in the last two months, and you’re asking me for chocolate? Do you even understand the self-control and restraint I’ve been exercising these last eight weeks? Do you?”

“Look, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize, Tara. I’m PMS-ing a little bit, you know? You okay?”

“You’re just going to have to wait till lunch. It’s only another hour. You can do it.”

Wendy nodded. “Okay. And I apologize—”

Tara’s fingers tensed. “Can you just leave me be?”

Wendy quietly went back to her own cubicle.

Quietly, Tara slid open her desk drawer and took a bite from her brownie.

Copyright 2005 Amy Frushour Kelly. All rights reserved.
Reproduction by any means prohibited without prior written consent.