THE FANTASY BOOK

Lauren waits in her therapist’s office. She picks up a magazine and leafs through it without reading the pages. She looks up and sees the receptionist watching her. Lauren smiles.

“You can go in now, Lauren. Doctor Anders is ready for you.”

“Thanks.”

Lauren enters the doctor’s office and sits on the couch.

“Lauren, last time we spoke, you said nothing has worked so far. Why do you think that is?" said the doctor.

“I don’t know. It sounds like I’m not trying, but I have done all the meditation exercises.”

“Lauren, have you thought about getting another job?” Lauren sits up straight.

“Why should I? I like this job.”

“I’m concerned that your infatuation with your boss is causing you a lot of stress and anxiety. Consequently, these fantasies you have about him may start to interfere with your work relationship.”

“But I’m not ready to give up yet,” said Lauren. “Isn’t there anything else I can do?”

“Well, writing down your fantasies could help you cope with the situation,” said Doctor Anders. “But I caution you that if you decide to go that route, you must keep the book in a safe place.”

Lauren is writing in a notebook at her kitchen table. Her best friend, Sepia, comes into the kitchen wearing sepia-colored jeans and a shirt. She sets Chinese food on the table and hands Lauren chopsticks.

“So, how did it go? Did your therapist finally suggest that you start banging your boss? I’m sure that’s the only cure,” said Sepia.

“She said to start a fantasy book.” She said writing down the fantasies could be helpful.” Lauren takes a bite of chow mein.

“Really?” said Sepia. “Is this it? Can I read it?” Sepia takes the book.

Lauren takes the book from Sepia. “No, it’s personal.”

Sepia grabs the book back.

“We have been personal since first grade.”

“Okay, said Lauren. “But don’t laugh.”

“I promise. I won’t. Cross my heart.” Sepia makes an X over her heart. Sepia starts reading.

“Oh my God, Lauren, I never knew you were such a slut.”

“Hey, what’s that supposed to mean?” said Lauren.

“Oh, come on, Lauren. Now, don’t get your panties in a tight wrap. I mean, not that it matters in your fantasies since you aren’t wearing any.” Sepia laughs.

Lauren stops eating, sits back in her chair, and glares at Sepia.

“I’m sorry,” said Sepia. “It’s just that you are so prudish sometimes. Even my grandmother calls you a fuddy-duddy, and that’s my grandmother, mind you.”

“I’m just not as carefree as you,” said Lauren. “I’m more reserved. That’s how I am. Do you want me to be different?”

“No, I want you to be happy,” said Sepia.

Lauren arrives at work and starts writing in her book. Her coworkers surround her and try to read over her shoulder.

“Hey, good morning, Lauren girl, said Rosalind. “You’re in early again this morning, which means only one thing.”

“Yeah, morning sex with Ian, even if it is only in your mind and book,” said Dana. “I bet you’d make a great Harlequin romance writer.”

Lauren sighs. “I really shouldn’t have told you guys.”

“Seriously, Lauren, I’m sure Ian has noticed that you have a thing for him by now,” said Marco.

Ian comes into the office, watching them curiously. “What have I noticed? He said.

They all stare at Ian, frozen.

Rosalind stammers. “That… that you noticed, we think you are a great boss,” she said.

The others agreed while nodding.

Ian is eyeing them. “Uh, thanks. I think you are all great employees,” he said.

They smile at him. He turns to Lauren.

“Lauren, please cancel my appointments this afternoon. I’m meeting my fiancé for dinner, and I’ll be leaving early.”

“Yes, Ian.”

Ian gives them a final look, then enters his office and shuts the door.

“Great. Now I have all night to think of Ian with Boobalicious and not me,” said Lauren.

“Booba what?” said Dana.

“Booba who?” said Rosalind.

“What’s a Booba?” said Marco.

Lauren laughs.

“Jenna, his fiancé. Boobalicious is my nickname for her because she has big boobs. And I can’t compete with her or them.”

“But you have something she doesn’t have—a great personality,” said Marco.

Lauren gives him a look.

“Oh yes, Marco, we all know men go for the personality,” said Dana.

“Dana, I don’t believe that men even care about the size of a woman’s boobs,” said Marco.

“Marco child, if you were Pinocchio, your nose would grow long enough to hit that wall over there.” Rosalind pointed to the wall farthest from them.

The women laugh.

Sepia is sitting at a picnic table and wearing a sepia-colored sundress. Lauren approaches with a basket of food.

“Hey, Lauren. Thanks for meeting me.”

"Wow, what an excellent spot for a Sunday picnic,” said Lauren.

“I know,” said Sepia. “I come here to take photos because the scenery is so beautiful.”

“So, how are the preparations for your first photography exhibit coming?”

“It’s only one month away, but I’m ready.”

“I’m glad. It’s going to be great, Sepia.”

Lauren takes a bite of her sandwich and looks at the crowds of people.

“I hope people come,” said Sepia. “I just need to finalize the food and drinks. I think champagne would be better than wine. What do you think, Lauren?”

Sepia stares at Lauren, who is still looking in the distance.

“I’ve invited everyone I know.” She continues staring at Lauren.

“I’ve even invited these male escorts to come just for fun. Oh, and I gave them your number. I told them that you were really into orgies and that they would be in for a good time since you were a hooker before.”

Lauren is still not paying attention.

“Lauren, are you even hearing me?” Lauren turns back to Sepia.

“I’m sorry, but I see my boss’s fiancé kissing another man.” Lauren points to a couple sitting on a blanket.

Sepia’s mouth drops open. “No way! Wow, she is Boobalicious. What size...?”

Lauren interrupts her. “Stop! Sepia, you need to film this. Ian needs to know.”

“Whoa, slow down. I’m a photographer, not a filmmaker. And besides, I’m not going to invade their privacy.”

Lauren turns to Sepia. “Wouldn’t you want to know if your fiancé was cheating on you?”

“Okay. But I can’t promise it will look professional.”

“Who cares? Just film it and send it to me.”

Sepia takes out her camera and starts filming.

“Boy, am I glad this Monday is over; it was so busy,” said Rosalind. “You’ve been so quiet today, Lauren girl. Is everything okay?

“Oh yeah, I’m fine. I have a few more things to do before I go home.”

“Okay, but don’t stay too late,” said Rosalind.

“I won’t. See you guys tomorrow.”

Lauren is alone. Taking a deep breath, she enters Ian’s office. She puts her stuff on his desk, takes a thumb drive from her purse, and places it in plain view with a note that reads PLEASE WATCH.

She leaves for the night, taking her purse but unaware that she left her fantasy book on his desk.

Tuesday morning, Lauren comes rushing into work out of breath. She goes through her desk drawers.

“Oh my gosh, where is it?” she screams.

“What’s wrong,” said Marco.

“My fantasy book, I can’t find it. I think I left it in Ian’s office,” Lauren starts hyperventilating.

“Oh no,” said Rosalind.

Ian comes out of his office and gives Lauren a stern glare.

“Lauren, I need to speak to you.” He goes back into his office.

“Good luck, Lauren. Ian was angry when he came in today, said Dana.

“Yeah. He was yelling at someone on the phone,” said Marco.

Lauren enters Ian’s office and shuts the door. He doesn’t look at her as he slams her book on his desk.

“Did you leave this book for my reading pleasure and this for my viewing pleasure? He puts the thumb drive on top of the book.

“I only meant to leave the film,” she said.

“Why would you give me this film? And what was the significance of the sepia-coloring?”

“I gave you the film because I thought you’d want to know that Jenna was cheating on you,” she said. “The sepia-coloring was just something else entirely and unrelated to anything.” Lauren looks down.

Ian points to the book. “And was this your plan to get me to start a relationship with you?” he said.

“No, no, I left the book by accident.”

“Why did you even write this book?” Lauren blushes.

“Because, Ian, I have grown fond of you over the years, and I am attracted to you,” she said. “My therapist suggested I write it. It was a mistake.”

“Yes, it was. Please clear out your desk, Lauren. You’ll get a generous package, but don’t return here again.”

Lauren cleans out her desk.

Marco, Dana, and Rosalind approach Lauren.

“Lauren, it will be okay,” said Dana.

Lauren leaves silently.

The art gallery door displays a sign reading A NIGHT IN SEPIA. Many people are inside admiring the photographs on the wall. Each picture has a sepia-colored hue.

Sepia is talking to Joseph, the gallery owner. She is wearing a sepia-colored Roaring twenties dress a matching skull cap, and a two-foot sepia-colored ostrich plume sticking out of it. Lauren enters with flowers and walks toward her.

“Thanks for coming,” said Sepia.

“I would not have missed your big night.”

“Is the new job still okay?”

“Yes, it’s going well,” said Lauren.” I see some of my new coworkers came.”

“And some of your old ones,” said Sepia. Lauren turns and sees Rosalind, Dana, and Marco chatting and drinking champagne.

“Look who’s here?” said Sepia.

“Lauren girl, you are surely missed at work,” said Rosalind.

“Have you heard? Ian is no longer engaged,” said Dana

“What? Do you know why?” said Lauren.

“Rumor has it that someone sent an anonymous sex tape of Boobalicious going at it with another guy,” said Marco.

“Really?” said Sepia. “A film? Who would do that? Hmm. I wonder if it looked professional.”

Lauren shoots Sepia a look with her eyes wide.

“I’m not sure of the quality of the film, but it indeed told a story, said Marco. “It nearly crushed Ian. Between losing you and losing her, he hasn’t been himself for weeks.

“Poor man. He’s been interviewing new assistants, but they are not you, Lauren,” said Dana.

Joseph taps a champagne glass.

“It’s time to toast our brilliant photographer for her outstanding achievement. To Sepia!”

“To Sepia.” While everyone applauds. Sepia turns and smiles.

“Thank you all for coming. It means a lot.” She takes a sip of champagne and notices Ian walking into the art gallery and begins to choke.

“Oh my gosh, Sepia, are you okay?” said Lauren.

Sepia shakes her head and points at Ian. Lauren turns and sees Ian and turns back to Sepia.

“Sepia, what is he doing here?”

“You two should be together, so I invited him.”

“You what!?”

“I didn’t think he’d show, but now that he has, maybe you two...”

“Hello, Sepia,” said Ian. “You are very talented. I particularly admire the unique use of the sepia hue.” He looks at Lauren.

Sepia smiles. “Thanks.”

“Hello, Lauren.”

“Hello, Ian.”

There is an uncomfortable silence.

“Well, I’d love to stay and chat, but there is this thing I need to do,” said Sepia.

Lauren tries to stop her. “There is nothing for you to do, so please stay,” she said.

“No, really, there is this thing I need to do.”

“What thing maybe I can help,” said Lauren.

“No, I need to do this thing alone.”

“Sepia, there is no thing, and you know it.”

“Yes, there is, and it’s right over there,” Sepia points to the wall on her right.

Lauren turns, giving Sepia time to escape on the left, leaving Lauren alone with Ian.

“You look well, Lauren; your new job must agree with you.”

“I am enjoying it, thanks.” They look at each other.

“Look, I…” they said at the same time. They laugh.

“You go first,” said Lauren.

“I apologize for getting angry with you for showing me the truth,” said Ian.

“I’m the one who should apologize; it wasn’t my business.”

“Although some people may think that to be the case, I am glad that I learned about Jenna’s infidelity when I did.” Ian smiles.

“Lauren, I miss seeing you every day, and although we only had a working relationship, I hope you don’t think it awkward if I ask if you want to start something with me.”

Lauren chuckles.

“You read my fantasy book, Ian.”

“True, but a good relationship is about reality, not fantasy.”

“Then yes, I would like to start something with you,” said Lauren.

“Great. Well, how about starting right now with one of your fantasies,” said Ian.

“What?” said Lauren.

“I think this one is appropriate,” said Ian.

Sepia, Marco, Dana, and Rosalind are watching.

“Oh wow!” said Sepia. “They are doing her first fantasy.”

“How does it go?” said Dana.

“In a crowded room, he takes me in his arms and presses me against his body. With his lips on mine, he kisses me long and hard.”