3.31 The Almighty Algorithm
It’s getting easier by the day to treat Lexie like any other coworker. Today I'm showing her the process for making thumbnails for our videos. We're having fun laughing at the ridiculous photos the photographer sent us, and it almost feels like old times.
“Oh my God, can you imagine making this face when you're surprised?” Lexie giggles, pointing to a picture of Lilly with her mouth hanging open in an exaggerated gasp.
“I know, it's way too much but for some reason that's what the algorithm likes!” I explain.
“I feel like I've heard the word ‘algorithm’ a thousand times since I started here.”
“Well, get used to it. We do everything according to the Almighty Algorithm here.”
“And that's a thousand and one.” She smirks. It feels nice to joke around with Lexie again. The bad memories are slowly being replaced by good ones.
“You're living with Kelsey now, right?” I ask. So far, our conversations have mostly revolved around work, but I figure it's about time we start catching up for real.
“Yeah, their roommate moved out, so they asked if I could take the other bedroom.”
“That's cool.” I pause. “I wasn't sure if you moved out of Cece’s place because of me.”
“Oh no,” she assures me. “It's nothing like that.”
“Good, because I wouldn't want you to stop being friends with her on my account.”
“Definitely not. I think we’ve both just been busy. How has Cece been by the way?”
"She's good. I think she and Ben are getting more serious. I know she's been anxious to get back to performing once she graduates.”
“That's really great! What about Chantal? I know she's been keeping low since the court case.”
“Yeah, that was a wild ride, but she's been focusing on school for now. How are things with you?”
“I don't have any complaints. I came out to my parents over the summer.”
“Oh really? How did that go?” I realize that while I was busy feeling sorry for myself, she was going through the difficult process of coming out. I didn't really think about what life was like for her while I was self-destructing.
“It went really well. They were surprised, but they've been really supportive. They even went to Pride with me. We made shirts and everything!”
“That's awesome! I'm glad they had a positive reaction.” I want to apologize for not being there for her, but I feel like the sentiment is so attached to our breakup that it would open up a conversation I’m not ready for. Instead I divert our attention back to work.
“What do you think, is this one thumbnail material?” I show her a photo of Lacey contorting her face into what I can only assume is an expression of sadness.
Lexie bursts into laughter. “She looks deranged!”
“So yes, then?”
“Oh yeah, that’s definitely going on the thumbnail. The Algorithm demands it!”