Chapter 12 Summary

The following Monday at work, Lauren is called down to the personnel office. It seems Nick is working on a project that requires an Italian translator and Lauren is the only one available. Lauren resists the assignment, but is informed that she has no choice. When Lauren reports for duty in Nick's office, Nick is equally resistant. However, upon learning that she is fluent in Italian, Nick relents. Nick sends Lauren to his secretary in order to translate a letter sent to him by an Italian named Rossi with whom he is working on a secret project. Lauren finds Mary unfriendly and cold toward her, like a lioness protecting her territory.

Lauren spends the rest of the afternoon helping Mary, answering the phone, finding herself stuck with the humiliation of fielding calls from Nick's various lovers. Later, Nick calls Lauren into his office...