The drill next door

Shadow Grace first. Her first line is the one you'll use most on calls: "you're on mute." Say it kindly, with a smile, never as a complaint. Then take Lucas's part. He's worn out and a little lonely; let "Nobody told me" be quiet, and "I can't wait" be warm.

1. GraceLucas, you're on mute. We can see your mouth moving.
2. LucasSorry. Can you hear me now? My neighbor's been drilling since eight.
3. GraceI can hear it, actually. It sounds like you're inside the wall.
4. LucasHe's redoing his whole kitchen. It's been two weeks.
5. GraceTwo weeks? No wonder you've been on mute in every meeting.
6. LucasI love working remotely, usually. But this week I can't think.
7. GraceWhy don't you come into the office? You're twenty minutes away, not on the moon.
8. LucasI haven't been in since March. I don't even have a desk anymore.
9. GraceNobody does. We share desks now. There's always a free one by the window.
10. LucasIs anyone actually there?
11. GraceOn Tuesdays, most of the team. We started having lunch together in the park.
12. LucasI didn't know that. Nobody told me.
13. GraceIt was in the team chat. You probably missed it under all the notifications.
14. LucasProbably. Okay, I'll come in tomorrow. It's Tuesday, right?
15. GraceIt is. And let's touch base about the Sydney launch over lunch instead of on a call.
16. LucasDeal. A whole conversation without drilling. I can't wait.
17. GraceBring headphones anyway. The office has its own noise. Mostly the sales team on the phone.