Thomas & January (Sleepless 2)

I backed up some more when the women started studying me more closely. “What? You’re making me nervous.”

“Unzip your jacket,” Marty said, “and remove the hood.”

I did as she said.

“Better,” Cherry said, examining me.

“Don’t. That’s it. I’m done. She’ll listen to me regardless of the way I’m dressed.”

“That’s a very good thing,” my mom said, making all the girls laugh.

“I-I, uh, need a moment,” I said, feeling stifled.

I burst into the hall and breathed in the air, running my hands through my hair. I was beginning to suffocate with all the estrogen flowing in that room.

“Just be yourself,” I heard from behind me. Callum.

I was so grateful he’d joined me. “You think?”

“Yeah, just tell her how you truly feel, leave nothing out, trust me about that, and leave the rest up to fate,” he said, leaning his body against the hall wall.

“Thanks,” I told him, running my hands through my hair.

“Anytime.”

“I’ve got it!” Jason yelled down the hall.

Just as suddenly, my office door clicked open and a sea of people came barreling my way. I barely had enough time to react as they ushered me in front of them, pushing me toward the elevator.

“You’re not all coming with me!” I yelled.

“Oh yes we are!” Cherry shouted from the back of the crowd.

“You’re not serious!” I said, stopping in front of them and taking in the sheer number. We wouldn’t even fit in one elevator car.

“We are!” someone shouted.

“Fine, but you’re all waiting down the street.”

I led the group of fifteen to the trains and we all piled in.

“This is ridiculous,” I said under my breath.

“Yes, it is,” Cherry agreed, “but if life wasn’t ridiculous sometimes, what kind of life would it be?”

“A normal one,” I countered playfully.

“Hush it,” she said, prodding my shoulder with hers. “You love it.”

I did.

“It’s gonna be a long train ride home if she says no,” Jason said after a few minutes.

“Shut up, Jason!” the girls said in unison.

“Jeez Louise!” he said, smiling deviously.

“Oh my God, she’s gonna say no,” I said, beginning to hyperventilate.