“The company recommends certain courses for their employees. It’s a way to make sure their staff is educated and can rise quickly within departments. You can take their courses at reduced rates, too, so it’s cost-effective and extremely productive.”
“Huh,” I said, perking up a little. “I didn’t know that.”
“I can find out more if you’re interested?” Marta asked.
“I’m definitely interested.” I nodded.
She gave me a wink.
“By the way,” I said, taking another bite of her sandwich. “This is the most amazing thing I’ve ever put in my mouth.”
Marta laughed. “I told you.”
“You are a genius.”
“I think so.”
I laughed. “Thanks, Marta; you’ve really cheered me up.”
“Oh, hang in there, honey,” she said. “You just moved here; it’s a big adjustment. Wait till you meet a few people and make some friends, maybe even meet a potential boyfriend.”
“Oh, I’ve already met him,” I said. “Unfortunately, he doesn’t know it yet.”
She raised her eyebrows. “Do tell.”
I sighed and shrugged. “It’s a nonstarter. He’s my brother’s friend, and I don’t think he’s interested.”
“What makes you think that?”
“We’ve been talking for about two weeks now, ever since we met at Brent’s party, and he hasn’t made any attempt to actually meet me. He calls almost every night, and we talk for hours, and it just feels natural and easy and…right. But then he says goodnight, and that’s it.”
“Why don’t you suggest meeting?”
“He’s busy at the moment,” I replied. “He’s a firefighter.”
“Really?”
“Yep.” I nodded.
“Well, as excuses go, that’s a pretty good one.”
I smiled. “I don’t think he’s avoiding meeting me,” I clarified. “I just think he’s placed me firmly in the friend zone.”
“You’ve met him only the one time?”
“Yes.”
“Then you don’t know that for sure,” she said wisely. “Until you meet again, you can’t be sure about the chemistry. You might need to give it more time. You might need to give him a bit more time.”
“Time for what?” I asked, in amusement.
“Time to discover how wonderful you are.”
I laughed. “If he doesn’t already know that, then maybe he’s not worth it in the first place.”
“You’re the best judge of that.”
I sighed longingly. “No, trust me…he’s worth it.”