“Huh? Oh, you’re still here.” He looked up at me and smiled. “It really isn’t a big deal.”
“Please tell me that isn’t your dinner.” I motioned to the items laying on his desk.
“This? Yeah, I’ve got a lot of work to take care of.” He nodded and turned back to his computer.
“What was it you told me earlier—don’t let this job come between you and what truly matters?” I tilted my head to the side. “I’m pretty sure eating junk food for dinner is ignoring something that truly matters—like proper nutrition.”
“That was advice for you, not for me. I’ve already burned all my bridges. This job is about all I have left for now.” He chuckled and shook his head.
I hope he doesn’t get the wrong idea here, but he’s clearly hurting, even if he won’t admit it.
“That’s nonsense. You’ve put in enough time for one day. Let’s get some dinner.” I motioned with a wave. “I’m not taking no for an answer. Come on, Irwin. You have to eat something besides junk food.”
“Not tonight. One day you’ll understand.” Irwin shook his head back and forth. “The harder you work, the more work you get. The bosses put me in charge of a really important account, and I’ve got a tight deadline.”
I guess I am taking no for an answer.
“Okay.” I nodded in understanding. “Well at least try to go home before the sun comes up.”
“Maybe.” He smiled and chuckled as he continued to type away on his computer. “See you tomorrow.”
I wondered if that would be me one day, pushing forty with no pictures on my desk, and a diet of junk food just so I could get my work done timely. I liked working at Viking Developments, and I loved the career advancement they had offered in such a short period of time, but I did want more than just a career when I reflected back on my life. The conversation with Irwin made my biological clock tick as I drove back home. I was already twenty-five and I hadn’t really fallen in love. The kiss with Joaquin was explosive and I really liked him, but the relationship seemed destined to fail before it got off the ground. Mixing business with pleasure was never a good idea, and regardless of how great our first date was, I still had to close the deal and buy Hal’s Pub.
Is that my cell phone?
I dug my phone out of my purse when I heard it vibrate and pressed it to my ear. “Hello?”
“Gina! Hello, it’s Angelina.” The blonde meddler’s friendly tone echoed on the other end of the phone.
“Hey—I guess I don’t have to ask how you got my number.” I pressed the brakes as I approached a red light.
You set me up on dates, you show up at my work—yeah, you having my phone number doesn’t come as a surprise at this point.
“I’m having dinner at a wonderful restaurant near your apartment. Why don’t you join me?” She remained cheerful, despite my rather flat response.
“I’m really not in the mood.” I sighed and shook my head, even though she couldn’t see me through the phone.
“Don’t be silly, I want to hear all about your date with Joaquin.” She hesitated for a moment. “It’s my treat. I’m at The Dynasty.”
That’s a really expensive restaurant.
“Fine.” I sighed again. “I’ll be there in a few minutes.”
I passed The Dynasty on my way to and from work every day. I always did want to eat there, even though I envisioned it as the start of a great date instead of a casual meeting with Angelina. I needed to put an end to her meddling once and for all. I certainly didn’t want her showing up at my job the next day because I blew off her dinner invitation. I was glad I had on a nice dress, because The Dynasty’s dress code was strictly enforced. I drove up to the front door, handed my keys to the valet, and walked inside. I saw Angelina towards the back of the restaurant and started walking towards her table with a purpose. I wasn’t going to get caught up in her riddles anymore. It was time for her to stop treating me like a puppet in her sick and twisted game. It worked for Harmony but it didn’t work for me, and I was done being nice about it.
“Thank you for joining me.” Angelina smiled when I approached the table.
“This is going to be a quick discussion.” I sat down quickly and pulled my chair close to the table.
“Nonsense, you really have to try the food here. It’s amazing.” She reached for a gin and tonic in front of her and sipped it. “And the drinks—unbelievable.”
“Can anyone really get a gin and tonic wrong?” I tilted my head and scowled.
“You’d be surprised.” She chuckled and shrugged. “So, tell me all about your date with Joaquin. Was it amazing?”
“It’s really none of your business, to be honest, and that goes double for the rest of my life. I’ve tried to be nice because you did help my best friend, but this game is over. I’m not playing anymore.” I shook my head back and forth as I stared her down.
“Good evening, miss. Would you care for a drink to start your evening?” The waiter seemed to appear out of thin air at our table.