Nick Parker sat by the phone with butterflies in his stomach and his knees all shaky.
Two days before, he met Monica at her office. They had talked for a while and he was hopeful, so he confessed that he had a crush on her. He couldn't stop telling her about it. How suddenly their friendship had become this overwhelming feeling. How his every waking moment was filled with thoughts of her and what she was doing. He didn't have to wait very long before she confirmed his hopes. She told him that she felt it too. She had such wild thoughts about him that she felt guilty (she already had a boyfriend.) They sat together for a long time. Nothing physical happened, but Nick could tell that their mutual crush was taking over. As they parted, she told him to take it slow for now and she would decide what to do.
The next couple of days were euphoric. Nick had a smile on his face all the time. He worked out like a fiend so he would look good for her. His performance improved at work and around his apartment as his triumphant mindset pushed him to do his best. He knew he couldn't reach her by phone (he didn't want to embarrass her), so he sent her an innocent e-mail to make sure she knew he was thinking about her. Monday morning came and the euphoria died down. He tried to call her at work and she was at a conference he didn't know about. He called her cell - no answer. He left business-like messages that belied his turmoil.
What if she decided to stay with her boyfriend? What if his eagerness scared her off? The waiting was killing him. As lunchtime approached, he tried to distract himself with actual, productive work. He was only mildly successful. Then his phone rang.
"Monica Webb on Line 2 for you," said the receptionist. Nick's heart rate rose and he told himself to sound calm or he might blow it. Just be cool!
He picked up the line, "Hello?"
"Hello, stranger," she said. Her voice sounded so together. How could she be so collected?
"I'm glad you called. How was your conference?"
"The important part is that it's over. Can you meet me at my apartment in about an hour?"
Nick's pulse went even faster. He thought suddenly, "I should have drank more water after working out - I'm about to faint!" But he didn't. Instead, the happiness slowly returned.
"I can't wait," and they hung up.
The time was warped. He was impatient, so it seemed to move so slowly. But he barely had time to get ready, so there wasn't enough time. First, he had to regain his composure. He was no first timer, so he didn't understand why he had been so nervous. One way or another, it was clear to him that this time the girl was more important to him. So he ran to his club, grabbed a quick shower and changed into fresh clothes. On the way over he picked up a little present for her. As it worked out, he was a few minutes late - just enough to be sociable.
When she answered the door he saw that she was dressed casually. She wore a cute little black sleeveless top with no sleeves and a pair of worn jeans. Her feet were bare. Her neckline was, too. They performed the required half-hug and she kissed him on the cheek. He loved it. He gave her a little snow globe with ice skaters in it. She had skated competitively in high school. She thanked him and gave him a second hug. This one lasted much longer. As they stood together, he felt himself relax. They parted so they could sit down. She shook the snow globe and put it on the coffee table. They sat on the sofa facing each other. She looked him in the eyes and pouted a little.