When I opened my eyes, I knew the morning was going to be rocky. The sun was already up, which meant somehow I slept through my alarm or had turned it off. I quickly showered and dressed and settled on pulling the duvet up over the bed. I grabbed my tea and headed into the office, with my hair in a ponytail. Fortunately my meetings didn't start till 10, as I was much later than normal. At least it was a Friday and I could relax this weekend.
During the elevator ride, I pulled out my phone to check my calendar for the day. The first thing I noticed was 7 text messages, likely from my worried assistant. I hit the green and white icon only to find that the only people sending me messages are Mark and my neighbor Will. I start with Will, as it is rare for me to get a text from him.
"Everything okay?"
He sent it around 10:30 last night, which would have been right around the time I was enjoying myself. I am so embarrassed. I hardly know Will, but he seems like a nice guy. We exchanged keys in case we get locked out, or need help with a package or watering plants when we are out of town. The only thing I know about him is that he's a little younger - probably early 30s - and seems to live an active social life.
"All's good. Why?"
Then I move on to Mark's texts. I'm mortified. I look at the recent calls on my phone and my worst fears are confirmed. Some of my fun last night was apparently recorded on a 10 minute voice mail I inadvertently left for Mark. I'm tempted to delete his name and block him forever, but I decide to just ignore the texts and he'll get the message.
By the time lunch rolls around, I have compartmentalized everything and moved on. It's been a productive morning other than trying to convince my assistant Liz that the extra bounce in my step is due to an extra hour of sleep in this morning. She's too professional to roll her eyes, but I know her well enough to realize she is convinced that I got lucky last night. If she only knew.
On my way down to get Thai food, I realize I have 5 new messages.
Will: "Heard some stuff last night. Just checking in."
Me: "I'm good. Was nothing. Thanks, though."
Will: "OK. But your nothing sounds way better than my somethings."
Is Will flirting with me? I don't think he's ever flirted before. I've never considered him as anything other than a neighbor, so I'll ignore it.
Me: "haha"
Will: "I'm having a party Saturday night, btw. Stop on by."
Me: "Sounds good. I might. Later."
I grab a table and after placing my order for Panang Curry, I decide to open the recent texts from Mark. He is persistent, I'll give him that. His invite for dinner seems harmless enough and the restaurant is a new one that I've been dying to try. I'm impressed enough that he got a table, so I text him back.
"I'd love to. See you there at 7:30."
I'll have to head home before I go out, as I'm wearing jeans and a sweater, whereas the restaurant is definitely a more formal establishment.
I toy with responding to his other texts, but I have no idea what to say, so I decide to leave him hanging.
The afternoon goes by quickly, and on the drive back home I've decided on my outfit. After a quick shower, I slide on my white lace panties and matching bra. Does it look too innocent? I admire myself in the mirror and finally accept that since I don't have a lot of options I'm going with this pair as they make me feel sexy. After sliding into my blue dress I grab my blue pumps. Boring. I find myself going back and forth between two pairs of shoes before finally deciding on the red heels. Why not make a statement. I can feel sexy and patriotic at the same time.
I'm excited for the evening, mainly because I'm having a great hair day and I've decide my lips will match my heels. I grab my coat and purse and head out.
I suppose it's a good sign when the valet checks you out. My smile is genuine, as he just made my evening. Mark is already inside and has a drink for me. I almost expected a shot of Tequila, but it is a Meritage he offers. I'm grateful, as red wine is just what I need.
Somehow I'm not as nervous as I expected. We sit down and find ourselves transported back in time. He is a great conversationalist and I find myself grateful for accepting the invitation. The second glass of wine has arrived and I find myself lingering on Mark's shoulders. I had forgotten how broad they are. I wish I was sitting next to him and not across from him, but I can't find a good excuse. I'm also worried, because he has kept the conversation almost professional, steering away from anything sexual. Perhaps he's worried that we went too far last night with the texting. Maybe it's the wine, but I feel myself wanting to break out of my mold.
"Will you excuse me, please? I'll be right back."
He stands up and watches me head to the ladies room. Once inside, I slip into the stall and am back out in no time.
"You're quick, Jenny."
"I'm efficient"
I'll say. I slide next to him in the booth and kiss his cheek. "It's really good to see you, Mark. I'm glad you're back in the area."
I can tell he's still a little uncertain. "Thanks, Jenny."
"Let's order some dessert, Mark. How about if we split a chocolate mousse?"
"I'd love that."
By the time it comes out, I've helped to thaw the temperature a little that I feel comfortable with my next step. I begin to feed Mark small bites from my spoon, sharing the same spoon. In no time, we're done. "Let's go dancing, Mark. I know a great place!"