Maybe Later(26)

“Stop it!” I order before I fall back into the black hole of the past.

Maybe Alistair is right. It’s about time to leave the past where it belongs.





*



Friday, April 22nd, 9:31 a.m.



JSpear84: What are you up to today?

AWalk90: I’m not sure what you’re asking.



This guy confuses the hell out of me. Laura told me the other day I have a little crush on my boss. I denied it, but if I had to be honest, I’m actually fascinated by him. Not to the point of obsession, but I am determined to figure him out. There has to be a reason why such a successful man acts like an ogre.

It’s as if he works overtime to keep everyone at a distance. Zoey, the receptionist told me the other day that he’s exchanged ten words with her in the two years she’s worked with him. He’s not rude, just cold.



JSpear84: I don’t have any quotes today, so I’m wondering what’s wrong with you?

AWalk90: Wrong with me?



I stare at the screen. What does he mean? Just when I thought I was about to describe him as kind, he morphs.

“Damn, you, asshole!”

“Meow!” Sushi protests and goes back to sleep.

“Sorry, I’ll keep quiet,” I grumble.



AWalk90: I didn’t know you were expecting them every day.

JSpear84: You once said it takes 21 days for a person to create a habit. It’s a habit now. I was wondering what you had for me today, there’s nothing. Your quotes are like a horoscope. Not that I believe in them.

AWalk90: I’m intrigued. What do horoscopes have to do with the quotes?

JSpear84: Well, every day some people wake up and check their horoscope before they have their cup of coffee. Kind of sets their mood. Your quotes don’t set my mood, but I look forward to them.

AWalk90: Ha! I knew it. You fell for my charm. Everyone does, Mr. Spearman.

AWalk90: No, wait that’s not what I meant. You didn’t fall in love. Just you know, you like me now.

JSpear84: Yes, I like you. If you allowed me, I’d hire you permanently. So how about my quote?

AWalk90: I haven’t found anything yet; I’m in a funk today.

JSpear84: What’s happening? Talk to your friend Jackson about it?

AWalk90: We’re friends now? Well, it’s a complicated day. My past and present are having a party, and I just can’t come up with anything.

JSpear84: You make them up?

AWalk90: I wish it were Thursday so I could tell you to focus on Thankful Thursday. Let’s pretend. Find happiness, don’t focus on what we want but rather on what we already have, Happy Thursday!

JSpear84: I like it, but it’s Friday.

AWalk90: Live with what I sent, Spearman. By the way, your package is en route. Your brother should receive it tomorrow. Never try to mail a package on such short notice. As I stated before I’m efficient, not a magician.

JSpear84: It was an exception, as my brother needed those documents immediately to dissolve his partnership. What are your plans for this weekend?

AWalk90: Not sure yet, I’ll make up something tomorrow.

JSpear84: That doesn’t answer my question. You don’t talk much about yourself, have you noticed that?

AWalk90: Hey, I have a lot of work to do, it’s Friday. My Monday 2.0. Let’s have a chat tomorrow.

JSpear84: There you go avoiding my questions. You like to learn about me, but you don’t talk about yourself.

AWalk90: Actually, I’m about to go to my therapist, and she charges me plenty to talk about my problems. There’s no point in telling others.





Chapter Thirteen





Emmeline


Friday, April 22nd, 8:00 p.m.



Today has been the slowest day in the history of the world. Each minute lasted at least ninety seconds. At least that’s how it felt for me. I haven’t been on a date in years.

What was I thinking?

Why did I agree?

I’m insane. I wasn’t thinking. Planning a trip around the world would’ve been less stressful than going out with … him. If a person hasn’t driven in years, they should start with a sedan, not a Ferrari—or a Lamborghini. This guy seems like the Bugatti of men. What’s his horsepower? I bet he fucks like a wild horse in the middle of mating season.

I clean my foggy bathroom mirror and stare at myself. “And what are you?”

A woman with a collection of sex toys who hasn’t been touched by a man in a very long time. Why did I impose a sex embargo? Having sex means dealing with people, and I’d rather not.



Em: Are women expected to have sex on the first date?

Laura: I knew it, you’re freaking out.

Em: Excuse me?

Laura: Don’t deny it, I lived with you for six years.

Em: Fine, I’m freaking out, and I have no idea what to wear. But my biggest worry is, am I expected to have sex?

Laura: No, you don’t need to but make sure to carry condoms in your purse.

Em: What should I wear?

Laura: What are you wearing?

Em: A towel.

Laura: God, you’re not ready at all. Grab a pair of jeans, a nice top and wear those killer boots you ordered last year.

Em: The Pradas or the Vuitton?