Page 41 of Kind of Famous
I turned back to my work, grinning like a maniac, until a voice harshed my mood.
“What’s got you so happy, Red?”
Sigh. Gabe peered over the cube wall. Thankfully, I had my requirements doc pulled up, so he didn’t catch me wasting company time on my website.
“What’s up?” I didn’t bother to stop my fake typing.
“Are you free for lunch?” He moved into my cube, nearly touching my chair. “I enjoyed our conversation yesterday about my review.”
“Did you?” My eyes flitted up to check for traces of sarcasm. My recollection had been that we’d argued.
“Especially since all of a sudden, I’m being viciously maligned online.” Such drama. He needed a fainting couch.
I was tempted to say, “So, you can dish it out, but you can’t take it?” Instead, I faced my Word doc, masking my reaction. “Are you?”
“Come out and cheer me up. We could talk about what you liked about my writing.”
I felt a little guilty for having kicked a hornets’ nest his way, but if he’d been the one PMing me during the night, then he could suck it. “I don’t think I’m your girl.”
He pouted. “Why are you being so mean to me, Layla?”
Considering I’d known him only two days, that was a good question.
“I’m sorry. I’m going to work straight through lunch.” And go read these vicious comments. “Maybe another time?”
“How about after work then?” His eyebrow rose slightly, like I wouldn’t be able to resist his invitation.
I tilted my head, trying to find a way to say no without pissing him off. Who knew if he was the kind of guy who might retaliate after a rejection? On the other hand, I didn’t want to keep giving him a flimsy pretext every day either. I wished I had more experience dealing with people face to face or knew how to handle men pursuing me.
The best I could come up with was: “I promised Jo I’d spend the evening with her. Sorry.”
“One of these days you’ll run out of excuses.”
My stomach knotted up, but I smiled to keep things light. “Thanks for asking. I’ve really got to finish this doc.”
I put my head down and focused on doing just that.
The afternoon flew by, sitting in with Ajit and occasionally Dave, presenting my ideas and learning more about the system. Before I knew it, five o’clock had rolled around, and I texted Jo to let her know I was getting ready to leave work.
She texted back:I’m going to make up for abandoning you last night. Save your appetite. I’ll send the car over now.
My imagination took off, and I wondered if I’d get to spend another evening with Micah’s band.
And Shane.
I flashed back to that kiss, and my stomach went into free fall. His texts this morning proved that his interest wasn’t fleeting. As did a new one that came in while I was heading to the subway:Can I come over tonight after work?
I had to assume it would be okay with Jo. He’d been over once before. And I wanted him to. I wanted to get to know him better and figure out who he was. So, I said,Yes, then squeezed my fists together and held back a squeal of excitement.
The Rock Paper
Review of New Horizons - Discussion
Big Fart:
I feel embarrassed for you.
Sabe Ganchez:
