Page 3 of Missed Communication
Just like how Jamie and I shouldn’t flirt right now.
I open my dating app and switch my location to Ottawa, then swap the age range to 25-40. In less than a minute, it pings that there’s a potential match nearby. Turns out today is my lucky day, after all. I click on it, but at spotting the first name and photo, I quickly swipe out of the app.
So much for it being my lucky day.
2
Jamie
Fuck. Me. She’s even more beautiful in person.
About a month ago, I was tasked with researching the attendees for the international summit, to ensure the Prime Minister was following everyone on all social media platforms. When I came across Governor Harris’ page, there was a picture of Aubrey and the rest of Olivia’s staff when they won California. It’s truly impressive. Not only is Olivia the youngest Governor to be elected in her state, she’s also the first woman. But it wasn’t Olivia’s accomplishments that caught my eye, it was the fiery redhead standing next to her. I’m pretty sure I stared at that picture long enough to mess up Isaac’s algorithm for a while.
And here she is across the bar from me, and instead of being professional, I’m shamelessly flirting with her. She came in confident, but the moment she sat down, it’s as if her mask dropped. Her cheeks flushed as I approached her, but there’s no way in hell it’s because she’s interested in me. She’s been traveling all day, and likely exhausted. The last thing she needs is me hitting on her.
As I’m helping a few other patrons, I can’t help stealing glances. Each time I look over, I catch her eyes on me, and I won’t deny, it feels good having a woman like her giving me the time of day. Maybe she’s into me after all? I sure as hell am interested in her. Most women I date are starting out in their careers, but Aubrey is easily one of the most powerful women in the world. It’s arguably one of the most attractive things about her.
It isn’t as if I internet-stalked her or anything...
All right, yes, I internet-stalked her, but any man in my shoes would do the same thing.
She keeps most of her life private, only having public pages with political content, but after a little digging, I found out she’s single. Technically divorced, but no confirmed boyfriend or fiancé that I could find. Not that a woman like her would ever consider dating someone like me, but at least I don’t have to worry about some guy storming in here accusing me of flirting with his girl.
After I’ve checked on everyone except Aubrey and the woman a few stools down from her—who has been flirting with me all night—I make my way to the kitchen to see if any of the food orders are ready. Aubrey’s should be up in a minute, and as I take out my phone to check the time, it vibrates in my hand with an incoming notification:
POTENTIAL MATCH NEARBY
Curious who it could be, I click on my dating app and can’t help my stupid grin that I'll likely be teased about later if anyone catches me. Why is she on a dating app? Aubrey’s beauty aside, she’s smart and has a great sense of humor. The only issue isshe’s only looking for something casual, and I don’t do one-night stands.
Worst case, if I try to match and she declines, I’ll only be embarrassed for a week before she leaves for California. I’m not exactly sure what the best case is. Maybe mind-blowing sex with one of the most beautiful women I’ve ever met? Or maybe a five-night stand?
My fingers do the decision-making for me, clicking the match button. I quickly school my expression before someone finds me smiling at my phone like an idiot, then I retrieve Aubrey’s pesto linguini and the beef ravioli one of the men ordered. I return to the bar and set his down first—any excuse to maybe spend a few extra minutes talking to Aubrey. Making my way over, her eyes light up as soon as she spots the pasta and I have to admit, I'm a little jealous of her dinner.
“This looks amazing,” she coos as I place it in front of her.
I don’t think she’s checked her app yet and I should keep things professional, just in case I’m reading this wrong. “I know you said you were hoping for a half-portion, but I’m sure you can take down the whole thing.”
Shit. That came out a little bolder than I intended…
She lets out a full laugh. “Do I get a prize if I do?”
Fuck, she’s cute. Since she’ll find out I matched with her eventually, there’s no harm in doubling down.“No, but if you want someone to share it with, I’m off in twenty.”
Not waiting for her reply, I slip away, distracting myself with ensuring the bar is ready for the next bartender to take over. I asked for an earlier shift today so I’d be well-rested fortomorrow, but it seems fate is on my side tonight—I wouldn’t have a chance with the redheaded goddess if I worked later.
After about fifteen minutes, I sneak a glance at Aubrey, and she’s rummaging in her purse for something. I remain facing the back of the bar and watch her through the mirror as stealthily as I can. She pulls out cash and huffs to herself. From what I can tell, she still hasn’t checked her phone.
Unable to help myself, I make my way back over, and tease, “Seems you were able to finish it after all.”
Aubrey startles, placing her hand over her chest, then letting out a light chuckle. She doesn’t meet my eyes as she replies softly, “Yes, sorry. You snuck up on me. It was delicious, thank you. I, uh, just realized I only have American dollars.”
“That’s all right; I can charge it to your room or run a card.” I pull her check from the pile of bill folders and hand it to her. “No rush.”
Ricardo slides behind the bar, catching my attention, and I hope I can hand off everything to him quickly before Aubrey leaves. As he ties his apron, we quickly go over who still needs to pay. Since we pool tips, I’m not worried about being shorted. With everything in order, I look over to where Aubrey was sitting, finding her gone.
Maybe it’s for the best.
I clock out and take off my nametag, slipping it into my pocket, then meander over to the front desk. With the winter storm coming in, Isaac requested everyone on staff had a room at the hotel for the conference—just in case we’re stranded here. I’ll be sharing with one of the guys from the media team, butI’m still grateful I won’t have to commute through blizzard-like conditions, even if we’re not snowed-in.
