Straight No Chaser- The Beginning

by Devin Nishea

  I looked at the time and realized I hadn’t eaten lunch. Who does that? So, I packed up my laptop and darted out of the office for a working lunch.

  I settled into the spot at the table and ordered my lunch. I was so engrossed in my work I didn’t hear the waiter come to the table with my food, I’m sure he called my name a few times before I looked up from my laptop.

  “Oh, my goodness! I’m so sorry,”

  I took a small break to eat a little, then back to work I went. That’s when I felt a tap on my shoulder, which startled me as I looked up. It was Mr. Handsome himself. He smiled. I smiled.

  I sat back in my chair and just looked at him.

  “Sir, are you stalking me?” I smirked.

  “Depends on your definition of stalk,” he said jokingly.

  I laughed, “Thank you for the flowers. But, how’d you know where I worked because I don’t recall telling you that information.”

  He smiled, “Xenia, I have my ways of finding out information. But don’t worry, little lady. I’ll never use anything against you.”

  “Against me? Oh Lord, you are stalker!” I laughed.

  “I’ve been waiting on you to call for our coffee date,” he said.

  “Yeah, about that, I’m still working on this project and I have to give my boss an update later today,” I said, apologetically.

  “Ok, well, I’ll let you get back to your work. I was on my way out and saw you sitting here,” he explained. Xenia, I do want to get to know you better, if you allow me.”

  I looked at him and I felt myself soften a bit. I took a deep breath.

  “I’d like that Isaiah. I’ll give you a call when things settle on my end,” I told him.

  “Alright, I’ll hold you to that,” he said. By the way, you look very nice today,” he said while walking away.

  He left me there smiling from ear to ear. Dog gone you, Isaiah! Now, I have to refocus.

  I finished up my lunch and rushed back to the office to print off my presentation for my boss. If I do say so myself, I dazzled. I had to pat myself on the back on this one. This had to be some of my best work. I was sure to be promoted by the Management team. After the team update with my boss, I couldn’t help but be all smiles. As I was on my way home, I just had to celebrate…but how was the question.

  As I pulled into my driveway, I realized it was the first time I had arrived home with the sun still out. So, I went for a run.

  Running always put me in a better place. Although I had a great day at work, it was still stressful and I needed to distress.

  My five-mile run rejuvenated my body and definitely my mind. As I was stretching in my driveway, a car pulled in. My senses went on high alert because I hadn’t planned on anyone coming by tonight and I didn’t recognize the car. I continued stretching and watched my surroundings in case I needed to make another run for it.

  The car door opened and, to my surprise, it was Amy.

  “Wait. A new car!? Well, aren’t we fancy?” I said looking through the car.

  “Yes, like it?” she asked.

  “The job is treating us well I see!” I told her.

  “Yes, the promotion I was up for came through and the money hit my account a few weeks ago,” she said.

  “This is so nice girl! You have a big girl car now,” we both laughed.

  I invited her inside after a tour of the car. As we walked into the house we headed to the kitchen and I offered her a glass of wine. She passed so I grabbed us both bottles of water from the fridge.

  “So how many miles did you run today?” she asked.

  “Five and my feet are killing me. It must be time for new running shoes.” I told her. Today was the first day I’ve run in a couple of weeks.” I said.

  “Well it’s good to see you back at it since I know how much you love it.” she said. Have you signed up for any races,” she asked.

  “I signed up for one, but my work load has been so crazy that I’m scared I won’t have time to fit in the training,” I explained.

  “Speaking of work and since we haven’t chatted in forever, I am up for a promotion as well! Depending on how this project goes that my team is working on, I could be promoted to the Management team. If that happens, girl the perks that will come with it, make me do my happy dance!” I exclaimed.

  Amy’s eyes lit up and she said, “Oh my God, that’s great! I know you weren’t really looking for the Management role, but this is great news. Well, no wonder it’s been tough getting up with you,” she said.

  “And let me fill you in on my little social life. I hadn’t heard from Jake since he sent me flowers. But I’m sure he’ll call me again since I’m talking about him. And I met this guy, Mr. Handsome, and he’s been trying to get me to go out for coffee with him. And he sent me those flowers,” I said, pointing into the living room.

  Amy turned around and peered into the living room and said, “Oh my, those are beautiful! What did he do, buy up all the flowers in the shop?” she said laughing.

  We both laughed and I said, “Well you know those are my favorite. And I didn’t tell him they were my favorite.”

  “Wow!” Amy said eagerly.

  “Yeah, but I don’t know about him, Amy. I asked him the other day about his relationship status and somehow he avoided the question. After I saw how he avoided the question, I just got off the phone with him.”

  “We don’t have time for that. If you see this red flag, proceed with caution,” Amy advised.

  “Yeah, but he’s so fine!” I said. But yes, red flag indeed. That’s why it has taken me so long to respond to his date proposal.”

  “Understood. Well, girl let me get out of here so I can get back home.” Amy said as she looked at her watch.

  “Oh, alright,” I said.

  I forgot how much I missed my girl and didn’t want her to leave.

  “Love the car and congrats again on the promotion!” I told her.

  “Thanks girl,” she said. Good luck on your promotion and, remember, take it slow with Mr. Handsome,” she said as she pointed at me.

  “Yes ma’am.” I replied throwing my hands up as if I were surrendering.

  I walked back into the kitchen to figure out what was for dinner. I should have been cooking while I was talking to Amy, but I wanted to give her all of my attention. I took out a frozen dinner and heated it up and relaxed in front of the TV, until I drifted off to sleep.

  I must have been tired because it was midnight when I finally woke up and realized not only was I still on the couch, but I was still in my running clothes. Gross! I pulled myself together, cleaned up my empty carton of food, took a shower and hit the sack.

  Chapter 10

  I was on my way to work and my phone began to ring. Since I was driving I hit the phone button on my steering wheel.

  “Hello?” I asked.

  “Wow, you’re a hard lady to get in touch with,” the voice answered.

  There was dead air for what seemed like an hour.

  “Ummm, hi…Jake? Good morning, how are you?” I asked.

  I now hate I answered the phone.

  “I’m great, sweetheart, how are you?” he asked.

  “Please, don’t call me that and I’m wonderful. How can I help you today?” I asked.

  “Why so formal?” Jake replied.

  “Sorry. I’m already in work mode, trying to put out fires,” I said.

  “Oh, okay, well I won’t keep you long,” he said.

  I interrupted, “I’ve been meaning to return your call, but I have this big project at work I’ve been working on. Thanks for the flowers.”

  I knew I was lying but it wasn’t totally a lie, I was working on a project.

  “Cool. I know the first call after a break up can be awkward. It took me two weeks to actually pick up the phone. I just wanted…” he said and paused.

  “Hello? Jake you still there,” I asked.

  “Yes, I’m still here, I’m sorry, guess this is the awkward part,” he said.<
br />
  “The awkward part? This entire call is awkward,” I said as I gave a half laugh.

  Then he blurted out, “I miss you! There I said it. I miss you, Zen. I can’t stop thinking about you no matter how hard I try.”

  I can’t lie, hearing him say that made me feel good, but at the same time ticked me off.

  “I’m sorry, did you say you missed me?” I asked him.

  “Yeah.” he responded.

  I paused. Then I let out a deep sigh.

  “Wow, Jake, I don’t know what to say,” I said.

  “Can we meet for dinner later this week?” he asked.

  I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. This guy. Is this really how my morning was starting?

  “Look Jake, I…” I said, as I paused.

  “You don’t have to answer now. Think about it and let me know,” he said.

  “Jake, I’m pulling into work. I have to call you back.” I disconnected the call before either of us could say goodbye.

  I sat in the car and choked back tears. I couldn’t believe this. Where was all of this emotion coming from? Why today? Ugh, I couldn’t deal.

  I sat in the car a few minutes extra to get myself together and then I headed into work. I couldn’t believe it but, it took me half of my work day to get into a groove and almost forget that phone call.

  I needed an escape. So, I picked up my phone.

  “Hey, Isaiah, this is Xenia, how are you?” I asked

  “Whoa, is it going to snow today?” he said jokingly.

  “I know right! Listen, I was wondering if you weren’t busy if you’d like to meet for lunch today,” I asked.

  Why was I doing this now? Maybe it wasn’t the smartest thing, but I needed a distraction.

  “Well, for you, I’ll meet you. When are you leaving?” he asked.

  “I’m starving, so now,” I said laughing.

  We decided to meet at a new restaurant in town. I cleaned up my desk a little and headed out. I was so nervous my palms were sweating.

  I walked into the restaurant and saw he beat me there. When he saw me he waved for me to come over to the table. The table was a little secluded which made me more nervous.

  As I got closer to the table he stood to greet me and gave me a hug when I reached the table. He even pulled my seat out for me. Okay, Mr. Handsome, I see you! Gentlemen were my weakness. He sat across from me and smiled.

  “Finally, I get some of your time!” he said.

  “Yeah, I figured why not today.”

  I dare not tell him the real reason.

  The waiter took our orders and we began to have the awkward first-time talks.

  “So, now that you have my attention, finish telling me about yourself, Isaiah.”

  “Well you know I’m a lawyer. I’m from a small town in North Carolina. I’m 38 years old and I have two kids; twins and they are in Washington,” he said.

  “Really, two kids? So, what’s your relationship like with their mom or moms?” I asked.

  “One mom, and our relationship is okay, we keep the kids first, but you know we have our days,” he said.

  “How’d you get here? I know you must miss your kids a lot,” I said.

  “I do miss them, but they’re almost old enough for either a train or plane ride out to see me. I think they may come to visit for part of the summer. But, we talk on the phone & Skype a lot,” he said.

  “Well, it sounds like you have a good relationship with them. Which is good,” I said.

  “I’m here because of the job. I never really wanted to move, but this was truly an offer I couldn’t refuse,” he said.

  “Gotcha. So, what about the relationship with your kids’ mom? I know you said you keep the kids first. But are you two still together, married, still sleeping with each other?” I asked.

  I couldn’t let this question go unanswered again.

  “Wow, straight, no chaser huh?” he asked.

  “Yep, that’s me! These are things I need and like to know regardless of where ‘this’ goes,” I said.

  “Understood,” he said.

  The waiter brought out our food, but I was not going to let him evade this question again. I stared at him until he realized I was not about to let the question slide.

  “Oh, your question. I’m separated,” he divulged, reluctantly.

  A piece of me died a little. Separated? Gosh, well, I’ll have to readjust.

  “How long have you been separated?” I asked.

  “Almost six months,” he replied.

  “Okay, is that the other reason you moved?” I asked.

  “Yeah, we both needed to move forward with our lives and the job came at, I guess, the right time.” he said.

  Other than him telling me he was separated, the lunch was actually pretty good. Maybe that’s a good thing. It’ll keep me from potentially falling for him and from doing anything stupid.

  When the check came, I reached for it. Since I asked him to lunch, I was expecting to take care of the check. When he saw I was reaching for it, he immediately snatched it out of my grasp.

  “Um, excuse me, I asked you to lunch so, therefore, I’m paying,” I said.

  “Yeah right. If you’re out with me, you don’t have to worry about paying for anything. I don’t care if you did ask me out,” he said with a smirk.

  I smirked and said, “Yes, sir, okay. In that case, thanks for lunch, Isaiah.”

  Isaiah walked me to my car, we engaged in a little small talk and we parted our ways back to work.

  I got in the car to head back to work and picked up the phone.

  I sent Amy a quick text.

  finally went to lunch with Mr. Handsome. He’s separated 

  My phone’s text notification went off and it was Amy’s response.

   *blank stare*

  I laughed and shook my head.

  Chapter 11

  “Xenia, you’ve done a superb job on the acquisition and we wanted to be the first to congratulate you on being the newest member to the Management team,” Gregory said.

  I wanted to jump up and down but I contained myself. I had a permanent smile on my face, like the Cheshire Cat grin. That was me!

  Being on the Management team wasn’t even something I realized I wanted and needed until my boss told me I was being considered. The perks were great, but never mind that right now. Right now, I’m looking at the experience I’ll gain being in this position. More responsibility and possible headache, yes…but, oh, so worth it in the end.

  The first perk I got to take advantage of, taking off two days. But, before taking off for my long weekend, I was able to treat my team to lunch. Let’s face it; I wouldn’t have gotten to this place without those guys.

  After taking the team to lunch, we all went home at 3 PM. As for me, I’d be off the remainder of the week! As I was driving home, I began to think about how grateful I was. I felt the tears form from my toenails and fill my eyes. They began to stream down my face. I wanted to call and share my awesome news with Amy but she wasn’t available when I called. I just left a message letting her know the promotion was finalized.

  The next person I called? Jake. I’m not sure why I called him, but I did. I knew I would regret it, but as the phone rang, I continued to listen to it ring hoping he wouldn’t answer.

  “Hello?” he said.

  “Hey…Hi, Jake. How are you?” I stuttered.

  “Well, Hey Zen. How are you? Is everything ok?” he asked.

  “Yeah, everything’s good.” I laughed nervously. You were on my mind and I thought I’d call,” I said.

  “It’s good to hear from you. What’s going on with you today?” he asked.

  “Well, today’s been a great day. I got a promotion today, so I’m basking in my excitement!” I said.

  “Congrats, Zen! I’m sure you’re deserving. You must have made a great impression on your project, huh?” he asked.

  “Yeah, I guess so.”

  “So what are you doing to celebr
ate?” he asked.

  “I hadn’t even thought about celebrating to be honest. I hadn’t thought that far ahead. I don’t know.” I said baffled.

  “Well, you have to celebrate. Let me take you to dinner,” he offered.

  “Dinner? Don’t you have a girlfriend?” I asked.

  “About that—no. We actually aren’t together anymore,” he confessed.

  There was a brief pause as I gave my phone the side eye.

  “Wow, really?” I asked. I sound underwhelmed.

  “Yeah, so dinner? Tonight?” he asked.

  There was another pause.

  “Jake, I…” I said.

  He cut me off mid-sentence, “I know I may not deserve dinner, but I’d love to see you.”

  Reluctantly I said, “Okay, sure, dinner tonight sounds…it sounds good.”

  “Great! Tonight it is. Should I pick you up?” he asked.

  I quickly said, “No. Jake this is not a date. I’ll meet you at 7:30 PM at that Italian place on Roneldo Drive.”

  “Okay, cool…” he paused. I will be there at 7:30PM.”

  As we got off the phone, I couldn’t believe what I had just agreed to doing. Dinner with the guy that cheated on me and lied to me for months! I just called to share good news.

  I blamed Amy for not answering her phone!

  Oh my god! What did I just do!? He was right, he didn’t deserve dinner or to even talk to me after what he did, but, hey, the dinner was going to be that…DINNER. Absolutely nothing more.

  I decided to workout at the gym since I had more than enough time today. I ran a few miles on the dreadmill and lifted some weights. I’d feel the weights tomorrow and possibly the next day as well.

  After I worked out I sat in the sauna before heading home to get ready for this dinner thing I agreed to.

  This was going to be tricky because when I go out with someone of the opposite sex, I go all out when it comes to my outfits. I didn’t quite know how to dress for a ‘I really don’t want to be out with him, but I am because; well I don’t know why I’m here’ thing-a-ma-jiggy.’ So, jeans and heels it was. I was still cute, but not quite what I would normally do.