In my Dreams

  They sat and ate in silence for a few more minutes until the waiter brought Ramsey the check. I think it is about time for me to head home, I need to try to get some sleep for work tomorrow Sidney said interrupting the silence between the two of them. As promised, he paid, and they left the restaurant. Well, I guess I will see you tomorrow Ramsey said, as Sidney turned to him still angry at the comments he made at dinner. Yea, she replied as she walked off to get into her car to go home. As she got into her car, she started to wonder what was going through Ramsey’s head. She still hadn’t figured out if last night was a real or just a dream and but for right now she wanted to go home and sleep. At that moment, her phone rang. She picked it up to hear Payge’s voice over the phone. Hello? Hi honey, what are you doing? Hello Payge, Sidney said, as she drove off from the restaurant almost in tears.

  CHAPTER 9

  Sidney sat home on her couch watching late night TV thinking to herself about what was said at dinner. She realized she wasn’t ready to get into anything with anybody. Dreaming was one thing, but acting on the feelings she had for Ramsey was another. I just need to shake this and move on. Just then, her cell phone went off. She went to get it out of her purse. She looked down and turned it down on the couch beside her. No! I will not look at it, she thought to herself. It was Ramsey; the last person from whom she wanted to hear.

  As she got into bed that night, she lay there thinking to herself about everything. John and their relationship, Ramsey and their work/ friend relationship, then there were her dreams. No matter what she did to disguise the fact that, she was all right on her own and didn’t need a man to make her happy she thought to herself how much she missed just being held, kissed, and even loved. She rolled over No! I don’t need a man she said as she closed her eyes, trying to go to sleep.

  All night, she tossed and turned and kept waking up. Ugh, she looked at her clock it was 2:30 am. She wasn’t tired anymore, but knew she had to be up bright and early for work, so she tried going back to sleep. She tossed and turned all night until her alarm woke her up. Worst night of sleep ever she thought and then she realized it was the first time in months that she didn’t have a sensual dream. Sidney then got up and started getting ready for work.

  When she arrived, she went straight to her office. There he sat on the phone, and all she could think was, he is just hot! OMG, the things I would do to him on that desk! She sat in her chair and laid her head on her desk. Ramsey finally hung up the phone. Good Morning sunshine he said to her and she didn’t respond. Therefore, I guess you are still mad about last night. I tried to text you, and before he could finish his sentence, she interrupted him. I don’t want to talk Ramsey I am exhausted. I slept like hell, and I am not in the mood for you today. Fine! Ramsey said I am leaving with Roger, and you are with Jackie today. Hope you have a better day, and he was gone before she could respond. Why do men have to be so… so… I don't know I am too tired to think she told herself.

  As she got into the truck with Jackie, she wondered if he was mad at her. Why didn’t he want to go out with me today? Why stick me with Stinky, bad breath, can’t stop talking Jackie? HEY SIDNEY! HOW IS IT GOING? I WAS SO EXCITED WHEN RAMSEY ASKED TO SWITCH TODAY! I like Roger, but you need company occasionally, you know! OH Geez, she thought to herself as Jackie kept talking.

  Jackie was one of those coworkers that always wore too much perfume, talking incredibly too loud and never let you get a word in when talking to her. Hi Jackie, yes, it has been a long time. Not long enough, she muttered under her breath. Therefore, how long are we going to be out for today Sidney asked her ALL DAY Jackie exclaimed very excitedly. Sidney rolled her eyes and just began to look out the window.

  So Ramsey, what is new with you, man? Long time Roger asked. Not much Ramsey replied. How are things with you and Laura? Ramsey remembered that Roger was newly married, and they made sure the whole world knew with all their public displays of affection, and texts back and forth all day making it almost impossible to talk to Roger most of the time. Oh, you know We are talking about buying a house, but you seem to be troubled Roger caught on to Ramsey’s kind of out of it mood. Not much Sidney is mad at me. Well, you know, women you can be right, or you can be happy! Roger said then chuckled. Ramsey smiled. Yea, I know that from my last relationship. Ramsey and Julie dated for almost three years, and she always had to have things her way or no way. After they had parted, about a month ago, he kept it hush. She was such a drama; queen he woke up one day and didn’t know why he was still with her, so he broke it off with her.

  Therefore, what did you do Roger inquired? Nothing I notice she zones out a lot, I asked her why, and she blew up at me. Maybe it is that time of the month! Roger said, interrupting Ramsey. Ramsey smirked no I just want to get to know her. I like her. Oh dude, no go! Roger said. What about your no-fraternizing rule? What about it? She might not even feel the same way, I just want to be friends, but she is so secretive. I mean she always zoning out, and I am curious why Ramsey told Roger. She is different from any other woman I have ever met, and I think I might like her. Roger, No bro, stay away I am telling you, it is bad for business, said Roger as they continued driving to their first destination for the day. Ramsey just looked into the distance and began to think. Is he right? Would it be that bad to date someone with whom you work together?

  CHAPTER 10

  It had been a long day for Sydney as she arrived back that the electric company. Jackie was still talking when she interrupted her, OK Jackie, it was good riding with you, but I should get my paperwork done! It will not do itself Sidney said as she quickly walked to her office and closed the door. Thank goodness, I don’t have to listen to her annoying voice anymore. Just then, she heard a voice she recognized. Long day?

  She instantly got even more annoyed. Also, getting longer she replied as she turned to see Ramsey already sitting at his desk. Look, Sidney, I have to admit something to you. I can’t wait to hear this she thought to herself. I just wanted to get to know you because I like you. I know there is a no fraternizing rule, and I have thought about it. Sidney with her back to Ramsey began to smile. I believe the rule was put in place for a reason, and I crossed the line at the lake, but I won’t let it happen again. Sidney immediately began to frown. Ramsey, I have a lot of work to do can we do this later she asked in a depressing tone. Ramsey slowly replied, sure. Sidney then sat at her desk and began to finish her paperwork so she could go home.

  Sidney finally got home, and she immediately picked up the phone to call Payge. Sidney? Payge said, surprised. I thought you forgot I existed. Sorry girl, but I have to work, Sidney replied. I know I am just picking on you. So how have you been? Payge asked Sidney knowing she hadn’t talked to her in a while I have so much to tell you. Sidney then began catching Payge up on all that she had missed. After about 2 hours, she finally finished telling Sidney about everything. Payge was silent, then said wow Sidney you have a lot on your plate! Payge said. Yea, I know I am so lost Sidney expressed in a down tone. Well, what is going on with you? Payge replied nothing much just out enjoying life. Payge was a traveling nature photographer, who was taking a break from work in between jobs to enjoy some time with friends and family. Oh, just enjoying, so free time was hoping to get together for drinks before I got back to work. Well, I am off tomorrow, do you want to get some dinner, Sidney asked.

  Yeah, that would be great Payge said very excited to hang out with her friend again. Great see you tomorrow then, Sidney said. Sidney gets up and looks around her empty apartment. She then began unpacking more boxes when her phone began to buzz. It was a text, who is texting me at this time of night, she thought. She read the message “I’m Sorry if I hurt your feelings today it wasn’t my intent” it was from Ramsey. OMG will this man leave me alone. She replied to him. “It’s fine Ramsey.” Sidney went back to unpacking her phone goes off again. OMG man! She said starting to get annoyed that he wouldn’t just drop it. It is not as if I was asking you out. She read her message.

  “I jus
t want to get to know you so we can be friends; you seem so secretive and mysterious. I know you have a lot going on, and I am not trying to be a bother just a good friend. I never meant it as it apparently sounded. I am sorry Sidney. I do like you, but we both just got out of bad relationships, and I thought maybe we can be each other's support system” Sidney rolled her eyes. Sidney Replied, “I understand, but I am a little busy right now, can I talk to you later.”

  Sidney plopped down on her couch and began to cry. I never meant for any of this to happen, she told herself. How do I fix this? She then looked at the clock. 2:50 am, am I better hit the sack if I am going to meet up with Payge tomorrow she thought to herself. As she lay in bed, she turned on a classical piano station on her alarm thinking it would help her sleep. As she lay in the dark flashes of Ramsey started to flood her mind. She smiled to herself as she rolled over and dozed off to sleep.

  The next morning, Sidney opened her eyes to see the bright sun shining through her curtains. “The sun always will come up tomorrow,” she thought to herself. It was something that John always said after they would argue and it was something that stuck with her even after they split up. It always seemed to make things a little better. She looked over at her phone and seen the indicator light blinking telling her she had a notification of some sort. She checked it! It was Payge. She then read the message, “Get dressed girl were going to cheer you up if it kills me. I will be there around noon… Love ya!” Sidney was happy to get out of the house. Maybe this would help her keep her mind off Ramsey Kelly. Sidney got up and looked at the clock. I have just enough time to get a shower, get dressed and get something to eat. I had better get a move on she thought as she rushed to get ready.

  So your hardcore crushing on this guy, huh Payge said, looking over a rack of clearance blouses. Sidney kept her head down. She slowly looked up at Payge Yeah; I am, but I think it is more than a crush. Oh no Sidney don’t tell me this is the next John. Remember this happened when you met him too Payge exclaimed. Sidney was annoyed by the comment,

  No Sidney said this is nothing like John situation; it wasn’t intense as this in the past, Sidney stated in a more annoyed, aggressive tone. Ok, Ok, calm down. So what are you going to do? Payge asked. I don’t know. Should I avoid him? Sidney said in a kind of uncertain tone. Well, you work with him, so how is that going to work? Payge asked. We will have you think about consulting a professional. Payge inquired. I am not crazy Payge. I never said you were just saying I’ve never heard anything weird before. The story of my life Sidney huffed.

  Sidney and Payge spent the rest of the day bouncing from shop to shop chatting about other stuff that had nothing to do with her dreams or Ramsey Kelly! Sidney was for once in a long time was having a great time with her best friend without a care in the world. This was just the mental break she needed to forget all the stuff going on in her life right now. Before she knew it, it was almost eight, and she had work bright and early.

  CHAPTER 11

  Thanks for taking me out today Payge. She said to Payge with a smile on her face. You know this whole situation is what it is. Payge said to her. You are smart; you will figure this out. I know Sidney said, but I should get home, I have to work in the morning. Ok girl, Sidney gave her friend a big hug.

  Sidney got home and put all of her stuff away that she had bought from her day of shopping. Just as she went to get into bed, she got a message on her phone. She looked at her phone it was Ramsey. Oh, what now she said as she flopped down on her bed to read the message. Why won’t this man just leave me alone? She said aloud to herself. She read the message “Hope you had a good day off. I missed you at work today; it was a boring day, full of paperwork… I have something to admit to you… I had a dream about you.” Sidney reread the last part. Hold up, she thought! He has a dream about me. Sidney Smiled and replied “Oh yeah?” Minutes later she got a reply “Yes, but I am too embarrassed to tell you about it” Sidney smiled a flirty smile. “Why is that she replied” Sidney was in shock that Ramsey even thought about her when they were not working. Waiting for his response, Sidney began to doze off and eventually fell asleep.

  Sidney woke up the next morning to the sound of her alarm. She then realized she was talking to Ramsey before she fell asleep and she quickly checked her phone. There were two Messages The first one she read and her jaw dropped “Call Me if you want to hear about my dream” OMG why did I have to fall asleep! She said aloud! Then she went on to read the second message sent 15 minutes later

  “Well, I guess you don’t want to hear my dream, I will see you tomorrow. Sweet Dreams”

  Sidney sat on the edge of her bed, kicking herself for falling asleep, then she realized she hadn’t dreamed of Ramsey in two days. Was this a sign? Am I dreaming now? She looked at the time. Oh well, I don’t have time to think of it, now I have to get to work, so Sidney then got up and got out the door. Driving to work was nerve racking. Thinking about what Ramsey’s dream was about. Thinking about how she would act around him when she saw him. Before she could think too much, she had arrived at work. When she got in the building, she checks the schedule as she normally does every morning and seen that Ramsey was out alone today. She grimaced, and then she realized she wouldn’t have to feel weird today because she wouldn’t see him.

  She went into her office and began her long day of paperwork. Before she realized it, it was time for lunch. As she sat at her desk eating her lunch, she wondered what Ramsey had been doing, was he thinking of me? She looked at her phone sitting on the charger on her desk. She picked it up “How’s the weather out there?” She texted. A few minutes later she got a reply “Lonely” Sidney smiled and replied, “I thought you liked being alone” She impatiently awaited his answer, “Not with the crazy dreams I’ve been having” Ramsey replied Sidney knew about this problem all too well. “Well, maybe tonight you can try to catch up on sleep. Just ask to leave when you get in.” Ramsey quickly replied, “I can’t do that; I wanted to talk to you,” Sidney replied, “Oh, do you miss me, Ramsey?” She was shocked by his response “More than you know” Sidney didn’t know what to say, but she had to get back to work, so she decided just to leave it at that and go back to work. She was in a good mood for the rest of the day.

  Finally, an end to the stack of work on her desk and it only took most of the day to complete. As she went to turn in her work, she was stopped cold in her tracks. She looked up from her work and there he was looking down at her. Hey, Sid. He said to her with a little smirk on his face. H… Hi, Ramsey Sidney replied stumbling over her words. Are you ok, he asked? Yea, yea I am fine, just finished up about to go home. Perfect, do you want to get some dinner? Sidney had gotten dinner with Ramsey numerous times before, but this was the first time she was nervous about it. Sure, let me just grab my stuff. Sidney dropped off her work to Mr. Brodie; she then went to grab her coat; Ramsey stood in the doorway watching and waiting for Sidney to get ready. You can leave the coat… I’ll keep you warm, Ramsey said with a sly smirk on his face. Sidney looked back at him and flashed a smile.

  CHAPTER 12

  Sidney was not sure what to think about what Ramsey had to say to her. Was his dream like the ones I have been having? It obviously was a good one to have him acting all confident and sure of himself. Hey, Sid, why don’t we take your car to your house so that it’s not sitting here, then we can ride together in my car? Um sure, yeah that will work, Sidney had said back to him as her heart began to beat faster when Ramsey decided to walk her to her car. After a brief moment of silences Sidney looked at Ramsey, he looked to be enjoying whatever thought he had been having because he was smiling from ear to ear. Sidney took a deep breath and finally said so… are you going to tell me about this dream? Ramsey flashed a sexy smirk... In due time Sid, do not worry, I am going to tell you, just going to make you wait for it... As they reached Sydney’s car, Ramsey looked at Sidney and said I will be right behind you. Sidney could feel her face get a little flushed by his comment thinking back to all the dreams whe
re Ramsey was behind her, but not in a car… Um, ok Sid muttered is all she could say, trying not to bring attention that she was blushing, Ramsey then opened her door to let her in but before she could close the door Ramsey looked at her and in a very soft voice whispered I will see you soon.

  The entire car ride Sidney could feel her body heat rising and her heart racing, she could barely focus to drive. The closer she got to her house her heart began to beat faster and faster, by the time she pulled into her driveway her entire body was tingling with anticipation. She then put the car in park and took a deep breath, it’s going to be ok, don’t be nervous… Do not do anything stupid! Sidney began to say to herself repeatedly. He is just a friend who wants to have dinner… That’s it! Just two friends are going out for dinner, enjoying each other’s company. Before she could say anything else, she heard a light tap on her window. She knew who it was, but she still seemed to jump back in her seat. She met Ramsey’s gaze with a smile. Did you change your mind? Ramsey asked. No, I was just getting my things gathered. Sidney said with a quickness. Ramsey then opened her car door and reached out for her hand. Sidney smiled, placed her hand in his, and he helped her out of her car. So, what will you eat? Sidney was too nervous to eat, but wanted to hear about this dream. Hmm, I am not sure what time it is, as Sidney looked down at her wristwatch. It is 8 pm, what’s open this late. She thought to herself. How about some Italian food? Sidney said, Sure, I know the perfect place Ramsey said with a smirk on his face. They then walked over to Ramsey’s car. He let her in then ran around to his side. Got in and buckled his seat belt. Are you ready?