One Last First Date

by Kate O'Keeffe

  I had called Marissa in floods of tears, sobbing incoherently into the phone, after Parker had finally abandoned his mission to make me believe him on Sunday. Barely able to make out a word, Marissa had jumped in her car and turned up on my doorstep with wine, two flavors of ice cream, and a large box of tissues.

  Best. Friend. Ever.

  In between blowing my nose like I was in the brass section of one of Parker’s god-awful jazz bands, I updated her on my sorry tale: how he still hadn’t said “I love you” and how I was certain he was still in love with his ex.

  “Do you think he was trying to make you into her? You know, with taking you to jazz clubs, playing golf with you, and things?” Marissa had asked.

  Up until that moment, I had only thought he wanted a girlfriend to look like Sara. Fresh tears welled in my eyes. “Now I do.”

  “Oh, honey.” Marissa handed me a fresh wad of tissues, which I made use of as my tears flowed.

  “Right. So. The way I see it, you have two choices here: either put on your big girl panties and end it with Parker . . .”

  I let out a gasp. The thought of breaking up with Parker was too much. “Or?”

  “Or . . .” She had looked into the distance, scrunching up her face, deep in thought. “Or nothing.”

  I swallowed. Hard.

  “Cassie, I just don’t see another way around this. Do you? If you are his rebound girl, then you’re wasting your time.”

  “But . . . but what about the beach pact?”

  She had dismissed my concern with a wave of her hand. “We’ve already agreed that’s a load of old hooey.”

  “Well, you said it was a load of old hooey, not me,” I corrected her, my voice timid, worn out.

  “What are you going to do, flog a dead horse just so you make sure you marry this guy? Just so you don’t go upsetting the Goddess of the Sea, or whatever it was Paige called her.”

  “Beach. It was the Goddess of the Beach.”

  “Whatever. It doesn’t matter. Cassie, be realistic.”

  I’d looked down. It may have meant nothing to Marissa, but I believed it. And I was convinced it would work. Until now.

  Marissa had placed her hand gently on my arm. “Cassie, I’m your friend, right?”

  I’d nodded grimly.

  “Keep your dignity. Move on. He’s not worth it. And you will find the right guy someday, I’m sure of it. And he won’t be in love with someone else.”

  At the elevator in the office, I let out a heavy sigh. “Not a whole lot of sleep last night, I guess.”

  Marissa wrapped her arm around my shoulders. “You need chocolate. Stat!”

  Ten minutes later, we sat at our usual table in the window. Bailey took time out to sit with us as I shared my sad and woeful tale with her and Paige, Marissa nodding along, throwing in her two cents every now and then.

  “She needs to move on,” Marissa pronounced at the end of my spiel. “You can all see that, right?” Things were very cut and dried with Marissa on this topic. Shame I couldn’t share in her decisiveness.

  “Maybe,” Bailey said, shrugging. My ears pricked up, a ray of hope?

  “Why? What do you think?” I asked.

  “Well, let’s see.” Bailey numbered points off on her fingers. “You’ve been dating for months and it’s been going really well. You’re really into him and he seems to be really into you, too. He introduced you to his parents, and guys don’t do that unless they’re pretty serious, right?”

  Everyone at the table nodded.

  “Plus, he apologized for the way he reacted when he saw his ex. I get it. If I ever bump into my ex, I think I’ll probably have a heart attack or worse! It’s only natural.”

  I could feel a smile try to take shape on my face as my heart began to float up to its rightful place for the first time since “The Sara Incident,” as I now referred to it. Everything Bailey said was reasonable, logical. Maybe I was overreacting? “You might be right.”

  “He’s worth it, right?” Bailey asked.

  “Yes,” I replied without even having to think about it. Parker was meant to be my future husband. I needed to fight for him—Sara Winston-holy-crap-Smythe or not.

  “Yes, yes!” Paige added eagerly. “Oh, Cassie, it’s at least worth a shot. Talk to him, give him another chance. Please.” She looked at me pleadingly, like a puppy waiting for a treat.

  My smile now fully formed, I agreed to talk to Parker. I needed to give him another chance. Perhaps I had been overreacting? Perhaps Sara and I were simply Parker’s “type” and it was no big deal? I mean, we all had a “type,” right? There was only one way to find out. Before I lost my nerve, I got up from the table and walked out onto the street to text him. I needed space to work out what to say. I stared at my screen, at all the texts I’d received from him over the last forty-eight hours. Why would he send me so many texts if he didn’t care?

  I began to type. I asked to meet him tonight, saying we needed to talk. I half expected him to run a mile. Didn’t guys hate those four words, “we need to talk”? I got a text back within moments, thanking me, agreeing to meet me and assuring me, “You won’t regret this.” I swallowed. God, I hope I don’t.

  As I walked back into the café, Bailey was serving customers. I gave her the thumbs-up. She shot me a grin before turning back to her line of hungry customers.

  I took my seat at the table with the girls. I smiled when I saw my café latte and a slice of flourless chocolate and raspberry cake sitting in front of me. I mouthed a “thank you” to Bailey who winked at me.

  It was official; my friends rocked.

  “Did you do it?” Paige asked.

  I let out a puff of air. “We’re meeting tonight after work at my place.”

  “Good,” Paige said. “Right, Marissa?”

  Marissa shrugged. “Sure, I just think—” She was cut off by Paige.

  “Let’s see what Parker has to say, okay?”

  “Sure,” Marissa conceded.

  I needed a change of topic. “You’ve heard about my disastrous weekend. How was yours?”

  “Mine was the usual: dateless, sad, and lonely,” Marissa said with a sigh. “Paige’s wasn’t, though.”

  Paige’s blush was instant. I raised my eyebrows in question. “So?” I lead. In the disaster that had become my love life, I had completely forgotten about Paige’s date with Will.

  She sighed one of those happy sighs people in love do. “It was wonderful. Will is such a great guy. We went for a drink at O’Dowd’s, which was fun. We had a great time. He’s so funny. I spent most of the night laughing.”

  We listened as she told us about their evening, from what he wore to what they ate and everything in between. It was clear to me she was buzzing out over Will and the prospect of a future with him.

  “So that’s me done and dusted. I’ve been on my One Last First Date.” Paige grinned at us both.

  “That’s so great, Paige,” I said, trying my best to feel happy for her. I envied her confidence. But then, I had been confident Parker was the man for me after my One Last First Date, too. And, perhaps, he still was.

  Back in the office, I got the call from Brian that Laura wanted to see me in her office. With the way things were going for me, I admit, I expected the very worst. She was going to let me down gently, explain to me that Will was the better team player, had stronger leadership skills, was basically a superior human being in all conceivable ways. And right now, I’d have to agree with her.

  With a heart about as heavy as an elephant with a late-night food binge habit, I trudged up the stairs to the twelfth floor. Every step I took was labored, my black court shoes clanking on the tiled surface, my hand grasping the rail just to keep some modicum of momentum to get me to the top. I was taking the death march. I knew what was coming. It was all over, and Will had won.

  Brian greeted me with his usual lack of enthusiasm, and without even the chance to sit down, I was ushered into Laura’s office, the door closed firmly beh
ind me.

  Laura looked up from screen, removed her reading glasses, and smiled. “Cassie. Thank you for coming.”

  I gave her a toothless smile—all I could muster in my final moments of contender for the job. In a matter of moments, I’d be an “also ran,” having to congratulate Will on his ascension up the corporate ladder, my one opportunity turned to dust.

  Laura walked around her desk and offered me a seat on one of her plush leather chairs. She sat opposite me and made small talk, asking me about my weekend.

  I thought of Parker being in love with Sara. “Oh, it was great, thanks. Yours?” My eye twitched, right on cue.

  “Wonderful. We took the boat to Lake Taupo. My husband’s a mad fisherman, you see.”

  “Oh.” I wasn’t capable of small talk. Just get this over with so I can go slit my wrists.

  “So, Cassie. I imagine you know why you’re here.”

  “I do.” My stomach sank. I bit my bottom lip. Will Jordan: Regional Manager.

  She smiled her we’re-letting-you-down-gently smile at me. “We’ve come to a decision concerning the Regional Manager’s position.”

  “Okay.” It’s Will.

  “It was a very close call between the candidates, and you both did a wonderful job delivering the project.”

  “That’s good. Thank you.” Just say it, just say it’s Will.

  “We were very impressed with you, Cassie.”

  But . . .

  “We have decided to offer you the role of Regional Manager.”

  I shrugged. “Well, I’m sure he’ll do a great job.” I hoped I sounded magnanimous in defeat.

  “Did you not hear me? We want to offer you the role, Cassie.”

  My breath hitched in my throat. “Me?” My eyes got huge.

  Laura laughed, leaning back in her chair, her perfectly manicured hand against her chest. “Yes, you.”

  “I . . . ah . . . I don’t know what to say.” Will didn’t get the job?

  “We felt you were the best fit for the role.” Laura stood and stretched her hand out toward me.

  In a fog, I stood and took it. “Err, thank you.”

  “You are more than welcome. Congratulations, Cassie. I think you’re going to do a wonderful job.”

  I got the job? I got the job?!

  I swallowed. “Thank you.” I couldn’t believe it. I beat Will Jordan—Mr. Can-Do-No-Wrong, star salesperson, teamwork extraordinaire—to the Regional Manager’s job? “I would love to be your Regional Manager. I won’t let you down, I promise.”

  Laura let out a laugh. “I know you won’t, Cassie.” She looked down at our hands. “Could I—?” I was still gripping and shaking it so enthusiastically I was in fear of unhinging her shoulder.

  “Oops, sorry.” I dropped her hand like a hotcake. “I . . . ah, wasn’t expecting this.”

  Laura walked toward the door, motioning our meeting had come to a close. “Schedule something with Brian for later in the day. We can talk about the next steps then.”

  “Okay. Yes. I’ll talk to Brian,” I confirmed as she opened the door. “And thank you.”

  She laughed again. “You already said that. I’m pleased to have you on board.”

  In a total daze, Brian and I agreed on a time for me to meet with Laura after lunch, and I floated down the stairs to the sales floor, past my team members who were totally oblivious to how my life had just changed, going about their daily business as usual. I reached my cubicle and sat down heavily in my seat.

  I got the job. Cassie Dunhill: Regional Manager. I bit my lip as excitement bubbled up inside my belly. I did it. I actually did it!

  Chapter 22

  I SAT IN MY seat, staring at my cubicle wall, a goofy smile splashed across my face. I could still barely believe it. After all this time, after wanting this job for so long, I finally had it. Cassie Dunhill: AGD Regional Manager.

  I was so lost in thought I didn’t notice Marissa arrive at my desk until she spoke. “Have you heard the news?”

  I grinned at her. How did she know? Surely Laura hadn’t announced it yet? “Well, of course. I’m pretty excited about it.”

  She scrunched up her face. “You are?”

  “Yeah! It’s awesome.” What is she, insane? “It’s what I’ve wanted for so long.”

  “Jeez, Cassie. I know you don’t like the guy, but that’s kind of mean.”

  “Mean? Look, as Will said, may the best person win. Well, actually, he said may the best man win, but I figured he was just being sexist, so . . .”

  She gawped at me.

  I stopped talking. “What?”

  “Will’s quit. He’s leaving.”

  “What? Why?” Then, the penny dropped. “Oh. I get it. It’s because he didn’t get the job.”

  Marissa looked confused. “Is that why?” She narrowed her eyes. “Hang on, does that mean you did?”

  I beamed at her, nodding. “Mm-hmm.”

  She grabbed my hands and pulled me up, jumping up and down on the spot. “Oh, my god! Cassie, that’s awesome!”

  I swelled with pride. “Thanks. It kinda is, isn’t it?”

  “Yes!” She stopped abruptly. “Not for Will, though.”

  I peered over the top of my cubicle at his office. The door was ajar, and the room empty but for the furniture, cabinets, and a picture of Auckland’s harbor on the wall. He’s gone already? “I guess not. But why would he leave?”

  “He probably didn’t want to have to report to you. You know, male ego and all that. It’s a total cop-out, if you ask me.”

  I furrowed my brow. Marissa was right, this was sour grapes, pure and simple. He lost. He didn’t want to see me become his manager, to have to report to me, to have me in charge.

  “I’ll be back in a minute,” I said.

  “Where are you going?” she asked as I walked out of my cubicle and headed to Will’s office. One sweep confirmed he’d packed up all his belongings and gone. With my jaw clenched, I scanned the sales room. No sign of him. I walked over to Big Jake’s desk.

  “Have you seen Will?” I asked, my tone curt.

  “Haven’t you heard? He’s gone.” His expression was pinched.

  “Yes, yes,” I replied impatiently. “But is he still here, in the office?”

  “He might be. He was in the kitchenette a few minutes ago, saying goodbye to some people.”

  Without a backward glance, I headed straight for the kitchenette, only to find it empty but for Bobby, one of our tech support guys, rummaging through the refrigerator. I slapped the doorframe in annoyance, making Bobby jump and turn to me, a guilty expression on his face. Stealing other people’s food, are you, Bobby?

  “Seen Will?” I asked.

  “What? No, nothing,” he replied, trying to hide a fruit yogurt behind his back.

  I rolled my eyes and turned on my heel, scanning the room. I had no time to deal with petty thievery right now. I had a bone to pick with Will the size of a T. rex’s hind leg. The gall of the man to quit because I beat him to the job! I turned the corner and caught a glimpse of him entering the elevator, a box held in his arms with a plant poking out the top, looking every inch the cliché of an employee on his way out.

  “Hey!” I yelled, picking up my pace. “Will!” I reached the elevator as he placed his foot by the door, halting its closure.

  “Cassie, hey,” he said, as though he hadn’t just quit because I got the job and he didn’t or that he wasn’t a spineless piece of crap. Not that I knew how that should look exactly.

  I shook my head at him. “Why are you doing this?”

  “Well, I’d prefer to take the elevator rather than the stairs.” He brandished his box at me. “We’re eleven stories up here, you know, Dunny. This box is heavy.”

  I narrowed my eyes at him, my hands on my hips. He was making a joke? “You know what I mean. Don’t be a jerk.”

  He paused for a beat, two. He looked at me, his smile gone. “It’s for the best.”

  “Whose best? Yours or m
ine?”

  He shrugged, his jaw locked. “Mine.”

  We stood looking at one another—me glaring, my anger bubbling, and Will with an expression on his face I found hard to read. Will must have removed his foot because the doors began to close. I didn’t know why, but I did not want him to leave. Not the company. Not now.

  I thrust my own foot out and halted the doors’ progress. “You shouldn’t be doing this.”

  “Look, Dunny—” he began. He let out a breath. His expression changed. “You know what? It’s all good. In fact, I’ve got another job.”

  I gawped at him. “You do?”

  “Yup. Now, if you wouldn’t mind removing that foot of yours, I need to get going.”

  I looked down at my foot and back up at Will. Defeated, I pulled it back and waited. What for, I didn’t know.

  “Thanks. Hey, come to my leaving drinks. O’Dowd’s at five.”

  “Sure,” I muttered as the doors closed. I stood for a moment, deep in thought. I chewed on my lip. Will had another job? That was fast work indeed. Maybe he knew I was going to get the job and went looking a while ago. Maybe he just made it up to stop me being angry with him. Well, it didn’t work. No siree bob. Will Jordan was a spineless coward, and I was lucky he was gone. The kind of person who simply bailed out when the going got tough wasn’t the kind of person I needed in my team.

  * * *

  After hours of company gossip about Will’s sudden departure, Laura called a full sales team meeting in the boardroom to announce my promotion. Amid the congratulations, I could detect pennies dropping all over the place as people put two and two together and realized why Will was gone.

  As I packed up my desk and slipped on my jacket at the end of the day, Paige and Marissa arrived at my cubicle.

  “Coming for a drink to say goodbye to Will?” Marissa asked.

  I busied myself with arranging my desk, straightening my pens in their tray and stacking my different-colored Post-it note pads in order of size. You know, life changing, important stuff. “I don’t know. Probably not.”

  “Come on, Cassie. Everyone will be there. You’re the new boss. You need to show you’re fine with this,” Marissa reasoned. “We’re both going, aren’t we, Paige?”