Sonya was grateful to arrive at the restaurant before Audrey. Maura was waiting at their usual table with her coffee already ordered.
“Maura, you’ve got to help me out.”
Her friend arched her thick black brows. “Now what did you do?”
“It’s Audrey. She’s taken a liking to Daniel.”
The woman’s brows shot up even higher. “Is that right?” Then gave a careless shrug. “She’s got good taste. If I hadn’t thought it would upset you, I would have gone after him myself long ago.”
“Maura!” Sonya cried in disgust. What was wrong with her friends? “This is Daniel Keller I’m talking about.”
Her response was a quick nod of understanding. “Yeah, the good-looking, smart guy living across from your apartment.”
Sonya sat back in her seat. Good-looking? Daniel? Well, okay, this was Maura speaking. Her idea of a good catch was Patrick Hunter. But Audrey? She hadn’t known her long but she would have thought the girl had better taste.
“You know what I think your problem is?” Maura asked. “You’re jealous.”
This time she didn’t stop the bark from escaping her mouth. “Stop, you’re going to make me nauseous.”
“Possessiveness can do that to you.”
“I’m not possessive of Daniel,” Sonya exclaimed, jumping to her feet. “Another ridiculous comment like that and I’m leaving.”
“Be my guest,” Audrey’s dry voice said as she appeared out of nowhere and dropped into the seat beside Maura.
Sonya’s face went soft all at once. Her friend was still very mad at her. Actually, she was kind of surprised. She didn’t think Audrey had gotten a chance to get to know Daniel in such a short time span. So why was she acting as if Sonya stole her man?
“Audrey,” she began, her eyes beseeching her friend. “You still can’t be angry about last night. For pity’s sakes, it’s only Dan—“
Both women shot looks at her. Sonya bit her lip and continued. “All right, I was an ass and inconsiderate. It’s just he’s my neighbor. I’m not used to him being a part of my personal life.”
Maura made a loud sound. “You’ve only talked about him nonstop for the past year.”
Her eyes darted toward Audrey who was staring into her styrofoam cup of steaming hot coffee. She must have ordered it to go, believing she wouldn’t stick around long.
“Because he’s a nice guy.” She attempted to explain, then stopped and frowned heavily at her friend. Even if she wanted, she couldn’t get Daniel to ask Audrey out. Hadn’t he just finished telling her that morning she wasn’t his type? She was distracted momentarily by the thought of what he considered his type.
Sighing, she reached over to Audrey and placed her hand over hers. “I’m sorry. Really. It’s just that, well, Daniel’s different. He’s an educated, decent, wholesome, G-rated type of guy. He doesn’t smoke, drink or party. Hell, he doesn’t even swear. His idea of fun is going to a cyber-convention.”
“Wow, you’re right.” Audrey laid on the sarcasm. “No husband material there, and forget about a father figure.”
Sonya bit her lip. Her friend was absolutely right. How could she be so inconsiderate? Daniel was the nicest guy she knew. He deserved an equally deserving woman. Not one as the likes of her. However, Audrey deserved a better judgment of character. “I suppose nice guys are hard to come by.”
The girl’s face began to soften. “You’re not shy, Sonya. You can get any man you want. For me, it’s a little more difficult.”
“Don’t say that,” she implored. “You are absolutely gorgeous. Any guy would be lucky to have you as his girlfriend.” Then grinning added, “Stick with me kid, and we’ll have them lining up.”
Audrey’s face broke into a smile and she even produced a short laugh. Sonya felt a wave of relief. Nevertheless, even knowing her friend forgave her, Sonya felt horrible about what she had done. No matter what it took or cost; she would make it up to Audrey.
Maura looked from one woman to the next, then proclaimed, “Oh for goodness sake’s, Sonya! The men have just been banging down our doors, have they? That’s why we’re both nearly thirty and still single.”
All three women broke into laughter and the same comradeship came over them once more. The rest of the hour returned to their usual lunch-time powwow with Sonya piping in at one point over the debate between the red dress or buying a new one for her date with Tristan. Maura excitedly agreed the red dress was the perfect mix of seductiveness and innocence. Audrey, however, had nothing to say.
* * *
The hall was crowded with businessmen and women from all across the country. The conference drew professionals from all walks of life from executives and officers of various firms to professors and scientists. The influential circle included financial tycoons and entertainment dignitaries. They were all present today for one thing. Survey the latest technological and automated developments.
Daniel’s design was one of many being honored that afternoon. The seminar was an annual event. He was a usual attendee. It was in his university days when his professor encouraged him to enter a blueprint of a computer circuitry he had developed. His design made no grand impression but he enjoyed the experience and benefitted from the exposure.
The wooden plaque in his hand was his third such honor in eight years. Eventually, he proved his ingenuity and became a highly skilled technician in his field. He was very aware of the respect and admiration he received from his co-workers and employees. It was additionally rewarding to receive it from his peers.
“Daniel.” A short but round man emerged from a small group to approach him. He looked more comfortable in a checkered plaid shirt than he did in his stifling tuxedo. Even as he approached, one finger tugged at his shirt collar as if to give his neck room to breathe. The other hand held a partially finished bourbon. “Great presentation. Another winner again this year. Son, you are a genius.”
The man slapped Daniel on the shoulder then just as quickly went to balance his glass as his action caused the liquid to slosh over the rim. The man cursed as some of the drink landed on his hand and suit. Daniel mechanically handed over his handkerchief from his breast pocket. “Hardly a genius, Frank, but thank you for the boost of confidence.”
“Boost?” Two burly brows drew together as he arched them to look at the younger man. “I hardly think so. Whatever brain matter the man upstairs put behind those spectacles of yours, boy, is a pure work of genius.”
Lord, Daniel hated when people complimented him. It made him feel uncomfortable. Pushing his glasses up his nose, he glanced around attempting to find a subject to distract the stout man. Frank Smith had been coming to the conferences for years now. The CEO of a small millwright in small-town Ontario, he, however had the appearance of a man who felt more comfortable in a fishing conference. On the contrary, Daniel knew just how sharp the man was in business.
“Ah.” Frank provided Daniel with his distraction. “Daniel, I want you to meet my daughter, Aimee.”
He forced a smile and held out his hand to the young woman who appeared out of nowhere to stand beside her father. She was pretty with a round face and pale skin. Her natural rosy cheeks and large blue eyes prevented the need for makeup. Her light blonde hair was pulled back in a severe ponytail making her appear younger than she was. As women went, she wasn’t altogether unattractive. However, compared to Sonya . . .
“You and Aimee have a lot in common. She’s in the last year of her Computer Science program. I bet you could help her with some of her exams.”
Daniel looked at the woman who rolled her eyes and then flashed him a friendly grin, causing him to suddenly feel uneasy. The only thing he felt worse about than compliments were flirting females. Was this woman flirting with him? He had so little experience in this field, he sincerely couldn’t tell the difference.
“Don’t mind, dad. He’s overly protective and always trying to find someone to watch over me. I’m nearly done with school, dad, and my grades are fine.”
<
br /> “Well when you come to the city for work, you’ll need a friendly face to help you ease into city life.”
“Colin’s here and already has an apartment lined up for me.” A spark suddenly lit her eyes at the mention of the male name. And if he wasn’t mistaken, her already flushed cheeks grew more crimson.
“I agree Colin is very helpful, however, he lacks the city experience you’ll need to get around.”
“I’ll be fine, dad, stop worrying.” Then obviously wanting to change the subject, she pointed to Daniel’s plaque and said, “Congratulations.”
“Thank you.”
“Will you be unveiling your new design on your next launch?”
He shook his head. “Just new updates. It’s not ready yet.”
Her sky-blue eyes looked at him with a distant look as if she were simply asking the question out of politeness. Yes, yes, that was it. She was just being polite. He felt slightly relieved until Frank Smith said, “Well, I’ll leave you two kids to talk shop.”
Then he was gone. Daniel stood watching him go. He forgot something, he wanted to shout. She’s still here. Come back. Lord, what would he say to her? She was still standing there smiling up at him. Maybe if he saw someone else he knew, he could quickly excuse himself. No, that would be rude. Blasted, he glanced at her face again. Her brows were slightly arched as if waiting for something. He hadn’t said anything. Had he? At least, he didn’t recall saying anything.
He disliked this feeling he got whenever he was around a woman. Except Sonya. He never felt that way with her. True, maybe he did at the beginning. At that time he was the biggest fumbling geek ever. However her turnoff eventually put those nerves aside and allowed him to be himself around her. Funny, considering she was critical of who he was. Just thinking of her made him slightly relax. A small thought crossed the back of his mind wishing she were there with him now. She would help him through this uneasiness. Help him deal with an attractive woman who may or may not be flirting with him.
With a sigh, he pushed the thought aside. That, Daniel Keller, he told himself, was half the problem.
* * *
Sonya couldn’t believe her bad luck. Making a dash through the apartment lobby she quickly pressed the elevator button in frantic. From behind her hood she peered around to see if anyone was there. It was empty. Thank goodness. Now if she could only get safely on the elevator without being spotted.
“Hey, Sonya!” Daniel’s voice came from the glass foyer doors as he too made an entrance into the building and straight for the elevators. “Where’s the fire? I was calling your name. Didn’t you hear me?”
She spun around; relieved it was only him. He was dressed in a formal black tuxedo and smelled of some sexy after-shave. Sonya was struck momentarily from her own self-pity to note he looked unusually good-looking that afternoon. “Oh, Daniel. I am having the worse day.”
“Why? What happened? Break a nail?” The elevator arrived and they both boarded. Daniel pressed the button for the tenth floor as Sonya reached up and pulled the hood down. He glanced at her movement only to have his eyes grow round as saucers. “Whoa. What happened to your hair?”
She looked behind them to the glass mirror on the back elevator wall. Her long curly locks were now a frizzy explosion from the crown of her head. All she wanted to do was cry. “My hair dresser wasn’t available on short notice. So I tried that new salon on Thirty-Fifth Street. Look what she did to my hair.”
“I can see.” He eyed the wiry bush. “Why did she think you wanted an afro?”
Sonya turned to him, her eyes dilated in anguish and her bottom lip slightly beginning to quiver. “What am I going to do? I can’t go on my date with Tristan like this? I can’t even go to work like this?”
Daniel stared down at her and tried to not let her quivering lip get to him. This was a good thing, he told himself. The botched hairdo would impede on her relationship with the bar gigolo. He, on the other hand, could care less what her hair looked like. She could be bald for all he cared, and she would still be perfect in his eyes. Not that she would ever appreciate it.
“Cut it off.”
“What?” Her eyes grew enormous. “Are you out of your mind? I love my hair.”
His eyes slid to the object of their discussion. He had to admit he loved it as well. Just like everything else about her. It was part of who she was. “Then cancel your date and call in sick.”
“Now you are just being ridiculous,” she snapped, her eyes shooting daggers at him before the elevator reached the tenth floor and the doors slid open. With a relieved exclamation, she pulled the hood over her mane once more, brushed past him and ran toward her apartment.
Daniel watched her go and heaved a weary sigh. Glancing down at his plaque he mentally noted she made no effort to ask him how his day went, or in the least, congratulate him on his award.
* * *
He was useless when it came to a woman’s emergency, Sonya thought with annoyance as she grabbed for her phone and dialed Maura’s number. As usual lately, there was no answer. That accountant boyfriend of hers was to blame, she was certain. He was constantly keeping her busy. Hell, if she wanted to see her friend she would soon have to make an appointment.
She pressed the cancel button with more force than was necessary then scrolled through her contacts and dialed Audrey’s number instead. The girl was sympathetic to Sonya’s dilemma and, bless her heart, was an expert on hair care. She promised to be at Sonya’s within an hour with an over-the-counter straightening solution from a nearby pharmacy.
As assured, she arrived at Sonya’s within an hour, reset the girl’s frenzy style then sat down with coffee and magazine to await the results. Sonya glanced at her friend. She took a liking to Audrey from the moment they met. There was something about her that was familiar. It was almost like she didn’t belong in a waitress job at some bar where pickup lines flowed as freely as the beer on tap. She was more of a reserved girl. A little on the shy side where men were concerned. She seemed more comfortable talking to other people about themselves rather than herself. As a matter-of-fact, Sonya realized, she really didn’t know much about Audrey’s personal life.
“How long have you been a waitress down at the bar?”
Audrey glanced up, surprised by the question. “Oh, um, about a year now.”
“What did you do before that?”
“Waitress.” Audrey confirmed what she apparently felt was the obvious then provided the name of another local bar in town. “I worked there for five years.”
Surprised, Sonya declared, “No kidding! Why so long?”
“Why not?” She frowned back at the question. “It’s a job. The tips are good.”
“It just seems like you don’t belong in the business.”
“Oh?” Sonya realized Audrey was becoming agitated with her questions. “Because I don’t flaunt myself like you?”
“I don’t flaunt myself.” Sonya was quick on the defense, though a tiny voice begged to differ. “Well, maybe a little. But I wasn’t trying to insult you. You just seem like you belong in an office or as a nurse, or a teacher . . .”
Audrey didn’t notice Sonya’s suddenly distracted gaze and deepening frown. “I’m happy where I’m at.”
“You’re in love with him, aren’t you?”
Audrey’s chin snapped up, her eyes growing in horror. “Who?”
“Daniel.”
Her shoulder’s sagged as she appeared to visibly relax. Then picking up her magazine again, she said, “I thought we went over this already. Daniel’s out of reach.”
Sonya became defensive. “I never said that.”
Leaning forward, Audrey gave Sonya’s knee a reassuring pet. “Don’t worry. I’m not interested in Daniel. You were right, he’s not my type.”
“I wasn’t worried.” The solution in her hair was beginning to itch. She wanted nothing more than to scratch her head vigorously. “Why isn’t he your type?”
“I don’t know.” She shru
gged. “He’s the computer-techy-type of guy that I have nothing whatsoever in common with.”
Using the palm of her hand she rubbed a towel over an itchy spot on her head. “He’s really awfully smart. He just won an award for a computer development he designed.”
“Oh?”
“Yeah, he’s actually quite the mathematical genius. At the age of ten he was already considered a prodigy. Did you know he has an IQ of a hundred and seventy-three, a masters in computer science, and was class scholar for four years in a row?”
Audrey stared at her friend. “No, I didn’t know any of that. Now, I definitely know he isn’t my type.”
Sonya frowned. An overwhelming sadness came over her. Poor Daniel. Audrey was right. He was different and rare, and he wasn’t anybody’s type.
“I don’t get it. Then why were you so upset when I throttled your attempts to date him?”
Audrey shrugged. “A girl like me doesn’t meet too many nice guys. I mean, let’s compare you to me. I can’t even have a decent conversation with our boss. You flirt openly with him.”
This piqued her interest. “Do you have something against Tristan?”
“Of course not. Why would you think that?”
“The other night, you were so formal with him. Has he ever, you know, made unwanted advances on you?”
The blonde’s quick but short laugh came fast. “Hardly. He only ever utters a few choice sentences to me. Like, ‘how was business’, ‘close up shop’, and ‘good night’. The latter only if we cross paths while leaving at the same time.”
Sonya took note of the girl’s words. It was true. Even in her short time at the bar, Tristan locked himself in his office and rarely made an appearance. He had utter faith in his staff to run the complete show without him. Her few encounters with him were on her instigation. They were so few that he constantly forgot her name.
She glanced at Audrey. He didn’t seem to have difficulty with her name. Granted, she had worked for him for the past year. One would hope he would eventually get the name right. Chuckling, she asked, “So how long did it take him to get your name straight?”
Misunderstood: In Love with the Nerd (The Miss Series Book 2) Page 5