Page 21 of Smarty Plants
IRIS
Ineed things to be orderly. It’s not exactly a compulsion…okay, it kind of is. I need to know that everything is in its place, put it that way.
Which might be why I’ve felt so energized but unsettled at the same time.
My fingers tighten around my mug of peppermint tea. How could Ben just swoop in, tell me that he loves me, and swoop out again before I even had a chance to form a response?
In Australia, people need to carry planks over their heads to protect themselves from magpies during swooping season, when the birds are defending their nests.
Not the time, Iris. Focus.
He does love me. I can feel it in his touch, his kisses. In everything we did last night. When we’re alone, our heat takes over. There’s no question that we belong together.
So why do I have so many doubts?
“Hey.” Jasmine wheels her chair over. “Anything you’d like to, um, discuss?”
“Yes. Did you get the material expenses finished for that Morgan delivery?”
Violet rolls over to join us. “Not work stuff, smartass. Ben stuff.”
“Oh.” My shoulders sag. “Am I being paranoid, worrying that everything is too good to be true?”
“Yes,” they both say at the same time.
“And am I overthinking everything, including the fact that our relationship started in a whirlwind of adrenaline, and there’s no way I’m interesting enough to keep him for the long run?”
They share a look, then Violet rolls her eyes. “Iris, you’re doing it again.”
“Doing what?”
“Not seeing the forest for the trees,” Jasmine laughs. “That huge hunk of a man adores you, but you seem…unsettled. What’s that about?”
I want to be honest and share my feelings with my sisters to work this out, but my mind is a total blank.
“Iris, remember, this doesn’t have to be forever,” Violet says. “People don’t usually find their true love so quickly. Generally speaking, it develops over time. Jasmine and I, we were the exception, I think. Why not just date the guy and see how it goes? You’re not getting married tomorrow.”
Jasmine reaches out to pat my shoulder. “You love free trials of new software. Cheese samples at the deli, and previews of new podcasts. Think of it like that.”
“Good point. Thanks.”
They trundle back to their desks, leaving me to sip my tea and think. I’m so accustomed to seeing anything important in a chart or list – preferably a bullet point one. It’s just the way my mind processes information. Having everything with Ben be all about touch and feel and sexy whispers… It doesn’t feel real. I’m a big fan of reality.
Well, I’m also going to need to be a fan of this fledgling relationship, and start acting like a real girlfriend.
I hope your work crisis is easily solved. And I’d love to do a casual dinner tonight, if you still have time.
Ben: Crisis is already mostly fixed, but I’ll be stuck at the office until 6:30 or so. Can I pick you up then?
I’ll walk over and meet you! See you in a bit.
I put on headphones and focus on work until six-fifteen, getting well ahead of next week. Then I rush upstairs to change into a comfortable floaty dress that is appropriate either for a restaurant or curling up on the couch.
I’m surprised to find Ben is waiting at the door of his office when I arrive. He’s smiling widely, and I love the way his arms slip around me as if he’s really missed me.
“I promise to feed you very soon. But first, I have a special presentation to go over with you.”
He locks the front door, then leads me to the conference room, where a projection fills the entire whiteboard.
