Page 40 of We Met Like This
“Okay… let’s do a celebratory lunch after my meeting and subsequent promotion to agent on Friday.”
“Better! Yes, do that.”
“Put it on your schedule.”
“Oh, you meant with me?” she said. “Sorry, I’m out on Friday. I have a meeting with the previously mentioned director.”
“You suck.”
“But I’ll get together a group for Friday night at Pinky’s.”
Pinky’s was our favorite bar that often hosted karaoke and trivia nights and poetry slams. It was where we went when Cheryl got engaged and when Laurel broke up with her boyfriend. It was our celebration spot.
“Deal,” I said.
“You should double up on positivity, though, and go out for a celebratory lunch as well. I’m sure you can think of someone who would be willing tocelebratewith you.”
Oliver’s face immediately came to my mind. I knew that was who Sloane was implying I ask as well.
“You’re right,” I said. “It’s time to defuse the three-year bomb. My brain has been building up our car makeout into far more than it was, I’m sure of it.”
“So you’ll make out with him again to test this theory?”
I laughed. “It wouldn’t hurt. I mean, the best celebrations involve makeouts, right?”
“Maybe it won’t be as awkward this time and you’ll see that you have both chemistry and compatibility. The perfect combination.”
I rolled my eyes. “We don’t. He’s too uptight for me, I think.”
“Opposites attract?”
“Too regimented.” I shifted on my feet and almost stepped on a piece of chewed-up gum on the asphalt.
“Maybe that’s why he’s so good with his hands,” she said. “His regimented study of the art of sex.”
I gave a sarcastic laugh. “You really want the universe to deliver me everything on Friday. The perfect job, the perfect man.”
“So you admit Oliver is the perfect man?”
“Stop,” I said.
“If you had met him in any other way but on the apps, you would be giving him a real chance.”
“I gave him a chance!”
“PastMargot gave him a chance.”
“I would trust Past Margot with my life.”
“Fine, fine. Keep looking for your meet-cute, and in the meantime, get yourself a fun makeout partner because, yes, I do want the universe to deliver you everything. You deserve it. Do you hear that, Universe?” Sloane yelled. “It’s the era of Margot!”
“Are you alone at work today?” I asked.
“No,” she said. “And my coworkers agree.”
I heard a couple whoops ring out behind her.
Then she repeated, “The era of Margot.”
