Page 28 of To Feel Like This Again
“Oh my God, I’m so sorry Nick.”
I look up and we look at each other — a tacit understanding between us both. Ours eyes are damp and for a while, we say nothing.
“Maybe we can finish this conversation some other time. You know, since tonight is supposed to be fun,” I say, breaking the silence.
“Yes, I’d really like that... And, yup, I could do with some fun. It was a stressful week… You know what. I’ll be right back. I’m going to change the playlist. Time to get everyone in a dancing mood,” before excusing herself to find her iPad.
Our alone time over, Emily and I are back among the group and so I ask, “So, tell me a little bit about yourself,” as I swirl the ice around in my glass. She is sitting beside me, our legs touching (this feels nice).
“Well, for work, I was recently promoted to CIO at Predict, the seventh largest Tech company in the world,” she tells me, playing with her hair, similar to what Lisa does when she’s nervous.
“That’s really impressive, Emily. I read an article about you in theNew York Times, about your promotion to CIO and it stated that you’re the youngest executive at a top ten tech giant. That’s really cool.”
She pokes me on my arm, “Thanks… Wait, are you stalking me or something?”
“That’s funny, coming from the chick in New York who randomly sent me a friend request,” I say, winking.
“You’re such a jerk.”
“But yea, on a serious note though, I learned about your journey in that article and other articles. Very, very impressive.”
“Thanks, Nick. I really appreciate it.”
“Outside of work, what else is there to know about you?”
“Let’s see… I really love interior designing... I’m always signing up to help Alex bring his properties to life and nagging my friends to make over their apartments. At their cost, of course. You should check out my Interior Design IG page. Um. What else? I really love to dance,” and she moves her shoulder and does a little jig. “And I love going to the beach. And skiing, ye, I love that.”
Shifting the spotlight to me. “What about you?”
“Well, you’ve figured out what I do for work by now,” I answer, smiling. “On a serious note, though, my ambition is to become the CEO.”
“So, you want Lisa’s job, huh?” using the opportunity to touch my hand.
“Yea, something like that, but that’s our little secret.” I smile and place my index finger on my lips.
She mimics me, placing her finger on her mouth. And winks.
“And what are your interests outside of work?”
“Apart from work, let’s see. I’m big into track & field, basketball and football, soccer that is. I’m always at the beach or river with friends. And ah, I love to cook. And I may or may not be working on a novel.”
“No way, what genre? What’s it about? Tell me more. I want to read it,” reeling off the questions excitedly.
“I can’t tell you any more at this point,” I smile.
“Oh my God… You’re so lame.”
“Damn, I’ve been called lame before.”
She smiled, I smiled.
“So, are you working on anything as exciting as a romance book?” Emily persists cheekily. And when I answer with a half-smile, she goes on excitedly, “Are you kidding me. You have to tell me more. Are there any sex scenes?”
“If I tell you, I’ll have to kill you,” I reply mockingly.
“Oh God, you’re so annoying,” and playfully slaps my arm.
“Hear what… I’ll tell you more if you prove to be a good dancer. Deal?”
