Dee: You mean turn you on?
Ruth: I didn’t say that.
Dee: You like him.
Ruth: Are you even listening to me? He frustrates me!
Dee: Have you ever met a man who didn’t frustrate you at one time or another?
Ruth: No.
Dee: Good, then that part cancels out and the only thing that is left is a man who intrigues you. Looks like you and Nick need to go out on a date.
Ruth: Tomorrow, you and I are going to do a video conference. I want to make sure you’re not hitting the crack pipe while you’re working. Now, on to more important things. Tomorrow is also the last chance I’m giving you to try things your way. Then I’ll have to take matters into my own hands. This will be date #3 and that is plenty to evaluate and determine if it’s a complete waste of time. Good luck. What’s his name and what does he do for a living?
Dee: This guy is a sure thing. His name is Edward and he is a very successful entrepreneur. He owns the Bathroom Remodel Warehouse right across the street from the Marine Corps Air Station in Miramar. You know that big toilet-shaped glass building with all the palm trees around it?
Ruth: That’s his?
Dee: Yup. He’s worth millions and knows plenty about business. He’ll be able to appreciate your climb to the top and all the work you’re putting into it. He’s looking forward to lunch with you tomorrow. All he needs is the time and the place.
Ruth: Tell him to meet me at Sushi Ota in Mission Bay at noon. I’ve never been there, but Nick says it’s the best. Make sure you tell him it’s a casual place.
Dee: Got it. Talk to you tomorrow.
Ruth. Wait a minute! I almost forgot. Where’s the picture?
Dee: Hang on.
A minute later, Dee texted me a picture of Edward and I liked what I saw.
Ruth: Just like Barney, Max, and Nick, he’s good-looking.
Dee: HOT is more like it.
Ruth: Let’s hope this one has a personality.
Dee: But why are you including Nick as a comparison? You’ve never gone out with him and claim you have no interest in him.
Ruth: Forget about it.
Dee: I know why.
Ruth: I don’t want to hear it. Gotta run.
Dee: You like him.
Ruth. How could I like Nick? That man is impossible.
Dee: Yes, but with a little bit of work he’ll be easy.
Ruth: Pretend we’re talking and now I’m hanging up on you.
Dee: Ha! You can’t hang up on a text!
Ruth: Watch me!
I laughed and set my phone on the desk. I opened up my email and jerked my head back when I saw the insane amount of unread messages waiting for me. The only thing I could do was to start going through them one-by-one, replying, deleting, or saving for later.