Page 36 of Hard to Get

One of our lead software engineers gave his notice. We had a hard time recruiting him and now we have to start over

Jayden

Damn. Sorry.

Stella

Part of the job.

Jayden

How many employees do you have

Stella

Almost 100 now.

Jayden

Wow. Big business.

Stella

Not that big. And I had to do an interview for BNN Bloomberg which I did not have time for today.

Jesus. I lower my phone for a moment. What am I doing trying to shoot my shot with this woman? She is so out of my league, it’s pathetic. I contemplate my next message being, Congrats! Bye! or just deleting and blocking her. And walking Frank in a different park for the rest of his life.

I’m a pretty confident guy. Sure, that’s taken a bit of a beating the last few years playing for a losing team, but I know I’m a decent hockey player. Not the best in the NHL, but solid. And people usually like me. I’m fun to be around and a good guy (he says modestly). Coaches like me. Teachers liked me. Teammates like me. And women like me. I don’t usually question myself when it comes to women. That’s what happens when you play in a smallish hockey town where girls are obsessed with hockey players.

But Stella… as much as I’m attracted to her, I’m also intimidated. She’s gorgeous. Smart. Also confident.

I’m uncomfortably aware that although I might be a good hockey player, I haven’t been giving my best to this team the last couple of years. Which means I haven’t been giving my best to myself. Part of hockey culture is that it’s better to fit in than to stand out. Don’t make waves. It’s all about the team.

I’ve done it my whole hockey career.

Most of my hockey career. I get that uncomfortable belly knot that materializes when I think of that. That knot of guilt.

I lift my phone and stare at the screen. I don’t deserve this woman. But I want to. I want to be better. I’ve already been thinking about that in terms of my hockey career. Am I delusional to think I could be good enough for Stella?

Probably.

Why am I making such a big deal of this? We’ve gone out once.

Jayden

That’s impressive! Can’t wait to read the article.

Stella

It’s not that exciting.

I’m worried I’m not good enough for her and she’s being all modest.

Jayden

Hey don’t be like that. You’re amazing. If you didn’t know, I’m kind of…

My thumbs pause on the screen. What’s the right word here? Obsessed? Fascinated? Thirsty? Nope, nope, nope. Finally I finish…