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Our dinner ended up lasting more than three hours, and John signed a contract with Cynthia on the spot. On the Uber ride back to our hotel, Cynthia asked me to partner with her on the project and said if all goes well, I’ll earn a five-figure bonus when the house is complete.
I wish Nolan was old enough to understand this. I’d love nothing more than to be able to share my first professional success with my son. At least I have Rue.
Taking my phone from the little handbag Rue loaned me for my trip, I turn it on. I was so paranoid about my phone ringing during dinner that I just powered it down.
When the screen lights up, I see several photo messages from Rue. I smile at the selfies of her and Nolan, a video of them doing the potty dance, and a video of them telling me good night. The good night video was sent more than two hours ago, and they were snuggled together in Rue’s bed, so I imagine they’re both asleep by now.
I also see a notification for a voice mail from a number I don’t recognize. I press the button to listen to it.
“Hey, Indie, it’s Pike. Pike Morgan. But…I’m guessing I’m probably the only Pike you know. I wanted to say congratulations on your new job. Give me a call back when you can. Okay, talk to you soon.”
My heart thrums as I listen to the message for a second time. His voice is deep and rich, and I can’t help wondering where he was when he left me the message. Lying in bed, shirtless? Maybe fresh out of the shower with a towel wrapped around his waist?
I don’t know him very well, but I know him better than I did a few weeks ago. Thanks to his visits at Just Brew It, I know he enjoys kickboxing and hiking, his favorite candy is Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, and he thinks blue cheese is gross. Same.
When I left one of my new business cards with Angie, I was hoping Pike would call. I’m not one for playing games. I like him. If I’d already been divorced for a while, I’d probably go out with him. The timing’s just not right, though. Still, I hope we can be friends.
I take off my suit pants and jacket, comfy in just the dark purple camisole and plain black panties I’m wearing, get settled in bed, and call Pike back.
“Indie.” He answers after a couple rings. “Hey.”
“Hi. Am I calling too late?”
“No, not at all. I’m just watching SportsCenter and being a vegetable on the couch.”
I laugh lightly, picturing him splayed out like a big kid. “Are you home or on the road?”
“Home tonight, but the team is leaving for a two-night road trip tomorrow.”
“Where to?”
“Vancouver.”
“Wow, nice.”
“It’s not too bad,” he says. “But fuck my road trip. Let’s hear all about this new job.”
My chest fills with excitement, both for my first step toward career success and because he wants to know more about something I’m so passionate about. “It’s amazing. I get to help people find art for their homes and businesses.”
“That’s really cool. So you search for items for them at art galleries and such?”
“Galleries, online, at thrift stores, real estate auctions…wherever. I met my new boss when she was buying a painting that was on sale at the coffee shop.”
“So you’ve started working with her already?” he asks.
“Yes, Cynthia hired me immediately nine days ago. I offered to stay on at the coffee shop, but Virgil basically said don’t bother offering a two-week notice. I think he’s glad I’m gone since I can’t foam correctly.”
I can hear him laughing over the phone. “Congratulations. I know it’s been several days since I was able to get to the coffee shop, but how come you didn’t mention anything about an interview or right after you were hired? I know I was there at some point. Must’ve been one of your last days working there.”
“I didn’t want to jinx the opportunity,” I admit. “And I was afraid Virgil would fire me if he overheard me talking about a potential new job.”
“Fuck that guy. I’m glad you don’t have to work for him anymore.”
“Me too. I still can’t believe any of this is real, though.”
“Why not?”
“It’s just…so different. I went to a business dinner at a restaurant in LA tonight and my meal cost sixty dollars. And that was one of the cheapest things on the menu. I’m not used to this kind of lifestyle.”
There’s a smile in his voice as Pike asks, “Was it worth the sixty bucks?”
“I mean…it was good, but…not sixty dollars good? And the clients we met with ordered alcohol that had to cost a fortune. I’m used to deli subs being a payday treat.”
