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CHAPTER TWELVE
AMBER
I feel like Cinderella and my life is a fairy tale. At least a little bit of one.
Got to eat at Tavern On The Green, which reinforced my thinking that I was living in a fantasy. I was nervous at first, but not for long. Noah is easy to be around. Has a calming quality about him. Like being with a dear, close friend.
He gives me a kiss that I hope won’t end. I rest my head against his chest, enjoying his body close to mine.
“So. I’ll see you tomorrow?” he asks.
“Yes, you will.”
He kisses my forehead and waits for me. “Good night.”
“Night.” I step inside my apartment and quickly close the door. Turn the locks. Lean against the wall. Negative thoughts bludgeon my self-esteem. I’m not good enough for Noah. Don’t have the proper upbringing. When it comes to money, my family doesn’t come anywhere near to what the Daltons have. And there are tons of women out there who are far better looking, so why did he choose me? Food for thought, but that can come later. For now, I need to sleep. Busy, busy tomorrow.
Setting my phone on the nightstand, I notice a missed text. I turned the ringer off before the big date. It’s the right thing to do.
I look at the message. Noah saying good night again.
How thoughtful.
I plug my phone in and crawl under the covers. Go to sleep thinking of him.
* * *
I’m rushing to get ready for work. Don’t want to be late.
The subway isn’t too bad; it’s cheap and gets me where I need to go. The station is only a block from the office. So, how perfect is that?
This morning, they have me busy working on a project for my boss. A brain twister that absorbs my full attention until lunch when Kathy taps my shoulder.
“Want to grab something to eat with us?” She motions to two other girls.
“I’d love to.” I situate things and grab my purse. “Ready.”
Kathy makes introductions as we head for the exit. Names are Julie and Lisa, and they’re both very nice.
Julie runs the front desk. I see her when I come through the front doors. She’s petite and sports a pixie haircut. Has on a pink print dress with matching belt.
Lisa works in the art department. She has a boho look and is wearing a long flowery skirt and designer T-shirt. Brown hair is pulled into a bun.
The conversation flows as we journey to the restaurant down the street.
“Where are you from?” Julie asks me.
“Chicago.”
“Why New York?” Lisa adds.
“Wanted to get away from home. My cousin lives here, and she thought I should come. We’re sharing a place.”
The other three are transplants as well. From various parts of the country.
“This is it,” Kathy says, referring to the eatery.
The restaurant’s bustling. Organized chaos. They have us in and out in no time. A pleasant experience. Food and conversation were excellent. Too bad it had to end so quickly.
