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“Noah, remember.”
Her lips twitch, holding back a smile. “Sorry, Noah,” she purrs. “I better get back to work.” She turns to leave.
I grasp her hand. “Would you care to have a coffee with me? Maybe on your break?”
She bites on her lip. “I don’t think so. My next break isn’t until lunch, and I already have plans for that… Thank you, though.”
Thwap! That stung.
She watches me fumble for words. I’d leave, but my feet are glued to the floor. She shows me mercy. “Hope your mom likes her present.” She tweaks her head to the side. “I really need to get back to work.”
I think I nod but can’t be sure. My brain no longer functions. Being turned down is not a pleasant feeling.
Through grit and determination, I force my legs to move and let them carry me from the building. Could I be a bigger ass?
* * *
I’m back home, where I plan on doing some work. Sit down at my desk. Too hard to concentrate. Toss my pen down and think of her.
I’ve always been capable of separating my work from my social life, but Amber has caused a change.
The phone rings, and I check the caller ID before answering. “Hello, Mother, how are you?” I lean back in my chair and wait for the inevitable.
“Fine, dear. My party’s coming up.”
“I know.”
“Bringing anybody?” And there it is. Right on cue. She’s always trying to fix me up. I’m her firstborn, and she wants me married and giving her grandchildren.
She’s probably already invited someone who she believes is perfect for me. Mom is always pushing women at me, and I keep telling her to stop. She won’t, though, not until I find someone.
Then I think of her and say to my mother, “Yes. As a matter of fact, I am.”
“Oooh. What’s her name?” She doesn’t believe me; I can tell by her tone. It’s understandable.
“Amber,” I answer.
“I look forward to meeting her.”
“Uh . . .” She’s backed me into a corner. “I have to go, Mom. Got another call.”
“Okay. Tell Amber I’m looking forward to meeting her.”
“I will.” I hang up.
Why did I do that? Amber has already crushed my spirit once. That’s all right. Get back on the horse, as they say. Try again. Just keep chugging.
Any more clichés?
Don’t need them because I can do this. I have three days to talk her into it.
Time to make things happen.
