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I wonder if she’s ever been to Greece? I muse absently as I wind my way toward the café. Somehow, I know the curvy girl’s never been. Although she’s clever, kind and cultured, the buxom brunette has had few opportunities to really explore the world. Part of the fun in dating her is spoiling her and seeing her reaction to each new experience. I make a note in my phone to look up options for a Greek vacation.
A few moments later, however, I’m nearing the café and need to switch mental gears. Ugh, Melody. Kill me now.
Like most shops and restaurants this time of year, the café is overheated and stuffy, and the windows are already beginning to steam. I remove my coat once inside, and the tall blonde spots me a moment later.
“Carlton,” she gushes, waving slightly, “how wonderful to see you again so soon.” Then, Melody holds out a slightly limp hand, and I go to shake it. However, at the last moment, she pulls her hand back and leans in for a kiss. The woman catches me by surprise, so it’s actually a kiss on the mouth, and not the cheek. Damn. So aggressive, and I literally wipe my lips after pulling back.
I want to roll my eyes at her pathetic attempt to spark my interest, but I know this game. All of the socialites I used to associate with do the same thing; hell, they’d do even worse, like trying to French unexpectedly, their maws gaping like a dead fish. It was gross, and more than once, I had to walk out.
But Melody continues, her eyes bright.
“I reserved us a table in the corner, where it’s a little less noisy,” she says loudly over the commotion of bar, gesturing for me to follow her. I nod, dread building in my chest.
Once settled into our respective seats, Melody flashes a brilliant smile at me. I smile back politely, and decide to take charge of our meeting.
“You mentioned that you have some concerns about the timeline for the project,” I begin. “And a few other issues that you didn’t think we could discuss at your office?”
Melody nods solemnly, her eyes large. “Not to sound paranoid, but a few of my co-workers have been itching to get a piece of this project, and I didn’t want to arouse their suspicions with our meeting today.”
I frown, unsure what to make of this information. “I know that firms like yours can be competitive,” I offer diplomatically. “I’m sure they meant no harm.”
To my chagrin, Melody places her hand over mine. “You have no idea, Carlton,” she laments dramatically. “I’m the only woman in a managerial role and none of the others think I can handle a project – nor a client – as important as Dissidence.”
There’s a note of sincerity in her statement, and despite my annoyance over the unwanted physicality of the interaction, I have a bit of sympathy for Melody. Most places worth working at are competitive, so I can imagine how her male colleagues are trying to take her down.
Tactfully, I pull my hand away from hers and rest it on the table, just out of reach. “Well, we’re out of the office, so let’s see what we can figure out without all of the prying eyes.”
Melody nods enthusiastically, clearly pleased to have my attention. “But first, wouldn’t you like something to drink, Carlton? I could really use a glass of wine after a day like today.”
Before I can respond, Melody beckons to a server and puts in an order for a cocktail.
“Just a coffee for me, thanks,” I mutter, certain that I don’t want to be in a compromising situation with the likes of Melody Prince.
“Come on Carlton, live a little. It’s almost six! My treat,” Melody coos.
“Coffee is good, thanks though.” I feel my annoyance ratchet up at this woman before me. Melody in small doses has been fine; Melody one-on-one is nearly unbearable. Fortunately, the woman at last seems to sense that I’m growing impatient. She sits up straighter, pushes her short hair behind her ears, and looks at me with a wide smile.
“Okay sure, Mr. James. First, let’s start with projections. For starters, we’re on track for layout but we’re behind on delivery times due to….”
And for the next hour or so, Melody lays out various delays in the project and potential challenge areas. For the most part, her information is useful, and the conversation is productive. I relax as the meeting goes on, letting down my guard a bit.
“I don’t mean to bombard you personally, Carlton,” Melody sing-songs, a hint of flirtation coming back into play now that the conversation is wrapping up. “But I know how you like to be aware of all of the moving parts.” She flutters her eyelashes furiously as she speaks.
