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A pang of jealousy twisted in his stomach. Sophie had never mentioned dating before. But then again, why would she? Even though they saw and talked to each other every day at work, Noah was still her boss.
“You look beautiful, by the way,” he blurted. “I just mean, I don’t know what that guy was thinking. He’s an idiot.”
“Thanks,” she said earnestly. “And thanks again for helping me get out of there. I really appreciate it. Next time I find a guy on the internet, I’ll make sure to do a little more research before going on a date with him.”
The internet? Why would Sophie need to resort to the internet to find a guy? She wasn’t only extremely successful in her field; she was gorgeous. She could have any guy she wanted.
Noah was about to question her when the waitress set down their drinks.
They each took a sip, Noah letting out a satisfied sigh as he swallowed.
“See? Not so bad,” Sophie gloated.
Noah held his hands up in joking submission. “Okay. You were right.”
Sophie smirked pridefully, and Noah felt something tighten in his stomach. He liked seeing this side of her.
“Can I ask you something?”
“Sure.” She took a sip of her drink.
“Not that it’s any of my business, but why were you with that guy tonight? Not because you’re not allowed to date, but why use a dating app?”
Sophie’s face fell slightly, her cheeks growing rosy.
“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have asked that.” He felt horrible. It was none of his business what or who she did in her personal time.
“No, really, it’s okay. It’s just a bit embarrassing. And I definitely feel a little desperate and pathetic, but I don’t know what else to do.”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, I work a lot and I don’t get out much. It seemed like the easiest way to meet someone.”
Noah nodded, not knowing what to say. In a way, her hours at work were his fault. He never meant to make her feel bad or keep her from enjoying her life.
Their drinks were almost empty by the time Sophie spoke again. “Do you ever feel like you’re running out of time?” she asked.
“Depends on the context.” He signaled for another drink as she continued.
“Life, I guess.” She looked down, twirling her straw around her empty drink. “I always had this perfect picture in my head of what my life was going to be like and I spent so long being focused on becoming financially stable that I forgot my true dream along the way. And now I just feel like I am going to miss my chance.”
Noah rested his hand on his chin. “Your dream?”
“You know, a family.”
“So you’re looking for a husband?”
Sophie shrugged. “It’s not even that… I always thought I would be a mother by now. I’ve always wanted kids. And now it’s not even about finding a guy but finding theright guy, quickly. Apparently finding a decent guy is nearly impossible at our age. I just wish there was some way to fast-track the whole process.”
Noah was a little surprised by her vulnerability. And also a little intrigued. “Ah… I see.”
The waitress came and brought them new drinks and collected their empty cups. Noah wanted to say something else but felt like the moment had passed.
Sophie was quiet again for a moment. “I’m sorry you didn’t get the promotion, Noah. I know how hard you’ve worked for it. I’m not sure what your father was thinking,” she said.
Hearing it from her brought on an odd emotion. Like her words actually validated his hard work. And since Noah was already five drinks deep, he didn’t feel the need to shove the vulnerability down.
“Thank you,” he said. “It seems that my father actually does agree with us on that fact. Trouble is, he doesn’t think my bachelor image would make for a good representation of the company.”
