I was so engrossed in the article I was reading on my laptop that I didn’t even notice that Marcia had walked into my office. I looked up when she tapped on the door frame. She was smiling broadly. “It’s April 12 today,” she said.
I stared at her blankly. She looked great as usual. I wonder if she knows that I have a “thing” for her.
She came over to my desk. “Today is my tenth anniversary with the company,” she said. “Didn’t you read my email?”
“No, I didn’t. Sorry,” I mumbled as I quickly pulled up my emails and sure enough, there was an unopened one from her. It wasn’t there before or I would have definitely opened it. I opened it and read it. It said, Guess what, Ramesh. Today’s my tenth anniversary with Catapult. To celebrate I was wondering if you would like to join me for free barbecue lunch at Joe’s right down the street?
My heart was beating fast with excitement now. She wanted to celebrate her anniversary with me. I looked up at her. “Sure, I’d love to join you,” I said, eagerly.
She smiled, making my heart skip a beat. “Great. We’ll leave at twelve-fifteen and get there for Twelve-thirty. I’ll come and get you.”
I smiled and nodded. After she left my office, I turned my attention back to the article I was reading but couldn’t concentrate. I got up from my desk and walked over to the window.
As I looked down at the busy street below, I thought about the times when I wanted to ask Marcia out but was too chicken to do. I had no idea how she felt about me. I didn’t know if she would be interested in going out with me. I’m floored by the fact that she asked me out. The thought scared and excited me at the same time. I didn’t want to get my hopes up. Maybe this was just what it was–I was going for a free barbecue lunch with a co-worker and nothing more. Still, the way she looked at me when she was standing in front of my desk and the fact that she came to my office when she didn’t receive a reply to her email encouraged me.
I glanced at my watch. Two hours to go. I hope they go by quickly. I was anxious to leave my office and step out into the bright sunshine. It was a beautiful day, not your typical spring day, mind you, it was mild. The weather was in double digits.
I returned to my desk and tried to get some work done. I will finish reading the article another time.
I was ready when she popped by my office and as I followed her to the elevators, I felt like I was on my first date with a pretty girl whom I had a major crush on. I was nervous and prayed that I wouldn’t make a fool of myself. I tried not to stare at her when we were in the elevator but it was hard not to. She looked amazing in the sleeveless dress which was knee length, revealing very long and shapely calves. Her thick curly hair fell in unruly waves about her shoulders. I was tempted to touch them but I kept my hands to myself.
I felt a little hot in my jacket but I wanted to look presentable. It was a pleasant walk to the restaurant which was filled but we were able to get a table by the window. Over mouthwatering beef and lamb ribs we talked animatedly about a lot of things. We had such fun getting to know each other better and sharing funny stories about family and friends. I was sorry when it was time to head back to the office.
We were alone in the elevator this time. I turned to her. This was my chance. “Marcia, thank you for inviting me to lunch. I had a great time. If you’re not busy tomorrow evening, I was hoping that you would have dinner with me.”
She smiled. “I thought you’d never ask,” she teased. “Of course, I’d love to.”
My chest swelled and as we exited the elevator and I walked to my office, there was a little spring in my step. I couldn’t wait for tomorrow evening to come.
This was written for the Ragtag Daily Prompt for today’s prompt, April. If you’re interested in participating, click HERE for more information.
Notes to Women 