Crossing Paths

Nora

I woke up the following day feeling satisfied. After my encounter Saturday night, I felt like I was reborn. I can’t believe I’m saying this to myself, but Alex was on to something this whole time, and I can’t wait to go back to the club.

“Someone seems happy.” My co-worker Trent said.

“I had a good weekend.”

“Are you going to tell me?”

“A lady never kisses and tells.”

“Oh, so you had a date?”

“Not an actual date, but I was with someone.”

“I’m glad you’re getting back out there after the whole Cameron ordeal.”

Cameron and I weren’t together long, but he said I was too dull for him and found someone more exciting. It was a blow to my confidence, but last night was anything but boring, and for the first time, I felt sexy being with a man.

Cameron was one of many and Alex is partially right. I tend to jump into relationships, there usually isn’t a get to know them period, but it’s not all my fault. These guys led me to believe they were on the same page until they got bored.

“Do you want to get lunch with the rest of us today?” Trent asked.

“Sure.”

“Great, we are going to the café down the street.”

“Just let me know when you’re ready to leave.”

An hour later me, Trent, and two other co-workers were sitting at a round table in the cafe, enjoying our food and conversation. I had zoned out when they started talking about office romance. I watched people when my eyes landed on a handsome gentleman across the room. He had this familiarity about him, but I couldn’t pinpoint it. He was having lunch with a female who was equally good-looking as he was. I watched as he talked to her, and they looked like they were getting along well.

“Are you paying attention?” Beth’s voice drew me away from the gentleman.

“I’m sorry, I zoned out.”

She let out a sigh. “Do you think Matt is good-looking?”

Matt is our boss, and he is good-looking, but he isn’t my type, but all the other girls in our office I think he is. We have three bosses. Matt is the youngest of them and probably the least sexist, but he’s still not type.

“He is, but he’s a little too old for me.”

“Anyway, I heard he broke up with his girlfriend and is looking for someone to settle down with.”

“I’ll pass,” I said as I took a sip of my drink.

They kept talking about Matt until the waiter came with the checks, but when the waiter handed me my check, he said it was all taken care of and that the gentleman sitting in the corner had paid for it. When I looked over, he was gone.

***

Ace

Sitting at the café with my sister, I noticed a beautiful dark-haired person sitting with a group. I also noticed that she was staring at me, but I didn’t want to ruin my lunch with my sister by hitting on a woman, so I told the waiter that I would pay for her lunch.

“Do you know her?” Lily asked.

“No.”

“Then why pay for her meal?”

“It’s just a friendly gesture; I have the means to buy someone a meal, so I’m going to buy someone a meal.”

“You thought she was hot; that’s why you did it.”

“She is attractive, and I’m not denying it, but I wanted to be nice.

“Sure, sure.”

“I’m not looking to date; I have someone in mind that I would like to get to know.”

“Really?” my sister squealed. “What’s her name?”

“Well, she said it was Jade, but I know it’s not her real name.”

“Oh my gosh, did you meet her at Gavin’s club?”

I nodded my head yes.

“You should ask for access to the non-disclosure agreements and license. Gavin may give them to you.”

That’s not a bad idea. Jade said she was new, so I only needed the signed ones from that night.

“Lily, you’re a genius.”

“I know, just remember me when you have your first kid.”

“You’re not getting the naming rights.”

“I am if it means I helped you track down your one true love.”

Lily is usually happy and radiant but lately I noticed something was off with her. She wouldn’t tell me what was wrong so to see her joking was an improvement.

I kissed her on the cheek and called Gavin, my best friend, the founder of this club, and he owns the house it’s held in.

Instead of heading back to my office, I went to meet Gavin at his, and it didn’t go the way I hoped it would.

“I can’t let you see these documents. I made a promise to these people; they trust me not to give away their information.”

“I just need to see the new ones.”

“The answer is still no.”

“Come on, Gav, I’m trying to find out who she is because I think she’s the one.”

“I’m happy for you, but the answer is still no.”

I let out a sigh. “Fine. I’ll have to hope that she shows up this weekend.”

“Look, all I can tell you is that we only had one new person, and she was invited by someone named Scarlett. That’s all you’re getting out of me.”

“Not much to go on, but thanks.”

I was nowhere close to finding out who Jade was, and it was killing me. But we had a connection that night. I was drawn to her the moment I saw her at the bar, and the way she was open to the experience was something I have been looking for in a woman. The way the air seemed to crackle between us and the way she played off me was unreal. This past weekend left me wanting more and I can’t wait to get to know Jade.