Finn:I’m not asking for me, but a certain group of carpoolers really want to hang with you tonight and I hate to disappoint them. What do you say we all go out to dinner? All of us. That way you won’t have to be alone with me.
Liz:You all go ahead. Gloria said she’d give me a ride home.
It’s a lie, but worst-case scenario, I’ll take a cab to Cliff’s to get my car and use my spare keys.
Finn:If you don’t go, I don’t go.
I cringe. If he doesn’t go out with us, that means he’ll go out with Carly. Memories of how cute they were together flood my mind.
Liz:Fine. I don’t want to disappoint anyone.
He responds with a thumbs-up, which is generally a bit cold for him. Placing my hands over my eyes, I sigh. If I’m not careful, I’m going to push too hard and he’s going to bail. How many times can a man hear “no” before he stops asking?
“You heading out?” Gloria asks as she rounds the corner of my cubicle.
“Pretty soon. I don’t think it looks good if the new manager is the first to leave,” I say with a grin.
“Happy New Year, Liz. And for the record, I’m glad we’re friends.”
I smile. “Me too.”
She turns to leave, thinks better of it and turns around. “One more thing. Go out with Finn. Take that man by the collar and never let him go. I’m telling you, my gut tells me he’s one of the good ones.”
I nod. “We’ll see.”
As soon as the office lights dim, I pick up my bag and head off to the restroom to freshen up. I apply a bit more eyeliner, giving myself a smoky eye and apply a darker shade of lipstick. I brush out my hair and unbutton the top button of my blouse. It’s about to be a new year and I really don’t want to be a lizard anymore.
I’m the last to the car. Finn is leaning on my door as I approach, eyes gleaming and his crooked smile welcomes me. He’s changed out of his suit and is wearing jeans and a button-down shirt. I have to remind myself to breathe.
“Wow. You look gorgeous,” he says as I get closer.
“You too.” Ugh. I cringe. “I mean, thanks, but I’m wearing what I wore this morning. I don’t know why I look good all of a sudden.”
He opens my door and immediately backs away when I sigh. “I forgot. Not a date. But so you know, you’re always gorgeous to me.”
He winks and I roll my eyes.
“Party people in the house!” Kel shouts.
I gaze into the back seat and notice Ernesto has joined us. “Does he know we’re going out?” I ask Finn.
“Yeah, I used a Spanish text translator and told him we were going out for dinner and drinks. He said something that translated along the lines of ‘kick ass.’ Where should we go?” Finn asks.
We all grow quiet.
“What happened to party people?” Finn questions.
“I know a couple of LGBT bars, but I really don’t want to bar hop. It’s obviously not my thing anymore.” Emerson glances down at her stomach and I feel bad for her. I think she still looks beautiful. Who cares if she’s gained some weight.
“I know a couple of pubs if you all want fried snack food,” Kel adds.
“Nope. Not for me,” Emerson adds.
Finn pulls out his phone and does a search. “You all realize that the man who just moved here is the one planning our night out?”
“Aww, but Finn, you always have such amazing ideas,” Emerson says, touching his arm.
He grins. “Flattery will get you everywhere.”
