I leaned in to be more discreet. Buvette was your typical West Village bistro, with tables so close to each other, it felt more like communal seating.
“Eddie just got on the board a couple months ago,” I explained.
“And he’s sending you in to charm them.”
I made a face. “Hardly. But it’s an awesome opportunity to meet people connected to the New York Film Festival and show initiative when I do finally get face time.”
I buttered a flaky croissant. “I’m actually really glad Charlie’s going. He’s so easygoing and can talk to anyone. Even if we’re at a table with ten other people who can’t make small talk, he’ll bring it out of all of them.”
Caroline leaned in. “So, what does he look like?”
I raised an eyebrow. “Average height, graying hair, apparently runs the New York Marathon every year, so he’s in pretty good shape. Otherwise looks like your typical partner, I guess.”
She laughed. “I meant Charlie.”
I took a sip of the mimosa, already feeling the effects of the pitcher that Caroline had ordered before I got there.
“Charlie’s nice looking. I don’t know. Glasses, a little scruffy. Not what you would think of as an associate at a big firm, but honestly, he’s so smart and funny. And he’s somehow always upbeat. It’s weirdly hard to have a bad day when he’s sitting five feet away,” I said, swirling the champagne flute to blend the orange juice that had floated above the prosecco.
“Anything there?”
I chuckled. “Absolutely not. Just an all-around nice guy.”
“Who you also just described as cute, smart, and funny.”
“Who is also my officemate,” I reminded her. “And even if he wasn’t, I’m not even close to being there. I didn’t leave Ben to meet someone else. I’m here to become someone.”
“Got it. So you have to become someone else before you meet someone special.”
“Right.” Every day I reminded myself that it took upending someone else’s life to finally have a chance at my own. Being single was my own form of penance. I needed to do this next part all on my own, without the distraction of someone holding me back.
“Okay, so you kick ass on this film festival thing, Eddie keeps putting you on cool stuff ... What’s next? Making partner?”
I gingerly poked a grape tomato. “Oh, you know ... make those Top 35 Under 35 lists ... be in the know about all the trendiestrestaurants ... get invited to a client’s movie premiere ... that kind of stuff.”
“What about just having some fun? Dip your toe in the dating theme park that is New York City?”
I shook my head. “No time.”
Caroline grinned. “That’s the perfect mindset for Tinder Social.”
I stacked an empty plate under another. “The last thing I want to do on a Friday night is explain to someone what happened in my ‘last serious relationship.’”
“When was the last time you were single?”
I squeezed one eye. “Eighteen?”
“Seriously?”
“Nineteen.”
She raised her mimosa. “Okay, babe, you’re gonna have to trust me on this. You have to learn how to be single in New York. Are you free Friday night?”
I cleared my throat. “I’ll probably be working late.”
“Let me see your phone.”
“Seriously?”
