Hopefully, our date will finally get some sparks going, and I’ll develop sensuous feelings for him—something I’m pretty sure would have happened without our infuriating boss in the picture.
Tamika is sitting on my bed as I browse through my things for our date in less than an hour. When she snaps her fingers to get my attention, I twist around, holding a white dress.
“I know you wore it recently, but the black dress you had for the sale’s dinner looks amazing on you. And Oli hasn’t seen it yet, so he won’t mind.”
I shake my head, determined not to wear that dress ever again. It can be thrown into an incinerator for all I care. By the twelfth outfit that gets discarded, I’m starting to understand why some girls take hours to get ready. This is draining. Especially since I need three approvals: mine, Tami’s, and Kate’s—via a video call.
The final choice is a black bell skirt with a lace overlay and a white, off-the-shoulder boho crop top. The ensemble iscute and in good taste, perfect for a first date. This time, I wear modest heels, and Tami helps me again with my makeup.
She’s rooting so hard for this date to succeed that she even lends me a pair of large gold hoops and a matching necklace that highlights my neck and collarbones.
After a massive hug and the promise of my abuela’s chilaquiles to thank her, I leave. On my way out, I utter a silent prayer to whatever gods might be listening—Hindu, Norse, Muslim, Greek, Jewish… any of them, I’m not picky.
Please make it so everything goes perfectly. Make it so my unwanted obsession with my boss transfers to Oli.
Lex is a matter of the flesh, and Oli is a matter of the mind. And I’m pretty strong-minded.
I learned my lesson, so I take a cab this time. The driver drops me at the corner, fifty yards from where Oliver is waiting for me, pacing anxiously. With an amused smile, I approach my date on foot, unnoticed. He’s wearing an elegant outfit—camel pants, a white T-shirt, a navy blue jacket, and, on his feet, immaculate white Vans.
When I come closer, he notices my presence and turns to me. Tami’s great work makes his jaw drop slightly.
“Hi,” I greet once I’m before him.
He remains flabbergasted for a short moment before shaking himself out of it. “Sorry, I’m— Wow… Andy, you look—” Short of words, he shakes his head again.
“I take it Tamika did a good job, then,” I say coyly, spinning to show off the extent of her miracle.
“You’re always pretty, but now, I’m really wondering how a guy like me could get a date with a girl like you.”
“You look pretty good yourself, Oliver Paulson. And don’t worry, I’ll get back to my Chucks and superhero tees in no time,” I joke, sliding my arm through his. “So, where are you taking me?”
“The best Korean restaurant in the city, according to Yelp,” he explains with pride, cleverly disclosing he did his homework to woo me.
“Really?!”
“Yeah, you told me you’ve always wanted to go there. This is the next best thing I could think of.”
Our arms remain interlocked the whole walk there, about a block away, and he only lets go to open the door for me.
“Good evening,” a middle-aged woman welcomes us as we enter. She’s even shorter than me and has a thick Korean accent. The quaint little place is sleek and tasteful, with minimal decor and elegant furniture.
“Good evening,” Oli greets her. “I have a reservation under Paulson.”
“Ah! Yes! You’re finally here. This is the girl?” she asks, looking at me with curiosity. Oli nods, and she smirks. “She’s very pretty. Worth the wait.”
I let that sink in as we follow her to our table.
“Have you eaten here before?” I ask Oli once we’re alone with our menus.
“No, it’s my first time here.”
“Oh, she seemed very friendly.”
“I guess she got more invested in this date with every call I made to postpone the reservation.”
Fuck, right… “Sorry about that.”
“Don’t be. You were doing big, big things. Which, by the way, we need to talk about because I’m not sure I’m up to date.”
