5. Alex
5
ALEX
A glance at the clock tells me that another work week is nearly over. I’m relieved, but not because I’ve worked hard. In fact, I’ve done little in the way of being productive today since I’ve been entirely preoccupied with the fact that it’s been a week since I met Nora and I haven’t heard a single word from her. I’m starting to think it never happened, that my agreeing to let her use my kitchen and teach me to cook was just some weird dream induced by too much Kung Pao chicken.
Except that I very clearly remember the tangy sweet taste of those lemon things and the softness of her skin when we shook on the deal. I don’t think I could dream up the graceful curve of her lips or her expressive pale blue eyes. I’d been drawn to her in a way that had to have been real, just because of how strong the pull was.
I was hoping to hear from her early this week, maybe even plan to have her come over this weekend. Surely she’d like to look at the space or toss around some ideas on when and what to record. I’d invite her over if I could.
I should have gotten her number instead of giving her mine. Now if I want to follow up with her, I have to do it by way of my sister or sister-in-law, which is not ideal. I briefly consider letting it go, trusting that if it’s meant to be, it will be. But then I remember that that’s not the kind of guy I am and pull out my phone.
Have you heard from Nora? She hasn’t texted me about coming over to cook yet.
Annie replies quickly, much to my relief.
I’m sure she’s just been busy. Be patient and give her a few more days.
I drum my fingers against the edge of my desk. I don’t want to be patient. I want to get this show on the road, literally and metaphorically. Having had plenty of time to think about it since last Friday, I’ve only gotten more excited about the prospect of co-starring in a cooking show.
And about the prospect of getting to know Nora better.
The current extent of my knowledge is that she’s pretty, can cook, and is good at snappy comebacks —which is to say, she’s a triple threat. Maybe she’s also kind of crazy or has a disgusting nose-picking habit or thousands of dollars of gambling debt. But how am I going to discover if she has any deal-breaking flaws without getting to know her more?
Here’s the thing. You know I’m not good at waiting.
How about if I text her and find out where she’s at in the process?
You’re the best sister-in-law I have *winking emoji*
I choose to believe that would still be true even if I wasn’t the only one.
You’d be right!
I lean back in my chair. Fingers crossed Nora will reach out soon and put me out of my misery.