Chapter Twenty-Five
Allison
When I wake up with Oliver’s book nestled in my arms, I’m still in a funk from not having heard from him. After I get ready for the day, I bury myself in my work to get him off my mind. I’m just getting off one call when a new one comes in.
“Hello, Moore Than Words, how can I help you?”
“Good afternoon, cutie.”
“Hey, handsome. I was on the other line and didn’t recognize the number. How are you today?”
“Terrific. I called because I want to rearrange the products page to show that I’m offering some new workouts. I’ve got a lot of people now interested in Zoom classes that I need to add to the navigation.”
“That’s awesome. You could be anywhere and still work out. I like that.”
“Are you going to join one of my classes now?”
“The first time you see me will not be all sweaty in workout gear.”
“And what would you be wearing on our first date?” Is he flirting with me?
“What?” I ask, unsure of how he means this comment.
“I wanted to know what you wear on first dates. Do you get dressed up or like to stay casual? You know, for when I come to New York and take you to dinner.” I almost took his comment the wrong way. He just wants to take me out for a friendly meal.
“I’d say, somewhere I could wear a nice dress but not too formal. Since I work from home I like to dress up once in a while.”
“I’ll make a note of that,” he says.
“When are you coming?” I ask.
“It might be sooner than I expected from when we talked about it last time, but maybe I’ll surprise you.”
“I think I’d rather know.”
“You don’t like surprises?”
“Not exactly.”
“I wouldn’t want to make you uncomfortable. You’ve become a good friend as well as a business connection and I’d like to take you out when I’m in town for all the hard work you’ve done. You may have talked me off some relationship ledges as well.” I swear I can almost hear him wink through the phone. See, just a friendly meal. He’s not flirting.
“Yeah, of course. I’d like that. Is there anyone new yet?”
“I appreciate that you think I work that quickly, but no, I’m too busy with the business right now. Hopefully, I’ll find someone when things settle down.”
“I don’t doubt it. Look, I’ve got to run. I’ll work on your changes this week. Shouldn’t take too long.”
“Thank you, Allison. I’ll email you the details. Have a great rest of the day.”
“You too, Grant.”
I know, I know, I know. I should have told him I have a boyfriend. But technically he was only asking me to a business dinner.
One day of no communication from Oliver doesn’t mean we’re over, right? I can’t allow myself to think the worst. But what does it mean? It doesn’t give me warm fuzzies that he hasn’t called me since having sex. He was all about spoiling me and calling me sweetheart. He wouldn’t ditch me, would he? Ugh, seriously, why can’t there be an Angi’s List for guys?
I know Morgan can’t talk so I text her.
Ally:OMG. Grant is really coming to NY!
Morgan:OMG. When?
Ally:He said soon. Before it was a few weeks. Now it’s soon!
Morgan:Be careful.
Ally:It’s just a business dinner.
Morgan:Is it?
Ally:I know I’ve had a crush on him, but I promised Oliver I wouldn’t hurt him, and I won’t make any decisions until I’ve heard from him.
Morgan:Okay. Good. Let me know when you hear from him.
Ally:Will do.
I try Oliver’s number again and it goes straight to voicemail…again. I decide to text him.
Ally:Hey, I wish you were here.
I’m shocked when I get an immediate response.
Handsome:Me too.
Ally:We could order dinner and you could give me a massage…
Handsome:Wow. I’m surprised.
Ally:Why? We have great chemistry together. Can’t you feel it?
Handsome:Yes, I thought so, but I didn’t want to scare you off.
Ally:You could never. When can you come over?
Handsome:Soon…
Soon? What the hell does that mean? I scream at the ceiling and then look back down at my phone.
Oh…My…God…I have to call him immediately.
“Grant! I am so so sorry. I wasn’t trying to be unprofessional. Please disregard those texts!” I shout out in one breath when he answers the phone.
“I have to say, I kind of liked them. I always felt like we had a connection and I wanted to take you to dinner to see if something would come of it.”
“We do, but I’m sorta seeing someone.”
“I think you would know if you were seeing someone.”
“Well, I was—am—and we uh, you know, and now he’s ghosting me. I was sending those texts to see if I could get him to respond since my calls are going to voicemail.”
“Ouch. You want to be with someone who calls and follows up, especially to texts like that. I definitely wouldn’t ghost you. You deserve better than that.”
“Thank you.”
“Hopefully there’s a good reason he hasn’t called, but if it doesn’t work out with him, maybe I can convince you to give me a try.”
“You haven’t even met me yet.”
“But we’ve known each other for almost five years. I know you more than you think I do.”
“That’s sweet, but I need to give this new guy a chance.”
“As you wish,” Grant relents.
“Thank you. I’ll let you know when the updates are done.”
“And I’ll let you know when I’m coming.”
“Can’t wait.”
I hang up and immediately feel better. Grant is a great guy and I’m so glad he didn’t fire me on the spot. I have more pep in my step and log onto his website to make the updates he’s requested with a huge smile on my face.