Chapter 10
JACK
I can’t help but laugh as I read the note that Amy included with my pizza:
Are you sure you want to eat this instead of going home?
A
P. S. I added extra cheese, you might want to wake up early tomorrow to run a few extra miles.
I still don’t understand why she changed my Reuben sandwich, but hasn’t messed with my pizza. Meat Lovers with Asiago cheese. It’s like she knows my limits. Not even Carla knew me this well. I have to give it to evil-assistant, she is good. Better than any other person who has worked for me.
Settling back into my seat, I take another bite of pizza, glancing at my computer.
Is it crazy that I don’t want to delegate this project?
While my brother was in the hospital, I learned about a kid who only spoke to A.I.s, and it reminded me of Amy who thinks I’m working on perfecting them.
I wouldn’t dare to focus on these kinds of projects, but creating something that can help children with Autism socialize, seems like a good use of my time.
It’s become my project. Something I can’t do during working hours since I have so much on my plate.
Jason is right, I need a break, I need to find people I can trust. Amy had it right from the beginning, I don’t trust many—not even my employees.
I should try harder to change, even get out there, like I did last week.
I smile as I think of the woman, Emmeline, who I met last week, her beautiful dark hair braided on the side and those big brown eyes hiding behind the quirky purple glasses.
Staring into those bright eyes was like sinking into a dark night illuminated by bright stars.
She seemed so happy and full of life. Even if she was reserved.
I’m still not sure what to make of her. She wore an old BU sweatshirt, a beanie hat, a pair of tight jeans hugging her tight, round ass let me see her toned legs. She was breathtaking.
The way she spoke about Fitzgerald’s work, it was as passionate as she described the author.
Yesterday, I googled the book and downloaded it.
It’s so twisted. I honestly can’t comprehend why people would want to read something that would make them emotional.
I prefer to focus on a good sci-fi, or learn about technology that, if I put my mind to it, I might be able to apply to my own company.
The idea for tablets came out of Star Trek. Anything is possible.
Thursday, April 21st, 1:07 a.m.
AWalk90: You’re still working.
I stare at the screen for a few seconds and check the time before I respond.
JSpear84: What are you doing up so late?
AWalk90: There was an emergency with a client. There’s always something that needs immediate attention.
JSpear84: You should hire someone to help you.
AWalk90: Like an assistant for the assistant? LOL
JSpear84: It’s just an idea.
AWalk90: The accounts I handle are sensitive, I only delegate if I have an emergency.
JSpear84: Are you calling me sensitive?
AWalk90: No, you’re my problem child. One of those bosses who doesn’t trust just anyone and needs a lot of support but doesn’t like to give up any power.
JSpear84: Did you study psychology?
AWalk90: I have a minor in everythingology.
JSpear84: Out of curiosity, what did you study?
AWalk90: Amy Walker studied two years of psychology, with a minor in women’s studies. The ultimate goal was to become a teacher.
JSpear84: You didn’t finish?
AWalk90: What did you study? Computer Science?
JSpear84: Computer Science and then robotics, plus an MBA.
AWalk90: No surprise there. I hear they give those MBAs to just about anyone these days.
JSpear84: What were you planning on studying when you started college?
AWalk90: I wanted to do what my parents thought was ideal for me. Until I realized it wasn’t going to make them happy, so I did my own thing.
JSpear84: By becoming a virtual assistant?
AWalk90: Since I refused to make my parents happy, they stopped paying tuition. It was either strip or become an executive assistant. I opted for the latter and it paid off.
JSpear84: You’ve been working there for four years, is that correct?
AWalk90: As an assistant I’ve worked for eight, and at VAES for four.
JSpear84: Is it a good company or would you consider exclusivity at some point?
AWalk90: Get in line, there’re a lot of people who want to hire me exclusively.
JSpear84: You can’t blame me for trying. There’s no competitive clause in your contract. I assume anyone can offer you a job without getting in trouble.
AWalk90: I’m the only assistant without a competitive clause in this company because I’d never leave.
JSpear84: The others have one?
AWalk90: Yep, I’m not 100% sure what the penalty is, but it’s a stiff penalty for both parties.
JSpear84: Can you suggest any music to listen to while I’m finishing writing this code.
Thursday, April 21st, 1:29 a.m.
AWalk90: I’m actually watching a movie. Would you like me to stream it to you?
JSpear84: I thought you said you were working.
AWalk90: It’s called multitasking, Spearman.
AWalk90 invited you to share a screen
JSpear84 accepted your invitation
JSpear84: Clueless?
AWalk90: It’s a classic.
JSpear84: Another version of Emma.
AWalk90: Did you read Emma?
JSpear84: Pride and Prejudice is all the Austen I’ve read.
AWalk90: Persuasion is a must. I would love to own the entire collection. We have to catch you up on the classics, Mr. Spearman.
JSpear84: That’s what I’ve been told.
AWalk90: Who told you that?
I stare for a second at the screen, debating on whether to tell her about Emmeline or not, but talk myself out of it.
JSpear84: It’s not important, what really freaks me out is seeing Antman in a romcom.
AWalk90: He was also in Anchorman, but Paul Rudd as Mike is my favorite.
JSpear84: Mike?
AWalk90: Please tell me you’ve watched Friends, it’s a 90s classic.
JSpear84: I was only ten or eleven when that show began to air. Of course I didn’t watch it.
AWalk90: We have to stream it.
JSpear84: Why?
AWalk90: I can’t let you live in a world where Friends doesn’t exist.
JSpear84: Leave me drowning in the ocean of ignorance. I’m indulging you with Clueless.
AWalk90: What did you do last weekend?
JSpear84: Not much, talked to my brother. He’s doing better, and I socialized.
AWalk90: Socialized?
JSpear84: Met a girl.
AWalk90: Girl or woman? Because there’s a huge difference between those. I could congratulate you or call the police. Speak correctly, Spearman.
Oh, for fuck’s sake, leave it to Amy Walker to make me sound like a sexual predator.
JSpear84: She is a woman. She is pretty in an understated way.
AWalk90: That’s code for ugly face but great body?
JSpear84: There’s no code. She was pretty and interesting. One of those women who doesn’t spend much time in front of the mirror to look beautiful. She’s brilliant. I could spend hours talking about everything, and I bet I’d want to see her again.
AWalk90: Would you like me to make some reservations for you or send her flowers?
JSpear84: No, I wouldn’t want to come on too strong. I’m still not sure if I want to talk to her.
AWalk90: Of course you want to talk to her. Call her, go on a date. When was the last time you went out with someone?
JSpear84: It’s been a long time. I can’t even remember how to do it. Any suggestions?
AWalk90: My last date was sophomore year of college. I’m the last person you should be asking for help.
JSpear84: That long ago, huh? Are you married to that boyfriend?
AWalk90: Wouldn’t you like to know?
JSpear84: I’m curious.
AWalk90: Ask her to go out with you, you might have a good time. Stop the loneliness, it’s eating your soul.
I stare at the screen, reading her words and even though she’s been driving me crazy from the beginning, having her around feels good. She might be right. It’s time to open up.
JSpear84: If the date sucks?
AWalk90: We can watch another movie. A.I. with Will Smith?
JSpear84: That’s iRobot. A.I was even worse. Actually, both are terrible.
AWalk90: Did you read iRobot?
JSpear84: Of course, I’ve read all Asimov’s books.
AWalk90: Why’d I even ask? My best friend made me read them in high school. He read a few classics in exchange.
JSpear84: Friend or boyfriend?
AWalk90: Best friend since elementary school. He’s married to my college roommate.
JSpear84: Who did you marry?
AWalk90: LOL
JSpear84: I’m intrigued.
AWalk90: I’m tired, and I have a lot to do tomorrow. Goodnight, Mr. Spearman.
JSpear84: Sweet dreams, Miss Walker.