It's been a week since I met Ana and I haven't seen or heard from her since then. I thought about finding out which unit she lives in and going to see her, but I don't want to come on too strong or risk scaring her. I'm bound to run into her eventually, so I guess I'll just wait it out even though I can't stop thinking about her.
I get into the elevator and head down to the parking garage where Taylor, my driver/CPO, is waiting to take me to work. The elevator stops on the way down and when the doors open, standing on the other side is none other than the beautiful girl who has consumed my thoughts for the past week.
"Hi, Christian."
"Good morning, Ana."
She steps into the elevator, presses the button to close the doors, and we begin traveling down.
"So Ana, how have you been?"
"Great actually. I got a job."
"Oh yeah?"
"Yeah. I've been meaning to call you, but things have been kind of crazy this past week."
"No worries. So, where are you working?"
"Seattle Independent Publishing."
"Really? How did that happen? I mean that really has nothing to do with business or finance."
"No, it doesn't. It's kind of a long story. How about you come to my place for dinner tonight and I'll tell you about it."
"I would love to."
The elevator arrives in the parking garage and we step out.
"Great. Say 6:30?"
"Works for me."
"Perfect. I live in unit 2005."
"It's a date."
She blushes and heads towards her car and I head towards mine.
"Good. Have a good day at work, Christian."
"You too, Ana."
It's almost 5:00 so I decide to wrap things up for the day. I want to stop on the way home and pick up some flowers for Ana. I head to the security office to let Taylor know I'm ready to leave.
On our way to the elevator, we run into Ros, my second-in-command.
"You look awfully chipper, Christian. You got a hot date or something?"
"I guess you could say that."
"You don't give much away, do you?"
"There isn't much to give away. I just met her a week ago."
"Well, good luck. Not that you need it."
"Thanks, Ros. I'll see you tomorrow."
"Bye, Christian."
We arrive at the flower shop, but I have no idea what kind of flowers to buy her. This sales girl must notice the lost look on my face.
"Is there anything I can help you with, sir."
"I'm trying to decide what kind of flowers to buy my date, but I have no idea what to get."
"I just put together a beautiful arrangement of peonies. Would you like to see them?"
"Sure."
She walks over to where they're sitting and they're perfect. They're the same shade of pink as Ana's adorable blush.
"They're perfect. I'll take them."
"Great."
I pay for the flowers and head back to Escala. I still have about 45 minutes before I need to be at Ana's, so I decide to take a quick shower and change clothes. I dress in dark blue jeans and a black, long sleeve Henley.
It's 6:15, so I decide to head down to Ana's. I knock on the door and she opens it with the biggest smile on her face.
"Hi, Christian. Please come in."
"Hi, Ana. I brought you some flowers."
I hand her the flowers and she places them on the table in her entry way.
"They're beautiful. Peonies are my favorite. Thank you so much!"
Score!
"You're most welcome."
"Would you like something to drink?"
"Water would be great."
"Coming right up. Dinner should be ready soon. I made lasagna. I hope that's okay."
"Perfect. I love lasagna."
Ana hands me a glass of water and then pulls the lasagna out of the oven. She dishes it out on to plates and carries them over to the table where there is a bowl of salad and basket of garlic bread waiting. We sit down and settle into our dinner.
"So Ana, tell me about your family."
"How about you tell me about yours first. I'll tell you about mine after we eat when I tell you how I ended up working for a publishing house."
I wonder what that's about?