Laura’s Dream

“It Happens”

Laura had the card in her bag all week. It didn’t help trying to keep her mind off Aaron. Aaron Wilsburg. She wondered what she would even say if she called his number since she didn’t fancy working for Vertex. It would be a social call and she didn’t know how to start or end that..

But she called. Or Nicole did. Nicole has been nagging the whole week about Laura calling Aaron because she was so sure he was into her.

When he picked up he sounded busy and Nicole quickly said “Hi this is Laura Bennett’s phone and she wants to talk to you” quick but professional.

Laura took the phone immediately and decided to go with a lie. “Heyyy.. I’m so sorry to call you now I’m sure you’re at work. You said to call if I’m ever interested in working for Vertex? But I can always call back later I’m pretty sure you’re busy right now..”

“Oh no it’s completely fine. Yes I’m glad to hear you’re interested in working with us. I can send you the link to put in your application”.

“Wonderful thank you so much. I’ll wait on the link”

“Nice. But hey.. before you go, would you mind having drinks tonight? I know it’s a Wednesday so it’s absolutely fine if you’re busy”

“Actually I’m off work today so I can do drinks yes. Er.. just tell me when and where”

And just like that, they agreed on a time and place.

Aaron was busy with work but as soon as he heard her name, he put everything down to focus on the call. His heart was racing. He didn’t understand why. But he realised he was a bit more than just excited to hear her voice. Drinks. Because dinner sounded too serious. And he wasn’t that’s what he wanted yet.

Laura had to be as professional as possible. It was a work day and it was highly unprofessional to interrupt someone at work only as a joke between friends. But having drinks was not a bad idea.

************

Laura was late, as usual. She was supposed to meet Aaron at Pocket at 20:00 and it was already 20:15. She walked anxiously to catch the bus at 20:30. Pocket Wine and Drinks was a quiet classy bar just 8 minutes by bus from her. She walked past it every time on her way to work. It had class walls, soothing low music and dim warm lights. She had been there once with Nicole and loved the vibe. She wasn’t surprised Aaron suggested it; typical; for someone who worked at Vertex.

She called him from the bus to apologise for being late and that she’d be there soon. He sounded genuinely unbothered and said he was waiting.

When she walked in, she saw him immediately. He was in his white shirt and his suit jacket hang neatly on the back of his chair. He had a glass of wine in his left hand and was texting with his right. Probably a girlfriend. Or his wife! She had not even thought of that. She quickly pushed the thought out of her mind because she felt a ting of jealousy for a man she had just met!

Aaron looked up from his phone and saw her. God, she’s beautiful, he thought. She wore a baby blue bodycon dress that gave her curves a standing ovation. He didn’t realise she had such a killer body before. He got up and pulled out a chair for her. “Sorry I started the party without you” he smiled gesturing at his glass of wine. “What would you like to drink?”

“A glass of sparking wouldn’t be bad” Laura answered shyly.

They walked over to the bar together and came back with a glass of champagne for her.

“Did you come straight here from work?” Laura asked after thanking him for the drink and taking a sip. “Yeah. I’ve had a pretty busy week. I’m usually out of the office by 5 but I’ve been working late hours for a few days now. I need to get a project over and done with”

Vertex Dynamics was an oil and gas company and Laura wondered briefly what role Aaron was in.

“So are you from here?” Aaron asked

Personal. Laura wasn’t used to having personal conversations. She preferred generic convos that had nothing to do with her.

But she felt a little warmth that he was interested in getting to know her.

“No I’m actually from Hartwell. Moved here for school”

“Oh really” Aaron beamed. “My sister lives in Hartwell with her family. In fact she’s driving down next month to visit our parents. She says it’s an 11-hour drive but she’s sure her kids will love the trip”

“Oh yes it’s a really fun drive. I drove here too with my mum” Laura remarked. The memory of blasting music in the car singing along with her mum almost two years ago. “That must have been really nice” Aaron cut into her thoughts. “Yes, yes it was. My mum is young at heart so it was like a girls trip actually”

“She sounds like a joy to be around”

“That she is”

“I guess you’re closer to her than the rest of your siblings”

“Oh no it’s just me. I’m an only child”

“Oh nice. I see”

“Do you have any other siblings apart from your sis in Hartwell?”

“Yes. We’re five actually. Full house. Three girls and two strong boys” Aaron said with a laugh

Laura laughed. A short but sweet laughter that actually lingered on Aaron even after it was over. They ordered some cocktails, then again.The conversation drifted from their families to their personal lives. Aaron was born in Fairmont. His whole family lives here apart from his eldest sister. He had moved to England for his university education but moved back home after his graduate studies to live and work.

“I always wanted to settle in Fairmont. I May be biased but this is one fine city” Aaron said

“True that” Laura agreed

“What about you? Are you planning on living here longer after school?” Aaron asked quietly, hoping for a yes.

“Well for two or more years. But I’ve always dreamed of travelling the world” Laura shared. She grew up in Hartwell, a relatively small town and always wanted to travel the world around her. Meet new people and experience different cultures.

“Interesting” Aaron was intrigued but a little disappointed. He loved stability - great income, a wife, kids, a house with a cool garden, a few trips yearly and the like. And in fact most of the women he met wanted that too but he didn’t want it with them. So he couldn’t help but ask “Do you plan to settle down eventually? Marry and have kids?”

For the first time in forever Laura decided to weigh her words before answering this question. Her answer has always been clear “no marriage”. But for whatever reason she didn’t want to say that. “Well maybe.. I’m not sure right now”.

Aaron nodded. That was honest. He’d learned that people that weren’t sure about marriage and kids usually don’t want it and he decided not to probe further. But, oh, he felt so disappointed and he couldn’t help but smile sadly.