The Love Game

CH.9 Spilling the Beans

Chapter 9 Spilling the Beans

Rachel P.O.V.

I arrive at the Starbucks Nate and I frequent because I owe him a coffee and we needed to ‘spill the beans’ on what happened at the masquerade. The media was making that night sound like an episode of the bachelor/ bachelorette series business elite edition. I get to the counter and place our order. I head to an empty table and wait for Nate to get here. Moments later He walks in, spots me, and make his way over. Our order was called, and I asked him to grab them. Now we are at the table sipping our coffee’s.

“Ok tell me who it was? And give me details. But not those bedroom details.” I quickly ask with a pep to my voice.

“Yea hooked up with this Ginger, but really didn’t make it far besides a heated make-out session.” He said as he was rubbing the back of his neck. “You? Where did you disappear off to?” he asked.

“Well after dancing with all the wrong guys and too many numbers to count. I went to the bar and had one last drink before I called it a night.” I took another sip of my coffee before continuing.

“And that’s it?” he asked as if he was a police interrogator.

“I wasn’t finished silly.” I just wanted to savor the moment I finally can tell the world that I’m in a relationship. Nate just nodded his head indicating to keep going.

“At the bar… Zander approached me. We chatted for a bit and he asked if I wanted to continue our chat in his room. I agreed and we had loads of fun. We basically had a whole bottle of scotch and lots of laughs. Then we exchanged numbers and I left to my suite.” I made sure to exclude the bedroom details. Wouldn’t want him to get the wrong impression with me.  

“Cool cool… and that’s it?” Nate said with a raised eyebrow like he was expecting more.

“Yup… that’s it.” I just nodded my head.

“So… what now your just friends?”

“Well….” I trail off while speaking. Suddenly Nate face flushes and stares blankly at me.

“Rach tell me what’s going on?” he seemed to be off his seat in anticipation.

“Well… he called my Monday Morning asking me to lunch and well… we talked and decided to try it. We are just taking things slow for the sake of our kids.” It was so hard to keep my composure saying that. I want to scream like a teenage girl.

“So your official? Like official official?”

“Yes” I say shyly as if this is still new to me.

“Wow, ok that’s definitely a tough pill to swallow. Just be careful Rach. He is my boss and I don’t want to get fired.” His voice was laced with concern.

“I will, I know that I have to try, and he was wonderful. I never thought that I could feel like this again. I’m so new to this and I am being extra cautious. I have too much to loose if this ends badly.”

“Agree, well I’m happy for you. You deserve it. He just better treat you right. “Nate said sternly.  

Later that day I met Cat at the Mall to do some shopping. I needed to get a dress for the business summit I had to attend. This event was important because we needed the extra marketing to expand our business, and since I am lead ‘strategic advisor’ for the company, a cover up title. I was required to attend.

“So before we get started raiding the stores lets get a coffee.” Cat said as we head over to the coffee shop. We get our coffee’s and sit at a table.

“Ok so I’ve been dying to ask… what happened on Saturday? Did you get lucky?” Cat asked. I instantly started blushing and grinned to myself. “You did!!!! Ok now spill!!!” she said with excitement.

“So… I guess… um…” I didn’t know where to start.

“Ok start from the beginning.” she helps me recall the events of that night. I spend the next hour telling her everything from meeting up with Ian and Nate, to meeting Zander, and fending off frisky hands. Finally we come to discussing the ‘after party’ at Zander’s suite.

“O…My…Goodness!!!” Cat was almost speechless. Key word being almost. “So did he ever call you back?”

“Yes on Monday… and…” I know I am killing her with the anticipation.

“And… did he ask you out? Or do I have to find a six foot hole to drop him in?”

“No none of that now… actually we had lunch at my favorite sushi place close to my work and he was very open with his feeling towards me.” I couldn’t help but smile at the memory of that day.

“Wait! So what does this mean? Stop being so cryptic Rach!”

“Well we are official but taking things slow. After all we are both parents, and we both have our companies to run.”

“AAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!!!! I can’t believe it!!!!” I nearly gone deaf. To say that she was excited for me was an understatement. “I am so happy for you Rach. We all did not want you to be alone forever. You deserve this second chance at love.”

“I don’t think I can call it love right now, more of a common emotion interest.”

“Whatever you want you say. Even if this doesn’t turn out at least you have already made to bomb ass memories.” She said, and I couldn’t help but smile again. “So when is this official date?”

“I don’t know. We have been texting off and on. Honestly it only has been less than a week since so I don’t expect anything too soon. Plus I have the Summit and about a week to prepare for.”

“Ok… Goodness I still can’t believe it. I am assuming you already told Nate about this?”

“Yea we had coffee this morning. He was concerned because he works with the guy, but still he did say he was happy for me.”

“Right… ‘happy’ for you…” Cat sarcastically said while rolling her eyes.

“Hey what’s that suppose to mean?” Confusion evident on my face.

“Well Conner, Ian and I think that he is really into you. He just does nothing but stare at you like you are his prey. I just think that he was always determined to date you. I know that he was your childhood friend, but he is an egotistical elitist that only see you for your influence and status. Its nothing personal Rach.” She looked worried, as if she was trying to prevent from hurting my feelings.

“O… so why didn’t you mention this before. I have continually told him that we will only be friends and nothing more. We both aren’t the same people where were as kids.”

“I’m just warning you know. I don’t know this Zander guy, but from you describe I like him more that I like Nate.” I could not help but chuckle

“Well we don’t have to worry about that now, Nate knows I am with Zander.” I said as a matter of fact.

“Yea and if he only knew that you already did the nasty with Zander, maybe he would finally leave you alone. I can’t believe how fast you went that night. I knew your two year dry spell would brake eventually.”

“Yea… that sexy man doesn’t know that he can make my panties wet with just one look. But again I am taking this really slow.”

“So are you getting a room for the Summit? Conner and I are going to get one.”

“Yea I will, I really don’t plan on coming back home that night. I know I’ll be exhausted with all the networking I’ll be doing.”

“Ok than, lets go find the perfect dresses. I know Conner will like whatever I wear, but we have to dress you up to meet your prince charming.”

“Right I almost forgot that Zander will likely be there.”

“You think he is going to mention it to you. Maybe be his date?”    

“I don’t know. Next time we talk I’ll as him.” I really haven’t thought about the fact that he would attend these types of events. I hope Zander mentions something. But again my reserve is telling me not to give it two thoughts, I have managed up until now and I will continue to manage.

Cat and I spend the next two hours shopping for our perfect dresses for the summit. I manage to purchase this emerald green strapless long gown. It molds my body perfectly and flares out right below my butt. With that done I could focus on enjoying this weekend with my kids. Jackie has a soccer game Saturday Morning and Bella has a ballet recital Saturday evening. Matt has his first Baseball game on Sunday. I need to spend my free time making sure I coordinate with the other moms on carpool and snack duty. I love being able to make time for my kids. You would never hear me complain about being this active in their lives. Watching them excel and be happy has always been my one of my greatest happy thought, at least now a days, since Jonny. But for once in my life I am content with my life and can see a bright future for all of us. Jonny I do pray that you are smiling down on us and proud of the decisions I’ve made.