Twice the Second Chance

Chapter 14 - It's a Date

Monday was back to the grind stone at work. But that's okay. I've always loved numbers & the intricate patterns they weave. I love when there's a problem that can only be solved by digging into the numbers. I guess you could say work is my sanctuary, as strange as that sounds.

Unfortunately for me, it looked like today was not going to go that way. Shortly after arriving, my coworker Ben sauntered over. I have never cared for him.

He's about 25 & he gives off the "God's gift to women" air. He cannot handle when a female doesn't fall over herself for him, regardless of her age. It's like he feels personally attacked. I'm never out right rude to him - that's not my style - but I just do my best to avoid him. I have no time for that skeeze, but he apparently had other ideas.

As soon as I get to my desk, he saunters over & clucks out, "Marni, Marni, Marni…" while slowly shaking his head. I try not to let an exasperated sigh escape as I look up at him with a dead-faced expression. "You certainly had a good time Sat night," he said with a leering.

I glared at him. "What is that supposed to even mean, Ben? Better yet, why are you even asking? My personal life is exactly that. Personal."

He threw his hands up in mock surrender. "Nothing…" he said insincerely. "Why so upset? I saw you leading the Thriller dance, & you looked like you were having a great time." Then he leanded in close, too close, & whispered so no one else could hear, "Your dance after was the real treat. I always knew you were a slut. When do I get my turn?"

I abruptly stood up, glared at him, & icily stated, "We. Are. DONE. Here. Now back off!" & I stormed off to the restroom.

Very quickly, I was joined by Jules. "The skeeze back at it again?"

"You have NO idea, Jules. Know what he had the audacity to say? That my dance was 'the real treat' & he wanted to know when he got his turn. Yeuck!" I decided to not share about him calling me a slut. Saying it out loud made it to more real.

"You need to report him, Marni."

"Come on, Jules. We all know how that'll turn out. It'll be a case of 'he said/she said.' He's smart. He makes sure to say these things where no one else can confirm or deny. Unless a few of the others are willing to share their stories with me, it's a lost cause."

"Well, let me see what I can do. You haven't seen my powers in action. It's about time you did! Now come on, let's head back." Thankfully, Ben had slithered off while we were away. But Jules was right. Something needed to be done before things took a bad turn for someone.

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I usually take a quick break around 10am. I always check my phone to see if I've heard from my son, Trevor. I missed him terribly, but I was also proud. He had accomplished so much after the rough start he had before joining our family. We text each other often. I'm a lucky mom.

Unfortunately, there was no text from Trevor, but there was a text from an unknown number. I opened it. "I wish I could say it's lovely to see you, but since I can't, I'll say it's lovely to think of you. In my office. With me."

Evan. It had to be. I can't help but feel my cheeks heat up, remembering what took place in that office. I couldn't help myself. It was my turn to up the ante. "Evan. I can't help but wonder what would've transpired if I had stayed." I quickly pushed send before I lost courage.

The waiting was excrutiating. The longer it took for a response, the more worried a became. Was I being to forward?

"Again, you knew it was me. Good. And I haven't stopped wondering. Or fantasizing." I smirked at his response as my panties threatened to soak through. Now how to respond?

"Really now? I would ask more about that, but I'm not sure that's an appropriate work place conversation."

"Then I guess I'll just have to call you tonight to have that conversation. Or better yet, how about we have it over dinner?"

Hmm… am I ready for dinner with him? F**k it. Dinner it is! I just can't let him know that right away. "Well, that depends. What are we having for dinner?" And send!

"I can't give away all my secrets. How about I pick you up at 6:30?"

As tempting as that was, I wasn't sure if I was ready for him to know where I lived just yet. "How about I meet you instead? Just name the time & place." Hopeful my he'll go for that. Now, I wait.

"You drive a hard bargain. How about we meet at 6:30 for drinks at Access on First? Dinner is still a surprise."

I feel foolish for it, but I couldn't help being giddy. I texted back, "See you tonight."

Suddenly, Brandie is hovering over my shoulder & asks "Whatcha doing?"

I damn near screamed, she startled me so much. "Brandie! You scared me!" I explained as I tried hiding the face of my phone.

"Uh-uh. No way. I need to know what's going on. The last time I saw you looking like this was in the bathroom after your dance with Mr Muscles on Sat." The guilt must have been easily read because she started laughing & exclaimed, "I knew it! You're texting him! I want all the deets!"

I quickly hushed her & said we'd talked more later. Well, the day has certainly gotten better after the way it started…

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(Evan)

She said yes. Thank the goddess, she said yes. I was worried that I had pushed too far with my initial text, but when I saw her text back that she wondered how far it would've gone if she had stayed? I wanted to storm down to her office.

Instead, I played it cool. Well, sort of. But it worked. Damn! I feel like a hormonal, love struck teen, but I don't care. Step one was a success. Now to prepare for tonight. I already enlisted the help of Brandie, a pack member she had been with on Sat, to get more info on her. Brandie can get overly excited, but she had a good heart. I just hope that, in her exuberance, she keeps her mouth closed.

Marni's favorite flowers are lilies, with wildflowers a close second. I had already contacted Flora North to prepare a modest bouquet of yellow, red & orange lilies with a few wildflowers sprinkled in for good measure. As soon as Marni said yes, I instructed them to send the display to her office. Now, I was waiting to hear back from Marni.

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(Marni)

Just before lunch, I received a beautiful vase filled with lilies & wild flowers. My favorites! I pulled out the card, & it read, "May all our fantasies come true. Evan."

The girls crowded around, asking questions. I had to silence them with a promise to share more later. When no one was looking, I slid the card under the vase where it wouldn't be seen, & we headed to lunch.