"I want to know what you're interested in eating."
"Oh, I already have my dinner taken care of. Sharon brought us some homemade lasagna and garlic loaf for supper. But thanks for thinking of me."
"Rats," Josh said, and I could hear the disappointment in his voice. "You wouldn't prefer some General Tso's chicken and rice? Some nice egg rolls?"
"Sadly, not tonight. We're working through supper to get this finished."
"Okay, but don't say I never tried."
"I could never say that."
I hung up and smiled to myself, enjoying his attention, regretting that I really couldn't take time off even if I wanted to. I didn't want to -- not really. Josh was like a triple chocolate fudge sundae with whipped cream on top. You know you shouldn't eat it, but that doesn't stop you from wanting it.
Josh wouldn't be good for me. He was a super-rich business mogul who would marry someone society girl like his ex. I was out of his league and I knew it. The last thing I wanted or needed was to spend the rest of my life feeling looked down on because I wasn't the right kind of people.
Ever hopeful that I'd given in out of sheer exhaustion from saying no, Josh texted me on Sunday afternoon.
JOSH: I bought a couple of really great tenderloin steaks and some sweet corn from the grocer down the street. I could grill them up on the BBQ on my roof-top patio if you'd like to join me. The view is fantastic and I promise you, the company couldn't be finer.
I exhaled, wanting to go to him, but at the same time, kicking myself for being so weak-willed.
ELLA: Sorry. Sharon bought us a couple of containers of Kung Pao Chicken and rice for supper. Working late again!
JOSH: Can't blame a man for trying...
ELLA: At some point, I would think a guy might get tired of being turned down...
JOSH: You are obviously unaware of my incredible persistence. Some would call it obstinacy. Or maybe blindness... But I prefer to call it impressive staying power. *Grin*
ELLA: LOL
ELLA: No comment. Not enough data to judge.
JOSH: I can help you with that. I like to ensure a woman has adequate knowledge of my best attributes.
ELLA: You think that's your best attribute? I would think it would be your moral character or intelligence or compassion or wit...
JOSH: Those, too.
ELLA: Have a great evening and enjoy your tenderloin. As for me, I'll be working on Sharon's presentation on the spring schedule for her meeting.
JOSH: You could come by later for a nightcap...
ELLA: I'll be so tired by the time I get home, I'll be good for nothing but sleep.
JOSH: If you change your mind...
ELLA: Good night. Sleep tight.
I put my cell away and tried to focus on the presentation, but Josh's persistence had me smiling to myself.
Around four in the afternoon, a woman entered the office with a tray of coffee and a box of donuts in her hand. She was striking, with black hair and patrician features, dressed immaculately in a business suit. She went right into Sharon's office and I thought nothing of it until I got a call from Sharon to join them.
The door to Sharon's office was cracked open and I was just about to open the door and go inside when I heard them mention Josh's name. I stopped and listened, curious what they'd say about him.
"...and he was looking for a wife and he had me vetting candidates. Can you believe it?" the woman said.
"Joshua asked you to find him a wife? Seriously?" Sharon asked, her voice shocked.