“Yep. I eat noodles every day, share my small space with a roommate, and work a job I hate for the trip.”
“It must be really important to you.” My thigh brushes his. I’ve upped the flirting. “It’s exciting.”
“Oh yeah, it sure is.” His eyes light up, giving me an insight into him. This is his passion, it’s what thrills him. I kinda hope I can become one of the things to thrill him too. “I can’t wait, it’s going to be amazing to escape.”
“Wow, that’s awesome. So, is there anywhere you want to go, Logan?” I love the way his name feels on my tongue. It’s like pure sex, it makes me shiver lightly. “Anywhere that really captivates you?”
“Oh, Tokyo, London, Berlin…” He shakes his head, bemused. “Just everywhere really.”
The clackity clack sound comes to a stop much too quickly. I already know that once we rise and we leave this carriage, everything will change. He’ll have to go his way and I can go mine. We might talk for a little while longer but we won’t be in our little bubble, and I really love our bubble. I don’t want it to pop.
I glance at him out the corner of my eye, wondering if there’s a way I can keep this going. I just feel a really powerful connection with him that burns deep down to my core. Of course, he’s seriously easy on the eyes too which helps. If I’m going to really embrace this whole living in the moment thing then I need to just go for it.
“You know, if you ever want to talk travel destinations, we could always go for a drink sometime.”
I try to keep my tone and body language light hearted so I don’t come across as a crazy person, but I don’t know if Logan fully buys it. He looks shocked to be honest, as if he didn’t expect me to be so bold. I have to though, he seems too shy to take that step himself. I don’t know if he’d ever ask me out.
“Oh, r… right, sure,” he stammers back, his eyes darting everywhere. “When were you thinking?”
Might as well go with now. “Well, since I’m getting paid today, why not go out tonight? It’s Friday, it could be fun. I can get you a drink and maybe even dinner if you’re a good boy.” I wink, going too far. “Or not…”
“No, that’s a good idea. But I will be the one buying you dinner.”
“But you’re saving up for your trip, I’m going to be flush today…”
“Nope. I insist.” He digs into his pocket and pulls out a business card. “I’ve had this for two years and never needed it so I might as well give it to you.” His smile touches my heart. “Give me a text or something.”
We get swept up in the crowds as we leave the train, the crowd pulls us in different directions. It’s heart breaking, but I suppose it doesn’t matter too much because I know I can see him later. That’s why carpe diem is such a good lesson. If I hadn’t been bold then I would be cursing myself forever. Now, because I stepped out of my comfort zone and I just went for it, I have a date with the most gorgeous man ever.
I clutch his business card to my chest, grinning to myself. He’s helped me to get over the nerves as well, I’m not too concerned with stepping into this place. Him and my trusty biker boots with amazing grip will not let me down. I feel strong and confident, powerful and ready to tackle this head on. It’s going to be just fine.
“Katherine!” I call into my cell phone the moment I step out of the building. “I’m out, I’ve done it!”
“You’re out of your meeting?” she hisses back, clearly at work. I should feel bad about that but I don’t. “How did it go? Did you get a nice fat check from those assholes with the dangerous building?”
“I did.” I smirk, stepping away from the building before they can change their mind. “Nearly one hundred thousand dollars, more than I even knew existed in money, can you believe it?”
I giggle, my chest freeing its excitement. This is more than just finding myself money, this gives me a real good time to get myself sorted. I’m going to really make it now… somehow.
“You did not! I’m glad, of course I am, but I cannot believe that they gave you that much. They must know it was their fault. Obviously it was, their floors had to be ridiculous, but… well, wow, I’m just shocked.”
“I know. Me too. My eyes almost popped out my head when I saw the amount.”
“So, you’re coming over to mine to celebrate tonight, right? I think drinks should be on us.”
“Actually…” I feel a heat creeping through my body but it’s combined with a pride. “I have a date tonight.”
“You do?” She gives that funny shrieking tone again. “With who?”
“A cute guy I met on the train.” My heart flip fops at the thought of him. “He’s really nice. Logan.”
“Hmm, yeah. Well we all know about you and guys on trains.” I don’t know what she means by that but I don’t get the chance to ask. “But that’s great news. We’ll have to celebrate tomorrow instead.”
“What am I going to wear?” That thought suddenly hits me. “I haven’t been on a date in forever.”
“You just got a fat check, you crazy bird! Go and buy something new.”
I think about the money sitting in my bank account and I know now that every penny doesn’t matter. I can spend it frivolously and not worry because the terrible fall has now turned into some very positive changes. I didn’t get the job but I got more money than I would have anyway, and I have a date as well. I have it all.