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Her squeal of excitement matches my own. “Jessy, that’s fantastic! I told you it would happen. We need to celebrate! Drinks tonight?”
I nod, even though she can’t see it. “Absolutely! I can’t wait. I’ll fill you in on all the details. Meet you at our usual spot?”
“Deal! I’ll be there. Get ready for a night to remember. Congratulations my friend.”
With a beaming smile, I end the call and take a moment to savor the reality of my newfound employment.
As I make my way out of the hotel, the lavish surroundings that seemed intimidating before now shimmer with a promise of opportunity. I take a deep breath, savoring the scent of success in the air.
Later that evening, Chloe and I meet up for drinks at our usual spot.
“I’m so happy for you. Finally, you have a job. Congratulations.”
“Thanks.”
Just as our drinks arrive, her phone starts ringing. She glances at the screen, her expression shifting from delight to concern.
“Crap. Hold on Jessy, I need to take this. It’s Mark,” she says apologetically, referring to her boyfriend. I nod, gesturing for her to go ahead.
Chloe answers the call, and from her hushed conversation, it becomes apparent that something is amiss.
“Is everything okay?”
“I’m so sorry I have to go. Mark has an emergency,” she explains hastily, already reaching for her purse.
“Oh my God, what's wrong? Do you want me to come with you?”
“No, it’s fine. I’m sorry I have to cut your celebration short.”
“No worries, girl. Go take care of him. We can celebrate some other time,” I assure her, watching as she rushes out of the restaurant.
Alone, I signal the waiter for the bill. Once the check arrives, I take a moment to settle it. Just as I’m about to leave, lost in thought, I collide with someone.
Startled, I look up, and there he is again—the hazel-eyed man from the Grand Princeton lobby.
2
Ethan
“Oh, sorry!” she stammers, taking a step back. “I didn’t…I wasn’t looking at where I was going…”
“That certainly seems to be a special talent of yours,” I say, a smile curling up my lips as I take in her appearance. It’s her, the woman from the hotel lobby who drew my attention from the moment we locked eyes.
This time, she isn’t dressed in corporate attire like she had been back there. She's now wearing a simple black dress that hugs her slender frame, accentuating her curves.
She smiles back, her expression a mix of recognition and amusement. “Yeah, I’m the collision expert. Sorry about that, by the way.”
I chuckle, “No worries. Seems like we have a knack for running into each other.”
“You can say that again,” she stretches out her hand. “Jessica.”
I take her hand, which feels so small and tender against mine. “Ethan.”
A beautiful smile spreads across her face. “Nice to meet you, Ethan. I’m sorry that I keep bumping into you. I promise to take your advice and start looking at where I’m going.”
“You should.”
There is a silent pause, as we both try to figure out what to say next.
