Sink or Swim

Chapter 6: What Now?

'Carmen? What is she even doing here? Well that's a dumb question Ana, she lives here, now focus on the plan, firstly she can't see you.'

Without a second thought, I grab the menu and place it in front of my face in attempts to conceal myself. She scoots over to the stall at the end when her phone rings.

"Yes, this is she?"
"Well you Mr. Smith has contacted the right agency." She smiled,
" yes I understand your plea but as your lawyer I would not advise we discuss such a matter over the phone would you mind scheduling a meeting at my office on 121 Rockaway Blvd, Hustonville tomorrow at 9 am sharp."

With that bit of information I quickly call the waiter and ask for as piece of paper and a pen, I quickly scribble the address I overheard, paid for my meal and in attempts to leave the store, I clumsily tip the glass the waiter was holding, soaking her uniform as the crystals from the glass shatter into thousands of pieces as it hits the floor. Great Ana, just great. Now everyone is looking at you, I'm sure Carmen is also looking. Better leave this place quickly.

I apologize profusely tip her extra and scoot out the diner faster than I'd planned, not before noticing Carmen's eyes searching the side of my face for some sort of familiarity as I left. With my mind still reeling from the events back at the diner, i find myself bumping into someone. Yet again the familiar cologne scent of this person tells me exactly what I want to know.

"Why do we always meet like this?" Dr. S says while chuckling.
"Sorry, I'm always in a hurry that's all" I reply, being partially honest.
"Where are you off too in such a rush anyway?" he questioned inquisitively.
"Umm, nowhere" I answer maybe a bit too quickly.
"Well are you running from someone or something" He pursued.
"No one, where are you off too Dr. S?" I attempt to change the subject
"Meeting someone" he admits, "a client" he quickly adds.
I nod absentmindedly, while processing what he said. Without putting extra thought into it, I bid him adieu and was on my way, not before he confirmed our "date/meeting".

***********************************************

It's been three days since our 'date' "a date is a social OR ROMANTIC appointment. It can only be romantic if he makes it romantic, all for now it's social." Without this important reminder, I would've never considered it a date. We met at the same Dunkin Donuts we had coffee at, the former week, walked to the movie cinema where he carefully selected a movie that he later claimed to "secretly hope" I would like. Truth is, I absolutely loved it. We later walked to an ice cream pallor while he told me about all of his dreams and aspirations.
"You're thinking about him again aren't you?" Katie practically screamed.
"What?" I say snapping out of my daze.
"Dr. S... you're thinking about him again aren't you?" she accused with a rather contented smile on her face.
"I hadn't even realized that I'd zoned out" I replied slightly embarrassed and already turning scarlet red.
"Listen Ana I know he's dreamy and all, but maybe you should take things slowly, considering you guys barely know each other." She stated matter-of-factly.
I knew that she was right, these past few days I've been thinking about him a lot and that's not very healthy because this was definitely not a time for 'catching feelings'.
As if he had been reading my mind, in that exact moment, my phone vibrated with a text message from said distraction.
'Been thinking about you, hope you're having a great day. Don't have much time right now, but I'll call you later on. ~S'
instantaneously, an uncontrollable and unconscious smile form on my lips, which was brought to my attention by Katie's laughter of course.
"Anyway, how's work going for you so far? Getting the hang of it?" she changed the subject.
"Actually its going great, Cherry, the secretary is really patient in showing me the ropes, and I think I've decided what I want to start studying" I started, grateful for the distraction. I really was grateful for that job since the money the institute gave me was quickly running out. I would have to start looking at my other options where housing was concerned, no matter how limited they were.