Everything is Better Now

Chapter 2

"What the hell am I going to wear?!" I could feel myself spiraling downhill fast. Of course, it was metaphorically. I was currently in my apartment losing my mind over what to wear.

I could break down the options. Deep in the far recesses of my mind, I knew Jeans and a t-shirt would not be appropriate, that does not mean I did not want to wear them. I also knew I was definitely not wearing a dress. I don't even own one. I could always wear the pants I bought for my interview though, They fit well enough a few years ago, I'm sure they would be fine now. But the problem is what shirt would I wear with them, and more importantly, what shoes.

I have a bit of an obsession with sneakers, currently, I have over 50 pairs. I usually get dressed from my shoes up. I never wear important shoes to work, but I don't go anywhere outside of work, so my shoes just sit there. I haven't worn most of that, but I can at least wear a pair tonight. Of course, I wouldn't want to scare her off with an uber-limited pair, so I decided to go low-key. My Jordan 1 Chicago's, gorgeous. The red and black colorway made for a classic shoe, with a unique twist.

To hell with it, I'm going with jeans. I'll wear the black ones, they look nicer than regular blue jeans. But what shirt. Definitely a button down, short sleeve, black? That seemed right. I'm going with it.

I checked my email before I left.

Good Afternoon, Ms. Johnson,

We will be dining at Basil this evening. They are accommodating to many different dietary restrictions, however, if it is not up to your standards when you arrive we can choose a different place to entertain one another. I will meet you at 7:30 PM tonight.

Do not be late,

See you this evening my good girl.

My first thought was wow, she was ballsy sending that at work. The second was damn, I'm about to be late.

As quick as I could I called an uber and got dressed. By the time I got downstairs, the car was pulling up. 20 Minutes later I was stepping out of the car and 5 minutes late.

"Welcome to Basil, do you have a reservation?" The hostess asked. A slight accent on her tongue.

"I'm with a-a lady, she, um, her name is Joanna Johnson, no Charles. Joanna Charles."

"Of course, I'll take you to her. Follow me." She slid from behind her stand and led me to the back corner of the restaurant. It was beautiful. Modern light, contemporary seating, and tucked away booths where I saw Ms. Charles.

I almost tripped over myself, she was so gorgeous. She smiled, I presume at my clumsiness. I looked down warily. I couldn't even stay balanced enough to make it to the damn table.

Ms. Charles thanked the Hostess before she walked off.

"Thank goodness you made it safely, Carter. I'd hate for this to end before it begins." She laughs softly. Would it be too sappy to say my heart stopped? If so, I won't say it, but it did. It definitely stopped. That fucking laugh.

I couldn't think of an auditory response so I smiled. Like I always do.

"Come sit, Dear." She said standing to accept me into the booth. I assumed I would be sitting on the other side, but what Ms. Charles says goes.

As soon as I sat in the booth I shifted over to get to the other side, only to be pulled back to Ms. Charles.

"Ms. Johnson," she says, her breath hitting the side of my neck. A shiver ran through my body. "You aren't trying to run away from me, are you? You've kept me waiting too long, would you deny me the pleasure to be seated next to you as well?"