Call Your Girlfriend

Part 31: In Which A First Date Occurs

My stomach is in knots, in my throat choking me, and drying out my mouth.

Why am I so bloody nervous?

This is what I want.

What I've been waiting for.

Yet...

I feel like maybe...I'm not ready.

Staring at the green dress I'm in -in the mirror- I wonder if this is too much. Max hasn't really stated what we are doing, just that it is a bit more up scale than a normal date would be. He has said nothing other than he would pick me up at my house and that is pretty much it.

My phone goes off.

West Wood Agency....

"Hello?"

"Hello, Dr. Sharpe! How are you this evening?"

"I'm fine, Sandra, how are you?"

"Perfect! Did you get our email?"

"Yes! I did. I'm so excited I got approved."

"Yes- we are too. I did some digging- took in all accounts and have come up with the region of your choice. When can we expect you to arrive?"

"Arrive? Um, I thought the process was considerably longer than this. I only applied a few weeks ago."

"Yes- typically it takes months to get approved. But we found an opening and not that I want to pressure you- but if you are serious about this- then we need to act now. There are several other contenders, but you are the top pick." I swallow hard in my throat. No time to talk to Max about any of this I guess. I certainly can't back out now.

"Huh, um, I can fly out this weekend if need be. Where is it exactly I need to get too."

"Kyoto."

"Japan?"

"Yes, I think you will be very pleased. I know this is all so sudden, but we need to secure this. If you're still serious that is."

"Definitely...yes- yes, I'll get a ticket right away. Um, I guess just email me the address for when I get there." 

"Perfect. Oh- you might want to brush up on some Japanese. It's going to come in handy, especially for some of the meetings. I'll send you a survival guide link to the language as well. Have a good night!" I hang up and feel my heart racing in my chest. How the Hell am I going to explain this one?

I need to get a ticket. Look at flights. I don't have anything ready. Nothing! Nothing packed! Nothing! This isn't going to be easy.

The doorbell rings.

Shit.

Max! Huh, Lord help me.

Heading to the door, I open it up and Max is standing outside on the porch in a nice tux. So at least I wasn't way off on how I should dress.

"Wow! Wow...that's a ....that's a dress."  He looks me up and down a few times. Eyes wide and mouth agape. He's never seen me in something so form fitting- especially with a slit that runs up my entire thigh almost and the middle of my chest more than exposed.

"Yes...and that's a tux." I say and he leans forwards and kisses me. God how do I tell him? I can't tell him. But I have too. I have to tell him. I'm have no choice. I'm leaving tomorrow- God willing.

"Everything okay?" My breathing is slightly shallow. Swallowing hard, I nod my head.

"Yes- Yes, I'm just...nervous is all."