Nick Parker sat by the phone with butterflies in his stomach and his knees all shaky.
Two days before, he met Monica at her office. They had talked for a while and he was hopeful, so he confessed that he had a crush on her. He couldn't stop telling her about it. How suddenly their friendship had become this overwhelming feeling. How his every waking moment was filled with thoughts of her and what she was doing. He didn't have to wait very long before she confirmed his hopes. She told him that she felt it too. She had such wild thoughts about him that she felt guilty (she already had a boyfriend.) They sat together for a long time. Nothing physical happened, but Nick could tell that their mutual crush was taking over. As they parted, she told him to take it slow for now and she would decide what to do.
The next couple of days were euphoric. Nick had a smile on his face all the time. He worked out like a fiend so he would look good for her. His performance improved at work and around his apartment as his triumphant mindset pushed him to do his best. He knew he couldn't reach her by phone (he didn't want to embarrass her), so he sent her an innocent e-mail to make sure she knew he was thinking about her. Monday morning came and the euphoria died down. He tried to call her at work and she was at a conference he didn't know about. He called her cell - no answer. He left business-like messages that belied his turmoil.
What if she decided to stay with her boyfriend? What if his eagerness scared her off? The waiting was killing him. As lunchtime approached, he tried to distract himself with actual, productive work. He was only mildly successful. Then his phone rang.
"Monica Webb on Line 2 for you," said the receptionist. Nick's heart rate rose and he told himself to sound calm or he might blow it. Just be cool!
He picked up the line, "Hello?"
"Hello, stranger," she said. Her voice sounded so together. How could she be so collected?
"I'm glad you called. How was your conference?"
"The important part is that it's over. Can you meet me at my apartment in about an hour?"