Page 57 of What I'm Looking For

Myoffice.

Once I’ve plopped into the chair—a real office chair that swivels and everything—I pick up the phone and dial the number I now have memorized. Today is my lucky day in more ways than one because instead of the mechanized answering machine voice, the man I’m looking for actually answers the phone.

“Guess where I’m calling you from?”

“Um, work?”

“Well, yeah, duh. But where at work?”

“I don’t know. The bathroom?”

“No, silly. How would I get a phone into the bathroom? I am calling from my very own office.”

“Wow. Congratulations. That’s pretty sweet.”

“Thank you. I can’t believe it.” I turn in a circle, taking in the empty bookshelves and the view. Of another office building. “I mean, it’s tiny, but I even have a window.”

“Does it have a door, too?”

“Yes, it has a door, too.”

“Hmm. If it locks, we could have phone sex.”

“Will!”

“Sorry. Can’t help it. I know it’s only been a few days, but I miss seeing you.”

“Me too.” My heart pounds as I contemplate the suggestion I want to make. It’s so forward, but I want to celebrate with Will. Tonight. “So, what’s on your docket today?”

“I have an audition in an hour and then rehearsal. Till ten.”

“I’ll be working late, too.” Taking an extra deep Will-breath, I say, “You still have my key, so why don’t you just come over when you’re done? And we can have better than phone sex.” I whisper the last part because even though I have a door, it’s open and my phone cord is too short for me to close it.

“That sounds like an excellent idea,” he whispers back, a smile in his voice.

The moment I hang up with Will, a custodian shows up with a dolly stacked high with file boxes. While he unloads, I turn on the Selectric already on the desk and type up the notes to send to Roland. The rest of the day is a whirlwind, but I’m fueled by the prospect of seeing Will and by the little burst of energy I get every time I walk by the nameplate announcing to the world that Katherine Bishop is an Associate Equity Analyst.

I may not love everything about this job—the inevitable fallout from the Chase Mills rec still nags at me, even though it’s not like I can do anything to stop it from happening or help those workers—but I am proud that I’ve made it another step up the corporate ladder.

Chapter14

BEEP. Thursday, 1:30 p.m.

Will! Thank you for the cupcake you left on my desk. It was very sweet of you. No pun intended. Anyway, I’m sorry I wasn’t here—I had to go meet with Roland at the hospital. I’ll try and stop by the bar later.

BEEP. Thursday, 10:00 p.m.

Kate! Sorry I’m yelling again. Just wanted to say I’m sorry I couldn’t really talk when you came by. Who knew there was an actuarial conference in town? And who knew actuaries could be so raucous? Or that they were such big Cheers fans? Anyway, I think you said I should come over again tonight even though it’ll be late? I hate to wake you up. But I really can’t wait to wake you up. Oh—gotta go.

BEEP. Friday, 11:30 a.m.

Hi Kate, it’s me. Just wanted to say that you are sexy and beautiful even at one a.m. and I’m sorry if you’re tired at work today. Come by the bar if you can, otherwise I’ll see you later?

BEEP. Friday, 4:00 p.m.

Hi, it’s me. Calling from work, where I will be for the next five or six hours at least. So, just come over whenever you can. You don’t have to ask. I don’t think I’ll make it to the bar, but I’ll be home before you’re done there, I’m sure. You did tire me out, by the way, but my nether regions are not complaining one little bit. ’K. Bye.

WILL

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