Page 21 of My Merry Mistake
“Thanks for taking the time to respond to my ad,” I say.
“I thought it was well written, and I like that you took the initiative to change your circumstances. Honestly, it’s a clever approach to a common problem. Most relationships don’t work out because there’s too much emotion.”
I nod and force myself to smile, feeling a little pathetic, though I’m not sure why.
“I agree. It’s why I put it out,” I say. “I’d rather find someone without the mess.”
One quick, decisive nod. “Let’s get into it, shall we?”
I pull up his resumé on the iPad so I can refer back to it if needed. “Sure. First, I’d love to get to know a little more about you?—”
“As you can imagine, I don’t have a lot of free time,” he says with a quick look at his watch. “So, while I am open to the occasional social function, there would need to be substantial advanced notice. I’m currently up for a promotion, and if I get it, my time will be even less, which is obviously why dating is so challenging.”
I absently wonder if that’s theonlyreason dating is challenging for Eric.
He folds his hands on the table, and something in his posture makes me feel like now I’m the one in the hot seat.
I’ve seen this before—many times—in the office.
I straighten and lean in, countering his body language with my own. “I understand, and that’s exactly why I took out the ad. In my experience, dating brings with it a lot of expectations that I simply cannot meet at the moment.”
“What do you propose?” he asks.
“An initial two-week period of getting to know each other,” I say. “Three dates each week, with an agreed-upon length and location, while we decide if we’re compatible.”
“Two dates per week,” he says. “I’m a good judge of character.”
“So am I,” I say. “Done.”
“Good. What else?”
“Exit strategy. After the trial period ends, we have the option of cutting ties and going our separate ways—or continuing the arrangement, potentially introducing each other to our work circles. Social and professional.”
“Agreed,” he says. “Drinks twice a week after work.”
“One night for drinks. One for dinner.”
He nods. “Very good.”
I draw in a quick breath. So far, so good.
“What else?” he asks again.
“The only caveat here would be the holidays,” I say. “They’ll interrupt our schedule, but I assume you have a function or two, and so do I. I propose two holiday-related work events and one personal.”
“Personal meaning?—?”
“Thanksgiving,” I say. “Christmas. One family dinner for each holiday.”
“No family,” he says, briskly.
“It’s the holidays,” I say. “At some point, family will be involved.”
He gives his head a quick shake. “I don’t do parents.”
I frown. “Is that negotiable?”
“No,” he says. “Is it negotiable for you?”
