Page 5 of Electric Blue Love
“Interesting,” I said wondering why this guy hadn’t made a move. “He’s never tried to get you in bed?”
“What?” She looked around like she was worried about the sweet old ladies in front of us hearing our conversation. “No, of course not.”
“Sorry, I forgot people aren’t that up front in our twenties. Let me re-phrase, does he hit you up with texts at the end of the night or put himself near you when it’s time for everyone to leave?”
Squirming in her seat, her unease was apparent. So was my answer. I had no doubt the guy in question was into her and was making a play, however subtle and indirect, to sleep with her. A heaviness settled on my chest at the thought of this beautiful and inexperienced young woman fumbling into bed with some jackass.
“You sure you want to be with Ted? He sounds like an idiot.”
“Todd. And yes, he’s great. He comes from a well-respected family, he’s captain of the squash team, pre-med…” Her voice trailed off.
Nodding, it was my turn to squirm. I disliked the guy more with every new tidbit she threw my way. I knew Todd’s type. Arrogant, rich, entitled. I’d dealt with them my entire life.
“Well,” I cleared my throat. “A guy like Tim is going to have expectations and pressure to be with a certain kind of woman, at least one he plans to keep around long-term. Keep the clothing tasteful – no tube tops or miniskirts and nothing like whatever it is you have on now. No offense, but where did you get that dress?” I didn’t wait for an answer, but the flush that had gathered in her cheeks spread down her neck.
I continued, “He’s probably used to women fawning over him, so don’t throw yourself at him, but stay in his line of vision and have something ready to say when he does approach you. Mention his last match or ask about his future plans. Be interested in him and let him see that there’s more to you than a pretty face. You want to be good enough to introduce to his parents, but sexy enough to make him the envy of all his buddies. Give him a little physical contact – nothing too aggressive, just light touching to show you’re interested.”
“What if that doesn’t work?”
“It’ll work.”
“How can you be so sure?”
I shrugged and bit back the obvious. He’d be a fool to let this girl get away from him.
“What’s your name, Tad’s girl?”
“Bianca. And his name is Todd.”
“Nice to meet you, Bianca. Court.” I offered her my hand which she took and lightly squeezed.
“What do you do, Court?” She withdrew her hand and pointed at the laptop still closed on my tray table.
“Risk assessment. I help companies identify potential risks that could lower cash flow or create higher insurance rates and then implement plans and strategies so neither of those things happen. Not as exciting as pre-med.” I cut myself off, feeling ridiculous for feeling less than some egg head who, statistically speaking, was not very likely to actually become a doctor.
“You’re travelling for work, or…?”
“Yeah.” I nodded. “I live in New York, but I fly out every month or so to see a client. What were you doing in the city?”
“I went home for Spring break to visit my family.”
“From New York City and you didn’t go to NYU? Shocking.”
“I wanted a more rigorous engineering program. Plus, my parents wanted me to get out on my own.”
“Impressive. And an engineer, huh? Beautyandbrains.”
The speakers crackled, and the captain welcomed us to Connecticut while I watched Bianca bite her lip and wring her hands.
“You seeing Tom tonight?”
She raised her eyebrows at my failure to say the right name but didn’t correct me this time. “Yeah, there’s a party to celebrate everyone coming back from Spring break.”
“Don’t wear that,” I said dryly, motioning at her outfit and wishing I could see her done up to impress.
She pulled out her cell and held it with two hands tapping furiously with both thumbs. “No tube tops, no miniskirts, have something to say, light touches…”
“You’re taking notes?”
