I was trying to decide whether I wanted a shower and a snack, just a snack, or to just turn off the lights and go to sleep when I heard my phone buzzing, indicating someone was texting me. Assuming it was Dee, wanting to know how the interview went, I turned over and grabbed it.
To my surprise, there was a text from Rob.
ROB: Hey, how’d the interview go?
He’d remembered.
I didn’t really even know the guy and he’d remembered I had an interview today.
SARIAH: I think it went well.
ROB: Are you going to tell me what kind of job it is?
SARIAH: Not until I find out if I got it. I don’t want to jinx it.
ROB: LOL fair enough. Did you work your other job tonight?
SARIAH: I did. I’m so tired I don’t even have the energy to get something to eat. And my feet are killing me.
ROB: I give a great foot massage.
SARIAH: Oh, man, don’t tease me. I’d kill for one right now.
Part of me wasn’t sure if I should go down this route with him, but other than my phone number and first name, he didn’t know anything about me, so I felt pretty safe as far as flirting was concerned.
ROB: Kind of hard to do the massage thing via text, but you should definitely treat yourself if you get the job.
SARIAH: No massages in my future until I move out of this apartment. My ex and I were sharing the rent, and he left me high and dry with the lease when he moved out. That’s why I had to get a second job.
ROB: What a shithead. I’m sorry he did that to you. Your landlord wouldn’t let you out of the lease because of extenuating circumstances?
SARIAH: No. He’s a shithead too. But I’ve found an apartment in my friend Dee’s building. It’s in a nice, safe area and has underground parking and a pool. It’s also a gated community, so that’s perfect for a single woman living alone.
ROB: For sure. How long until you can move?
SARIAH: Two long months. Assuming I get offered this new job, I have to remember to mention that I’ll need a few days off to move.
ROB: You got this. I can feel it.
I smiled to myself. Even if he was some loser living with his mom, he was a nice loser.
SARIAH: I hope you’re right. I could use a break. The last year has been rough.
ROB: This year hasn’t been too bad for me, but last year sucked. One of my coworkers was out with his wife when they got hit by a drunk driver. They were both killed. He was one of my best friends, so I’m still not completely over it, though you put one foot in front of the other, you know?
SARIAH: Oh my gosh! I’m so sorry. That sounds horrible.
ROB: It’s been over a year now, so it’s not as poignant, but at the time, all of us were out of sorts.
SARIAH: I’ll bet.
ROB: So I totally understand about having a rough year. All I can say is be kind to yourself. The end of a serious relationship can be like a death in some ways. You have to grieve for your loss.
SARIAH: Have you been through a bad breakup?
ROB: Not in a long time. I travel so much for work, it’s hard to meet people and keep up with them. I tend to play the field, to be honest. It’s not that I don’t want someone special in my life. I’ve just found it hard to date because of work.
SARIAH: I’m probably too gun-shy for my own good now. Dee is constantly trying to get me to go out, but every time I meet a new guy, I think of Theo. I don’t know that I’m ready to give someone else a chance.
ROB: There’s no rush. At least, I don’t think so. Will you tell me how old you are?
Eeek. This was getting personal. It couldn’t hurt, though. Could it?
I hesitated for a few seconds and finally typed my response.
SARIAH: I’m twenty-five. You?
ROB: Twenty-six.
SARIAH: I guess neither of us is in any danger of becoming a spinster. Haha!
ROB: LOL I hope not.
SARIAH: Although guys seem to get more grace in that department. A woman hits thirty and she’s past her prime. Men barely peak at thirty.
ROB: True dat. Though I’d like to think I won’t peak until well into my fifties.
SARIAH: Very funny.
ROB: I’m kidding. Anyway, I should probably let you get some sleep. Both jobs tomorrow?
SARIAH: Nope, just the day job, and I don’t have to go in early. I’ve hit my sales quota for the week, and they’ve stopped giving bonuses for going over, so I’d rather sleep in.
ROB: Absolutely. Let me know if you hear about the job, okay? I’ve got my fingers crossed for you.