We sat down at a booth in the back to get away from the loud conversations that the other patrons, mostly students of the school, were having. We got our food and settled in, eating quietly for a few moments before Lisa chimed in. I could tell she was curious.
“So, how are things with the big financial guy?”
“Amazing,” I said rolling my eyes. “Like seriously, amazing. We went out the other night, had dinner, talked about everything, then came back, took a dip in the Infinity pool and then I stayed over at his place.”
“Again?” Lisa looked shocked. “You are sure spending a lot of time with this guy.”
“He makes me smile,” I said with blushing cheeks. “He’s intelligent, handsome, motivated, and settled, everything I was looking for in a partner.”
“So, wait, are you guys official?”
“No, not yet,” I said. “I mean I was just thinking about it. If things keep going this way, I don’t see how they couldn’t become official.”
“Have you guys talked about it?”
“Oh, god no,” I said chuckling. “You know how men are about that kind of thing. I’m waiting for him to bring it up. I don’t want to be that girl, and I don’t want to scare him off.”
“Wow,” she said lifting her eyebrows.
“What?”
“I just am shocked at how you are talking about him,” she shrugged. “It’s weird hearing that come from you.”
“It’s not like I was hell-bent on being an old single cat lady,” I laughed. “You know I’ve always wanted to eventually settle down and have a family. I’m not saying he’s the one, but he’s the best I’ve ever come across.”
“Wow, ever?”
“Lisa, I don’t think I’ve ever felt this way about a man,” I said. “Especially not a man that I’ve known for such a short amount of time. He blows me away on a constant basis. He is so sweet and kind, and oh my God the sex is out of this world.”
“Does he know what you do?”
“I mean he knows I work for Climate X doing social justice work,” I said.
“Right, but does he know you spend your free time protesting against companies like his?”
“I protest against causes, not companies,” I pointed out. “And no, I haven’t told him yet, but I will when the timing is right. He loves how passionate I am about things, I’m sure he will be on board with it.”
“Okay,” Lisa sang eating her soup.
“Yeah, spill it,” I said. “I know what that tone means. What are you thinking?”
“I don’t know, Ruby,” she said looking up at me. “I’m just a little worried I guess.”
“About what?”
“You are headstrong, jump in with both feet kind of girl,” she responded. “I think you should be careful with this guy. Get to know him. I can tell that you are falling for him and fast.”
“What’s wrong with that? It happens all the time,” I said. “When it’s right it’s right.”
r /> “Yeah,” she said trying not to upset me. “But he’s is a young billionaire male that is extremely attractive and career-obsessed. Men like that, they usually are not interested in the long-term. They are playboys, men who want what they want when they want it, and when they are done, it’s a swift kick in the butt toward the door. Playboys like him and the others don’t normally ever stay with one girl much less commit to one.”
“I don’t think that’s how Nathan is,” I said shaking my head. “He’s different. He makes an effort, and he is intelligent. So intelligent that I know a lifestyle like that would become boring quickly for him.”
“Just be careful, okay?”
“I will,” I said smiling. “I promise. I’ll keep my emotions in check and take it day by day.”
While the words were coming out of my mouth, I knew they were a lie, and in her own way, I was sure that Lisa knew they were too. I just couldn’t imagine Nathan tossing me to the side like that. He showed in every way that he was interested in me for more than just sex. For a man who could get any woman at any time why would he put so much effort taking me on dates and doing all the things that he has done? The fact of it was, I felt like I knew him better than that, even if we had only been around each other a short time.