I swung around and spotted Lori walking up the ramp, stopping to talk to Kyle.
Wow.
She looked stunning in her lavender dress and white shoes.
The more I spent time with her yesterday, the more beautiful she became, but she just moved up to another level.
Lori laughed and hugged Debbie, our receptionist, and then Chris, the sales manager.
I had yet to receive a hug from her, not that I wanted one.
Okay, I was lying.
I wanted one.
Dan leaned in toward my face. “You’re staring.”
He was right, but he didn’t need to know that. “I’m just trying to get her attention so we can chat about the show.”
Dan laughed. “Yeah, right.”
Finally, Lori glanced in my direction and I waved.
Why did I feel like a kid at school trying to get the attention of the most popular girl?
Then she started walking in our direction and I tried not to watch her, but it was useless.
“Hey, guys.”
Lori flashed a smile and I swear I heard something thump in my chest again.
“Hey.” I tried to sound casual, but I doubt I succeeded.
“Hi, Lori.” Dan pointed to the bar nearby. “Grab yourself a drink over there. There’s no formal dinner this evening, but waiters will be coming around passing appetizers for the first two hours, so eat up. There will be a dessert bar later, loaded with plenty of sweets including cupcakes, which I hear you’re a fan of.”
Lori glanced at me. “You’ve been talking about me, have you?”
I winked. “How could we not?”
What an idiot. Why did I say that?
Dan chuckled. “I need to go check in with the catering director. I’ll see you two later.” He walked away, leaving Lori and me alone, both of us in silence, me rocking back and forth, heels, toes, heels, toes, like an idiot.
I opened my mouth and then closed it.
“What?” Lori said.
“Nothing. What?”
“You were going to say something, but then changed your mind.”
I hesitated. “That’s because I was going to compliment you on something, but then thought that it might not be appropriate, so I changed my mind.” I shrugged. “I don’t want to have HR breathing down my neck.”’
“A compliment?”
I nodded.
“Girls love compliments, you know. Especially when they’re sincere and don’t come with any ulterior motives. And just so you know, it would be my word against yours if it ever goes to court.” She laughed.
I nodded again, deciding to just say it. “You look stunning.”
Lori glanced away for a quick moment, her cheeks slightly flushing. “Thank you.” She glanced down at my shoes and gave me the once-over, arriving at my face where we locked gazes. “Likewise, Dr. Tough Love.”
I chuckled, most likely from nerves. “You’re not going to call me that all night, are you?”
Lori shrugged. “What do you want me to call you? Ben? Benny, maybe?”
I loved the way she called me Benny, but my mom was the only one who called me that.
“Benjamin?” Lori smirked. “Benji?”
“Now, who’s calling who a dog?” I laughed. “Ben or Benny is fine. Most people at the radio station call me Ben.”
She smiled. “Okay, Benny. Let’s get a drink.”
We headed to the bar, both of us ordering a beer, just like we had at the Italian restaurant.
A jazz trio played music.
A waiter approached us with a platter of appetizers. “Stuffed mushrooms?”
“Yes, please.” Lori grabbed one and popped it in her mouth, not hesitating for even a second.
“Good?” I asked.
She nodded emphatically as she chewed. “Mmmm.”
“Okay, I’ll try one,” I said.
The waiter held the tray closer to me.
I grabbed a stuffed mushroom and popped it in my mouth, an explosion of garlic, cayenne pepper, and cream cheese hitting my taste buds. “Oh, wow.”
“Yes. Wow.” Lori reached for another one.
I held up an index finger for the waiter as I swallowed, knowing I was going to grab another one. “Thank you, don’t mind if I do.” I grabbed another stuffed mushroom and ate it, nodding my appreciation of it and then pointing to another waiter. “Let’s go see what he has.”
“Twist my arm.”
We walked over and grabbed a couple of pieces of crab cake from the next waiter, washing it down with some of our beer.
“I have to admit that it feels slightly odd being here,” Lori said. “Like I’m crashing the party or something.”
I turned to her, surprised she said that. “Why?”
“I don’t know. I’m the new kid on the block, and it’s like everybody has been working at the station for such a long time. It’s your celebration, not mine.”
“This is a celebration for all employees and you’re an employee.”
“I know . . .”
“And a damn good one.”
She studied me for a moment. “Likewise. The station is lucky to have you.”
I chuckled.
“I mean it!”
“I know you do, and that’s what makes it funny. This feels odd, us complimenting each other.”
Lori laughed. “True. It’s almost as if we like each other or something.”
“Nahhh. Don’t get carried away.” I winked. “But seriously, you belong. People really like you, and it was almost instant for all of them.”
“Almost instant for everyone except you.” She laughed.
True, I hadn’t liked her one bit, and that was before I had even met her in person.
But I had been completely wrong about her.
Of course, I wasn’t going to tell her all that, but I would tell her something.
I shrugged. “There are lots of egos in the entertainment business, I’ll be the first to admit it.”
“Nooooo,” Lori said. “A man with an ego? I’ve never heard of such a thing.”
I chuckled. “Hey—I’m not just talking about men. I want you to admit that you have an ego, too.”
Lori shook her head. “Never.”
“Come on, you can do it.”
“I’ve never even heard of the word.” Lori laughed and covered her hand with her mouth. “Let me try that again without laughing.” She opened her mouth, but before something could come out, she started laughing again. “Okay, this is more difficult than I thought.”
I leaned to the side to analyze her face. “Are you drunk already?”
“Not yet, but I’ll let you know when I need to be cut off. And I will admit that women do have egos, but they are much smaller than men’s.”
I smirked. “There may be some truth to that, but don’t let it go to your head.”
“Ahoy, matey!” A man dressed up as a pirate approached us.
“Ahoy,” I said. “Who are you, Johnny Depp?”
“I am a freebooter, a buccaneer, a seadog.”
“A man with many titles.”
“You got that right. Are you enjoying yourselves so far?”
Lori nodded. “Absolutely.”
“Good, because if it’s not to your liking I’ll make you walk the plank. You don’t want to be shark bait, do ya?”