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patrons.  But if she continues to mess up the reservation system, I will let her go. Jimmy’s will not fail.” The determination in his voice took me by surprise and made me clench deep in my belly. I shook it off.
    “Anyway, I was at The Four Seasons and I moved the last of my stuff in early this morning so that once this night is over, I can sleep at home in my own bed.”
    I nodded, “ Busy man. You seem really active in your business. Some business owners are owners in name only. Did you go to school for business or something?”
    Ty fin ished the last of his crab cake and took a sip of water to wash it down. “I did.” Pointing to himself, he said proudly, “Harvard Business School graduate. What do you do?”
    “ Well as of this week, I am the Human Resources Director for the company I work for.” I sipped my water and placed my napkin over the remaining remnants of food.  I glanced up at the DJ as he walked by.
    “That’s awesome. Congratulations!” Ty exclaimed with a huge smile.
    “Thank you. I appreciate it,” I smiled at him. His grin was infectious. It wasn’t lost on me how much I was smiling around him.
    Checking his watch, Ty stood and signaled for one of the wait staff to come collect our plates. “It is 8:30 so I am going to get some things done. It was nice talking to you. But don’t think I didn’t notice I talked way more than you,” he said with a laugh. “Thank you for letting me have dinner with you. I haven’t sat down and eaten anything all day.”
    “It was nice talking to you as well, Ty.” I admitted, keeping my voice light even though I was unsettled by the feelings of disappointment regarding his departure.  And the inexplicable draw I felt toward him, I mused avoiding his eyes.  The waiter collected the plates and cleaned the table in no time at all.
    Once the waiter had left the table, Ty insisted, “Dinner is on me. To congratulate you on your promotion.”  I tried to protest to which he dismissed as if I hadn’t opened my mouth at all.
    Extending his hand, Ty looked me in my eyes with arresting warmth and sincerity, “So is it official now Sahara? Friends?”
    What can I possibly say to that? I thought as his eyes implored mine. Nervously smiling, I extended my hand to meet his. “Friends,” I whispered. His smiled widened and the butterflies went off like fireworks in my belly. This was going to be trouble.

Chapter 4  
    So many talented people performed during the open mic night—poets, singers, rappers.  Every single one of them had a story to tell and an undeniable talent.  The crop of talent in this area was palpable and I was caught up in everything they delivered.  My eyes stayed glued to the stage, not wanting to miss a single moment.  These storytellers stirred something in me.
    A t 11:30pm, the DJ took over and people started dancing.  I was coming down off of the high of experiencing all that unbridled talent. Feeling a little drained from minimal sleep throughout the week, I stifled a yawn and decided it was time to go.  I collected my bag and my phone and hopped off of my chair, shaking out the bottom of my sundress. Making my way to the elevator, I saw a couple people from work, including my assistant, standing near one of the black couches.
    Seeing people from work outside of work alway s threw me for a loop.  It has happened pretty regularly over the last 6 years, especially at grand openings, premieres, and special performances.  Every time, I am polite without encouraging them. I say as little as possible and I quickly leave the situation. I don’t have lunch with anyone. I don’t accept any invitations anywhere. I’m sure my coworkers think I’m a stuck up bitch, I thought ruefully as I turned down their offer to join them.  After briefly stopping and exchanging quick pleasantries, I excused myself.
    I reached the elevator and hit the button.  I looked over the scene as I waited for the elevator—everyone looked like they