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International Man of Mystery . Ever see it?"
    "Not really my type of humor." She flashed a sheepish smile.
    James winked. "Well, it's kind of fitting for our business model."
    “Aha. I like cool names that have some relevance to what a company actually does. Sounds like that one will definitely stick with your audience. So your partner was cool with moving the company out here?”
    James shook his head. “We only started working together when I got back to Palo Alto. We grew up together and he’s a pretty entrepreneurial guy with a good head for business. It was a great decision for us to sync up on this. We have a solid team, a lot of interns from Stanford since they come cheap. You just offer a bunch of stock options and they come running.”
    “Wow. This is just so random ! I mean, here I am, trying to build a business in Palo Alto and there you are, a potential client!”
    A loud screech erupted into the air, interrupting Jessica’s next thought.
    She stood up, wincing as she shifted her weight. “Shoot, that sounds like…” Jessica poked her head around the column. “ Lisa .” She flashed a smile at James. “I’m really sorry, but I’ve got to run. That’s my friend.”
    “Let me help you out.” James started to follow her but Jessica pointed out the group of guys that formed around Lisa.
    “I think we’ve got all the hands we need right now, but thanks. It was really nice meeting you again . Good luck with everything.”
    Jessica saw the disappointed look in his eyes before she turned away. Why is he staring at me like that? He did hear me say I live three thousand miles away, right? And if that didn’t scare him off, there’s plenty more that will send him running.
    She limped over to Lisa.
    But the nagging voices kept plaguing her.
    Twice in one day in California, Jess? What if the universe is trying to save you from yourself after all? Don’t let him walk away. Stop being so afraid. You can’t hide behind work forever.
    With a backward glance, she let out a defeated sigh. James was nowhere in sight.
    Oh well, I guess I’ve officially blown off the universe too.
     
     
    “COME ON !” LISA pouted. “We’ll just go for one little drink, I swear !”
    Jessica rolled her eyes. “So now you’re rearing to go? A few minutes ago, you were writhing in pain. That was certainly a miraculous recovery.”
    “Look, I’ll just pop a couple of Advil and it’ll be fine!”
    Jessica shook her head. “Listen, I know you don’t want to disappoint your fan club but I can’t go. I’m too backed up with work that I should have done while I was wasting my afternoon at Stanford and my ass is killing me from that fall. I’m going back to the hotel.”
    “ Please ?” Lisa clasped her hands. “I shouldn’t go out with strange men, it would be irresponsible of you to let me go without a chaperone.”
    Jessica snorted. If only these poor guys knew what they were getting themselves into. “Don’t try to guilt me. You’re a big girl and I’d be more concerned for them than for you.”
    Lisa flashed a wicked smile. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
    “Sure you don’t.” Jessica pulled the rubber band out of her hair and brushed the thick waves cascading over her shoulders.
    “It would be a really great opportunity for us to spend some time together—”
    “Li, I love you to death but it’s not happening. Come on, you know I have to meet with Charlie and he’s going to be all over me if I don’t get this crap done in time.”
    “Fine.” Lisa zipped her gym bag. “Let’s go back to our boring hotel. But don’t forget the frozen yogurt. If I’m stuck dateless, I need some other kind of treat.”
    Jessica grinned, slinging an arm over her friend’s shoulder. “I thought you’d never ask.”
    Lisa threw a wistful glance to her new friends as they left the gym. “I hate you, Jessie.”
    “Trust me, you’ll thank me when you’re not nursing a hangover tomorrow morning.