It Was A Great Day, Part Two
Ugh. I vaguely remember coming home, and stumbling into the living room. I sat there for a bit trying to think of … something I was … work! Right. It was already after 8, and work started at 10. I could try to nap, but nodded off thinking about it.
It took a few moments before my brain put together an idea, and I remembered what I do for a living.
I make magic potions!
I’m going to say that my morning with Aiden scrambled my rational thinking; that’s easier to deal with than simply forgetting I was carrying around several serums that would juice me up. I knew it was risky, but this should keep going all day.
It worked.
Trisha was at reception when I got in, and I resisted the urge to dance around her chair telling her I was dating Aiden now. We hadn’t talked about the other night, but she also hadn’t been anything other than friendly since, so maybe I was paranoid. Maybe I still am. Dammit.
I did let Caitlyn know, she was excited for me. She was so excited, that she broke both computers during our conversation.
“What happened?”
“I think Meghan was here,” she said.
“I just saw you break …” Sigh. “Fine.”
I swear I spend more time fixing things around here than doing actual lab work.
The various tasks assigned to me today all involved testing out the multiple functions of the simray. Unfortunately, I was feeling the combined effects of my amazing, heart-soaring morning with Aiden, the wondrous energy from the serum I’d quaffed, and the apparent incompetence of my fellows and friends at the lab, and I may have let things get out of hand.
Maybe.
Just a little.
When he woke up – and warmed up – I was called into the boss’ office. I was certain I was going to be fired, but apparently everything was “absolutely and 110% on track!”, and so he promoted me to head of the division.
Now, I’ll admit that this is my first real job at a civilian research lab, by the title on my nameplate went from “Pioneer of New Technologies” to … “Mad Scientist”.
I’m not making this up. I have business cards that say “Jeanette Ross, Mad Scientist”. I laughed maniacally for a second or two (I figured it was required), thanked him for the opportunity to advance mad science, and went to tell Caitlyn. I went to wake up Caitlyn, and tell her.
The funny thing about working at this science lab is that we kind of brush off the myriad experiments as they happen. Well, other than Malcolm. He’s still holding a grudge from the wormhole experiments. But after Caitlyn woke up and Trisha unfroze, they suggested we head out to celebrate.
We took the new express train into the city after Trisha suggestion. I hadn’t been downtown yet, but the little food shops everywhere intrigued me.
Street food!
Luckily, there was nobody around to see me make a complete fumbling mess eating with chopsticks. As long as I can practice in private…
DAMMIT.
Okay, at least everyone else was having troubles too.
Skylar had joined us by then, and together we burst into the karaoke bar across the street. Caitlyn can sing!
I … made words come out of my mouth. But cripes it was fun!
At sometime during the night, after several songs and even more wine, I needed to use the washroom.
WHAT THE HELL IS THAT?
I think this was the washroom. In any case, I may have to return here. This thing was … thorough. And, um … thoroughly pleasant. I wonder where they bought it?
Eventually, the evening turned to night, which progressed into morning. It was hard to tell in the middle of a brightly lit city. Trisha had had a few too many shots of whatever it was she was drinking, and argued about leaving and freeze-rays and unfair treatments on behalf of whatever-the-heck she was on about. Skylar and Caitlyn took that as a sign, and together we got her home safely.
It was a really good day.
He did, as he was waiting outside the restaurant when I arrived.
The waitress showed us to our table, and Aiden all but ran off to the washroom.
I ordered for the both of us. It was nearly 3AM, I had to be at work in 7 hours or so, and I was ordering a glass of wine, and a beer for Aiden. This might take some getting used to. I wonder if the lab would let me change my hours.
Aiden returned, and told me how great I looked, and how much he appreciated me coming out for dinner.
Aiden kissed me goodnight, and kissed him good morning in return. I was blissful and exhausted. I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face, but I could barely keep my legs moving. Eventually I found my way home, but I don’t remember much of the trip.
Which – of course – starts with a glass of wine. What I want is wine.
Oh, no you don’t. Your perky young ways are no match for my … er. Experience. I’m going to sit here all night, and wait for his shift to end. Eventually she gave up, conceding victory to my obvious captivating smile and bewitching conversation.
Holding hands, we walked across town to the disco. I figured we could get out to someplace he didn’t work at, even if it was another dance hall and bar. I didn’t want to tell him that this place had better food.
It got late. We danced for quite a while, had a couple drinks, and some snacks. And he just wasn’t … well, he just … wasn’t. FINE. Getting on with my life, right?
Still, I felt great. I tried calling Aiden, to see what yesterday was all about, but he’d already started work. It might be tricky making this work if he starts his job at the same time that I finish mine.
Let’s get this over with.
At least he didn’t run when he saw me come in. I sat where he couldn’t ignore me, ordered wine, and asked him WHAT THE HELL.
Oh man, I need coffee.
After a few hours wandering the park around the cafe, Caitlyn wanted to head over to the park where I’d run into her wife Teagan, and we both met Creepy Guy. I didn’t see him this time.
Caitlyn barbequed up some vegetables, although I really could have used a burger. Apparently Teagan’s a vegetarian, and Caitlyn has … “adjusted”, she said. I wondered briefly if there was any meat in the park I could catch with the stuff she’d cooked.
But it was a great day out with good friends. I wondered what Aiden was doing on this sunny Sunday afternoon.
By the time I’d convinced myself to call him, Caitlyn wandered off to the bar, and a friend of Jade’s had shown up. Lacie, I think she said. I wasn’t paying too much attention. Aiden said was just sitting around the house, and agreed to come down to the park! I was really looking forward to this.
He spent the entire time down playing with the kids. I don’t *think* any of them were his, it’s just … I don’t know. I guess it’s really nice that he likes kids that much, I just wanted him to spend some time with *me*. It was heart-warming and -breaking at the same time.
After ordering and talking for a few minutes, I realised what was going on. Jeez I’m clueless sometimes. Caitlyn had set us up. I’ll have to have yet another talk with that woman.
We talked well into the night, and I think got to know each other well. We won’t be dating, but I’m sure we’ll be good friends.
At least, I hope so. I’d hate to lose friends just because I won’t date them. That would SUCK.