Workaholic

I worked my ass off to get where I am. Standing on a stage in front of hundreds of doctors, CEOs of tech companies and CEOs of hospitals. The spotlight burns into my scalp, but I’m used to the sensation by now. I introduce myself to the crowd and continue on with my presentation. Today I’m in Atlanta, GA presenting and I have another one in Los Angeles, CA next week. Today’s presentation is focused more on the education aspect of my research, as this is a Science in Education Convention. Teachers from all over the country have come here to learn different methods to teach science to their students, however for me, it’s an opportunity to gain some potential investors and getting word out. After I finish my presentation, I step off the stage and head to my green room where I check my email quickly to check my bookings for next week. Next week is important, as I’m expecting the Tech and Gaming companies to take interest and invest in my research more than education. My research is on human consciousness and given that my inspiration actually originated from a game, I’m very interested in working with Tech companies. After I check my bookings, I’m ushered out to the main lobby and make my way back to my stand. Standing at my stand is a large crowd. A mix of casually dressed teachers and suited up representatives from companies. I greet everyone and answer their questions, handout almost a full stack of business cards and the crowd slowly lessens. Finally, once the crowd dissipates, a familiar face makes their way towards me. “Wow! Look at you, a big shot in the science community huh?”, one of my friends from my Molecular Biology class in college, Ben, or rather Bean as we used to call him, as he was obsessed with Mr. Bean. “Hey! How ya been? Almost didn’t recognize you! What have you been up to?” we share a quick hug. “Oh, you know, I was forced to come here with some colleagues and friends, I’m glad to see your hard work has finally paid off! You even look like you’ve been actually sleeping! Didn’t know you could do that! Haha” he teases. Back when we had that class together, I was still in my undergraduate, working full time at night as a Sleep Lab Tech and going to school full time during the day. I slept more in my car in between classes, than I did at home in my own bed back then. “How long are you staying in town?” he leans in with a mischievous grin. “I’m in town for the next 3 days, then I have another presentation in LA” I roll my eyes, it’s never good when he has that grin. He used to try to hook me up with his friends back in college all the time, but of course I never had the time to even sleep, let alone date. I still don’t have the time; I honestly don’t think I ever will have the time and honestly, I’ve come to peace with it. I have my work and I have my cats, that’s more than enough for me to stay busy. Let alone having to meet someone, getting to know them and having to deal with their problems, on top of my own. “You should meet my colleague! His eyes lit up when he saw you on that stage and was mesmerized by your presentation!” he exclaims. I back up, as it’s been a while since I’ve had his booming voice hit my eardrums. I forgot just how loud he gets when excited. “Yeah, no I’m good. I didn’t have time back then, and I don’t have time for it now” I sigh. “Come on! At least meet him. He’s the lead game developer at our company! He’s a pretty big deal you know, he even travels to collaborate with other big gaming companies! Maybe you can convince him to let the company invest in your research, I heard you’re trying to link up with gaming companies.” he glances at my eyes to see if he’s piqued my interest, and honestly he has. “Sounds like a good opportunity, but I don’t think I should mix romance with work, and that doesn’t change the fact that I don’t have the time” I look away from his eyes to hide my interest. “Just meet with him, it doesn’t have to be particularly romantic! A dinner with a possible investor.” He presses as he gives me puppy eyes. The puppy eyes look off in comparison to his height and built physique. I giggle at this thought. “So, it’s a yes then!” he yells as he claps. “I didn’t say that!” I smile at his perseverance. “Fine, I’ll at least meet him, it can’t hurt to try with your company” I exasperate. “Great! I’ll talk to him and text you the details. Your number is still the same right?” he takes out his phone and fumbles and finds my contact card. “Yep, that’s still my number.” I glance at the contact he shows me. “Katie” with a bunch cell emojis and a microscope emoji. “Alright, keep an eye out for my text!” he makes his way back to the other side of the convention center as he types away on his phone. I smile and wave, then turn around to start cleaning up my stand.

I’m jolted awake by a text notification. I roll over to the night stand and snatch my phone to check it under the plush covers of the hotel bed. An address and a time sent by “Mr. Bean” lights up my phone. I look at the time in the corner, that’s in an hour. Do I even bother? There’s really no point in going. Sure, they’re company is based in New York, which is where I live, but if romantic feelings get involved, it’ll be difficult to reject him, when I’m trying to work with their company. This is why I never mix romance with business, but work is all I do; therefore, I’ll never meet anyone. Honestly, that’s fine with me. As I’m about to turn off my phone and roll back to sleep, another notification lights up “Don’t even think about backing out.” Ugh why does he know me so well. I roll my eyes and my stomach grumbles. I haven’t eaten anything since breakfast. Dinner wouldn’t hurt. I climb out of the comfort of the bed and head to the bathroom to get ready.

I arrive at the restaurant 10 minutes before the reserved time and text Ben. I make my way in and ask the hostess about the reservation for two, under the name Ben. As she directs me towards the tables, I notice a familiar face at one of the tables, sitting by himself. My heart sinks down to my stomach as I avoid eye contact and focus on following the hostess. “Here we are, your server will arrive in just a moment to get you started. Enjoy!” she says hastily as she makes her way back to the front to help the long line of customers. I take my coat off and sit down as I take my surroundings in, until a cough directs my attention to the man in front of me. I look towards him and my eyes widen with shock. The shoulder length hair, olive skin, big broad shoulders, those thin lips stringed up to a relaxed smile, which lead to the hidden dimples and finally, those eyes. Those deep brown eyes that I got lost into way too many times. Michael, my High School sweetheart.