Electric Impulse

chapter 24 | free time

Ten Weeks Ago

Thursday Afternoon

A month before my official start date at Prescott Realty, I'm savoring what free time I have left. After last week's training, I'm happy to have some time to prepare for that place. They like to have all new hires start in waves. Something about us facing challenges together which helps us to work better as a team. The tour Ally gave me had my head spinning. Prescott Realty is huge, bigger than any corporation I've ever worked at. Each department is run like a separate business. There's marketing and advertising, which is where I am but there's also departments for acquisitions, renovations, financing, human resources, public relations, and community relations. And then of course, there's the executive board, which Phoenix heads. I'll need a map just to find my desk.

For now, I'm tucking that away. Today, I'm practicing yoga. Who knows what tomorrow will bring? Maybe I'll join a book club. It's been a while since I had time to curl up and read a good book, one that wasn't required to pass a class. Not knowing what's next is thrilling. The landscape of my life isn't filled in just yet. There's still time to write my own story.

When I walk into my living room, I'm reminded of my two new roommates. Souvenirs of our first date, they seem happy in their new tank, swimming and exploring the new environment.

The phone rings.

"Hey you!" I drop a few flakes into the tank.

"Would you be mad if I told you I wanna fuck you right now?"

I could melt.

Surprised by his candor, a small giggle escapes. "It's only been a few hours since you dropped me off."

Phoenix yawns. "I know. Last night was wild but this morning at your place was nice, too."

My face gets hot. "Yes. It was . . . ."

"Hey, how do you like the fish?"

"I don't just like them, I love them, Phoenix! They're so adorable. The big one seems more dominant, like he's running things. So, I gave him a rock star name, Axel. The smaller, more graceful one, seems sweet so I call her Alana. They're cute together. It's funny but I think they're like, a real couple."

He laughs. "Cool. Hey, I was thinking, we could take a trip. You know, before you start at the office?"

"A trip?"

"Yeah, why not? Labor Day is coming up. Got that long weekend. We can go anywhere. Pick a place."

I raise my eyebrows. "Anywhere?"

"Anywhere."

"Miami is the first place that comes to mind."

"Done."

"Really? Miami? Just like that? What if I had said Paris?"

"We would be going to Paris, then."

"OK, let's go to Paris."