It’s been a week since I last saw Maggie. Today, she and I are reviewing the progress she and our associates are making and the overall stats for our clients for my social media management company. I hop on the train to meet up with Maggie at the Chinatown station. From there, we continue toward downtown LA, getting off at Union Station that’s a few blocks from her parent’s restaurant to conduct our business meeting.
Even though the Peeking Woking is open only from lunch to dinner, the staff is already there putting away fresh food deliveries and prepping as early as eight o’clock in the morning. Maggie and I arrive just after nine and seat ourselves in one of the circular booths we always use in the back.
After a few hours, our meeting concludes. As I put my stuff into my briefcase, Maggie stands up appearing to stretch. A second later I hear her call, “Over here!” The corner of my eye finds Henry and Joe walking toward us.
I let out a heavy breathe, realizing that our girls’ lunch has now turned into something I was hoping wouldn’t occur until after the weekend. If a guy is going to be a part of her life, he needs to get along with her family and friends.
Henry greets Maggie more warmly than when I last saw them together. They hug and he kisses her on the cheek and Joe follows suit.
“Hey Emma,” Henry says as he releases Maggie. “It’s great to see you again.” He reaches forward to shake my hand.
I consider the contact but refuse and he’s not disappointed—more understanding. “Hello, Henry. Likewise,” I politely respond.
Taking the cue that I’m refusing contact from my interaction with Henry, Joe greets with a smile, “Hello, Emma.”
“Hi,” I graciously reply while returning a smile.
“Sit, sit,” Maggie instructs.
I return to my previous location. Maggie scoots in beside me, Henry follows in behind her and Joe sits next to Henry which is directly across from me on the other end of the booth.
“I hope we weren’t interrupting you ladies,” Henry says once we’re all seated and looks at me.
Before I can answer, Maggie jumps in, “Oh no. Not at all. We actually just finished up our business meeting a few minutes ago.”
“Good, glad to hear it,” Henry confirms.
“What kind of business?” Joe questions looking directly at me.
“Well, Emma has two businesses, but I help her with the social media firm,” Maggie eagerly shares. “I guess I should let Emma talk and explain what she’s comfortable with. I’m just so excited you guys were able to have your lunch breaks with us.”
If the two of them are on lunch break, that means they work here in the city, and probably pretty close. No one drives to lunch in downtown LA unless they’re not returning to the office right away, if at all.
“My first business is a health and wellness blog. The second, as Maggie confirmed, is a social media management services firm. Maggie does more than just work for me, she’s the operations manager for the entire company.”
“They are expanding Naturally Me in the third quarter to add a pet division. Jared had the awesome idea and they’ve already been making arrangements for it. Sadie’s going to be a star,” Maggie adds enthusiastically.
“Naturally Me?” Joe and Henry question at the same time.
“Her wellness blog,” Maggie interjects before I have the chance.
“I like the name,” Joe firmly states as his smile widens. “So, I would speculate that Jared manages Naturally Me for you since Maggie manages….”
“Raven Media,” Maggie answers Joe’s lingering question of the name of the company.
“Sounds like we have a smart businesswoman in our presence, Henry,” Joe express with interest and intrigue.
“I think so,” agrees Henry.
Maggie smiles and sits quietly hoping our casual conversation will continue. I think she’s pleased with herself. I think she thinks I don’t know what she’s doing. Should I play along? It’s still up for debate.
“Do you have your MBA? If so, did you attend or are attending UCLA? I’d love to get a fresh perspective on the school and its program,” Henry asks.
“No. I hear it’s a great school, though. It’s in the top tier of MBA colleges,” I politely respond without giving any indication of the extent of my educational background. “Why?”
“Joe and I just started at UCLA this year. One semester under us isn’t enough to know. I figured if you, or anyone you know has attended, that might give us some insight or assistance,” he replies.
Henry’s personality seems a bit like Maggie’s, eager, enthusiastic, and very friendly.
“No. Sorry,” I apologize. “Are you required to work and study at the same time?”
“Yes. Though classes aren’t that intrusive to our work schedule. A lot of the classes and teachings are based on already having experience working with a company to a certain degree. The learning is supposed to work in tandem with our everyday tasks at our jobs and vise versa. Kind of like work and use what you learn at the same time kind of thing and share ideas and experiences in class.”
“Interesting.” I am genuinely interested, but I want to know more about this guy who my friend has the hots for. “So what companies do you both work for?”
“I work with my parents in the family business. We have several businesses overall, but our main industry of business is manufacturing. We have manufacturing facilities in both China and here in the US. Our facilities create a variety of products or product parts from vehicles, to clothing, to technology,” he shares.
Silence falls upon us momentarily. Actually, I’m waiting for Joe to answer now, but I can see that it’s starting to drive Maggie crazy.
“Emma never went to college,” she proclaims.
“Really?” counters Henry as Joe sits back with attentiveness while listening.
“Yep. She’s one smart cookie. All self-taught,” she offers.
“Obviously,” Henry replies.
“And you?” I challenge Joe since he didn’t respond after Henry while I try to divert any other questions away from myself.
One way to know a guy is through his friends, and I’m not letting Joe sit on the sidelines during this meeting. Besides, I can figure that he’s getting to know me just by sitting back and watching Henry and I talk. I refuse to open up that much and let him keep most of the mystery.
“What about me?” Joe returns playfully as his smile widens.
His lips are so inviting. Focus Emma, focus.
“Yes. You. What company do you work for?” I ask politely.
“I thought this meeting was for you and Henry to get to know each other?” he returns, trying to avoid answering as a sparkle shines in his eye.
“Well, then I would have to ask what you are doing here?” I say, pushing back.
Joe chuckles. “I couldn’t send my friend in alone to possibly be slaughtered by you girls, now could I?”
Impressed and enjoying that he’s playing along, I reply with a grin, “That or you’re a sadistic voyeur.”
“Maybe I’m both,” Joe says, clearly trying to lure me in further.
“Regardless, you are a means to an end. A piece in the game, in the mystery,” I say baiting him back.
“How am I a piece in the mystery?” Joe asks.
“One way to get to know someone is through the company he keeps,” I state.
“Interesting…” he says teasingly. “So you’re just using me?”
Is he flirting with me? I wonder if he’s in on Henry’s and Maggie’s little game. Oh, honey, I can play this game for as long as you want.
“Exactly!” I say.
He chuckles a little as he reveals his full smile. God, is he sexy. I’m extremely attracted to this man, but I know my rules and boundaries and need to keep them in check. Nothing should come from this. I mean, nothing will come from this.
“I work with my father who has a variety of businesses as well. I’m most familiar and currently working in real estate and hospitality,” Joe remarks. “However, I’m looking to branch out the family’s business assets with more modern industries like technology.”
“What areas of technology?” I inquire.
“Not sure. I’d like to have at least one division dedicated to renewable resources,” he replies.
I nod in reply, processing and enjoying our little game as well as cataloging all of his and Henry’s direct answers. His eyes narrow slightly as if he’s looking for something more in my response. Or, maybe he’s looking to see if he’s off the hook. I don’t reveal my intention, but I am rather curious about the extent of his business knowledge and if he’s forward-thinking or not. His brain is starting to pique my curiosity.
Maggie and Henry are on the edge of their seats watching us. When Maggie and I make eye contact, she gives me a look. A look I’m all too familiar with that has so many meanings and the inquisition that lay blatantly in her gaze, Sh bits her lip and smiles. She’s never really seen me banter like this with a guy before and it looks like she’s reading too much into it. Maggie frowns when I shake my head at her inquisition.
She tries to nonchalantly tip her head in Henry’s direction knowing to move on from her insinuation. I smirk and nod reassuringly that this meeting is going well so far. Maggie always runs guys and potential boys by me first. There’s been a slight change with the procedure since he and his family joined us for New Year’s, but I appreciate her still going through this boyfriend screening. None of her past boyfriends have passed my tests before, but Henry is showing some promise.
She finally releases a breath as if she’s been holding it this whole time. A second later, Maggie turns the conversation to ordering. We sit in silence for a few minutes to give Henry and Joe time to look over the menu, though Maggie and I exchange a few more nonverbal glances of conversation.
Amy comes over with some water and tea. She’s obviously trying to see what’s happening. I bet she’s reporting back to Mr. and Mrs. Li.
“So how did you two meet again?” I ask.
“We meet our freshman year in college at Dartmouth,” Henry replies happily.
“Dartmouth,” I repeat having the name dance around in the arena of my game.
“Yes,” henry confirms.
I look at Joe briefly and catch him trying to suppress a smile.
Before I ask my next question, Henry offers more information. “My parents wanted me to attend an American school since we were already doing more business here in the States.”
“I wouldn’t give that much validity and credit to the American educational system,” I reply strategically. “But what do I know? I didn’t attend college.”
They all seemed a little surprised by my offering.
“So which coast do you prefer?” I asked.
“Definitely the West Coast. The weather is nice and the people are friendlier,” Henry says.
“Any brothers or sisters?”
“No. I’m an only child,” Henry answers.
“Just like Emma!” Maggie states.
“Any pressure then to have children?” I inquire.
Joe smirks at my directness.
“No. Though they’d like to see grandchildren, probably sooner than later,” Henry returns.
Maggie stares off into the distance in disbelief at me putting her on the spot. I know she’s dying to know the answer. Besides, I needed to get her back for giving them information about me so freely.
“Do you like children? Do you want some of your own?” I ask.
“Yes and yes,” Henry answers without any hesitation and with a degree of clear certainty. “Family is important to me.”
“I appreciate your honesty.”
To help ease some of Maggie’s tension, I excuse myself to use the restroom. Without hesitation, both Henry and Joe stand up when I do. When I step out of the booth, I see that they sit back down after Maggie gets up too, stepping out with me.
“We’ll be right back,” Maggie states.
Almost to the bathroom, Maggie freaks out, “What the hell was that?”
“What?”
“The question about children!” she exclaims.
I think she may hyperventilate.
“What? Like you weren’t thinking it?” I snicker.
She stands in astonishment at my response, blinking a few times. “Well, yeah, but that doesn’t mean I want that out right off the bat.”
“Were you happy with his answer?”
“Yes, but—“
“Then, you’re welcome,” I return.
All Maggie can muster is a shocked smile.
“Besides, he didn’t even hesitate when he replied, which says a lot.”
Her face lightens up at the realization. “Thank you."
“You’re welcome. Though, don’t let it go to your head. It’s still really early in…well, whatever the two of you are calling this.”
She giggles a little, “I’ll try.”
We return to the guys who stand again as we approach the table. This gesture is perplexing me. I’ve seen it in movies, but I don’t understand it.
For the first few minutes, we dine in silence as I calculate my next round of examination. Maggie is sitting a little closer to Henry this time which seems to be a comfortable behavior for the two of them. Joe watches me without losing an ounce of allure in his smile. I decide to put the rest of my testing on hold for Saturday.
“So, beach volleyball, in February?” Joe inquires.
“Yes!” declares Maggie. “It’s a great time to play here. The weather is perfect, not too hot, not too cold.”
“Is this your first winter here in California?” I ask.
“Yes. I’ve visited once or twice in the summer, but never in winter…if you can call this winter,” Joe replies.
“To those who have lived here all their life, it is winter. Having experienced the East Coast weather, Southern California only has three seasons to me. Spring, Summer, and Fall. That is unless you are up in the mountains, there’s probably snow there right now,” I say in a friendly manner.
“I’ve spent a bit more time here in California than Joe since my family has a few properties as well as for business. The weather down here is milder than San Francisco this time of year. There is definitely a difference. I think I prefer the winter here compared to Northern California. Though, it would be fun to see how the mountains are here. Is there enough snow for skiing?” Henry says.
“Oh, yes!” Maggie replies. “There’s skiing and tubing. The San Bernardino Mountains aren’t too far either. We’ll all have to go next year!”
“There’s snowy mountains near here?” Henry asks.
“You’ve heard of Big Bear haven’t you?” Maggie replies.
“I didn’t realize Big Bear is that close. I just figured that the skiing areas would be more in Northern California. Yes, we’ll definitely have to go next year!” Henry says with eagerness.
Maggie beams at his confirmation.
“Next year then,” Joe adds as he stares right at me.
For the rest of the meal, I refrain from any further prying. I don’t want to scare Henry off too much but I also want to throw him and Joe off the scent of my plans. I ask one or two little questions or add commentary, but I leave Maggie and Henry to their own devices of fervent talking for the majority of the time. On occasion, Joe interjects a comment as well, but his behavior mostly models mine.
Before heading back to their offices, Henry and Joe inquire about the check for lunch because one never came to the table. Maggie explains that it has already been taken care of, which is met with objections from both of them. They insist that they pay and Maggie refuses. Henry quickly insists that he gets a meal on Saturday when we are all scheduled to play volleyball and Maggie agrees.
I mention that I need to get back to Sadie and they all offer to walk me to the train station. Appreciative that they weren’t offended by my fun during our lunch, I respectfully decline, however, I do offer my hand to Henry when we officially say farewell to head in our separate directions. This peace offering gets a temporarily startled response from the guys and an instantaneous sunny response from Maggie. I offer my hand to Joe last, who instead of shaking it, raises my hand and kisses the tips of my knuckles. I’ve never had a man do it. His supple lips send electric sparks instantaneously, turning my body temperature up a few degrees. I’ve never had this intense of a reaction to a man’s touch before. What is happening to me?
In the afternoon, I text both Maggie and Jared about going out tonight or tomorrow.
“Got the itch?” Jared texts back with a winking emoticon.
“Haha,” I write trying to brush it off.
“Can we invite Henry and maybe Joe too?” Maggie texts back.
“No!” I shout back at her in writing.
“You can handle one day without Henry,” Jared writes.
“She saw him for lunch today after our meeting,” I inform.
“Really? Was Blue Eyes there too?” Jared heckles.
“I thought it would be a great time for Emma to get to know Henry better,” Maggie claims. “I can do either. It wasn’t definite if Henry and Joe could join us, so I didn’t think to really mention it.”
Before I can even write back, Jared confirms, “Tonight then. How about dinner and dancing on Sunset?”
“Terrific!” I text.
“Awesome,” Maggie affirms.
Back inside the apartment, I have about thirty minutes to shower and get dressed before Maggie arrives to get me. Standing in front of my walk-in closet, I peruse my vast selection.
Maggie texts that she has arrived right as I finish transferring my purse necessities into a simple, shiny silver clutch. I kiss Sadie goodnight and tell her to behave and not stay up too late.
“Sexy!” Maggie shouts at me as I climb into the passenger side of her car. “Maybe I should be the one who takes you home tonight and have my way with you.”
“If there aren’t any options tonight, you just might have to,” I confess.
“Fine by me,” Maggie confirms giggling at the thought.
Maggie and I aren’t joking and I’m almost half-tempted to text Jared that we aren’t meeting him and to party on without us. I lost my virginity to Maggie and vise versa. When we were seventeen, we decided that we wanted to get the whole anxiety about having our cherries popped out of the way to make it easier for when we did sleep with a guy.
I’m not your typical bisexual kind of girl. The only girl I’ve been with is Maggie. She’s beautiful and I am attracted to her, I love her, but I’m not in love with her. I never have and never will be. We kind of fill a need for each other during the interims of finding a male partner while making each other feel safe, secure, and free. Maggie and I have fun, a lot of fun, but my body craves the sensation of a man.