Filed to story: Can’t Get Enough Of You
“Really?”
I nodded. “I want to make a difference, you know? But not in the way most people say they want to.”
“How, then?”
“Gourmet food.”
She laughed, and I was in trouble. I could get addicted to that sound.
“Hey,” I said, poking her lightly in the shoulder and loving the contact. “Good food brings people together. And it makes a profitable business, too.”
“I like your enthusiasm. Where’s your school?” she asked.
“New York.”
Was it my imagination, or did her face fall?
I was flying out to New York City in two days to start graduate school. I’d worked hard to get where I was now, and I’d work even harder when I got to the Big Apple.
“When are you leaving?” she asked.
I hesitated, unsure if I should tell her. I didn’t want to scare her off.
“In two days.”
Her eyes widened. “Oh, that’s soon.”
I nodded.
Leaving was bittersweet. I loved LA, but I needed to take this next step. An MBA would open a lot of doors for me. And I had big plans.
“Well, I’m sure you’ll do well in grad school,” Izzy said. “It sounds like you’re passionate about your future business.”
I nodded. “Absolutely. What’s the point if there’s no passion?”
“Exactly,” she said. “That’s why I’m studying art, even though I know what most people say about it.”
“I think it’s noble,” I said. “What kind of art do you make?”
“I’m a painter,” she said, her eyes lighting up.
“Ah. What do you like to paint?”
“Anything,” she said, playing with a lock of her fire-red hair. “Landscapes, abstract. But portraits are my favorite. I love people’s faces. They always tell a story.”
She smiled at me. Her eyes were mesmerizing. I knew I was leaving soon, but I wanted to get to know her better. Something about her made me want to get closer, to find out what made her tick.
“Are you single?” I asked.
My question surprised me as much as it surprised her.
“Yeah,” she said, and an expression flickered across her face too fast for me to read.
“Lucky me,” I said and grinned at her.
She laughed, and it was beautiful. Rich and full and genuine.
“Yeah, I guess you are.”
I took a sip of my beer. “So, what are you doing when you’re not working at Café Noir or painting pictures?”
“Being a full-time student and working take up most of my time,” she admitted.
“What are you doing tonight?” I asked.
She shrugged. “After locking up and erasing all signs of my breaking the rules right now-” she winked at me “-I’m probably going to go home and get a good night’s sleep so that I’m up early for classes again tomorrow.”
“That’s too bad,” I said.
“Why?”
“Because I was hoping you would come out with me to celebrate.”
She blinked at me. “What are we celebrating?”
“The fact that I met the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.” I grinned at her and watched as she blushed bright red.
“Oh, you are smooth, Nolan. But meeting me is hardly cause for celebration.”
“Oh, Carey,” I said, leaning forward. “Have you seen you?”
She blushed again and I reached forward, touching her arm. I couldn’t help myself. She was magnetic.
“So, what do you say?” I asked. “When you’re done here, do you want to come with me?”
“Where are we going?” she asked in a breathy voice.
