Open for Business, Chapters 7 & 8
An old flame returns for Elise while we learn more about Georgie's side hustle
Two shorter chapters for you, but it doesn’t change the fact that I want to punch all of my characters in the face. Elise’s interaction with Evan at lunch makes me want to vomit. Yes, I probably acted like this when I dated a few years ago, full of flirty, vague banter adorned with awkwardness.
Elise was originally based on me and my interactions. To be honest, I’m probably more like Georgie, the ice queen, now. Is that good or bad?
I’ve definitely changed since I wrote this in the fall of 2022. Thank goodness.
Let’s welcome some precursors of trouble.
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Want to start where it all began?
Chapter 7
“The empanadas are so good here, Evan. You need to try them.”
Elise turned her menu over and over multiple times to avoid Evan’s stare. He looked amazing, like Chris Evans’s Captain America, but with a buzz cut. His not-too-tight, dark-rinsed jeans and a white t-shirt reflected his laid-back style. His dark eyes glued to her. She felt a little embarrassed but loved his attention.
The North City Bistro was quiet at this early slot, but that was the intention, to beat the lunch crowd.
Evan held Elise’s menu to prevent her from turning it once more. “It’s great to see you. You look fantastic.”
For the outing, Elise chose a fitted coral spaghetti strap dress that hit right above her knee. Her dark hair in a high ponytail, showing off a simple gold necklace.
“Thank you. So what are you getting?”
“I think I’m going with the pulled pork sandwich. Have been kind of semi-vegan lately, but I’m done.”
They ordered and sipped on wine while they waited.
“So I’m doing a lot of work up here. So much so that the firm got me an apartment, so I thought it would be a good idea to check on my Elise.”
“How does Kelsie feel about that?”
“Well, I come home on the weekend. It’s a six month project. No need to get her to find a PA position up here. She loves her practice.”
“Of course … So does she know you’re seeing me today?”