Chapter 16 – Happenstance

“A smiley face. So he must have some interest in me. Duh, he gave you his number.” She said to herself as she filled the food bowl for Theodore.  “Hey, I  hope your suit made it out alive.”

Quite an unexpected turn of events, he thought to himself. She had come to me instead of me having to find her. Emerson was thrilled to see the mouse taking the bait. Though he also thought she might have some greater insight on Mr. Aquitaine than he could gather on his own. He decided to utilize this advantage. 

“Yeah it was salvaged with some elbow grease haha. The stain wasn’t too terrible.” 

She was impressed by her skills to obtain the number of such a gentleman. It had been some time since she’d had to deal in the realm of flirting. Caroline was going to have to take this endeavour with caution in order not to scare him off. “I’m glad. I hope the rest of your night wasn’t spoiled by my absence.” 

Subtlety  was something she lacked. She couldn’t contain herself and inquired further about his night. Did he find himself in another woman’s arms? Her mind went in every direction it could, with questions about Emerson. Before she knew it, she was even more late to work. Caroline quickly gathered her things and called an UberX to the office. 

“Haha rest assured your presence didn’t dull the night. In fact I was quite fortunate to have met someone like you.” He decided to play the field to his advantage. What’s the worst that could happen? He concocted a new plan to gain Ms. Caroline’s trust to extract possible insight into his generous benefactor. If anything, it would be another excuse to get to know his victims in great detail. 

Her phone pinged again moments later. She was very intrigued to see his responsiveness. Any sensible person, working a 9-5 job, would not reply so quickly unless there was interest. Caroline could not help but start to grin. She thought to herself, “Perhaps I haven’t lost my touch.” 

“It was nice meeting you too. I rather enjoyed hanging out with you.”

He knew that was hook, line, and sinker. Now it was time to seal the deal. “Well perhaps we can talk about this more next time.” 

Her eyes widened when she saw his response. Though her guard was up at first, his text had only begun to release the wall she had held up for some time. She was 35 and not getting any younger. Might as well try something new, what could happen. 

“Yes I’d like that.” 

“Okay it’s settled, let’s grab some dinner. Tonight, the Golden Fitch, 7 PM.” He sent and then called the restaurant for reservation. Emerson was excited to wine and dine such an intellectual. 

She smirked as she read the last text. “Sure, see you then :).” Now at work, she proceeded into the office to complete the hours left in the work day. Before she knew it, it was 5 PM. Caroline felt accomplished and renewed. She made her way to get ready and met Emerson. 

With a little black and white dress, minimal jewelry, a clutch, and a nice shade of red lipstick Caroline was ready to meet her gentleman friend. 

Just as she was about to enter the Golden Fitch, a voice called to her. It was a familiar voice. She was taken back for a second as she turned around. 

“Duncan?! I can’t believe it. How have you been?!” She exclaimed as she walked toward him.  

“Caroline Cat. I’ve been good. Started a new job,” he said.

“What are you doing here?” She asked.

“Oh I had left something of mine at the Golden Fitch and just came back to retrieve it.”