to our table, and as we followed behind, Greg pulled one of those rolling cases people used for their laptop. Strange.
“What’s that for?” I asked.
“Oh, you’ll see. Let’s get settled first and then I’ll explain.”
I nodded warily, wondering what that was about. “All right.”
Once at the table, our hostess gave us menus and we took a few moments to decide what we wanted. I ordered a chicken salad, and Greg decided to go for it by ordering an expensive steak with a baked potato. It was one of the more expensive things on the menu, but maybe he was trying to impress me somehow?
He folded his hands and gave me an eager smile. “Now that we’ve finally met, I’d like to show you something.”
I leaned forward, not able to contain my curiosity any longer. “What’s this about?”
“Patience is a virtue.” He pulled out a tiny laptop and set it up on the table as if it were the most natural thing to do on a first date. “I thought this would be a great way for you to get to know me.”
“Okay…” I sat up straighter, ready to discover what he wanted to share…from a computer.
“I don’t normally go over this stuff with people, but I felt comfortable with you right off the bat. When you mentioned in our chat session that you were hoping to find a job with better medical benefits, I knew I could help.”
“You know of a job opening?”
He grinned. “I do.”
I smiled and waited for him to elaborate, but he just shrugged as if waiting for a pat on the back. “Well, that’s great.” My smile slipped a little as we stared at each other awkwardly.
He let out a breath and continued. “I recently started this side business selling online products and thought I’d show you what it entails.”
My eyes widened. “Right now?”
He nodded, and for the next fifteen minutes, he proceeded to talk about his online business. I listened as attentively as I could, but it was weird.
“Has it been lucrative at all?” I asked.
“Not yet, but it will be as soon as I’m able to recruit others to join under me.”
The waitress brought our food to the table, and he quickly put his laptop away to make room. I figured we’d move on to other subjects, but I was wrong.
“You would be a great candidate for an opportunity like this,” he said. “What do you say, Maya? Are you in?”
I chewed a piece of chicken and studied him for a moment. “You mean…do I want to join your business?”
He nodded eagerly. “Yes, that’s what I’m asking. I’ll get a percentage of whatever you make if you sign up under me.”
“Oh…” The reason for our date was starting to sink in. He wasn’t actually interested in me. He wanted me to work under him. What a fool I’d been. “To be honest, I’m not looking for a side business right now. I just need a job that has better benefits.”
His smile slipped, and he glanced at his food like I was testing his patience. “That’s too bad.”
“This isn’t a date, is it?”
He blushed and shifted in his seat uncomfortably. “Not really.”
“Yeah, didn’t think so.” I stood and put money on the table to pay for my salad. “Next time be upfront about what you want. A dating app isn’t the place to recruit for your business.”
Twenty minutes later, I was at Charlotte’s house, discussing my disastrous date with Greg. “Thank goodness the Lord gave me a sense of humor.”
“Yeah, good thing.” She laughed and plopped down on the couch next to me, and she had this look in her eye like she wanted to tell me something but was biding her time. “That’s crazy. I still can’t believe he tried to recruit you for his business.” She leaned forward and paused for just a second. “Listen, at least you’re finally putting yourself out there. I hope you didn’t take it personally.”
“Of course not. I’ve already forgotten about him.”
“Good.” She folded her hands in her lap and waited for my full attention.
I laughed, knowing she was about to propose some outlandish plan. “You want to give me advice. I can see it in your eyes.”
“You’re right.” She had a huge smile on her face, and I got the feeling she’d been thinking about this for some time. “I know the perfect guy to set you up with.”
I considered her proposition for all of two seconds and then shook my head. “No, thank you. I’m done