HOW WE MET – Intro

HOW WE MET

Chapter 1:

The Encounter

“Damn it, Bill! I’ve told you time and again. That’s not how we do things around here! Not only is it against University policy, but it’s blatantly illegal. Now get that through your thick skull and don’t ever do that again! If you do, I’ll have to bring it before the Advisory Board. No telling what punishment they’ll mete out. For now, I’m putting you on a 90-day improvement plan.”

Heather was clearly agitated as she slammed the file on her desk closed and waved poor Bill away. She gulped a slug of cold coffee, pounding the mug down on her desk. Her stylish Mac thrown over her arm, she grabbed her purse and stormed out of her office slamming the door. All heads in the large, open room instantly focused on her. “Uh oh. Heather’s on a tear. Look busy.” As Heather stomped through the room toward the door, she called to her secretary over her shoulder, “Clear it, bitch! I’m gone for the day!”

Heather was the head of the Research and Development department at the largest University in the region. She had responsibility to fund raise, to attract new projects and to manage a staff of hundreds with a budget approaching a billion annually. She was young, maybe too young for so much responsibility, but she was very bright, very capable. She had landed the job somewhat by chance. Her Doctoral thesis had caught the attention of the higher ups who had lured her with an inflated salary to leave her native England and cross the pond. After much soul searching, Heather had agreed to join the staff at her current University. She was the shining star in her first few years, earning Professor of the Year her first year and attracting several highly visible and financially rewarding projects. She had been named the Director of the R and D department after only three years on the job. Quite an accomplishment for someone so young.

Part of Heather’s success lay in her keen mind, able to easily sort through things to find either their inherent flaws or their strengths. The other part was too obvious. She was stunningly beautiful. Men and women alike were instantly drawn to her beauty, her perfect figure, her overall command of her subject’s attention. She was petite, belying her monumental strengths. When Heather entered a room, the atmosphere always shifted. Quickly, the undertone included “She’s arrived. Step it up, she’s here. Look who’s joined us.” Everyone knew that she was destined for bigger and better things.

With a black cloud over her head and a look that would slay dragons, Heather stormed out of the office. She had no destination in mind. She only knew that she had to escape and collect herself. As she walked past the parking lot guard shack, a big black German Shepard lunged at her, snarling and barking. She kicked at it and scurried away growling at the beast “Get away. Begone now.” The University was on the waterfront, across from a large marina. She headed that way, hoping that the water and fresh air would calm her. Leaning forward with an aggressive stride, she marched down the sidewalk, lost in her agile brain. Her phone chimed from her bag. Without breaking stride, she looked down to retrieve it.

BAM! She collided head on with an older man, both falling to the ground. “Oh, my God! I’m so sorry, sir. I wasn’t looking, totally my fault! Let me help you up.”

Once vertical, the man intoned, “No, no. Was my all my fault. I hope you’re not injured.”

Heather patted her curvaceous body. “No, sir, I’m fine. Sorry again for bowling you over like that. I’m just really agitated right now and wasn’t paying any attention. Are you sure that you’re okay?”

“Yes, miss. I’m still intact. From your accent, I’m guessing you’re an international student at the University?”

Heather smiled, her black cloud forgotten for the moment. Forcing a tepid smile, she replied, “Well, actually no. I’m not a student any longer.”

“Could have fooled me. I hope that you solve whatever had you so agitated.”

Heather thanked him, apologized yet again, and strode away. The man, his mind awash with thoughts of the raving beauty he had just encountered, turned to watch her disappear. Even on her short legs, she stomped along, her backside presenting an old man with a view that enthralled him. He saw her turn into the pub a few doors down, across from the marina.

Throwing caution to the wind, he decided to follow her. Her beauty, her petite size, her endearing accent were delicately balanced against his innate fear of rejection. But he had sensed something, a strong signal, a wave of feelings coming from deeper inside her. As is his nature, he was intrigued and inquisitive. He had nothing to lose by pursuing it. He had suffered mightily in life, and he had also made great achievements. After losing his wife and a teenage son, he had retired from his successful career as an attorney. He had jettisoned his “stuff” as he called it and bought a boat. He moved aboard, intent on escaping the grid, disappearing as much as possible from the agonies and fears that nipped at his heels.

When he entered the pub, it took a moment for his eyes to adjust to the dim atmosphere. He scanned the room and finally saw her, sitting in a booth in the back corner, all alone. He tentatively approached. She looked up at him standing there helplessly, a scowl on her face as her black cloud had returned.

She harshly spit out “Look, Mister. I said I’m sorry. You said you weren’t hurt. What more do you want? And I’m certainly not ‘available’ if it’s sex you’re looking for. Now why don’t you just go away and hit on some other brainless twit. Go on, move along, buster. I’m dealing with my own problems. I certainly don’t need yours, too. Off with you!” She waived her hand dismissively.

The sting of rejection, especially from someone as appealing as her, was acute and painful. His brain flashed numb yet tingling with a myriad of responses. It felt like when your foot wakes up after falling asleep, the seizure when your body switches gears. He just stood there, frozen, and unable to respond.

She tossed the last of her drink down her throat and motioned to the bartender for a refill. “Well, old timer? Why are you still standing there, obstructing my view of the other lost souls in here drowning their own sorrows? I thought I made myself clear before. Now, scoot.” Again, she waived me away with a dismissive toss of her delicate hand.

Once again, the sting of rejection pierced his brain. Summoning every ounce of courage he could gather he said, “Look, this is really out of character for me and I’m not trying to be creepy here. I’m also not looking to get laid. Please put all that nonsense aside. Your attitude is palpable. As an old geezer, I can assure you that I can help. I can almost guaranty that you’ll leave this den of iniquity in a much better mood. Please allow me to join you. Just one drink and then I’ll vanish from your life forever.”

The server placed a fresh drink in front of Heather and turned to the man who was awkwardly standing, waiting for an answer.