Face Time by S. J. Pajonas Page B

and Tuesday anyway.” I keep normal hours at the office a few days per week when I’m in Seoul to catch up on paperwork, file documents, and speak with my bosses about what’s next on the agenda. I’ve been working my regions for the past few years, and I have the hang of them. I cover, with a team of three others, Asia and India. Chris works in and out of Europe and Russia. Our traveling paths almost never cross. We were lucky to meet in the office.
    “I have to debrief with Min-Yung because I’m off to India again in two weeks.” I stretch and yawn, my body confused about where I am and the time. Evie rests her head on Cori’s arm. 20:00 is close to her bedtime.
    “Min-Yung was saying Sandra’s been calling every day.”
    “What? She hasn’t contacted me in three weeks. Not since the last email she sent suggesting we break up for good.”
    “Well, you know Min-Yung likes her. They’re gossiping behind your back,” Chris says, nodding his head.
    Min-Yung is an admin assistant I share with Chris, and she’s familiar with Sandra and my entire family, but Min-Yung is not good about minding her own business. I close my eyes and think. On one hand, I could tell Min-Yung to stop talking to Sandra, or I could let them be. It’s not like Sandra is bothering me which is what I want right now.
    “We should pay and go home.” Chris waves for the check and, just then, my phone buzzes. For a moment, I’m confused. Everyone I text is right here with me, excepting Sandra. Dread causes my hand to slowly grab my phone.

    Laura Merchant
    It’s early morning Sunday here. I think you’re in Seoul now. I hope you had a good flight.

    I unlock my phone and stare at her text. The one previous to it was, “I like it sweet,” and I smile remembering her laugh.
    “That’s her, isn’t it?” Cori stops putting on Evie’s coat and tries to lean over to peek at my phone, but I snap the screen to my chest. Mine.
    “Yeah, hold on a second.” I remove myself from the table, grab my coat, and leave money with Chris. “I’ll drive you guys home with me. Just give me a minute.” Outside, I move to the right of the door and think before texting back.
    I had decided back in New York that I liked her, but this is new territory for me. If I don’t text her back, she probably will give up.
    And I don’t want that.

Chapter
Seven
=
Laura

    Lee Park
    I’m in Seoul and had a good flight. I’m so glad to hear from you.

    Really? I spent all of yesterday wondering if Friday night was a dream, wondering if I really had met him. Did we kiss on the corner of Third and Broadway? I thought I imagined it, and then marveled at how good my imagination is. It was torture waiting to text him. I knew he was on a plane, and I didn’t want to seem desperate.
    Rolling over in bed so I’m on my side, I concentrate hard on his words. He’s glad to hear from me. I doubt he’d write that if he didn’t mean it. Lawyers think about every word.

    Laura Merchant
    :) I calculated how long you’d be on the flight and hoped I caught you before bed.

    Lee Park
    You did. I just finished dinner and am about to head home.

    I hesitate with my thumbs poised over the keyboard. It’s been a long time since I put myself out there, and it’s even stranger to be doing it over text to someone seven thousand miles away.

    Laura Merchant
    Lee, thank you so much for dinner Friday. I really enjoyed talking to you. And you’re a great kisser too :)

    There’s only a few seconds wait until I see him writing back.  

    Lee Park
    I want the chance to do that again.

    Laura Merchant
    Me too. What are you doing now?

    Lee Park
    I’m about to drive Cori, Chris, and Evie home. Sleep.
    What are your plans for today?

    Hmmm, good question, Lee. It’s early but the sun is already bathing the street outside my window in gold, and my mother is shuffling around in the kitchen making breakfast. But I snuggle down into my comforter. I don’t want to face my mom yet. She