Subway Test
/I was on a subway when it all happened. I minded my business and listened to people reveal more about themselves than they should. A bell rang to signal the door’s closing. A red light flashed for people who are hard of hearing. I own a law firm, but I love to ride the subway. I grew up poor, and I can empathize with blue-collar workers.
My narrow eyes turned into crinkled slits. “You belched on me?” I said, angrier than I’d wanted to.
“Too much peppers on my eggs.”
I paused. “That’s your excuse?”
“Was I supposed to hold it in?” she said.
“That might lead to me passing gas.” She grinned.
“And neither of us would want that.”
“Are you serious?” My face drooped.
She pointed to the couple beside me. She leaned in, cupping her mouth with her hand. “That’s my ex,” she whispered.
I shrugged. “Okay?” I gave her an irritated expression.
“Pretend to be my boyfriend,” she said. “Pretend we’re happy together.”
I aligned my gaze with her sparkling green oval eyes.
How could I say no to her?
“My name is Jenny.”
I played along. “I’m Seth.”
Jenny returned upright and crossed her legs.
Her long, black boots blended well with her navy blue cardigan.
She smoothed her khaki skirt over her silky, pale knees.
“Jenny,” I said loud enough for her ex to interpret the sultry tone. “I had so much fun at Lake Chelan.”
“That cabin was amazing.”
“I’m sorry you had to pay extra for breaking the bedsprings.”
“My pleasure, darling.”
“The deck got a workout, too.”
“A small crack, but nothing that paint couldn’t fix.”
Jenny blushed, and I folded my arms.
“I’m just glad you never tell me what to wear.” Jenny slid her hand across my lap to embrace my hand.
Something in me recharged love to its normal levels.
“I’m just glad you proposed to me.”
“Ah, yeah, me, too.” I struggled to sit still.
The subway rolled to a halt.
The man beside me spoke to his partner in a language I’d never heard. They stood up and made their way off the subway.
I glanced at Jenny and gestured. “You—”
“Don’t know them.” She blushed. “I see you at the office,” she said. “You don’t see me.”
“So, I thought I’d test your personality.” Jenny adjusted her secretary glasses.
“Did I pass?” I said, more interested than I’d been in a while.
“With flying colors.” A soft blush washed a grin across her face. “I know I’m just a secretary, but I’m going to school.”
I massaged her forearm. “You’re not just a secretary,” I said. “You’re the best we have.”
“How do you know?” Jenny pulled her long, red bangs behind her ear.
“I looked at your resume and asked that you get the job.”
“You knew about me?”
“I wanted to test your personality.”
Jenny folded her lips under her teeth. “Did I pass?”
“With flying colors.”
“What do you say we grab a coffee?”
“I’d like that, Seth.”
We left and strolled along the sidewalk to Forever Espresso.
By Andy Cooper
From: United States
Website: https://drinkwritecoffee.cafe/
Twitter: AC0040