"Tell me everything. Don't leave out a single detail!"

A week after Reed and I made things official I sat across from Noel at our favorite lunch spot. It was the first time I’d seen her in person and she was making me rehash everything. 

"I told you everything on the phone, crazy."

"Uh, come on, it's different in person. Let me live vicariously through you."

"Fiiine," I sounded whiney, but in reality, I was itching to tell her. "So you know we went to that awful get together at my mom's."

"Yeah, and I still can't believe she invited Alec. That seems low even for her."

"I know! I was shocked. I knew my mother didn't approve of anything about me, but that was just hateful."

"Have you talked to her since?"

"Nope, not a peep. Knowing her, she’s waiting for me to call and apologize. I hope she doesn't hold her breath."

"If I were you I don't even know if I would be able to answer the phone if by some off chance she did try to call first."

"I won't want to, but I have some choice words for her."

"It's about time you stand up to her. Anyway, get to the juicy part."

"Reed shut my mom and Alec down. I’d never seen him angry before. You could tell he was furious, but his tone stayed eerily calm."

"The kind of tone you hear in the bedroom? The kind that commands and takes control? Because honey I sure hope he used that on you that night."

"Jeez Noel, you have a one-track mind!"

"Hey, a girl has needs and I know for a fact that you are long overdue."

"He did end up staying the night, but we didn't do that."

"Why the heck not?"

"Well for one, little miss nympho, I'd  just had the shock of a lifetime. Secondly, we weren't even dating."

Noel rolled her eyes so hard I thought the old wives about them getting stuck may really happen.

"Okay, I'll give you the first one, but the second one is baloney. It didn't need to be official for you to know you guys were dating," She made sure to do air quotes around the official. "So be real with me Pen. What's holding you back?"

"Honestly, I'm scared. I'm afraid once he sees all of me that he won't want me or that he’ll get bored with me. Alec threw me to the wayside, but not before he screwed every girl he saw. Also not letting me forget that I was nothing special and I should be thankful he ever wanted to be with me. Reed is ten times the man Alec ever was, so why would he want to stay committed to me? He could have anyone he wants."

I felt that all too familiar sting forming in the back of my eyes. I had grown so much since Alec, but seeing him in my parent's home, the betrayal of my mother made it feel too fresh.

Noel reached for my hand on the table and squeeze it in hers

"Penny Sue, you listen to me," Sue was not my middle name. It was a ridiculous nickname she had given me years ago. "He does have any woman he wants. He has you. The man was smitten from the moment he saw you. If you are honest with yourself you were too. You are just so closed off from love because you are afraid every man is like Alec. Reed is his own man. He sees what a beautiful and capable woman you are. He sees that you are something special. Any man that will stand up to your snooty mama the first time he meets her is worth trying for."

A few tears had begun to trickle down my face. I wiped at my cheeks with a napkin. Noel really was the best friend anyone could ask for.

"Thanks, Noel, I really needed to hear that. I just hope I can believe it."

"I know, and that’s what I am here for. To remind you that you are a catch. Any dude would be lucky to have you. Not the other way around."

After lunch, I headed back to work. The receptionist, Jenny, stopped me when I was walking by her desk.

"Hey, Penelope you received a delivery while you were out."

That was odd I wasn't expecting anything. Jenny went to the small mailroom behind her desk. A few moments later she reappeared. In her arms were a colorful edible arrangement and a card.

"Looks like someone has an admirer," she said as she handed me the gifts.

I grabbed it and thanked her. Then I hurried off to my office to open the card.

Once I was in my office, I closed the door and settled into my desk. I tore the card open like a kid on Christmas.

"It would be my honor if you would accompany me on a hike and picnic this upcoming Saturday."

-Reed

I was smiling to myself like a mad woman. I was going to see him in person tomorrow for our training session. He could have just asked me then, but he went out of his way to make it cute and special. The fact that he was keeping my fitness goals in mind while planning dates was as sweet as the dates themselves.

I immediately pulled out my phone and snapped a selfie with the arrangement. I attached the picture to a text message.

Me: You are so sweet. I would love to go hiking with you.

It was less than a minute before I received a message back.

Reed: What a beautiful sight to see. I only wish it were in person. I'm glad you accept my offer :). I can't wait."

Me: I can't either, but at least I get to see you tomorrow, even if it is to torture me.

Reed: The last thing I want to do is torture you. I must admit I do enjoy seeing you in those workout clothes and helping adjust your form ;)."

That little rascal.

Me: So, what you are saying is that I pay you to ogle my body and feel me up?

I had no idea where this flirty side of me was coming from. I was never this forward and free with men. Maybe I was taking what Noel said and giving this a real try.

Reed: I wouldn't say ogling and feeling up. I'm a professional, Penny. Let's just say there are perks to this particular job with this particular client.

Gah, could the man be any more charming?

Me: I think those perks are mutual.

Reed: You been checking me out, Penny?

Using his own words on him I typed back.

Me: Of course not. I'm a professional. I'm just assessing the quality of my investment.

Reed: Oh, Penny sweetheart, I knew I was in trouble from the moment I laid eyes on you.

Me too, Reed. Me too.