New Plan, New Man

🔊listen to the audio on 𝕏 

from the book i-Land – A double Irish and a Dutch – Chapter 3 – Escape to Cork

Avoka goes for a coffee while Harry gets his hair done. She gets an SMS from Hunt, who once again, suggests to her about how much he would like to be with her at the same place now. Avoka already knows it’s just one of those Saturdays where he seems to have nothing better to do than sending SMS but never means it. She takes a picture of her coffee and some delicious chocolate biscuits and posts it over with the message, “Yes, look what you’re missing.” He sends back a kiss picture and replies, “Oh, how much I would love that now.” Avoka is sure he is either sitting somewhere alone and is bored or he is sitting with some other woman and is bored while sending those pics. They continue the SMS communication with what they would like to do each other when they were together, now exchanging kissing pics and commenting. Avoka feels like playing Ken and Barbie with a guy and must laugh about this kind of communication. Finally, she tells him that she needs to go now; that she is meeting up with Harry, who has offered her a job for doing the PR and Social Media Campaigns for his new E-Roller. Hunt writes back, “Seriously? That means what, you’re leaving your current job again? A multi-guru company against a start up?” Avoka replies, “Yes. The current job is just a matter of time; they already asked me to sign such an assignment paper, similar, to the Fruit of the Loom thing that when I don’t fulfil the test results with their given percentage, they keep the rights to take consequences.” Hunt replies, “Oh, not again, but well, I understand.  Yes, you’re right, whatever you do I’m with you.” Avoka replies, “Oh, thank you, you are always so understanding.” Hunt replies, “You’re really brave, I wish you good luck. You seem to have a good time in Cork, enjoy your night out.” Avoka replies with a smile, kiss and thumb up and the message “Have a fabulous Saturday night, too.” Avoka leaves the cafe and picks up Harry from the hair-dresser, who has a nice, fresh cut now. Avoka comments, “Looking good, ready to move on?” Harry says, “Oh, thank you, yes, that hair had to go; it’s like what they say about women when they cut their hair leaving some past behind.” Avoka answers, “Yes, exactly!” Harry throws in, “We still have some time till the party starts at the Electric tonight. We could go to my place and try to contact the Dutch guy in Amsterdam who does the production and design part on the E-roller and we can discuss the next steps on how to promote it; what do you think, Avoka?” Avoka replies, “Yes, that’s a great idea, let’s go.” They walk over to Harry’s house. His daughter is preparing some late kind of brunch for her and her boyfriend. With a grinning smile, she says “Hello, you must be Avoka, right?” Avoka replies, “Yes, and you are Tally, right?” She nods, answering, “Yes, nice to meet you. I heard about you, Harry told me about your great team leader and the team at the Fruit of the Loom and how stupid they must be not to use your skills.” Harry puts in, “Yes, actually I’m the lucky one who gets the advantage of it now; she will do the PR and social media campaigns for our E-roller. That’s why we are here now; we want to contact Jarome and discuss things.” Tally says, “Wow, that’s great, you said yes? He was so hoping for it. Saying you are really tough, exactly the kind of person he needs for the job.” Avoka smiles, “Oh, thank you, yes it will be a tough job, but I will do my best. It’s a great roller and I think it deserves some cool ideas to be promoted, doesn’t it?” Tally says, “Yes, that’s true.” They start a Google Hangout with Jarome, who luckily is at home and start talking through some ideas. Jarome is excited and really likes the suggestions that Avoka makes and they talk for another hour and agree to meet up next month to work out things more in detail and get to know each other in person. It’s a really productive afternoon and at seven p.m. Harry and Avoka call a cab to drive over to the Electric bar, where they have a great party for the night including some Jazz singers and Top-DJ’s. Tally explains they will join later but that she also has another party to go to.

 

In the city, a demonstration against water charges is running. So far, the water in Ireland was free but the government wants to make a change starting with the new year. The main road is blocked and as they shortly start a march which probably walks toward the direction of the roads close to the Electric bar, Harry and Avoka decide to get off the cab and walk the last bit to the bar. They still have time to take the walk through the city. The demonstration guys are loud holding their speech. Harry laughs. “Yes, this is Ireland; here the people still go out on the street and fight for their rights.” At the side, they see some of the Fruit of the Loom guys sneaking along the wall, showing no interest at all in the street’s activity. Harry smiles. “This is really two worlds clashing in this small town–our guys at this hyper-tech company and the original Irish crowd. I love that contrast.” Avoka agrees, “Yes, and at my new company I also have two worlds clashing, the American Internet guru and the Indian Customer Service, yeah! I still don’t get it that this multi-guru outsources at such a company. I wonder how they even meet the goals, as from the work I see I can’t believe it.” Harry replies, “Yes that’s a good question, but this I even wonder about the Fruit of the Loom. But they kind of manipulate things. I lately saw one guy who had left his menu set on the wrong menu point ‘available’ throughout the whole night and they simply put it on someone else on the phone support. If they work it that way, who knows about the real figures? Also, they use such old software you wouldn’t believe that the number one company on technology uses the software from the last decade on their own services.” Avoka says, “So true, but I’m so glad that we finally made this deal and I can work the communication part in your company.” Harry says, “Yes, I’m excited, too.” They pass by on one of the stores that sell the latest gadget from the Fruit of the Loom company. Avoka says, “Oh, Peter bought this one, of course, with the extra they provide the employees with.” Harry replies, “Yes, I was thinking about it, too. But still I don’t know when I see all the problems that come with it.” Avoka agrees, “Yes, I didn’t buy it either, even though they gave $300 extra on it, this couldn’t make me buy one.” They both laugh.

Arriving at the Electric, some people are sitting already outside along the canal, while the sun is slowly going down behind the hill. It’s a beautiful atmosphere and Avoka takes some pictures and immediately posts them on Facebook. Avoka and Harry enter the Electric, going straight to the bar ordering some drinks and a food plate, then walking over to the tables at the window with the view of the water and the sunset. A DJ is already on the turntables playing a cool mix between chill out, lounge and soul music. The evening can start, ready to party.

An hour later the party is in full swing, the crowed is dancing, Avoka is sitting near the window looking at the river. She is thinking about Ian. When, was he coming back to Ireland? There appears the vibrating sound from her phone and yes, it is Ian. He has sent a message asking if she was enjoying the Cork weekend and if her ex-colleague was behaving. Avoka replied, “Yes, of course. Now we are even doing business together.” Ian replies, “Sure, that’s a reason.” He adds a tweak emotion icon and asks if she will be in Dublin for the upcoming weekend. With the next text message, he adds, “I really would love to meet you; I miss you somehow.” He writes he’ll be back in Dublin on Wednesday. She is crazy for meeting him and agrees to a date at the weekend. Ian also writes that he did not like the game they played at her at her current job and that he also had an idea. He had talked with his team manager from the Rugby game, who had suggested that they needed some good PR. His manager sounded really interested and he asked to meet to discuss some ideas with her. Avoka was all ears, of course, and she agreed.

She was staring at the river and dreaming how great it would be to have her own PR company here and just quit that job at the guru company. She already had an idea how to find some synergies between the e-roller and the Rugby team that had the potential to make it a fabulous campaign. She was smiling in the air, then grabbing the martini and emptying the glass. Another message arrived from Hunt! “Wishing a great Saturday night and sending a big kiss.” Avoka recorded some music the DJ was playing–some jazzy lyrics, “What nature brings” by Nekta–and sent it to Hunt with a golden Burberry Kiss and the lines ‘Enjoy the Weekend!’ She knew he would party with some other woman who he probably had worked with during the week, any customer or colleague, and roll in the sheets, sharing his fantasies with any woman for the weekend, and by Sunday afternoon he would have left her. Then, sitting in a cafe all by himself, he would text something to Avoka but never come to meet her. Once she had wished to meet him and she was so excited and had loved this idea. But now all she thought was whatever.

She always had written those messages with the thrill to meet him. But finally realizing this would never happen, she had lost this appetite and actually she did not want to be one of those women for a weekend and on the other side, she wouldn’t want a man to share with other women.  And for just friends, the whole Whatsapp chat was much too sexual. So finally, it had turned into this Whatsapp fantasy she never wanted to be. But did it matter? Not really. Of course, it was sad somehow; they could have been real, good friends–there was something they had in common. He was the first guy she had felt to be on the same wave-length with; they really had the same taste in many things and the same views. He was someone she had always felt understood her. Had he felt the same way about her? She did not know what really had been his intention. If it was just sexual like with all those other women, he could have had it but he never went for it. If it was just friends, then why did it get so sexual? And when it was nothing then why was it so intense and went on 24/7 and for almost a year now? She couldn’t really figure out what it was about. Once he was ghosting, and after months he suddenly had replied for advent wishes and again ghosting. Was this accidental or what was it? She had not recognized his number right away and wrote thanks, wondering who was sending the message, then she had seen the profile pic and replied in an additional line, ‘Ah, it’s you’ but then haven’t heard from him again – ghosting once more. She did not understand this phenomenon on him. On that last one should she ask again? But he had started the conversation and then did not reply. He had done that before. Was it just one of his “sitting-alone-in-the-cafe-moments” or was there something that he missed? Like for her, it was once him; but not now anymore. What was it really that caused this ghosting? Another woman, person, complex–what was the real issue behind that? Was it this “He’s just not that into you” thing; would she ever find out? But it was always him who would suddenly come back. Maybe she was living in a ghoster’s paradise and she should just let it go – he should haunt someone else. She always had enjoyed all those Whatsapp and phone conversations and you could see it in her eyes in every picture she posted how it had made her shine but she wanted someone real, now, someone to meet in real life like Ian and not talking to a ghost. Maybe someone loved the idea of her but couldn’t handle her reality.

Nights Out, Charity & Boat trips – part 04

🔊listen to the audio on 𝕏

Waking up in Brandon’s Chelsea apartment. The day couldn’t start any better. Brandon was still sleeping. Pippa hushed out of the bed, grabbing the jumper on the floor, Brandon’s, pulling it over and walking barefoot over to the kitchen to make some coffee. Secretly she loves the instant Nescafe coffee and she knows despite there is a bright selection of Nespresso on the shelve that every English habitant had a hidden Nescafe glass somewhere in their kitchen shelve. And there it was, Pippa takes a tablespoon of Nescafe and waited for the water in the cattle to heat. She takes a look out of the window starring in the flat opposite the street. She sees how a couple is arguing, an older man with a British look in his morning robe and a somehow younger latin looking woman heavily gesticulating, than the men is walking toward the woman hitting in her face. He looks over to the window and seconds later the curtains are pulled to cover the window. Pippa is shaking her head while peering the hot water on her coffee. This was the kind of relationship that was an absolute taboo to her, but some woman would take just anything. The woman surely was capable to make her own money but instead she would accept that to live a good live. If any man would hit her in the face she would be so gone if she would not even hit first.

Pippa nipped on her coffee checking her email, she had received a text message from Tess who had had her own kind of magic dinner night. Her new boyfriend Gibson had invited Marco and Letitia to a dinner night on the boat. Marco was in politics and Letita a known journalist, the two were together for a long time. Gibson and Marco new each other from old times as they had studied at the same University Stanford. Some of Marco’s clients were high ranking politicians as well as celebrities and during the dinner, he had told his anecdotes from his latest case one of those prominent divorces. Probably one of the reasons why he would never get married he said. Some couples have contracts you would not need to get married with that kind of contract in the first place. But unfortunately, this couple had not such a contract. The guy an actor had married one of those Latin girls and would now need to pay a hell of money but of course Marco tried his best to keep the guy’s Millions together. The woman was much younger and had only married the guy for money and now wanted the divorce. She claimed violence from his side and betrayal that he would cheat on her. But in truth she was the one who used every opportunity when the guy was on set or traveling and had been seen with some other guys. She also was friends with one woman who was known for a divorce scandal where the truth had revealed that the woman had made up all allegations. This was the situation Marco had now to prove that his client was the victim and not his wife. Which was not easy as she was so shrewd, but he had a strategy, as Ms Olivera was not the actor’s first wife. Whereas he had reputation and history of woman but none of them had ever reported any violence. So, his strategy bringing them up in court as witnesses was part of his strategy while the actor felt quite embarrassed about the situation meeting all of the woman again. But this was still better than losing it all to this woman. Tess could understand she would not like to meet all her ex-lovers again. But Marco found it kind of exciting.

 “Wow, I will meet all Hollywood’s beauties and some other of the World’s top models, he had had them all!”

 A comment that was followed by a side-punch from his girlfriend sitting next to him.

“I will join you on each of them when you interview them.” Letita suggested not all, too serious. “Actually I like the idea, I could make some contact which could get me some good interviews to write about, would you mind, darling?” She teased.

“Ah, here there is the synergy of our relationship. Of course, my sweetheart knows her own way how to get her slice of the pie.” He snugged a kiss on her cheek.

“My win of the case on the front side of our number one newspaper and media cover at best times, is then mine, isn’t it, sweety?” Marco looked at Letitia and they both couldn’t hide a smile and they all burst into laughter.

They were really the perfect couple, Tess thought, and she exchanged a look with Gibson who pulled her a little closer for a long kiss.

They all had another bottle of champagne before everyone went off in their cabins.

Tess had sent beautiful pictures from a Majorcan coast. They had set the sails in the morning and would be in a little bay in Paguera in the afternoon where they had another dinner with some of Gibson’s friends. They had arrived in the afternoon and Tess had jumped straight from the yacht into the blue ocean. They had spent an amazing candle-light dinner with a private piano concert and had returned at their yacht at around ten. The next day was a short turn to Magaluf where they had an official party to attend from one of Gibson’s business partners a massive pool party including caviar, champagne and VIP’s from all over the world. Also, Chrissy and her husband had joined the party.

Read the next Chapter, Chapter V – But Coffee, first!

Nights out, Charity & boat trips – part 02

🔊listen to the audio on 𝕏

“Being spontaneous? Yes, why not.” Pippa confirms the invitation, the Icetank parties are always amazing and the invitations are always very limited handed mostly to the It-people and the celebrity kind of crowed.

“Ok, ten o’clock, I pick you up?” Brendon asks.

“Yep, sounds great!” Pippa writes with a blink.

 “Cool.” He replies.

Pippa quickly jumps under the shower. She puts on her Vata dry oil an Ayurveda oil with almond and basil to re-vitalize a little. She was almost falling asleep as she was sitting on her study.

Now standing in front of her open walk in wardrobe she has quickly to decide what to wear, dress or trousers? No question, she puts on the new Lipsy trouser with a white blouse combined with a lace top underneath and her high heels with the red sole.

The doorbell already rings. “I am coming one sec!” She shouts. Taking off the shoes again to get quicker to the door.

“Oh, hey Brendon, time passed so quick, already ten, is it?” She asks.

“Yes, it’s already ten.” He says with a smile.”.

 He’s looking damn good, Pippa thinks, and can’t help to bite her lips, she swallows than in a stuttering voice. “Yes, I will be ready, give me a minute.”

She still has no make-up on and rushes into the bathroom and has just time for a mascara. She gets all her stuff together, grabs her coat than stops in the corridor with a critical look in the mirror and quickly puts some lipstick on. She turns around looking at Brendon: “Ready!” she says.

“Wow, you are looking beautiful, let’s go.” He replies, and they walk over to his car and make their way to the Icetank at Covent Garden.

Brendon and Pippa are standing on the buffet chatting with Alexa who takes a refill for the empty champagne classes. Her boyfriend Hendrik, the initiator and sponsor of the party one of the most popular and elitist events in town held once a year but who is on a business trip in Asia, so the party is on Alexa’s patronage. “I just welcomed our Russian special guests you know Victor and his precious wife Anastacia? I will introduce you later to them, they are responsible for the draw that we will hold at midnight. You won’t believe the first prize. Actually, you might want to help me to get some more tickets out. You moving your sexy ass through the crowed, is going to double the charity’s revenue.” Alexa jokes.

 “Or triple it.” Brendon laughs while taking a look at Pippa’s backside.

 “Well okay, I see the conversations go flat here, so let me help you out, darling.” Pippa replies and smacks her hip on Alexa and they all have a good laugh.

Pippa starts giving out some tickets and the people are very generous. They buy tickets in total from 500 to 1000 pound per couple at least. Pippa talks to a Chrissy a US model who Pippa had met on her last holiday in Ibiza who currently is on a Europe trip with her boyfriend an international lawyer who also has to do some business in Brussels.

“Oh, let’s meet next week, I really would like some advice on our new apartment, you got such great style Pippa, I would love to go for a shopping tour with you.” Chrissy suggests.

 “Of, course sweety, I’m quite busy, apart from my study I just started a new part-time job and you cannot believe what kind of asshole I have to work for. I will make some space for an afternoon, a shopping tour with you and nice dinner would be lovely.” Pippa agrees and they set a date.

Pippa turns around and looks straight into the eye of exactly the asshole she was just talking about.

“Good evening Mr.” she pauses. “Oh, Toby, what pleasure to meet you here.” Pippa forces herself to a smile.

“I wonder, what someone like you is doing on this party.” He then looks at the draw. “Ah, you are working here, of course, I would doubt you ever being on the invitation list of that event.” Toby comments with the utmost condescending look at Pippa. “Well, I’m sure you want some draws supporting the charity, helping some less fortunate people who did not grow up with all the advantages you have, don’t you?”

Blend 37 – Pippa Bow – ebook

New Beginnings – part 04

🔊 Listen to the audio on 𝕏

A Victorian bar in South Kensington that somehow had become Pippa’s second home during the last summer semester.

“I will be there at around six. I’m with a client here.” Tess replied.

“See you, there. Drinks waiting.” Pippa wrote.

Pippa was on her second Martini when Tess arrived.

“Hi sweety, how is it going? You are impressed by your new job as I see, aren’t you?” Tess asks ironically.

“Yeah, I’m so impressed, you can’t believe what kind of asshole this assistance guy is who I have to work with, unbelievable, a total sexist!” Pippa states this with anger.
“Well, you better get used to this, when you enter the working sphere, that’s the first thing they will pick on, after all it is all about competition, honey.” Tess tries to calm Pippa down. “You have no idea what I experience with my colleagues; even in our law firm, half the energy goes into fighting against our colleagues. Jim lately sued Kathrin for dealing with one of her clients, and that’s within our own firm. Imagine that!” Tess keeps going.

“How do you get through that?” Pippa asks. “When I look in the mirror in the morning, I tell myself, “This is the best time. You can do this, if you want to drive a Maserati, you better be a bitch.” Tess said.

“You say what?” Pippa laughs out loud.

“Yes, that’s what I tell myself every morning, and it works.” Tess says, “and don’t take things personally, darling. That’s rule number one. People don’t do all this because they are against you, they do it because they are for themselves.” Tess continues.
“Well, I was thinking changing this job, looking for another one, but this again takes time, and I am in my final year now, so I don’t want to waste too much time on job hunting.” Pippa says.

“You know most of these bricks are just insecure or feel intimidated by you in some way; they might not appear to be that smart. That’s the main reason why people bully. There is always that one jackass who ruins everything. Get your own strategy on how to get along with those morons, and you will find your way. This event company is good for you to work with. Rise above it; you’re not doing this for him; instead, you should focus on your studies and your bright future; and, of course, the money. You’re doing it for greater things ahead. Always know your “why”!

They both have another drink and change the topics. Tess is again reporting the details and latest news about her new lover and they are big. “He asked me for a boat-trip. Can you imagine?” Tess giggles.

“A boat-trip?” Pippa asks and was astonished by that idea as most guys would simply ask for a weekend-trip to the country-side.

“Yes, he suggested a turn from Mallorca to Ibiza, he has an invitation on a party in Magaluf, one of his friends is throwing a party there. It sounds amazing and I really would love to go there, but I have this case with that merger running so I don’t know if it is a good idea to take the whole week off.” Tess says hesitating.

“Well, come on, you are almost through with this case, can’t your associate do this paper stuff, you will be back at the opening day. Imagine what a great time you will have there, go for it, girl!” Pippa keeps motivating her as she has worked so hard since the break-up and really deserves a good break.

“Yeah, you are right. It is just the paperwork that needs to be sorted, and the form of order sought is already here. I should go for the trip.” Tess agrees with a big, triumphant smile on her face. “I’m going.” Tess was working on a merger between a global media company and an Asian production company, and it had taken her endless nights to finally get the deal together, but it was all set, and it seemed like it was never the right time for taking time off for a holiday, so if it wasn’t now, then when.

Read the full story here, get the ebook on kindle

New Beginnings – part 03

🔊 Listen to the audio on 𝕏

The following day university started again, and in the afternoon, she had her first day at her new job at the prestigious event agency. The receptionist opened the door for her, and she got introduced to the team. Two girls, both around their early thirties, one from South London, the other with an Eastern block country accent. The head of digital was not in, as on most days he would delight with his absence. Last but not least, Pippa was introduced to the digital director’s assistant, who, on the other hand, would shine even brighter with his presence. He would be the one Pippa would work closest with, to her delight, which she already knew the moment he shook her hand with such a soft, arrogant, dismissive handshake.

“Welcome Pippa, we are already expecting you. I got lots of projects already waiting for you. Show us how you will delight us here.” Toby, the assistant, pointed to his desk. “Well, you might want to have a seat.”

Pippa could only feel how her stomach acid rushed up and she swallowed it down. Yes, this was exactly what she was looking for; working with the asshole assistant.

“Thank you, Toby.“ She smiled. “Nice to meet you, I am so excited.”

Pippa took a seat, and Toby started explaining his role, since when he was in the company and what important work he was doing, which prestigious clients he worked with and that Pippa’s forerunner had been from the Netherlands and had returned to his study, and he wasn’t really sure if Pippa had what it takes to talk with his important clients.

“But we will see, I have several projects in mind you could work with and then we will see where you fit best,” Toby suggested. Pippa agreed in a friendly manner and repeated.

“Yes, well, let’s see what fits best.” She was impressed by what an asshole this guy was, how someone his age could talk with such arrogance, and she wondered what else he could do besides talk nonsense. It seemed like as more asshole the people to work with, the better the pay. Pippa had forgotten about the idea of simply looking for another job because it was difficult to find one that fit the hours and paid well. Otherwise, she would need to ask her father to support her with her living costs which she wanted to avoid under all circumstances. She was so glad not to need to ask him to support her, despite the fact that, of course, he would pay her lots of extras that made life damn comfortable and allowed her to live in such an area. She would rather have to find a way to get along with this assistant director. Toby kept talking himself into heaven. In between, he was looking at Pippa.

 “You are in the third year of your design studies, aren’t you?”

“Yes, and in programming as well.” with her proud voice.

“Very good. I need your help with this then.” Toby nodded. “We are working with a designer and programmer who are specialized in this, and I need a list of all those activities and the payments.” Can you work with Excel?”

Wow, what an eloquent question! Pippa was stunned, sitting on her chair, trying to fake her politeness with a smile.

 “Excel? What is this?” she asks jokingly.

“Well, we do a lot of calculations; what did you study?” Toby was asking with his missing sense of humor.

“I was just joking, it is like asking a drawing student if he knows a pencil, isn’t it?” Pippa replies.

 “Like a pencil?” Toby repeated. He was lacking the link to Pippa’s comparison, and she thought, let it be.

 “Well, yes, I am quite familiar with Excel, Toby. I work daily with the program, for calculations, forecasts, budget calculations, and things like that.” Pippa explained and couldn’t hide her lack of excitement about calculations.

“Good, we will see.” Toby replied. “But entering some data shouldn’t be too difficult, I guess.” He commented. “Well,  I have a meeting now. You will come tomorrow afternoon. Here is what you can start with; you will sit at the side of Rebecca at the reception, and she will show you the computer.” Toby finished.

Pippa couldn’t believe her luck with this new job. This was going to be like working in hell. She said goodbye and left the office, texting Tess: “Ready for a drink? Meet me at Kay’s Bar!”

Get the book here on kindle

A Weekend Trip Out of the Blue: Sailing, Seduction, and Sparks of Destiny

Kim and Reilly were excited looking forward to their weekend sailing trip at Lake Starnberg—a getaway filled with adventure, laughter, and the promise of unforgettable memories. The last two hours at the office had felt like the clock ticked double speed. Every time Kim had starred at her watch hoping it to show five there was still an hour to go. But finally they were on their way.

With the sun shining brightly overhead, they donned their stylish swimsuits, exuding an air of confidence and excitement.

“Can you believe we’re actually doing this?” Kim exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with joy.

Reilly grinned, her excitement infectious. “I know, right? This is going to be an epic adventure!”

As they arrived at the marina, they couldn’t help but notice the sleek, modern sailboat awaiting them. It was a vessel that screamed sophistication, with its polished deck and gleaming white sails. They exchanged mischievous glances, knowing that this trip held the potential for a tantalizing escapade.

With the wind tousling their hair, they boarded the boat, their eyes widening in delight as they took in the luxurious interior. The crew, dressed in crisp uniforms, welcomed them with warm smiles and a playful twinkle in their eyes. It was clear that this voyage was going to be more than just a leisurely sail.

The skipper, a charismatic and charming individual, welcomed them with open arms. “Welcome aboard, ladies! Get ready for a weekend that will leave you breathless.”

Among the crew stood a familiar face—Nick, a guy Reilly knew from work. He exuded confidence and charm, and Reilly felt an instant attraction. Their eyes locked, a silent understanding passing between them. This weekend was about to take an unexpected turn.

As the boat set sail, the atmosphere grew charged with excitement and possibility. Kim noticed the spark between Reilly and Nick, a mischievous smile tugging at her lips. She knew her friend’s adventurous spirit was about to lead her down a thrilling path.

Throughout the journey, Reilly and Nick found themselves drawn to each other, stealing glances and engaging in playful banter.

During a moment of respite, Reilly and Daniel found themselves drawn together, their voices lowering to an intimate whisper.

“You know,” Daniel said, his voice laced with a hint of flirtation, “I always suspected you had a hidden side, I would not have expected to meet you at a sailing trip.”

Reilly raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk dancing on her lips. “Oh, really, I wouldn’t have expected to meet you here either, well one layer we have in commen, don’t we?”

Daniel chuckled, his eyes gleaming with curiosity. “Well, I can’t wait to dive deeper into the mystery that is Reilly. I have a feeling there’s more than meets the eye.”

Their conversations grew more intimate, sharing personal stories and dreams. It was as if the boundaries of the workday had dissolved, allowing them to explore a connection beyond the office walls.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the water, the boat anchored near a secluded bay. The group savored the tranquil beauty, reveling in each other’s company. Kim and the rest of the crew gave Reilly and Nick their space, understanding that something special was looming between them.

Underneath a starlit sky, Reilly and Nick found themselves sharing a stolen moment. The allure of the weekend and the electric chemistry they felt drew them closer, their hearts beating in sync. The night carried the promise of an encounter that could change everything.

As the sailing trip came to an end, they found themselves standing at the marina once again, the boat a memory etched into their hearts. Reilly and Nick exchanged hesitant glances, the unspoken question lingering in the air—would they continue what they had started?

Read more stories by Natalie Hush

🔊#shortstory Dive into a weekend sailing trip where adventure meets desire. 💕Join Kim & Reilly on a journey of flirtation, sparks, and the unexpected. Get ready to set sail with our sizzling audio short story! #SailingTrip #Romance #AudioAdventure pic.twitter.com/kUzaWOPie2

— 𝒩𝒶𝓉𝒶𝓁𝒾ℯ ℋ𝓊𝓈𝒽 (@NatalieHush101) July 9, 2023

New Beginnings

For the New Year another repost from the book Blend 37 – Pippa Bow – CHAPTER Three “New Beginnings”

A week had passed. Pippa had worked all week on the designs for an event agency that had planned a massive opening party in spring. Pippa had created the whole concept, including the artwork. These were the kinds of jobs you could get on the internet. You would work for like a hundred hours not knowing if the client would finally approve the work, and if he did, you would end up with a few hundred bucks, paying a tenth of what the work would be worth.

Pippa was proud of her piece of work, which had been approved. But these jobs would not be enough to keep her running during her study, and she would not have the time to work non-stop on a project since she also had to do the homework for the study. She had also applied for a part-time job with one of the most prestigious event agencies in London. She would start in two weeks. The job paid well for a student job, enough to pay the rent and avoid the risk of starving. Tonight, she had planned to go for dinner with Tess, and later on, they would meet some friends in a bar.

Tess and Pippa had enjoyed their dinner at the Arcadia, a colourful restaurant with Italian food. They were enjoying their tiramisu and a cup of cappuccino while Tess reported on her last date that she got through her dating app. The first date had been a nightmare, but the latest guy in her dating series somehow blew her away. She was sitting there full of excitement:

“Wow, you did not recognize the guy?” Pippa was laughing.

“No! He was wearing a suit, and on those pictures on that app, he had been wearing more casual T-shirts and sunglasses.” Tess laughs.

“Was it a disappointment without sunglasses or does he look that good?” Pippa questions with a bright smile on her face.

“He is handsome, damn handsome, he looks amazing – he actually is amazing.” Tess couldn’t stop; she was absolutely impressed by the guy.

Tess had gone on a date with Gibson on Tuesday, and they had had a great time. He was one of those financial sharks who worked for one of the prestigious financial companies. They had met again just the day before and had spent the night together. She had left his Belgravia apartment this morning as he was heading off on a business trip.

Tess was sitting opposite Pippa, flying on cloud seven and swarming about Gibson like a teenager. They both giggled, while Tess was talking about what he had done to her last night. Gibson had also sent Tess an email just before she left the house to meet Pippa, saying: “I hope you give me a reason to come back.”

The two women finished their drinks and moved on to meet their friends Michelle and Alexa at the lobby bar at the foot of The Strand. A shiny, light-filled space with classy drinks and an even more classy clientele. The four of them took a sophisticated break. As they haven’t seen each other since the last semester, they had a lot to tell. All of them had had major changes in their relationships and were now single except Alexa, who had just gotten engaged, flashing off her ring, and was about to marry in the summer. Michelle was already flirting with one of the guys on the neighbouring couch while Alexa, Tess and Pippa disappeared on the dance floor.

By the early morning hour of around five, Tess and Pippa arrived at their apartment house, standing in the corridor. ”I will see you tomorrow?” Tess murmured while leaning at the door.

“Yes, good idea, or maybe the day after tomorrow, in case I sleep a little longer.” Pippa grinned, opening her apartment door and disappearing.

The weekend had past and Pippa was sitting on another project for the event agency. She worked online and was on the last edits as the deadline was set for five p.m. in the afternoon. She had worked out the whole marketing plan, including the graphic parts, venues, contacts, and much more. So, her rent was saved for this month. The following day university started again, and in the afternoon, she had her first day at her new job at the prestigious event agency. The receptionist opened the door for her, and she got introduced to the team. Two girls, both around their early thirties, one from South London, the other with an Eastern block country accent. The head of digital was not in, as on most days he would delight with his absence. Last but not least, Pippa was introduced to the digital director’s assistant, who, on the other hand, would shine even brighter with his presence. He would be the one Pippa would work closest with, to her delight, which she already knew the moment he shook her hand with such a soft, arrogant, dismissive handshake.

“Welcome Pippa, we are already expecting you. I got lots of projects already waiting for you. Show us how you will delight us here.” Toby, the assistant, pointed to his desk. “Well, you might want to have a seat.”

Pippa could only feel how her stomach acid rushed up and she swallowed it down. Yes, this was exactly what she was looking for; working with the asshole assistant.

“Thank you, Toby.“ She smiled. “Nice to meet you, I am so excited.”

Pippa took a seat, and Toby started explaining his role, since when he was in the company and what important work he was doing, which prestigious clients he worked with and that Pippa’s forerunner had been from the Netherlands and had returned to his study, and he wasn’t really sure if Pippa had what it takes to talk with his important clients.

“But we will see, I have several projects in mind you could work with and then we will see where you fit best,” Toby suggested. Pippa agreed in a friendly manner and repeated.

“Yes, well, let’s see what fits best.” She was impressed by what an asshole this guy was, how someone his age could talk with such arrogance, and she wondered what else he could do besides talk nonsense. It seemed like as more asshole the people to work with, the better the pay. Pippa had forgotten about the idea of simply looking for another job because it was difficult to find one that fit the hours and paid well. Otherwise, she would need to ask her father to support her with her living costs which she wanted to avoid under all circumstances. She was so glad not to need to ask him to support her, despite the fact that, of course, he would pay her lots of extras that made life damn comfortable and allowed her to live in such an area. She would rather have to find a way to get along with this assistant director. Toby kept talking himself into heaven. In between, he was looking at Pippa.

“You are in the third year of your design studies, aren’t you?”

“Yes, and in programming as well.” with her proud voice.

“Very good. I need your help with this then.” Toby nodded. “We are working with a designer and programmer who are specialized in this, and I need a list of all those activities and the payments. “Can you work with Excel?”

Wow, what an eloquent question! Pippa was stunned, sitting on her chair, trying to fake her politeness with a smile.

“Excel? What is this?” she asks jokingly.

“Well, we do a lot of calculations; what did you study?” Toby was asking with his missing sense of humour.

“I was just joking, it is like asking a drawing student if he knows a pencil, isn’t it?” Pippa replies.

“Like a pencil?” Toby repeated. He was lacking the link to Pippa’s comparison, and she thought, let it be.

“Well, yes, I am quite familiar with Excel, Toby. I work daily with the program, for calculations, forecasts, budget calculations, and things like that.” Pippa explained and couldn’t hide her lack of excitement about calculations.

“Good, we will see.” Toby replied. “But entering some data shouldn’t be too difficult, I guess.” He commented. “Well, I have a meeting now. You will come tomorrow afternoon. Here is what you can start with; you will sit at the side of Rebecca at the reception, and she will show you the computer.” Toby finished.

Pippa couldn’t believe her luck with this new job. This was going to be like working in hell. She said goodbye and left the office, texting Tess: “Ready for a drink? Meet me at Kay’s Bar!”

A Victorian bar in South Kensington that somehow had become Pippa’s second home during the last summer semester.

“I will be there at around six. I’m with a client here.” Tess replied.

“See you, there. Drinks waiting.” Pippa wrote.

Pippa was on her second Martini when Tess arrived.

“Hi sweety, how is it going? You are impressed by your new job as I see, aren’t you?” Tess asks ironically.

“Yeah, I’m so impressed, you can’t believe what kind of asshole this assistance guy is who I have to work with, unbelievable, a total sexist!” Pippa states this with anger.
“Well, you better get used to this, when you enter the working sphere, that’s the first thing they will pick on, after all it is all about competition, honey.” Tess tries to calm Pippa down. “You have no idea what I experience with my colleagues; even in our law firm, half the energy goes into fighting against our colleagues. Jim lately sued Kathrin for dealing with one of her clients, and that’s within our own firm. Imagine that!” Tess keeps going.

“How do you get through that?” Pippa asks. “When I look in the mirror in the morning, I tell myself, “This is the best time. You can do this, if you want to drive a Maserati, you better be a bitch.” Tess said.

“You say what?” Pippa laughs out loud.

“Yes, that’s what I tell myself every morning, and it works.” Tess says, “and don’t take things personally, darling. That’s rule number one. People don’t do all this because they are against you, they do it because they are for themselves.” Tess continues.
“Well, I was thinking changing this job, looking for another one, but this again takes time, and I am in my final year now, so I don’t want to waste too much time on job hunting.” Pippa says.

“You know most of these bricks are just insecure or feel intimidated by you in some way; they might not appear to be that smart. That’s the main reason why people bully. There is always that one jackass who ruins everything. Get your own strategy on how to get along with those morons, and you will find your way. This event company is good for you to work with. Rise above it; you’re not doing this for him; instead, you should focus on your studies and your bright future; and, of course, the money. You’re doing it for greater things ahead. Always know your “why”!

They both have another drink and change the topics. Tess is again reporting the details and latest news about her new lover and they are big. “He asked me for a boat-trip. Can you imagine?” Tess giggles.

“A boat-trip?” Pippa asks and was astonished by that idea as most guys would simply ask for a weekend-trip to the country-side.

“Yes, he suggested a turn from Mallorca to Ibiza, he has an invitation on a party in Magaluf, one of his friends is throwing a party there. It sounds amazing and I really would love to go there, but I have this case with that merger running so I don’t know if it is a good idea to take the whole week off.” Tess says hesitating.

“Well, come on, you are almost through with this case, can’t your associate do this paper stuff, you will be back at the opening day. Imagine what a great time you will have there, go for it, girl!” Pippa keeps motivating her as she has worked so hard since the break-up and really deserves a good break.

“Yeah, you are right. It is just the paperwork that needs to be sorted, and the form of order sought is already here. I should go for the trip.” Tess agrees with a big, triumphant smile on her face. “I’m going.” Tess was working on a merger between a global media company and an Asian production company, and it had taken her endless nights to finally get the deal together, but it was all set, and it seemed like it was never the right time for taking time off for a holiday, so if it wasn’t now, then when.

Want to read the full story? Get the book Blend 37 – Pippa Bow

Something new – Part II

Chapter II from the book Blossom Hill

Ten o’clock in the morning, Mia is sitting at her desk at university. Luckily, she got a seat, standing right now would be hell. She had had just three hours sleep and in about half an hour, they have to give the presentation about a new interior design. The three of them have to present their latest ideas. They have worked it out on a computer. Mia has the final part. Actually, the first girl talks for over fifteen minutes; Chris presents the second part, but he doesn’t stick to his topic and takes over Mia’s part also. They are marked 50 % on presentation and now almost nothing is left for Mia to say about the project. Chris has already spread out all of the design ideas, including showing the plans, while Mia is just staring at Chris wondering why he takes her part, thinking, What should that be, doesn’t he get it? So far, everyone is impressed by the demonstration.

Now it’s Mia’s turn to fill fifteen minutes while the original presentation time is already over and everything has been said. She’s speechless and totally pissed with Chris. Taking a deep breath, she closes her eyes for a second, stumbling: “Please give me any idea to make this time up, what’s missing here, apart from covering the cost?” But the presentation is not about financial business plans. It’s about the design and bringing in innovations, and she starts: “So this is how it looks when you do the traditional planning, and everything is solidly constructed.” She points to the living room. “And the colors are chosen for a decent design, right? But don’t you think there is something missing, something called ‘life’? When I look at this, I guess I would get kind of depressed after half an hour with these walls, wouldn’t you? So, the idea is, bring some life in from the pictures to the walls, either with themes according to the seasons or you can choose to program your own. It goes like this: a lighting installation that allows you to beam pictures or videos including sound. The main beamer to the huge wall of the living room and one flexible where you can choose where to beam on to and you have the options of the timing of course. There will be a pre-set theme with fireplaces, so you can beam your fire on the wall, a nature walk, an ocean, or you can run skiing impressions for winter time and some Copacabana, or rooftop nights for summer themes.”

She takes another deep breath, spreading her installation ideas. The fifteen minutes are almost over, and this idea is new. No one has mentioned it yet. She finishes her presentation: “Of course, you will also be able to control the lighting, water, and heating system. So this gives you control. For example, you can run your bathwater by simply pressing a button. You can dim your lights with pre-set-themes—which of course is also beneficial when you are on holiday, you can create your “Kevin home alone” scenario from your holiday apartment or a café in the city, wherever you are and in addition keep your home protected from any intruders.”

Some of her classmates raise their eyebrows, but the tutor seems to find her idea appealing. Chris stared at Mia. Of course, this was nothing they had discussed before. The decent color scheme, to keep the interior in a natural balance, was her idea, so that’s why she did not hesitate to make it now look boring and rather pale and colourless and light it up with a new idea. Chris seemed unimpressed with Mia’s new ideas. He had been the first one not to play fair, so why should she bother about it now. Although they received high marks, she knew now to be more careful about who to choose to work with and be better prepared next time when it involved teamwork.

Mick actually liked the idea and asked for suggestions on how he could incorporate it into one of his projects. They went out for lunch to meet Mac and Versa who just laughed when Mia told the story about Chris who had taken advantage of the situation and how she had turned it. “He’s such a pussy.”

Mac was gossiping about him and he started telling weird stories about Chris—how he had made it through his exams and getting bonus points. The afternoon was just a boring lecture about legal stuff with loads of paragraphs no one wanted to know about, despite the fact that in certain situations it might be important.

Read the full story here

Work hard, play hard – a bike trip to work

from the book A double Irish and a Dutch

The next morning Avoka takes her bike that she had picked up the week before in the city store, a second-hand bike. She gets ready and opens the door, looking down into the big brown eyes of a young pony that is standing in front of her door. She thinks aloud, “What is this?” Somehow the pony must have been running away as there was a horse farm next to the huge park. Actually, the little pony got frightened when Avoka came with her bike and turned around.

Avoka gets on the bike and now the pony is running in front of her on the street. Of course, the traffic lights and any signs are of no interest to the pony, but it keeps the lanes quite well. At some point, the pony stops and she can get hold of it near the supermarket. Some people know the owners, giving them a call and taking care of it so Avoka can continue her trip to her workplace.

She passed the Busaras, the main bus station and toward the big corner suddenly her bike locks. The chain has dropped and Avoka is in the middle of a double lane street and a truck is moving toward her. She quickly gets off the bike, which is still locked; the wheel doesn’t spin. She quickly grabs the bike, running off the street as the truck is coming closer and closer. The truck rushes by. Safe at the boardwalk, Avoka tries to get the chain on again, but it seems hopeless. Her hands, meanwhile, are total black from the chain’s oil. She decides to leave the bike at the nearby bus stop and then walk the rest of the route. Of course, she is more than late and that is absolute not the impression she wanted to give. But taking a cab would cost too much and she thought it was not worth it, the way they acted on her, trying to get rid of her anyway.

At ten she arrived, walking in with her deep black hands, her colleagues, including the two new German guys, staring at her and shaking their heads like how could she do that, allowing her to come in late and then showing up with black hands.

She just laughs, passing the guys, her team leader looking at her. Avoka, while passing him and walking towards the toilet, lifts up her hands, hollering in a loud voice, “The bike chain dropped. I’m so sorry for the delay, but I could not call in.” Flashing her hands, covered with big oil bits, toward the team-leader, she adds, “I’m sure you understand.”

A bright smile rises on the team-leader’s face. The delay seemed to amuse him. Of course, this was playing into his hands, and seeing her with black hands was an extra, too. Okay, Avoka’s ‘business outfit’ is like John Fairchild says: “Style is an expression of individualism mixed with charisma.” She is dressed in an expensive silk business blouse, a bright pink rain jacket which Avoka puts on for not getting overlooked on the bike in the morning traffic, together with deep black oily hands and her long blond hair–one must confess this really looks kind of funny.

She washes the oil off and goes over to get a coffee in the well-equipped coffee corner, the best part in this office, giving her a little Starbucks feeling. The main company, the Internet guru, really is exceptional on that; there is everything from fresh fruits, muesli, cornflakes, muffins, fresh sandwiches, pancakes, fruit juices, sweets and coffee types including comfortable seating along the corridor.

Cavern comes over to Avoka. “Oh, I see you said your bike chain dropped?” He can’t hide his smile and continues, “There is actually a station in this area where they repair bikes.”

Avoka replies, “Thanks, Cavern, but I left the bike at the bus stop. I will bring it to the shop where I bought it. They know best probably; it’s halfway, anyway.”

Cavern says, “Yes, just for you to know they have a place to fix it, in case it happens again.”

He adds, “For the delay, I will not make a note.”

Avoka again apologizes and thanks him for making no official note, which of course was not necessary as they had already set their plan to make her fail the exam results and then kick her.

Office talks

Avoka walks over to her place, starting the system. Her new colleagues, who had had the training for the last two weeks and who had badly complained on Friday about how crap it was….

to be continued….

Want to read the full story? Get the book i-Land – A double Irish and a Dutch

New plan, new man

from the book i-Land – A double Irish and a Dutch

Avoka goes for a coffee while Harry gets his hair done. She gets an SMS from Hunt, who once again, suggests to her about how much he would like to be with her at the same place now. Avoka already knows it’s just one of those Saturdays where he seems to have nothing better to do than sending SMS but never means it. She takes a picture of her coffee and some delicious chocolate biscuits and posts it over with the message, “Yes, look what you’re missing.”

He sends back a kiss picture and replies, “Oh, how much I would love that now.”

Avoka is sure he is either sitting somewhere alone and is bored or he is sitting with some other woman and is bored while sending those pics. They continue the SMS communication with what they would like to do each other when they were together, now exchanging kissing pics and commenting.

Avoka feels like playing Ken and Barbie with a guy and must laugh about this kind of communication. Finally, she tells him that she needs to go now; that she is meeting up with Harry, who has offered her a job for doing the PR and Social Media Campaigns for his new E-Roller.

Hunt writes back, “Seriously? That means what, you’re leaving your current job again? A multi-guru company against a start up?”

Avoka replies, “Yes. The current job is just a matter of time; they already asked me to sign such an assignment paper, similar, to the Fruit of the Loom thing that when I don’t fulfil the test results with their given percentage, they keep the rights to take consequences.”

Hunt replies, “Oh, not again, but well, I understand.  Yes, you’re right, whatever you do I’m with you.”

Avoka replies, “Oh, thank you, you are always so understanding.”

Hunt replies, “You’re really brave, I wish you good luck. You seem to have a good time in Cork, enjoy your night out.”

Avoka replies with a smile, kiss and thumb up and the message “Have a fabulous Saturday night, too.”

Avoka leaves the cafe and picks up Harry from the hair-dresser, who has a nice, fresh cut now. Avoka comments, “Looking good, ready to move on?”

Harry says, “Oh, thank you, yes, that hair had to go; it’s like what they say about women when they cut their hair leaving some past behind.”

Avoka answers, “Yes, exactly!”

Harry throws in, “We still have some time till the party starts at the Electric tonight. We could go to my place and try to contact the Dutch guy in Amsterdam who does the production and design part on the E-roller and we can discuss the next steps on how to promote it; what do you think, Avoka?”

Avoka replies, “Yes, that’s a great idea, let’s go.”

They walk over to Harry’s house. His daughter is preparing some late kind of brunch for her and her boyfriend. With a grinning smile, she says “Hello, you must be Avoka, right?”

Avoka replies, “Yes, and you are Tally, right?”

She nods, answering, “Yes, nice to meet you. I heard about you, Harry told me about your great team leader and the team at the Fruit of the Loom and how stupid they must be not to use your skills.”

Harry puts in, “Yes, actually I’m the lucky one who gets the advantage of it now; she will do the PR and social media campaigns for our E-roller. That’s why we are here now; we want to contact Jarome and discuss things.”

Tally says, “Wow, that’s great, you said yes? He was so hoping for it. Saying you are really tough, exactly the kind of person he needs for the job.”

Avoka smiles, “Oh, thank you, yes it will be a tough job, but I will do my best. It’s a great roller and I think it deserves some cool ideas to be promoted, doesn’t it?”

Tally says, “Yes, that’s true.”

They start a Google Hangout with Jarome, who luckily is at home and start talking through some ideas. Jarome is excited and really likes the suggestions that Avoka makes and they talk for another hour and agree to meet up next month to work out things more in detail and get to know each other in person. It’s a really productive afternoon and at seven p.m. Harry and Avoka call a cab to drive over to the Electric bar, where they have a great party for the night including some Jazz singers and Top-DJ’s. Tally explains they will join later but that she also has another party to go to. 

In the city, a demonstration against water charges is running. So far, the water in Ireland was free but the government wants to make a change starting with the new year. The main road is blocked and as they shortly start a march which probably walks toward the direction of the roads close to the Electric bar, Harry and Avoka decide to get off the cab and walk the last bit to the bar. They still have time to take the walk through the city. The demonstration guys are loud holding their speech. Harry laughs. “Yes, this is Ireland; here the people still go out on the street and fight for their rights.”

At the side, they see some of the Fruit of the Loom guys sneaking along the wall, showing no interest at all in the street’s activity. Harry smiles. “This is really two worlds clashing in this small town–our guys at this hyper-tech company and the original Irish crowd. I love that contrast.”

Avoka agrees, “Yes, and at my new company I also have two worlds clashing, the American Internet guru and the Indian Customer Service, yeah! I still don’t get it that this multi-guru outsources at such a company. I wonder how they even meet the goals, as from the work I see I can’t believe it.”

Harry replies, “Yes that’s a good question, but this I even wonder about the Fruit of the Loom. But they kind of manipulate things. I lately saw one guy who had left his menu set on the wrong menu point ‘available’ throughout the whole night and they simply put it on someone else on the phone support. If they work it that way, who knows about the real figures? Also, they use such old software you wouldn’t believe that the number one company on technology uses the software from the last decade on their own services.”

Avoka says, “So true, but I’m so glad that we finally made this deal and I can work the communication part in your company.”

Harry says, “Yes, I’m excited, too.” They pass by on one of the stores that sell the latest gadget from the Fruit of the Loom company. Avoka says, “Oh, Peter bought this one, of course, with the extra they provide the employees with.”

Harry replies, “Yes, I was thinking about it, too. But still I don’t know when I see all the problems that come with it.”

Avoka agrees, “Yes, I didn’t buy it either, even though they gave $300 extra on it, this couldn’t make me buy one.” They both laugh.

Arriving at the Electric, some people are sitting already outside along the canal, while the sun is slowly going down behind the hill. It’s a beautiful atmosphere and Avoka takes some pictures and immediately posts them on Facebook. Avoka and Harry enter the Electric, going straight to the bar ordering some drinks and a food plate, then walking over to the tables at the window with the view of the water and the sunset. A DJ is already on the turntables playing a cool mix between chill out, lounge and soul music. The evening can start, ready to party.

An hour later the party is in full swing, the crowed is dancing, Avoka is sitting near the window looking at the river. She is thinking about Ian. When, was he coming back to Ireland? There appears the vibrating sound from her phone and yes, it is Ian. He has sent a message asking if she was enjoying the Cork weekend and if her ex-colleague was behaving. Avoka replied, “Yes, of course. Now we are even doing business together.”

Ian replies, “Sure, that’s a reason.” He adds a tweak emotion icon and asks if she will be in Dublin for the upcoming weekend. With the next text message, he adds, “I really would love to meet you; I miss you somehow.”

He writes he’ll be back in Dublin on Wednesday. She is crazy for meeting him and agrees to a date at the weekend. Ian also writes that he did not like the game they played at her at her current job and that he also had an idea. He had talked with his team manager from the Rugby game, who had suggested that they needed some good PR. His manager sounded really interested and he asked to meet to discuss some ideas with her. Avoka was all ears, of course, and she agreed.

She was staring at the river and dreaming how great it would be to have her own PR company here and just quit that job at the guru company. She already had an idea how to find some synergies between the e-roller and the Rugby team that had the potential to make it a fabulous campaign. She was smiling in the air, then grabbing the martini and emptying the glass.

Another message arrived from Hunt! “Wishing a great Saturday night and sending a big kiss.” Avoka recorded some music the DJ was playing–some jazzy lyrics, “What nature brings” by Nekta–and sent it to Hunt with a golden Burberry Kiss and the lines ‘Enjoy the Weekend!’ She knew he would party with some other woman who he probably had worked with during the week, any customer or colleague, and roll in the sheets, sharing his fantasies with any woman for the weekend, and by Sunday afternoon he would have left her. Then, sitting in a cafe all by himself, he would text something to Avoka but never come to meet her. Once she had wished to meet him and she was so excited and had loved this idea. But now all she thought was whatever.

She always had written those messages with the thrill to meet him. But finally realizing this would never happen, she had lost this appetite and actually she did not want to be one of those women for a weekend and on the other side, she wouldn’t want a man to share with other women.  And for just friends, the whole Whatsapp chat was much too sexual. So finally, it had turned into this Whatsapp fantasy she never wanted to be. But did it matter? Not really. Of course, it was sad somehow; they could have been real, good friends–there was something they had in common. He was the first guy she had felt to be on the same wave-length with; they really had the same taste in many things and the same views. He was someone she had always felt understood her. Had he felt the same way about her? She did not know what really had been his intention. If it was just sexual like with all those other women, he could have had it but he never went for it. If it was just friends, then why did it get so sexual? And when it was nothing then why was it so intense and went on 24/7 and for almost a year now?

She couldn’t really figure out what it was about. Once he was ghosting, and after months he suddenly had replied for advent wishes and again ghosting. Was this accidental or what was it? She had not recognized his number right away and wrote thanks, wondering who was sending the message, then she had seen the profile pic and replied in an additional line, ‘Ah, it’s you’ but then haven’t heard from him again – ghosting once more. She did not understand this phenomenon on him. On that last one should she ask again? But he had started the conversation and then did not reply. He had done that before. Was it just one of his “sitting-alone-in-the-cafe-moments” or was there something that he missed?

Like for her, it was once him; but not now anymore. What was it really that caused this ghosting? Another woman, person, complex–what was the real issue behind that? Was it this “He’s just not that into you” thing; would she ever find out? But it was always him who would suddenly come back. Maybe she was living in a ghoster’s paradise and she should just let it go – he should haunt someone else. She always had enjoyed all those Whatsapp and phone conversations and you could see it in her eyes in every picture she posted how it had made her shine but she wanted someone real, now, someone to meet in real life like Ian and not talking to a ghost. Maybe someone loved the idea of her but couldn’t handle her reality.

Surprise, surprise!

Tonight, she couldn’t care less;

To be continued…