Dream Fish

I was in my office the next day with my head in the clouds. I wasn’t at Thomas Crown. I was in heaven. I was thinking about Naoko. He is such a fine catboy. Lovely eyes. Heat-stealing face. Lust sparking body. Loving soul. Oh! Such a hot dream!

I shook my head violently. Who was I kidding? I’m too old for him! I could be his sister! The Mrs. Robinson complex is just a fantasy! Besides, a nice high school girl would have taken him away and he’d forget all about you. Damn that little bitch! I hope their relationship fails!

“Noiz!” some bloke yelled. I returned to shore quickly. Damon was straight in front of me. Suddenly, I noticed something. Damon wasn’t that charming anymore. He was just some married bloke to me now. Why was he so attractive to me? I knew before. Now the reason was lost. Damn, he’s too close!

I backed up slightly. My partner just smiled. “Great job on the deal!” Damon boomed. “Thanks.” I said. “Now,” he said. “I am putting you in charge of the project. Pick seven people for your team.” “Okay.” I said. “Great.” my boss said. Then he left the office. Great! More work for me! Well, better get started. Just to get it over with.

I made it to the ground floor. The others were working hard. I looked at my options. This was going to be thrilling. (Ha-ha! No!)

I began my walk. Anna was my first choice. She’s just brilliant. KT’s next. I want to test her out. Then, Shawn. Same reason as KT. Three down. Hm. I’ll grab Tiffany Barkley. She doesn’t do much. Boyd seems good. This is a good chance to build his skills. Two more. Let’s see. Who to get? Tommy is good. Same reason as Boyd. Now one more. Uh…. I’m running low. Who to pick up. I came down to Tanya or Rolo. This was tough. I despise Tanya and I don’t trust Rolo. Tough call. But I chose Rolo in the end.

I called forth my chosen ones. We met in Room 17. “You’re all wondering why I called you in here.” I addressed boldly. “I have chosen you seven to work on Thomas Crown’s latest project.” Everyone sat still in silence. “This is the Green Light/Thomas Crown deal, right?” KT asked. “Yeah!” I said. Everyone was still silent. I looked around. What is this? The team of the dead? Well, keep trying. “We need a place to meet and plot,” I went on. “I can’t work around here. It’s just distracting.” No response. Well, here goes. “Where shall we meet?” I asked. Now, I was flooded with feedback. Too much at that.

“I know a good place.” Rolo said at last. I eyed him. I still didn’t trust him. But this last suggestion had to be better than nothing. “All right,” I said. “Where is it?” Rolo stood pride. “At the Tokyo Art Center!” he announced. Everyone was speechless. I was blown away. The Tokyo Art Center was an artist’s nirvana. This is where all of the geniuses went to work in peace. Plenty of famous names went there. The Tokyo Art Center seemed perfect for us. But there was a catch.

“And where will we get the money to rent out the room?” I challenged. Rolo kept his pride. “O have connections, Noiz.” he answered. I raised an eyebrow at that. I was curious about that. Curious and suspicious. What would he pull this time?

“Now to set up dates.” I said. I reached into bag and pulled out a small notepad. I picked up my pen and wrote down our chosen location and project. “I think Monday, Wednesdays, Friday, and Saturday are good.” I suggested.” Any objections?” KT raised her hand. “Hai KT?” I asked. “I can’t make it this Monday,” she said. “My father is visiting me then. He’s really ill. My mum has to bring him.” Her Scottish accent was thick and heavy. But I understood her clearly. “You’re excused.” I said. KT smiled at ease.

“Now for a time.” I said. “It would be best for everyone to arrive at eight in the morning.” I was greeted with a collective groan. “Now, now.” I said. “Being early is important. Just do this for me and I’ll be flexible with everything else. K?” Everyone agreed reluctantly. “Great!” I called. “Dismissed.” Then we all left for lunch.

My mind wandered back to Naoko. I felt thirteen again. Boy, he was so fine. I even wished my age matched my looks. I feel like Mrs. Robinson again.

I was dragged back to shore with a hard smack on the back. I nearly stumbled over to the cold hard floor. I quickly turned. Anna stood over me laughing. I stared at her in pain. “Sorry,” Anna said once she clammed down. “You were a sitting duck. I couldn’t resist!” “Ow!” was all I could wail out.

“So tell me,” Anna said once I had healed. I looked up at her. “Hm?” I asked. “Why are you so girlish today?” she asked. I was confused. “What do you mean?” I asked. “You know,” my redheaded American friend went on. “You seemed relaxed, pink the cheeks, giggling like a little schoolgirl, agreeable, and running the show.” “I am?” I asked innocently. “Yeah,” Anna answered. She paused for a second. “Oh dear Lord!” my friend exclaimed. “Don’t tell you’re…. you’re….. you’re in love! You are! Who’s the lucky guy?” I froze and blushed. She figured it out! “It’s a fair cop.” I called. “But who is it?” Anna asked again. I became nervous. Should I tell her? Might as well.

I poured my heart out about Naoko to her. I felt that schoolgirl glow return again. Anna was amazed were I was finished. “Damn!” she called. “I don’t blame you for being cheery!” All I do was smile in a daze.

I was washed back to shore when my cell phone beeped. “What’s that?” Anna asked. I didn’t answer. I just reached in my purse and pulled out my cell phone. It was a text message from Aden. I read it silently. My face dropped. “Aw crap!” I grumbled. Here is Aden’s message:

Hi girl! Got a date for you on Saturday at noon. Don’t be late! Love ya!

Bai-Bai

Aden

I hung my head. Not another crappy date! Why me? Why me?!?

It’s the Arts