He nodded, pleased. "Stick around after the meeting—we need to have a quick discussion."
By the time I finished up, it was almost 8 PM, and the office building was one of the few still lit up. Letting out a deep breath, I headed to the parking lot, only to be startled by the blaring of a car horn at the entrance. The bright headlights momentarily blinded me, and I raised a hand to shield my eyes.
When I opened my eyes again, I saw someone getting out of the car and waving at me. I walked over curiously, and it turned out to be Jack. I immediately turned to leave, but he quickly ran around to the other side, opened the car door, and said with a fawning smile, "Josephine, it's late—let me give you a ride home."
It was then that I really looked at him for the first time in three years. The stress of work had clearly taken its toll; he had a slight beer belly and looked older than his age. His smile had a hint of desperation, and he bent over slightly as he held the door for me. I stared at him in silence, and his hand, still hovering mid-air, trembled awkwardly. "You haven't eaten yet, right? Let's grab a bite first."
"No need," I said, twirling my car keys in my hand with a cheerful grin. "I'm not used to cheap rides. I have my own car now. Your office is pretty far out in the suburbs, right? You should head back before it gets too late. Coming into the city must be a rare treat for you, but don't overstay your welcome."
His face twisted in embarrassment. His hand tightened on the car door for a second before letting go. "Josephine, are you still mad at me? I had my reasons for breaking up with you back then."
His voice was so earnest that if I didn't know better, I might've believed him. But it was hard to take him seriously, considering he dumped me the day after he got a permanent job and immediately started dating a coworker.
Jack was my senior in college, and our meeting was quite a coincidence.
Every November, our school had a "Women's Month." Female students could write their wishes on cards and hang them on a wishing tree. Boys would then pick the cards and fulfill the wishes.
Jack happened to pick up my card and fulfill my small wish.
Later, we discovered we were both students of the same professor. Frequent encounters led to growing familiarity, and eventually, we ended up together.