Table for Two

As Tia slipped the phone back into her purse, Shay returned to the table looking calmer.

Tia immediately apologized. “I’m so very sorry for dumping all that. Please may I request a do-over? I promise I am much more interesting than what you are seeing right now.”

Shay gave an amused smile. “Actually, Tia, I think we might do a better job if we first get your anxiety about tomorrow’s interview out of your system.”

“You…do?”

“Yes, I do,” Shay took a sip, watching Tia with a contemplative glance. “In fact, Tia, I’m very interested in why you’re looking forward to tomorrow.”

Tia was relieved. “Shay, you’re far too kind. Getting this out of my system will definitely help me get back in focus on this date with you. But only for a few minutes. We’ll talk about my interview till this first glass of wine is over. And then we focus on you and our date. How does that sound?”

“You make a compelling argument, Tia. I like your proposal.” Shay smiled. “So, what is it about MediaTech that makes you feel so passionately about the interview and the company?”

Tia’s pulse quickened. This was her passion. This was her field.

“MediaTech isn’t just a company. They actually do things that matter. The accessibility tool they released last year? My cousin uses one of them. And the innovation lab? I’ve wanted to be a part of something that big since college.”

Shay nodded slowly, “I’m following”

“I’ve been preparing for this interview for weeks. I just don’t want to mess it up. I know what MediaTech stands for. I know their mission. I want to contribute. I want to grow there. And maybe… belong there,” Tia grimaced. “Sorry! That was cheesy.”

“I don’t think so,” Shay said. “Wanting to belong is universal.”

That kindness loosened something in Tia’s chest. Words tumbled out.

“It’s not just the products they build. It’s also the environment, where people actually talk to each other. Honest communication. Collaboration. I love teams that operate like teams and not like a bunch of islands.”

Shay tilted her head slightly. “That is a good understanding you have about the company. What about your work ethics?”

So Tia talked.
Passionately.
About her strengths and what she would bring to the company, about her weaknesses and how she understood them and built them to her advantage, about her leadership skills, about her hopes and dreams.

Shay stayed sharp during this conversation, keeping Tia on track with gentle nudges.

10 minutes in, Tia was the first to notice the waiter approach to refill their glasses.

“Thank you so much, Shay, but that’s all I’m going to let this topic take over our date. You have been far too kind. Now it’s time I reciprocate the kindness.”

A faint smile tugged at Shay’s lips, like she was quietly impressed. “But I’m not bored. I can continue this conversation.”

“No, a promise is a promise. And it is not fair that our conversation be one-sided. This is, after all, a date and not an interview. You should not be left out, even if you are not bored of it. That’s unfair on you.”

Shay’s gaze lingered on Tia for a long moment, thought, almost searching. Then she laughed, a warm, surprisingly human sound.

“I have to say, Tia, you are a very unique person. I concede defeat. Let’s get back to our date.”

The rest of the dinner flowed easily. They talked about travel, bad movies, overrated snacks, the price of rent, annoying coworkers.

Desserts arrived. Warm chocolate peppermint souffles dusted with powdered sugar “snow” were glistening under the fairy lights.

As the waiter left, Shay set the spoon down without tasting her dessert. She looked at Tia for a long, almost apologetic, second.

“Tia… I need to say something before we dig in.”

Tia’s stomach did a small flip. This was almost definitely not good.

“Tonight has been brilliant. You’re smart, passionate, and fun to talk to.”

Tia felt the “but” coming like a slow-motion train.

“But I want to be honest. I don’t think the romantic spark is there for me.”

Tia took a small breath, trying to steady the fluttering in her chest. “I appreciate the honesty, Shay. I was afraid you might feel that way.”

Shay gave her a warm smile. “It was nothing you did. I think sometimes people just click differently. I hope this doesn’t sound too cliché, but I really value the connection we’ve made. I’d like to keep in touch if you’re okay with it.”

Tia allowed herself a small smile, feeling a mixture of relief and slight sadness.

“I’d like that too. A friend with your experience sounds like a great thing to have.”

They shared a quiet moment while having their dessert. As the waiter cleared their plates, Tia felt a brief pang of self-doubt but pushed it down. “Maybe the timing just wasn’t right,” she thought. “And that’s okay.”

Shay insisted on taking care of the check. “It’s only fair after I’ve put you down like this.”

The kindness, that was the worst part. It made something hot twist under Tia’s ribs.

She nodded as Shay stood, and they exchanged numbers, with a quiet promise of connection, not romance. Walking away, Tia reminded herself that sometimes good things come in unexpected forms. Back home, she tried her best to clear her mind. Tomorrow was the big day. She could not let tonight’s events impact her confidence.