This, That, and the Other

David was a shy, bashful guy. He almost always felt abashed whenever he was in the company of women, which is why he almost always turned down invitations to any social gatherings where members of the opposite sex might be present.

Andrea was a self-assured, confident woman, an extrovert who always wanted, unabashedly, to be the center of attention and the life of the party wherever she went.

David and Andrea worked for the same company but rarely ran into one another. They worked in different departments and hung out with different crowds.

Then, one fateful day, they happened to share an elevator together from the ground floor to the executive offices on the 32nd floor. They were the only two people on the elevator at that time. David positioned himself in the back corner of the elevator, intently watching the lights next to the doors showing the floors as the elevator car ascended. He was almost holding his breath waiting for the car to reach the top floor.

Andrea was in the dead center of the elevator car and, not one to enjoy silence, she turned around to David and said, “So, are you going to be going to the company holiday party this weekend? I hear it’s going to be quite a bash.”

David looked at Andrea. He could feel the beads of perspiration forming on his forehead and he began to feel dizzy. He was afraid he was going to pass out. In a soft, almost inaudible voice, he said, “No, I don’t think so.” He looked at the floor lights and saw that they were only on the 18th floor.

“That’s too bad, David,” Andrea said. “I hear they’re going all out this year. You should go. Perhaps we can have a drink together.”

David was shocked. “How do you know my name?” he asked.

Andrea smiled and pointed to his company badge, which was clipped to his belt. “Your name is printed on it right next to your picture.”

David looked down at his badge, blushed, and said, “Oh yeah, so it is.” And he let out a nervous laugh.

“You’re kinda cute,” Andrea said. She reached out, grabbed his hand and squeezed. “I’m Andrea,” she said, “and I really hope you will change your mind and make it to the big bash.”

The elevator finally reached the 32nd floor, and just before the door opened, Andrea leaned in and kissed David on his cheek. Then she stepped out of the elevator, but before the doors closed, she turned to David and said in a sultry voice, “Please come.”

That’s when David realized he already had.

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Written for the Stream of Consciousness Saturday prompt from Linda G. Hill. Our assignment today: use “abash/a bash/bash” in a post.