Thursday, January 17, 2008

Did he just...

So my new job requires that I dress a bit more like a grown up, no more scooting into work fifteen minutes late with my hair wet and my clothes in a state of disarray. I'll wait while you get over your shock. I have always day dreamed about being one of those women who always have it together: the right accessories, the flawless make-up and the stylish hair. I would take just one of those, but the truth is that when faced with a closet of stuff I always reach for the soft, frayed t-shirt that hugs my body in a familiar way, the jeans that hit the tops of my tennis shoes just right and maybe, just maybe a pair of earrings that make me feel a little dressed up.

This morning I knew I had to do it right, there would be Senators and Assembly People, CEO's and Task Force leaders. I also had appointments with several key people at the company I recently joined. I showered knowing exactly what I would wear:



I bought it for myself at a Babystyle near Seattle over the holidays. I had set out the nylons I would wear with it- a sassy diamond pattern, and my current favorite earrings. Everything went perfectly, no runs or snags in the hose, no breakfast smears on the dress, and my hair actually slipped behind my ear and whispered, "Shh, don't say or do anything, we are just going to fall into place and look exactly the way you want."

Avery actually galloped over to me, rubbed my leg and looked up at me with breathless excitement, "'S 'dat, mama? 'S 'dat?'

I laughed and told her how her sister had the same reaction one spring day to my freshly shaved legs.

"Mama, made an effort baby, she made an effort."

Anyway, the story. The title: Did he just...

I had a meeting shortly after getting to work. It was with a person in the finance department and let's just say me and numbers, we ain't too tight. I figured I'd meet him once and kind of be done. I waited in the lobby for quite some time, when he finally called me in I was primed for his numbers talk, anything to stop reading the Patient Bill of Rights poster on the wall.

We sat down and began a conversation that could best be described as fits and starts, through it all I smiled, relieved to not be sitting with jeans puddling at my ankles and a not quite long enough shirt gripped between chapped fingers, cuticles ravaged, because somehow wearing that dress and perfect accessories compensated for not following much of what he said.

I remember at one point suggesting he send me an email as other things came to mind. It was really an exit strategy on my part. He said he wasn't too keen on email. I nodded, trying to appear deeply interested and said that sometimes I relied a bit too heavily on it. He sat forward in his chair and confessed to not being good with email. Then he said, "I'm always looking for someone to help me with email. A tutor. A private teacher."

I laughed. "Well, I don't know that I'm a great teacher as far as the organization of email goes. It's more a chaos I enjoy losing myself in than anything I have a real mastery of."

He leaned in closer, "I could call you. Or you could call me. We could talk again if you'd like."

"Oh, of course. I think that's a great idea." Barreling forward somewhat oblivious, I asked a few questions and after a bit of back and forth we wrapped things up. I stood up to leave and shook his hand. We walked toward the lobby and I was already thinking about making a call on the way back to my office.

"Amanda?"

"Yes?" I asked turning around.

"Amanda, you can call me. Maybe you could come around again. We could, ah, we could talk about the, well, anything really. We could talk about whatever you like... If you'd like. Would you like that?

"Sure, I'll give you a call in a few weeks."

"Great, great Amanda. I'll talk to you then," as I walked to the door he watched me, standing in the middle of the hallway. Opening the doors and stepping out into the frigid January air it hit me...Oh. My. God. He hit on me. The numbers guy totally hit on me in all my 6+ months pregnant glory, granted, the silky belly was hidden beneath a trench coat, but still...

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23 comments:

Lisa said...

Wow! I think I would part completely offended, I mean, he didn't notice your wedding ring OR your belly? Part of me would have felt good. Here 6+ months pregnant you looked good enough to be hit on...and you still have it, you know?!?! And the rest of me would wonder if he's married, if he does this frequently, etc. AND I would pray I didn't have to have a meeting with him any time soon!

Good luck & keep us posted on "The Numbers Man"!

BetteJo said...

Love the dress! Love the earrings! :) Thank you. Love the "Mama, made an effort baby, she made an effort".

I agree with the reaction - part offended and part "oh yeah, I still got it!" I just hope he doesn't have any kind of authority, that would suck!

trampoline design said...

Um, yeah.

You left that whole part out of our "How was your day, hon?" conversation.

Ms. Skywalker said...

I hear you on the attire end of things...I am also recently forced to attempt to dress like a grown up. I'm struggling. Like, literally, taking pictures from magazines and strolling through Tar-jay and Marshalls and trying to put that same look together. Why does it not look that way on me? Why?

And the dude? Sweety, I'd hit on you. And I don't even bat that way. :)

Danielle said...

Despite his totally inappropriate gesture in your obvious state of married procreation, despite all of that....doesn't it feel great!?! You're a hot mama! Revel in it! And then politely tell him that you are married to the hottest, most lovable man you can imagine, but that you are flattered for the attention.
You go girl!!!!!!!!
and I LOVE those earrings. Gotta' get me a pair.

Janet said...

Sean is slaying me, up there in the comments!

I think you have got the Number Guy's number. Next time you meet you should constantly rub your burgeoning belly, wrinkle up your nose and say, "Phew. This pregnancy is giving me the *worst* gas." That'll learn him.

Gina said...

The first two sentences still describe me as I go to work each day... I am trying to change. Way to go, looking all chic for your meeting.

Oh to be hit on... even when I'm not pregnant... though it would be weird. I guess maybe you won't be giving him a call after all.

Sarahviz said...

You go girl!

Amy Y said...

Of course he did, hot Mama! :)

Damselfly said...

Woo-hoo, Mama made an effort and it showed!

When I was six months pregnant, I went to a restaurant to meet a girl friend and this man came up to ask me if I was his blind date! I thought, wow, he really is blind!

Lisa Wheeler Milton said...

I'm not surprised - you're a doll.

Kristin said...

You sexxxaaaayyy thing!

I say you just toss your prenatally vitamin enhanced hair and work it.

Anonymous said...

Well, darlin. Of course he hit on you. You're one of the hottest 6-months pregnant babes I know.

But, that? My dear? He needs to be kicked in the y'know. But gently, because at least he has great taste.

flutter said...

well, duh, you're hot. I'd hit on you too!

SHW said...

Isn't great when we realize we still got "it"!

Angela said...

Well, the outfit obviously looked great, you are still hot. That is so sweet and funny that you didn't get what was going on until after the fact, I'm wondering, what would you have done if you caught on earlier?

Kristabella said...

Well that’s an added bonus! At least you aren’t like me, single and not pregnant, and have people hit on you and are completely clueless. Until your co-worker is all “that dude is totally flirting with you.”

And now I know why I’m single!

the new girl said...

See what happens when you shave your legs?

;)

Anonymous said...

Oo you hot mama you!

Tink said...

Oh man. That's just... WRONG. Maybe he has a fetish? In which case it'll all be over as soon as you pop out that kid. ;)

Occidental Girl said...

Wow. I mean, it's icky, but also kind of nice to know you still got it!

Kimberly said...

Ha! You're his MILF. Which is like, sort of flattering and sort of creepy and weird all at the same time.

Kerry said...

Hilarious! Bet that made you feel good! :)

They do say some men find pregnant women really sexy. I just thought it was your husband. ha