I couldn't believe it had been two weeks. Two whole weeks since she had started as a temp in the reception area downstairs, and I still hadn't scored a date. Maria-Daniella. A stunner, and Brazilian! Today's work? Not that shit Eben had me doing. No way little boss-man. He should know better anyway. The task for today would be winning the heart of Maria-Daniella.

A new game plan — a completed game plan — that's what I needed. It was time to turn the small talk into some big talk, and get past whatever it was that was holding me back. And what was holding me back anyway? Banging a chick from the same building? That comment the first day about Spanish being just like Brazilian? Jessica? Come on Mark, get on your game brother. Bruth-thaa. Don't miss your chance to blow. And vice versa!

Jessica had been getting on my nerves recently. It was true now that I'd thought about it. She was fit and firm, hell yeah, and flexible — you gotta give it up for yoga — but I could hardly get a thing done at work between all the calls and IMs. And not just the proposals, but how was I supposed to find the time to play FreeCell and Solitaire and fart on guys like Charlie? Too much. Then there were those annoying art school friends of hers too. Always saying the same things and wanting to hit the same bars. Like clones. Jesus.

I gave it all another thought. Maybe I could just keep her in the dark. Zap her with some of that anti-lumos Harry Potter magic shit the intern was always talking about. It would be tough, but it could work. At least for a while. Myron would be pissed because he'd have to play along, but he could suck a nut. He owes me and he knows it. I'll have to give him the good news tomorrow.

But enough talk. I knew what I needed to do — I'd just have to execute. On my way out to lunch in a few minutes, I'd flash her some more of that famous Sino-European charm of mine. Black hair, sharp blue eyes, and a face with lines and curves so unique, yet subtle, that rare was the day when fewer than fifteen heads would turn on the walk to work. Mom had been right from the beginning. Just wait until middle school, she said. Then see who's laughing at the mixed-race kid.

I had gotten the feeling Maria-Daniella had picked up on it from the start. Definitely a positive, and good for some initial flirting. I just hadn't been ready. Until now. I checked my watch, and seeing it was five to one, knew it was time to go.

I made a few keystrokes to put my computer to bed and then hopped on the elevator to go down. I felt my insides jump and then settle slowly to an expectant stop, as if in sync with the descending carriage. The doors opened, and ten paces later I was at her desk.

"Hey there, Maria-Daniella."

"Hey mister."

"You know you look great today."

"You really think so?"

"Of course I do . . . ."

And there it was, that sweet smile again. I thought I saw a little eyelash action too, coupled with a half turn-away. Banter right on schedule.

"So I was thinking . . . . I was going to head downtown for lunch today. Maybe see some of the Chinese New Year parade. You want to come?"

"Oh. Oh."

Her two syllables were punctuated by a sense of recognition and then disappointment, which in tandem with the small pout that formed from her perfect DSL lips, worked to put a half squint in my eyes and a tightness in my face until she turned to speak again a moment later.

"I'd like to but I have a date with my girlfriend . . . Maybe Thursday?"

WIth that I relaxed, and re-flashed a smile. "Thursday would be perfect", I said, and I headed out.

As I revolved through the door and onto the street, my head continued to spin around just two thoughts. 1) Mondays are fucking awesome, and 2) T-minus 3, baby.