I’m still on the east coast where I’ve been working this week from our New York “office” (well, a WeWork goldfish bowl in midtown with nice free tea and gross free beer…more on that later), but for now, here’s a rundown of my day…
4:30 p.m.
I have of course waited until the ultimate last minute to decide if I’m really going to go to my high school reunion. I’m frustrated with myself because I cannot figure out why I feel so nervous and conflicted — I mean, if I’m being blunt, I deal with a lot scarier people on a daily basis at XL.
4:45 p.m.
OK I decided I’ll go because I’m hardly ever back home and it seems dumb to skip it since I’m here, but now I’m not sure what to wear so I don’t stick out as “the one from the othercoast.” Have gone through three outfits already but I just really didn’t bring back that much to choose from. Argh.
5 p.m.
OK I’m leaving in my parents’ car and went with a basic-but-safe black dress pants and nice short-sleeve top with minimal jewelry combo.
5:30 p.m.
I’m here in the parking lot of this hotel the reunion’s at, once again having doubts, but I’m just going to force myself to go in. It’s not like I was unliked or had no friends or something, but I really haven’t kept up with anyone and feel like my life is so drastically different now and SHUT UP SARAH JUST GO.
7 p.m.
Jotting this down from the bathroom stall (classy, I know): this night has taken an unexpected turn. In a good way. The first hour was lots of small talk and fake smiles and trying to not stare at name tags too long to give away the fact I remembered almost no one, but then about 30 mins ago this guy comes over and he knew who I was … from work. As in, he’s also out in the Valley at a PE firm that I’ve heard positive things about. He had seen the press release about me joining XL and it sparked his memory and he said he was hoping I’d be here. He seems normal and nice… ? He said he only transferred to our high school during senior year. Maybe that’s why I don’t remember him?
9 p.m.
Wow, this night was not what I feared it would be at all. The PE guy — his name is Cooper — asked for my number so we can connect when we’re both back in California. But it wasn’t like he was hitting on me … it was like he was just a normal human being who happened to be a good-looking single male who was wanting to hang out again. And I found out he transferred high schools from the Midwest, so that’s probably why he’s so nice.
10 p.m.
Wow I just got home and Cooper actually texted already just to make sure he had the right number. I don’t know what’ll end up happening when I’m back home, but this reunion was definitely worth it no matter what at this point. I’m glad I went. One more day here with my parents and then it’s back to the “real” world, if you can count the Valley as in any way real. But now at least I have something kinda interesting to look forward to: I have plans with Cooper on Thursday night.
Full Ratchet 