the pharma chronicles part xi

LINK: the pharma chronicles part xi

Currently listening to: Interlude – Morrissey & Siouxsie

Loving you is a world that’s strange
So much more than my heart can hold
Loving you makes the whole world change
Loving you I could not grow old
No, nobody knows when love will end
So till then, sweet friend

Another pharma dinner at Ruth’s Chris. I think this is the only way I’m actually getting adequate iron consumption these days, aside from going to K-BBQ restaurants.

A coworker, pharmer (pharmacist) seated to my right, and I were sitting at a table, trying to save two seats for my other colleague and her husband who are both doctors. But since they must have overbooked, the tables were filling quickly.

He walked up, tall enough that I had to tilt my head back just to make eye contact. He was 6’6″ or 6’7″ easy. Big, athletic build, soft eyes, shoulders hunched. He was giving human golden retriever vibes.

“Uh… is this seat taken?” as he grabs the chair next to me on the left.

I didn’t bother to hesitate. “Yes.”

He didn’t move. He stood there like he was in disbelief. I take it he doesn’t get turned down often.

I sighed. “Sure, you can sit here.”

He immediately backpedaled, “No, no it’s okay—I can find another seat.”

“It’s fine,” I said, moving my purse. “Really.”

He sat down and I avoided his eye contact. I could feel the desperation from him, wanting to talk because he was by himself. But little did he know that I am an introvert and after working 1928123 hours, my level of rizz is nil.

I closed my eyes. “I guess I’m going to have to do this,” I thought to myself. I had to be cordial and put on my big girl pants.

I turned my head in his direction and started the small talk banter. His name. His job title. Job location. The weather.

I could tell that he was nice. A bit too nice.

And then he excused himself. As soon as he left the table, my pharmer colleague began talking to me in Korean. She was watching us like we were on a reality dating show.

He later returned with a drink in his hand. He went to the bar to get a neat whiskey. His cheeks and neck were flushed bright pink. Aw poor guy couldn’t break down acetaldehyde properly.

Before we could say anything more, the speaker was starting and we stayed focus on his presentation.

We started off with the goat cheese and artichoke dip then seared ahi tuna.

Steak house salad – baby lettuce, grape tomatoes, garlic croutons.

Classic filet 11 oz of corn-fed midwestern beef.

There was also garlic mashed potatoes and creamed spinach.

For dessert we had the cheesecake with fresh berries but I packed it to take home to my mom.

The speaker had just wrapped up, when I turned toward the pharmer when he started talking to me.

“Hey, is your organization hiring right now?”

I blinked. “Honestly, IDK, I’d have to check.”

Before I could say anything else, he had his phone out and asked, “Can I get your number?”

I paused, then handed my phone to him. He quickly typed his first name, last name, phone number, and job title. Then he handed me his phone, expecting the same. I obliged but also told him that if he calls, I probably won’t answer because I have an aversion to talking on the phone.

“Text me next time there’s another pharm dinner that you’re going to. And if anything opens up at your place, LMK.”

“Sure,” I said.

He slowly got up and shyly said, “I’m gonna head out.” Then he reached over, placed his big hand on my shoulder gently and gave it a slight squeeze.

“Bye,” he said quietly to the both of us.

The second he was out of earshot, the pharmer leaned in close with her eyebrow raised.

I asked her, “Want me to set you up with him? He seemed really sweet.”

She looked at me and thought for a second before saying, “He did seem sweet, but he’s too tall and he’s not korean. Plus, he looks like he’s in his 20’s.”

I countered, “He’s at least in his 30’s. Trust.”

I rolled my eyes so hard that I thought they were gonna get stuck.

Okay dude.

This is the same chick who’s been complaining to me for months nonstop about how she’s ready to settle down and have kids. That she wants a tall man. And that there are no good guys left.

From here on out, I’m gonna refer to him as 롱다리 (long legs). It’s so basic, I know.