The Project

"This place seems alright," Steven said appraisingly. The place was intimately lit with hanging wire sculptures as chandeliers and decorated in a modern, slightly funky theme. The music was also modern, but not overpowering.

"What do you like to drink?" Julia asked. Steven stared at the huge variety of liquor bottles on display above the bar. "Oh, I don't know. Whatever you're having," he replied.

Julia ordered a couple of bourbon-and-diet-cokes. She raised her glass to him. "Here's to you and your algorithms, Steven. I hope you enjoy the success you deserve."

"Thanks," he said appreciatively. "It would be great if they paid my way to Indonesia."

Julia frowned. "You need to start thinking a bit bigger, Steven. Visualize your success, you know? Repeat after me, I am the next Mark Zuckerburg…"

He almost choked on his bourbon. "I'm not repeating that," he exclaimed. "It's sacrilegious."

She rolled her eyes. "He's just a person, Steven. How about the next Sam Morgan, then?"

"No," he said firmly. "I think I'd rather just be me."

Julia stared at him for a while. "Maybe you're wiser than you thought," she said. She looked around the room as she drank her bourbon and coke. Suddenly she paused and leaned in closer to Steven. "Don't look now, but there's a girl checking you out."

"What? Who?" Steven whispered. Oddly enough, he looked terrified.

"Blond hair, polka-dot dress. She looks about your age," she said quietly. When he just stared at Julia she gave him a gentle shove. "Why don't you go talk to her?"

"What if she doesn't want to talk?" he said in a panicked voice.

"Steven," she said sternly. "Even if it doesn't go well, you've lost nothing by trying. And I'll still be here for you". Her words seemed to have the desired effect because he visibly relaxed. Julia stood up and took his arm. She led him to the other end of the bar where the blond girl stood.

"Excuse me," said Julia. "My friend here was wondering if he could buy you a drink." She pushed Steven in front of her. The girl looked him up and down and apparently decided she like what she saw. "Sure," she smiled. Satisfied, Julia let go of Steven and left him to fend for himself.

She sat across the room and watched them covertly. He seemed to be doing alright. He ordered a drink for the girl and didn't look too nervous. She was doing most of the talking but he nodded and responded every so often. Julia wished she could hear what they were talking about and hoped it wasn't shampoo. At one point the girl laughed at something Steven said and put her hand on his shoulder. Julia's eyes narrowed. Blondie was coming a bit strong, wasn't she?