Broken Inside

31 - The Redhead

Alex was sitting alone at the airport lounge, waiting for her flight to be called. She kept her sunglasses and hat on even though it was nighttime. She wanted to avoid unwanted attention. She was looking at her iPad, going through her work schedule for the month, when her phone rang. Andy was calling.

"Hello?"

"Hi," Andy greeted, "Is this a bad time?"

Alex smiled. He is always so courteous. The people in her line of work would just call and get straight to the point. If you answered your phone, it means you can talk. "No," she replied. Just then, an announcement of a flight arrival rang out from the speakers.

"Are you at the airport?" Andy asked.

"Yes, I have a job in Florida. I'm catching the red-eye," Alex told him. Then she asked, "Is Ashley okey?"

"Yes, she's, um, she's asleep," Andy said. There was a short pause. 

Alex thought the call was dropped. She checked the screen, then brought the phone back to her ear. "Andy?"

"Right," Andy finally spoke. He sounded nervous. "Uh, Alex, I, um, I wanted to, um..."

"Yes?"

"Say, do you like pie?" he suddenly asked.

Alex chuckled. That was unexpected. "Yes, Andy, I like pie. Why do you ask?"

"Would you like to come to dinner? I, um, I'll cook the dinner. Chicken pot pie. Do you like chicken pot pie?"

Alex smiled to herself. He was talking fast. He talks fast when he's nervous. She can picture him, talking on the phone, nervously wringing his hands. There's something adorable about him that intrigued her. 

"Sounds delicious," she said. Then she lowered her voice, and asked, "Will it just be the two of us?"

She heard something dropped to the floor in the background and Andy apologising profusely. She grinned and bit her lip. She makes him nervous.

"Right, right," he was back on the phone, and breathing hard. "I, um, I just, um..."

Alex chuckled and decided that she has tormented him enough. "Andy, I'd love to have dinner with you and Ashley."

"Yes, yes, dinner. Right," Andy said. Then he asked, "So, uh, so when will you be back from Florida?"

"Friday at noon."

"Right. So, dinner Friday?"

Alex smiled and replied, "I can't wait."

*****

On Friday night, Alex came to the address that Andy had given her. The house was located in a cozy neighbourhood. Ashley excitedly greeted her by the door. 

"You made it," Andy remarked, smiling.

"Yes, and I come bearing gifts," Alex announced. 

Ashley jumped excitedly. "You bring something for me?"

Alex handed her a gift bag and she excited accepted it. She reached into the bag and pulled out a white and turquoise tulle dress. She held it against her body, her face lit with happiness.

"This dress was designed by a local Florida fashion designer. When I saw it, I knew I had to buy it for you," Alex told her. Then she added, "Go and try it on! I want to see if it fits."

Ashley grinned and went into her room. 

"You didn't have to do that," Andy told her, with a smile.