*Natalie's POV*
I heard my phone ring as I stood in the Iris parking lot, "Hello?" I didn't recognize the number, but it said it was local.
"Natalie, this is Captain Ripley." His familiar voice calmed my worry, but why was he calling me?
"Oh, hey."
"Is everything alright? You sound... tired."
"Just a long day of party planning and we're taking an extra couple days to set up. What can I help you with?"
Ripley cleared his throat, "I was wondering if you'd like to attend the Spaghetti Dinner with me next month? We're raising money for new equipment, maybe a dog. County budget only goes so far, so would you be interested?"
"Yeah, sure. Would this be formal wear?"
"I mean, we're having it at the firehouse reception area and it's... business casual I'm thinking?"
"Okay." I smiled to myself, wondering if he remembered that he'd already asked me about the event.
"Whatever you want to wear will look beautiful, I'm sure. Everyone's welcome to attend, I just, uh, I wanted to invite you personally. Usually the team sits with their friends or family. Since, uh," I heard a pause, "I mean..."
I laughed a little, "Am I a friend, or family to you, Captain Ripley?" I heard a clang in the background "Is everything okay?"
I heard a few more noises, and then a couple of voices. "Sorry about that, I tripped on a cord."
"Do you need help setting up?"
"No, the guys should have that covered."
I made a sound of agreement, typing it into my planner, "Okay, so what time is this spaghetti dinner?"
"It's Friday the 9th, at 5:00 so have your appetite ready."
"Okay, sure. Thanks for inviting me, Captain Ripley."
There was a bit of quiet on the other line, "You're welcome. Thank you for taking my call."
"No problem."
I waited for him to say more, "Captain Ripley?"
"Yes?"
"Is everything alright?"
I heard his throat clear, "Ahem, um, yes, sorry. I will hang up this time. Good day, Natalie. Happy New Years."
"Captain, if you'd like, The Iris is having the New Years Eve dance tomorrow, formal wear but whatever you decide is acceptable. If you get bored of waiting for the ball to drop, you can come over here and have some wings or something. Kellan makes a great burger too."
I heard a silence in the background, "Sure, sure, I'll see what I have going on."
"Alright then."
"Okay, bye bye."
YOU ARE READING
Logan
Romansa"My sister loved you. Probably still does. But I don't know if you can fix your fuck up this time." ***Notice*** I do, on occasion during this story, use lyrics to songs. I do not, and will never, claim to own any part of these. All credit goes to...
