The Right Partner | Steve Rogers

Fancy Meeting You Here

The second time they met, Mady was sure God was playing a joke on her. What were the odds they would see each other again so soon after the meeting at the Smithsonian? So, about a week later, Mady ran into Steve as she rounded the Reflecting Pool for her final lap of the morning.

"I need to know what your mile time is? A minute? Forty-five seconds?" Mady asked, walking up behind him. "You would kick ass in a marathon. Are you even winded?"

"Mady, what are you doing here?" Steve spun around.

"I mean, the National Mall is a public place," she shrugged.

"Of course. It's just, I'm here every morning, and I never see you around," Steve rubbed the back of his neck. "Do you run here often?"

"I run when I can. This is my favorite spot to do so. It's nice and open. Unfortunately, with my busy schedule I don't get to run as much as I would like to. Thankfully, I have the day off today, so I'm starting it off right."

"What do you do, if you don't mind me asking?"

"I'm a doctor over at Children's National," Mady smiled.

"Wow, that's really impressive."

"Thank you," she said. "Have you had breakfast yet?"

"Um, no. I was just going to head back to my apartment to eat something."

"Have you been to Finnegan's?" Steve shook his head, no. "Come on, Steve. It'll be my treat. They have the best pancakes."

"I don't want to impose. It is your day off and all. I'm sure a nice dame like you has a lot of things to get done."

"What makes you think you would be imposing?" The two headed towards the café across the street. "My day will be much better with you joining me."

"If you're sure," Steve said.

"Positive! Trust me, you're going to love this place," Mady beamed.

Steve had to agree with Mady's statement. The café was pretty nifty, and the food was fantastic. However, what Steve enjoyed the most was the conversation between them. The woman who was sitting in front of him made him feel a sense of comfort he hadn't felt in a very long time. It was refreshing.

"What have you been getting into, Steve? Besides running around the Reflecting Pool and wandering around museums, that is." Mady asked him, sipping on her coffee.

"Getting used to the city mainly," Steve answered. "Just transferred from New York and it's a little different."

"I can imagine."

"Have you always lived in Washington?" he asked her. "You seem very knowledgeable."

"I've been here a few years now," Mady told him. "I grew up in Richmond not too far away. When I was little, we'd come up here for family vacations all the time."

"Do you miss Richmond?"

"Sometimes, but if I'm really missing it, I can just pop in the car and drive home for a little bit. My job is here, too. I love it so much. Can't beat all the history here either."

"You like history?" he asked. "It seems like everyone I talk to says it's a waste of time and boring."

"Most people don't understand how important knowing history is. You know the saying, those who don't know their history are doomed to repeat it. Well, I think that is one hundred percent accurate. It was also my favorite subject in school. I'm one of those weird people."

"I don't think you're weird," Steve blushed. "Do you have a favorite area of study?"

"I find most war eras fascinating," Mady answered. "Most of my family was in the military, dating all the way back to the Revolution. Some might say it's in my blood. If I have to be specific. I'd say Civil War is number one and World War II is number two. Pun not intended."