Almost Home (NG2)

A favor

Phoebe had decided not to see Robbie, because he was supposed to plan the next date. Besides, she wanted him to miss her.

When he called at six o'clock, she didn't know he was home from work. She refused to stand at her window, hoping to get a glance. Instead, she had been watching Netflix.

"Are you sitting down?"

"Yeah." What was he up to?

"I need a favor, but I'll bet an extra date you won't mind."

Phoebe didn't think she would need ten to get her kiss.

"I'm intrigued, since you don't like our dates."

"Did I say that?" He paused, but she didn't comment. "I need you to pick up a friend tomorrow at twelve-forty-five."

"Not your girlfriend. I saw her today. She had a puss on her face."

"No. She would never come to Maine and I would never ask you. Do you want to guess?"

She smiled. "I have one guess and it's a good thing I'm sitting down! Are you kidding me?"

"We just spoke. He wants to be incognito, so no social media. Don't tell your friends. I promised him."

"I can do that. What do I do with him between one and five-something when you get home?"

"I don't know, Pheebs. Lunch. You can hang out at your house, or do you have a key to my cottage?"

"Yeah. I can take him to see the beach. Maybe he'll get sand in his cowboy boots."

"He won't be incognito if he dresses like Nash Kirkland."

"Maybe he has another belt."

Robbie laughed. "I should text him again."

"How am I supposed to sleep tonight?"

"I have to get a room ready for him."

"Give him your parents'."

"Thanks, Pheebs. I owe you one."

"One what? A kiss?"

"No, a favor."

"Then my favor is a kiss."

"Nine more dates."

"I guess with your house guest our dates will be on hold."

She didn't mind, because she'd still see him. She intended on becoming Nash's friend, too.

"You may be right. I gotta go."

She was too excited to fall asleep, but then she slept later than she planned. She dressed in skinny jeans and her favorite mid calf leather boots. A couple of inches of snow fell overnight. It was light and easy to brush off the walk and her car. The dusting looked pretty for Nash's first visit to Maine.

She pulled on her winter coat. It wasn't bulky but was made with warm down. Her plan was to arrive early enough to park and wait for him. She scanned the monitor inside. The flight arriving at quarter to was from Washington's Dulles. It was listed as on time, which meant it was landing at any minute.

Her belly felt unsteady and her heart pounded. Robbie had better not be punking her. She waited, unable to stand still. When people emerged, she scanned faces. Would he look different?

Nope. She recognized him right away. If she hadn't, the beat up guitar case might have given him away.

She smiled to greet him. "Welcome to Maine."

He smiled. "The little girl from across the street." He scanned her from head to toe. "No one should think you're little anymore."

She scoffed. "Tell Robbie."