Roses Are Red, Dragons Are Blue

4. How Are You?

Hey guys,

As you  may have noticed, with this story I'm struggling a lot more to post on schedule. It's not because I don't want to... Life has just gotten super busy and when I write, the writing for money part takes priority. I will do my very best to fit this story into my schedule whenever I can though. I love writing on Wattpad so even if it is a little more sporadic, I WILL keep writing this story for you all.

Much love,

Robin

*

4. How Are You?

"Wait up Lily!" Caja yelled after me as I headed for the exit at twenty minutes on the dot. I wasn't entirely certain if Fletch was waiting for me in the parking lot outside, but there was this antsy feeling beneath my skin. My Gothic friend clunked after me in her platform boots, waving her hand while beaming widely.

I paused at the door to the lobby, with the door already partially opened. We shared this building with three other offices and I could see the receptionist typing away behind the front desk with a headset on her head. The security guard was leaning up against the counter, chatting her up, a not uncommon sight. There was no sign of Fletcher yet, and I didn't see any unfamiliar cars on the strip of the parking lot I could see from here.

"What is it?" I asked my friend, as she caught up to me. I was trying hard to ignore the nerves, containing them so she wouldn't notice. I was feeling a little exposed out here, with all the glass. When Caja linked her arms with me and pulled me into the lobby she started talking about this hot date she had planned for next weekend. It was the last thing on my mind right now. "Do you think I can wear that new leather dress I bought with you last week? Or do you think it's too much for a first date?"

I watched a newish pick-up pull up into the lot, neatly turning into a nearby spot. My breath shuddered in disappointment when a middle-aged white guy jumped out and rushed across the road to the deli there, often a favorite of ours when we had our lunch break. Where was Fletcher? I noticed some other guy standing on the corner, watching his phone as he slouched against a signpost. Who was that? Was that my stalker?

"Are you listening? Earth to Lily?" Caja demanded, waving her hand up and down in front of my face. Startled, I turned to look at her and realized that both the receptionist and the guard were also staring. Wow, had I zoned out that much?

"Sorry, yeah. Leather dress." I scrambled around in my head, trying hard to remember just what dress Caja was talking about. And what guy she was going on a date with, was it that biker that she'd met at a club a few weeks ago? "Uh... Yeah, I think he'll love that."

My friend smirked, "Oh yeah? So you really think my accountant will like the leather look? It's okay Lily, you're distracted. I bet you're the one with the date." I shivered at the thought, no way, I was not dating. Caja knew all about my grandfather's blind date routine, and how violently opposed I was to settling down with anyone right now. Of course, Caja figured I should still have fun along the way, but my mom had done that, and look how that had turned out. No thank you.

Deflecting, I tried for a teasing smile, "What, the accountant can't appreciate you in a sexy leather number? What kind of date is that?" That had Caja cackling out loud while Denise stuck up her thumbs from behind the reception desk.

"I bet that accountant is super kinky, he'll love your leather dress. Knowing you, he's a closeted metal head at the very least," Denise offered. I was grateful she continued the conversation, my eyes were already back to scanning the parking lot for either threats or a sign of Fletcher.

Caja took the teasing in good nature, laughing, "Not even that closeted Denise, he's even got long hair." I looked at her from the side for a brief moment, drawn by that warm laugh to share in my friend's mirth. Then her dramatically shadowed eyes widened, "Hallelujah, who is that?" she pointed at the glass doors just as Fletcher jogged up the front steps in our direction. He spotted me through the glass, smiled a white toothy smile, and waved enthusiastically my way. Instantly, my face went hot as all eyes in the lobby switched from Fletcher to me.