Athena's Story

Part 23: Dates, deals...

Athena was at home watching the news on a Tuesday night when the presenter said, "British Ambassador, Theodore Duvall arrived today to take over as the newly appointed diplomat representing part of the United Kingdom, along with some of the other new dignitaries in their envoy. This coincides with the arrival of dignitaries from..."

A few minutes later, picture of a smiling, absolutely stunningly handsome George appeared on screen and the news reader allowed herself a smile. "Amidst Ambassador Duvall's party is a familiar face to the diplomatic scene. George Duvall Junior, the son of the late George Duvall former ambassador..."

Athena wasn't listening anymore. He was in New York and Athena's life would become a torturous hell unless she did something about it.

"How about finally get over him," she said aloud, a little annoyed with herself.

It was easier said than done- she knew that. She had fallen for an unattainable man those weeks in Europe. His kisses and his touch had sealed him a place in her heart and in her memory. No one had ever made her feel that way, no man had ever made her want to or need to compromise her stand on love and marriage then sex. He wasn't the only half handsome man she knew, but he was certainly the only one who moved her in any way.

And she had loved him- through her frustration- even more for refusing to indulge her. He had then broken her heart- although she was sure he didn't know- by telling her he wouldn't sleep with her because it meant he did not feel the same way and he didn't love her enough to marry her. More closer to the truth was that he probably didn't love her at all. Despite the friendship that had developed at the time, it couldn't have been enough to get him to compromise her.

Athena managed to get through the rest of the week without coming into contact with him. Then on Saturday morning, George called her. She was still in bed when the phone rang.

She groped blindly for the receiver. "Hello?"

"Still a sloth on Saturdays, Athena?"

The sound of his sexy voice and that delicious English accent had her sitting upright. "George."

"Athena."

He was teasing her. Shouldn't he be in bed with Belinda or something?

"What can I do for you now that I can't do in three hours," she groaned.

George chose not to respond to that. "Would you like to have lunch with me?"

Yes! Athena bit her lip and pretended to think. "Um, I don't know, when do you want to see me?"

"Today."

Yes! "I- what time are you free?"

"I have got the day off and I need to see you."

Need to see me? Yes, yes, yes! "For old time's sake?"

"No, actually. It's a bit more serious than that. Nothing too alarming, but something was brought to my attention in a meeting and you need to be informed."

"What-the-hell-are-you-talking-about? Inform me?"

"Can you meet me for lunch?" he insisted mildly.

She sighed . "Yeah, tell me when and where, I'll try to be on time."

He gave her the place and time and then hung up.

She stared at the receiver before dropping it back in its cradle and going to sleep. But her three extra hours of Saturday rest were cut short by her curious mind that wouldn't let her sleep, especially after George's cryptic invitation.