Falling for a British bloke

Chapter 4 - a visit of a friend

A/N: Sorry, I'm not quite content with this chapter but I don't want to delay it any longer. Nothing much happening there but maybe a hint to the development in further chapters.

July 2014

Sarah sat at her computer, writing. She had one of those lucky days when words just flew to the screen and was keen on finishing her short story. When her mobile rang, she looked up slightly disorientated and with a sorrowful wrinkled brow. It was in the middle of the night, why would someone call her if not for some kind of emergency? This better be important. She stared at her display, pondering over the strange number, but finally curiosity took over and she answered. "Ja?"

"Sarah? Is that you?" A dark and strangely familiar voice asked.

"Um... yes?"

"It's Richard..."

"Richard!" Heavens! Now that's an unexpected call! "How are you? Why are you calling? Are you still in America?" I didn't even dare to hope that he kept my number!

"Um, yes, quite fine. Heading home tomorrow. I just called... wait, I didn't wake you up, did I? must be in the middle of the night over there? Gosh, sorry, I didn't even think of the time difference!"

"No, it's all right. It's after one a.m. but I'm still at my computer, writing. No problem, really! I was just surprised by your call."

"I'm glad I don't keep you from sleeping."

"Well, to be honest, sometimes you do, but not in person and completely unaware on your behalf. Youtube can be a bitch."

He laughed retainedly. "You know, I missed your frankness over here. Well, the reason for my call is, that my flight back has a stop in Germany this time and it's a few hours to wait for the onward flight. You said you live in the northern part of Bavaria, right? How far is it to Nuremberg from your place? Maybe we could meet at the airport and have some coffee together there?"

Noticing the hint of tiredness and exhaustion in his voice she didn't answer his questions but asked him. "How are you really feeling? You know, you won't find it in tomorrow's paper after telling me."

He sighed. "I'm done. The last two weeks we were on location for pick-ups it was raining constantly. Which was good for the movie, we needed bad weather, but it really wears you out. And I feel that I just can't warm up to the mentality of most Americans. They are all nice and cheery and it's easy to get along with them on business level, but I feel that they are quite flippant. No profound conversations - and real friendships are hard to make, I believe."

"I'm following you. I had the same impression as I worked over there as an intern at an engineering company several years ago. Maybe it's just a personal impression and we're getting them wrong, but I know what you mean. I guess it's simply a different attitude of life."

Following her intuition she opened the webbrowser on her computer while talking to him and checked the weather forecast for the weekend.

"Listen, I don't want to appear too bold, but would you mind a short break over here, let's say for the weekend? I just checked the forecast on the web while talking, there's supposed to be rain in London but sunny days over here. You could stay at my house, I have a guest room. That is, if you like that kind of holiday, I'm living a bit like a hermite, so no big city life but 'agrotourism' instead." As there was silence on the other end of the line she continued. "It's less than an hour to Nuremberg airport. If you don't think it's a good idea visiting me, we'll meet for the coffee, but I really would enjoy your visit."

Still no sound from Richard. "Richard? Are you still there?"

"You are inviting me to your home?"