The First Catch

Chapter 6: The Set Up

"Come on.  It's not like you're going out with a complete stranger.  It's one of my friends..  She isn't some psychotic killer, I promise.  She's very down to earth, you'd like her.  You guys would get along great."  Anthony sat across from Levi in the break room.  Visiting while eating their lunch.  He stayed silent for a moment.  Contemplating his answer.  After meeting Melanie a couple of times, he already knew there was some interest.  And would like to try and pursue her. But for some reason, something held her back.  When he asked the other day, while they were at the store.  Anthony could tell Melanie was close to changing her mind.  Then decided otherwise, and scurried off.  He hoped by chance, they'd run into each other again.  So he didn't want to say yes to Levi quite yet.

Anthony didn't want to tell him now.  Until he knew for sure.  Because they'd go way overboard. Anthony wanted to make sure this would work out with Melanie.  Before telling them.  Though the trouble was, he'd have to find Melanie first.  He could tell Levi he wasn't interested in their friend.  There was no need to tell him a reason why right?  Anthony ran a hand through his hair. While trying to figure out which direction to take.  If he said no, Lev and Victoria would keep hounding him.  If he said yes.  It would get them off his back.  And if it turned out, he didn't like their choice.  Anthony could always explain to them in a polite way.  That he turned the girl down.  And tell them they weren't a match.  It couldn't hurt to explore options.  Especially if he couldn't find Melanie.

Even without Melanie in the equation.  Anthony didn't seem as sure about this blind date thing. They never ended well.  Though he trusted Victoria and Levi.  Anthony still could never be very sure.  "I don't know..."  "Come on..  It'll be fun.  I haven't spoken to her about it yet.  Victoria said she'd ask later.  She's been staying with us, and needs to get out a bit.  It doesn't have to be a date date.."  Anthony let out a small sigh.  "You're going to bug me on this until I say yes aren't you?"  Levi smirked.  "You know me very well.."

"If you and Victoria haven't asked yet...  Then how do you know she will agree?  Especially when I'm someone she's never met?"  "Leave that part up to Victoria.  She will find a way.  For as long as I've known them, Melanie has hardly ever been able to say no."  Anthony laughed, shaking his head.  Not quite registering the name Levi said.  "Alright, fine.  I will agree, only if she chooses as well.  Let me know what her answer is.  Then we can arrange a meeting place."  Levi grinned.  "I will give you a call."  He got up and began clearing the lunch table.  Anthony cleared off his mess as well, before they took their exit..

Melanie shook her head.  "No. Victoria.  I'm not doing that.  I can't.  Not yet."  Melanie had curled up on the couch, watching tv in peace.  Before Victoria came along, requesting a few moments of her time.  "Melanie, I'm not asking for a date.  I know it's too soon.  But it'd get you out of the house.  It's a way for you to meet new people."  Melanie sighed.  "I'm not up for going anywhere.. At some point yes...  But not now.."

"What if I came along?  Levi and I could come with.  Then it wouldn't be so awkward."  Melanie glared.  Victoria never got the hint.  Why couldn't she leave people alone?  Melanie knew they meant well.  But she would do things on her own time.  When she was ready.  "Please go Victoria. I need to be alone..  I don't want to do or say something I regret."  Melanie for the most part, kept her mouth shut.  Giving more subtle hints when she wanted a person to leave.  But Victoria didn't get the clue this time.  And kept badgering Melanie to the point it annoyed her.  So Melanie made the remark.  In hopes Victoria got the warning.  She could see worry in her friend's eyes.  And let out a small sigh.  "I'll be fine.  But I need some time to think."  Victoria gave a nod of her head.  "Alright.."  Victoria got up off the couch, then took her exit, without another word.

"How did it go today?"  Levi asked.  Making his way into the kitchen.  Keeping his voice low.  So the conversation stayed between him and Vic.  Victoria let out a small sigh.  "As I expected...  How was work?"  At Victoria's response, a look of concern crossed Levi's features.  "It was good.  I spoke with Anthony."  "What did he say?"  "He said he assumed I'd bug him until he said yes.  So he agreed, but only if Melanie did."  Victoria nodded.  "Well, you had much better luck than me. I've tried asking..  She didn't sound all that thrilled."

Levi noticed Victoria let the sentence trail off.  "There's a chance we can still somehow get them together.  But we'll need to be sneaky."  Victoria chuckled a little.  "I can be sneaky.  Something tells me you already have an idea in mind."  Levi winked.  "It is possible.."  "I knew I married you for a reason."  Victoria teased.  "I put a plan together as well.."  "Good...  All we need then, is a day that agrees with both of them."  "I can speak with her later after she's had some space..  See when she is available.  If Melanie asks, I can tell her I want a girl's day.  Then she won't give it a second thought."  "I will speak with Anthony again tomorrow.  If I have an available date.  I can tell a little white lie that Melanie agreed.  Then all we have left is getting Melanie to the place without her arousing suspicion.. "  "Easy Peasy.." Victoria grinned.