The First Catch

Chapter 9: An Invitation

"What are you doing this weekend?"  Anthony glanced up, spotting Levi leaning against the door frame.  "Nothing yet.  Why?"  He asked.  Looking at Levi with suspicion.  "Vic and I were talking. With both of us busy.  We thought it might be fun for a barbecue."  Levi could see his friend studying him.  He thought he was up to something.  It was possible Anthony wasn't too far off on that speculation.

After Saturday's outing.  Anthony hoped he could contact Melanie.  This time, he was smart about getting her number, before they departed.  So if he decided he wanted to pursue her again.  It'd be easier to contact her.  Though Anthony noticed when he asked, Melanie looked reluctant about exchanging them.  Anthony tried a few times this week to call.  But she ignored them.  Which confused him.  Because Anthony thought Saturday night went okay.  He thought it looked like they both enjoyed the evening.

"What do you think?"  Levi asked, when Anthony didn't respond.  Anthony didn't realize he'd checked out while his thoughts tumbled.  "Hmm?"  Levi raised an eye.  "About the barbecue. Victoria and I thought we would have one Saturday evening.  It sounds like it's supposed to be nice then." " Oh, yes. Saturday should work fine."  A grin formed across Levi's lips.  As he realized Anthony seemed a little distracted.  And assumed it was because of the date.

"The date was that good huh?"  Levi asked.  Anthony gave Levi a warning glare.  He hoped that if he agreed to the date.  Anthony and Victoria would leave him be.  But it looked like he was wrong.  "That's not your business."  He grumbled.  Anthony wasn't about to tell him.  That their friend stood him up.  Not realizing that Melanie was the person he was supposed to be with Saturday night.  "You mean I don't get to hear any details?"   Levi asked, raising an eye.

A blank expression appeared in Anthony's eyes as he stared at Levi.  "You're worse than girls when they want to gossip."  Anthony mumbled, a hint of annoyance heard in his voice.  "What time should I come over?"  He asked.  Once again hoping to switch subjects so he could avoid Levi's questions.  "Is six o' clock too early?"

"That would be perfect."  Anthony could see Levi was about to ask another question.  Which he assumed was going to be about his date.  And was thankful, when once again, they got interrupted.  This time, the captain's voice came through on their radios.  Saved by the bell.

Since Victoria and Levi were at work.  Melanie tried to take advantage of the quietness.  But her thoughts were still all jumbled about Saturday evening with that guy.  So in order to clear her head.  Melanie grabbed the reading book, then exited outside.  Finding her favorite shade tree.  It was where she would go these past months to clear her head.

Once again, Melanie found herself out of focus.  And having trouble concentrating on reading. Her mind was rushing a mile a minute.  And for some reason, she couldn't get them settled down.  It's not a crime..  Paul would want you to find someone else.  Melanie's heart raced hearing the voice.  It sounded very familiar.  "Paul?"  Melanie asked.  For a brief moment, she found herself looking around.  Almost hoping she'd see him standing in front of her.  But he wasn't.

"I can't move on..  I don't want to move on..  It's too soon."  Melanie said out loud.  If you think it's too soon.  Then why do you keep thinking of him?  Melanie let out a sigh, massaging her temples.  As she could feel a headache coming on from all the thinking.  "I'm not!"  Her voice sounded cold.  Though she wasn't talking to anyone in particular, except herself.  "I've been thinking about Paul!  How could I ever consider Anthony?  I don't know him!"  She argued.  You're wrong.

You're thinking of Paul.  Because you're afraid.  You're afraid you could meet someone new and have happiness.  Even be more happy than with Paul.  You're mostly thinking of Anthony.  And it's making you afraid.  Because he's making you wonder.  Wonder if you could be happy again. Melanie covered her ears to block out the voice.  Shaking her head.  "Please be quiet!  Leave me alone!"  Melanie screamed out.  Her heart raced at the words.  Because she knew deep down they were right.  But she didn't want them to be.

"Melanie?"  Hearing Victoria's concerned voice.  Her head snapped up.  She took a few deep breaths to try and calm down.  Crap, how much did she hear?   Melanie could see the concern showing in Victoria's eyes.  "Yeah?"  "Everything okay?"  Victoria asked.  Her eyes traveled to the open book flopped on the ground beside Melanie.  She didn't realize it had fallen out of her lap. "Yeah.  Everything's fine.  When did you get home?"

"I just got back."  Melanie stood up.  Grabbing her book, then wandered over to Victoria.  "What's up?"  "Oh, I wanted to give you a heads up..  We thought we'd have a barbecue Saturday." Melanie looked a bit skeptical.  Remembering that not long ago.  She was trying to get her to go on a blind date with some friend of hers and Levi's.  "This wouldn't be you trying to get me and your friend to meet again is it?"  Melanie asked.  Her voice sounded unimpressed and bored at the not so subtle plan.

"Come on Mel..  Like I said.  We're not asking you two to date.  You both need to meet new people.  And I wasn't going to ask.  But I noticed you came back later the other night.  Then I thought you would.  So, I thought that you and Tony hit it off.  Actually, the other day when you asked if Levi and I had plans.  I thought you were asking to see if it was free for him to stop by." Victoria explained, a small grin formed across her lips.

Melanie let out a small sigh, rolling her eyes.  "Please..  Lay off.  I'm not going to.  So stop asking. In time..  There could be a chance.  Right now.  I need to be by myself.  Now isn't a good time for me to be around anyone right now."  Melanie said in a cold tone.  Which made Victoria back off a little.  Seeing Victoria looking a bit surprised and taken aback, Melanie felt a little guilty.  She let out another sigh.  Running her hands through her hair.  "I'm sorry."

Victoria shook her head.  "No no.  I should be the one apologizing.  I guess..  I am a little out of line.  I know you need time.  Sometimes I can't help myself.  I worry about you.  I know in time.. Things can be different."  "Again, you don't need to worry.  Though I appreciate you checking up on me."  Melanie remained quiet for a few moments.  Battling with herself whether to say the next words.   But they were out of her mouth before she had more time to think through them.  "I will come to the barbecue."