Then I Saw Your Face

Linda

I leaned on my door after I locked it. I felt like a part of me had just walked away. I placed my keys in the little tray, and hung my hat on the coat rack. I walked over to the small table with the phone and dropped my sunglasses. I went to the closet, and heard the shower. Jimmy.
Mechanically, I got out my pajamas. I kicked off my heels into the walk-in closet, not caring where they landed. I quickly shimmied out of my dress, and into my baby night gown. I walked to the sleeper couch and made up the bed. Dreams of Danny Reagan dances in my head.
*********
"What gives, Linda? Huh? Why're you so mopey?" Marty wondered as we ate lunch on the roof together the next day.
I only shrugged, I really didn't know.
"In a bad relationship?"
"That's my problem!" I exaggerated a shrug with my left arm, salad bowl in my hand. I shook the few fly-away hairs from my face. You know, those little hairs that won't stay in your messy bun. "I'm not in a relationship. But I met this guy.... and he's great! I really, really like this guy."
"So tell him that." Marty shrugged, like it was that simple.
"I can't."
"Why not?"
"Because I told him I wasn't looking for a relationship. That I'm focusing on me."
"So what? Who the hell is this guy anyways?"
"His name's Danny Reagan," I sighed, waving my fork a little.
Marty glanced up at the sky behind me. "Is he cute?"
"Extremely."
"He's a cop, right?"
"Yeah, why?" I saw her smile, "he's standing right behind me, isn't he?"
"Yup."
I closed my eyes, then turned towards him. "Hi, Danny." I put my salad bowl and fork down, and stood up before he could protest. "What brings you by?"
"I came to give you the recipe."
"Oh, right. Thanks." I took it from him and scanned the messy handwriting. "I'm gonna make this tonight." I looked down at Marty, "oh, uh, Danny, this is Marty. Her husband's a cop, too."
"Hi!" Marty smiled, gathering her things.
"Hey. Who's your husband?"
"He's a Detective. His name's Leon."
"Leon Who?"
"Oh, Leon Sanders."
"Oh I've heard of him. He's a good detective."
Marty smiled, "thanks. See ya later, Linda."
I looked at her and waved, "bye." I looked at Danny, he pulled my heartstrings constantly. "Wanna stay? I've got more salad than I need."
"No, I should be heading back." He said, almost like he didn't want to go.
"Oh... maybe I'll see ya around?"
"Yeah.... Maybe... maybe we could, Uh, do d-dinner again? B-but in a restaurant."
I smiled and blushed, "I'd like that."
Danny nodded, "oh, um, I don't have your number— wait a minute, yes, I do." He laughed almost nervously.
"And I've still got yours." It's tattooed in my brain and my heart. "I should finish up here, y'know? It's been pretty busy."
"Yeah. See ya around?"
"See ya." And just like that, the future Love Of My Life walked out of my life. Again...

A/n
Photo of Linda's apartment is actually Mary Richard's from The Mary Tyler Moore show. That's how I envision Linda's apartment