“Great. How’s little Madison?”
Another smile.
“Well, I’ll come back in a bit for your orders. It’s crazy here today.”
They barely looked at the menu. They both knew what they were having – the usual.
Angela would have the tuna salad sandwich and Krysta would share the Mac ‘n Cheese with Madison.
“Speaking of Madison... do you mind looking after her on Thursday night?” Krysta asked, half-smiling.
Angela thought about it for about half a second.
“Of course.”
“So have you doneanythingfor your wedding yet?”
“Well, I booked the hall.”
“Well, that’s a start.” Krysta closed her menu and Angela followed.
“Have you put any more thought into the nursing program you were interested in?” Krysta asked her.
“Not much to be honest.” Angela gave her a sheepish look.
She was a handful as a friend but one thing was for sure, Krysta did care about Angela’s happiness. She had been shocked when Angela had told her a year ago she was leaving her job as a personal care worker. She loved her clients, she loved helping people. Krysta couldn’t understand it. Angela had told her that with Robert’s successful real estate business, there was no need for her small salary and that Robert had encouraged her to do so. But Krysta had known Angela longer then he did and she thought herself a better judge of what made Angela happy.
“I did look at a school catalog but really… what’s the point. I’m getting married soon.”
“So the point is you; your happiness and fulfillment. You can work and be married and have a family. It’s hard but you can do it.”
Krysta was getting quite worked up, and Evelyn made her appearance just in time.
“The usual?” Evelyn smiled. “Tuna sandwich, Mac and cheese and iced tea?”
They both nodded and smiled.
Angela debated telling her best friend about the crazy hot guy she had met; this was just the kind of story Krysta would love. But she decided against it; there had been enough scrutiny for one day.
Angela couldn’t ignore it; Monday afternoon, the long dreaded meeting with Dot. She dressed a little more appropriately; a red silk blouse and fitted cream trousers. No sweats this time; she had felt so out of place the last time she was there. She remembered to putVolkswagen Bluesin her purse. She couldn’t believe she had stolen it but she had had a perfectly good excuse; she had been a little distracted.
She grabbed an apple on her way out. It was a miserable afternoon; cold rain. And of course, as she drove away, she realized she forgot her umbrella.
When she arrived at the estate, between running from the car to the door and waiting for someone to answer, she was drenched. To her surprise, Michael answered and ushered her into the house.
“You’re dripping,” he observed, smiling. He seemed amused.
“Well, I was out there for a while, ringing the door bell.”
“I’m sorry. Ellie’s off today. I’m not as fast as she is.” He took her jacket.
“It’s ok. I’ll forgive you this time,” she teased in a soft voice that wasn’t quite her own.
Was she actually flirting? She didn’t know. She wasn’t sure if that could be considered flirting or just witty banter. But it wasn’t actually witty. She couldn’t believe she was flirting; she was an engaged woman.
She took off her shoes.
“Hold on. Stay here,” he told her.
